SPOILER: This column contains potential spoilers for “One Piece” Season 2.
The newest season of Netflix’s “One Piece,” released March 10, closely adapts the original manga and anime while introducing viewers to a new, creatively complex world. The creators embrace the franchise’s stylistic chaos instead of shying away to prioritize fans over general audiences.
Season 2 starts at the beginning of Monkey D. Luffy’s journey to the Grand Line in search of the One Piece, the legendary treasure left by Gol D. Roger that every pirate is after. Luffy’s dream since he was a young boy was to find the One Piece on the final island and become the Pirate King.
The previous season mainly focuses on Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) forming the Straw Hat Pirates, gaining members like the katana-wielding Zoro (Mackenyu), navigator Nami (Emily Rudd), comedian Usopp (Jacob Gibson) and the team’s chef Sanji (Taz Skylar). This unlikely crew defeats corrupt Arlong (McKinley Belcher), the saw shark fish-man captain of the Arlong Pirates, in Season 1.
Through this journey, the show introduces audiences to unique characters directly from the original manga. One of my favorite character designs from the first season is that of Buggy the Star Clown (Jeff Ward), who became reminiscent of Heath Ledger’s Joker.
Season 2 continues embracing this franchise’s stylistic uniqueness, adding characters even more visually complex than those in Season 1.
In the new season, I fell for the adorable tiny reindeer Chopper (Mikaela Hoover). Chopper comically wears a red hat which is almost the size of himself, gifted to him by deceased doctor Dr. Hiriluk (Mark Harelik).
“One Piece”’s devil fruits give whoever consumes them unique powers. In Luffy’s backstory, shown in Season 1, he eats a fruit that gives him the ability to stretch like a soft piece of taffy.
New characters with devil fruit powers in Season 2 include Mr. 3 (David Dastmalchian) who can turn objects into a wax strong as steel, and Miss Valentine (Jazzara Jaslyn), who can manipulate her body weight. Even Chopper gets the ability to shapeshift into a stronger version of himself.
What I found intriguing is that these powers are so thought-out, rather than being something basic like super speed. These powers mirror the characters who possess them, almost accentuating their personality further.
Season 2 also introduces the criminal organization Baroque Works, which is in search of Miss Wednesday (Charithra Chandran), princess of Arabasta, the kingdom they wish to seize. The only problem is that Luffy’s naivety leads him to take in Miss Wednesday to bring her back to her kingdom.
Baroque Works is after the Straw Hat Pirates for much of Season 2. In the final episode, Luffy decides the only way to help Miss Wednesday and save her Kingdom is to take down Baroque Works.
This organization’s search for the Straw Hat Pirates becomes the central plot point in Season 2, as Baroque Works becomes the main force holding the pirates back from finding the One Piece.
Although Season 2 mainly begins a new journey for Luffy and the crew, it expands the world of the show by adding more material from the manga with occasional creative liberties. Not only does this service the fans of the manga, but it also allows for non-readers to be introduced to the wacky world of “One Piece.”
The absurd action of this season illustrates the show’s cheerful, overwhelming comedy. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is refreshing in a world of boring and plain action shows.
At the same time, “One Piece” also successfully intensifies its emotional stakes and increases my investment in the main characters. It does all this while the pirates discover new islands and foes, creating a fast-paced nature for the show.
While I am not accustomed to the original manga or an avid anime fan myself, I found that “One Piece” kept me engaged and interested throughout.
