Director: Hiroaki Miyamoto, Munehisa Sakai, Junji Shimizu, Konosuke Uda,
Starring: Mayumi Tanaka, Colleen Clinkenbeard, Kazuya Nakai, Christopher R. Sabat, Akemi Okamura, Luci Christian, Kappei Yamaguchi, Sonny Strait, Hiroaki Hirata, Eric Vale
Running Time: 650 minutes
Certificate: 12
With Monky D. Luffy and shipmates continuing towards the Grand Line, but as ONE PIECE has proven time and time again, it expertly mixes in individual arcs while the main plot drives forward. It makes for a show that is ever so easy to enter for new fans, or those returning from a long break, without making old fans feel as though they are being forgotten. This is the first collection where the core cast of characters feel at ease with each other. All the conflict and suspicions have been left behind and the writers have done a tremendous job at making the cast feel like a close-knit family while also relating them to the audience.
This third, and just as strong collection of episodes starts with a young girl discovered by the crew, floating alone in the ocean. The girl, Apis, takes the crew to her home island, despite being chased by marines, and soon introduces them to an elderly dragon she keeps safe called Ryuuji. The connection between Apis and the aged mythical creature is heartbreaking stuff to watch, as Apis must learn about the harsh realities of life and death. It’s handled in a way that seems reminiscent of family films from the 1980s that didn’t always talk down to children. Apis feels anger and sorrow, often at the same time, which makes the whole situation hard to watch, but impossible to ignore. There’s still an uplifting message towards the end, but it makes sure to represent the darkness and then the light and hope that can follow.
Elsewhere in the collection, the gang reach the Grand Line, but discover greater obstacles to overcome. One such threat is a town that seems too good to be true, where pirates are welcomed as friends not foes. This soon leads into an exciting action version of sinister townships from film and TV past, such as THE WICKER MAN. Amazingly, the show uses this moment to up the ante by revealing a number of secrets that play into future plot lines, while expertly exploring the current story. A number of excellent characters are introduced, including a band of mercenaries that also have Dragon Fruit powers. With each power comes a new challenge, but most impressive of all is that the creators have really thought about different and original powers. One character can control their weight, thus allowing them to fly before crushing someone. Another turns body parts into explosives, making his boogers a deadly weapon.
Ending with a battle against two giants, ONE PIECE still manages to mix an absurd amount of genres and plots without ever becoming convoluted or tiring. The animation remains a vibrant joy to behold, and the characters continue to entertain. ONE PIECE is a perfect show for either weekly viewings or marathon binges. The creativity on show prevents the series from stagnating with a constant focus on moving forward. With monsters, islands, and even emotions to explore, we can but hope the adventures continue (and with 600+ and counting ,we’ve got an enjoyable journey ahead).
ONE PIECE Collection 3 is released on DVD on 23rd September via Manga Entertainment.
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