10 Facts About 'One Piece' For Newcomers

The journey of the Straw Hat Pirates is Eiichiro Oda’s life’s work. The manga, written and illustrated by Oda himself, was first released on July 22, 1997. And though it was originally planned to only last five years, the franchise eventually captured the hearts of fans across the globe and maintains a story that is still being developed to this day (more on that later). In 1999, just two years after the manga’s release, Luffy’s story of a pirate at sea found its way to TV screens and ultimately premiered for the first time in the U.S. in 2004 on Fox. Now, in 2023, Netflix is releasing its own version of the story in all its live-action glory. —Jacob Kramer

Although One Piece and Dragon Ball Z are distinct series, they share some important similarities that fans should be aware of as Netflix’s live-action series arrives. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, has openly expressed his admiration for Akira Toriyama’s work, particularly Dragon Ball Z. Oda grew up reading about Goku’s adventures in the weekly Shonen Jump magazine, and has been vocal about his praise for the series. Its influence is evident throughout One Piece’s narrative. 

Similar to the camaraderie with Goku and his friends, the Straw Hats share a bond that mirrors the tight-knit relationship of the Z Fighters. Moreover, both series embrace an adventurous energy, as the stories are rife with dynamic battles and the exploration of fantastical worlds. Oda’s art style even occasionally echoes Toriyama’s iconic designs, ultimately celebrating the impact Dragon Ball Z had on shaping his own creative vision. —Jacob Kramer

One Piece stands as one of the most monumental achievements in manga history. The epic tale has become one of the longest-running and most popular manga series ever since its inception in 1997. And it even earned a Guinness World Record title in June 2015  for the “Most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author.”

The series has consistently topped sales charts and has amassed an incredible following and dedicated fan base across the globe. It was also the best-selling manga series in Japan from 2007 to 2018. To date, the manga series has over 100 volumes, with over 1,000 chapters. And the animated series currently sits at 1,071 episodes and counting, with eight TV specials and 13 theatrical films. Now, with the arrival of Netflix’s live-action series, even more fans will be introduced to the incredible world of One Piece. —Jacob Kramer

At the heart of the One Piece series are the Straw Hat Pirates, the central protagonists who drive the epic narrative. Led by the spirited, rubber-band man Luffy, he and his diverse crew of pirates embark on a voyage across the globe in search of the fabled One Piece treasure. Each crew member has their own unique skills, dreams, and backstories that make them an integral part of the story’s charm. 

Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Tony Tony Chopper, Nico Robin, Franky, Brook, and Jinbe complete the crew. And their intricate relationships, personal growth, and camaraderie serve as a core theme that shapes the series’ emotional journey. —Jacob Kramer

Gomu Gomu no Mi is a Paramecia-type devil fruit that is known in English as the Gum-Gum fruit. When consumed, the Gum-Gum fruit gives the user’s body the properties of rubber, made famous by the show’s main protagonist, Luffy. During Luffy’s youth, he accidentally consumed the fruit at the port of Foosha Village while he was admiring the group of Red Hair Pirates. Luffy has learned to use his powers in a number of unique ways, enhancing his speed, strength, durability, and more. —Ben Felderstein

The entire series is anchored around a legend that has captivated pirates from across the lands: the fabled treasure known as the “One Piece” itself. The pirate booty—which was lost by the Infamous King of Pirates, Gol D. Roger—is said to be the ultimate reward for the ambitious, promising whoever finds it both riches beyond imagination and the official title as the new Pirate King. 

Its allure drives Luffy’s journey, along with his Straw Hat crew, as they navigate the waters and face formidable foes in search of the bountiful treasure. Despite its central role in the series, the nature and location of the treasure itself remains shrouded in secrecy. Even in the manga series, the treasure has yet to be found. But creator Eiichiro Oda promises that the location of the One Piece, and the ultimate ending of the franchise, is on the horizon as the story enters its final chapter. —Jacob Kramer

The world of One Piece is home to multiple organizations that play pivotal roles in the series. Chief among them are the Yonko, the Marines, the Revolutionary Army, and Shichibukai. 

The Yonko are the four most formidable pirates in the story. They are each responsible for controlling their own territories, and they exert their dominance over anyone who challenges their control. 

The Marines are the military arm of the World Government. They have a presence across all of the seas and are responsible for maintaining order in the world. They are primarily responsible for hunting down pirates or other criminals, and protecting people who need their assistance. 

Led by Luffy’s father, Dragon, the Revolutionary Army is a faction of people that oppose the World Government and aim to bring about revolution in the world. Their operations mostly consist of liberating regions ruled by groups associated with the World Government. 

The Shichibukai, or the Warlords of the Sea, are a group of seven powerful pirates who work alongside the World Government in exchange for privileges and pardons for their crimes. —Jacob Kramer

One Piece is renowned for its expansive and immersive world-building—a cornerstone of its enduring popularity with fans. At the heart of this massive universe is the Grand Line, a treacherous sea that separates the known world into two halves. The journey starts in the East Blue, where Luffy assembles his crew of quirky co-stars, the Straw Hat Pirates.

The series masterfully weaves together elements of adventure, mythology, and fantasy, as the Straw Hat crew attempts to track down the legendary One Piece treasure. The world itself is filled with diverse islands, each playing host to unique cultures, challenges, and, of course, mysteries that need to be solved. Some locations, like the floating Skypiea, the Water 7, and the perilous New World, showcase the depth and imagination of Oda’s creation. —Jacob Kramer

A number of characters in the One Piece universe are based on actual real-life pirates. The Infamous King of Pirates, Gol D. Roger, is based on a French pirate named Olivier Levasseur, who hid a treasure that’s yet to be discovered to this day. The only female member of the Supernovas, Jewelry Bonney, is also based on arguably the most famous female pirate of all time, Anne Bonny. But Bonny and Bonney’s similarities don’t end there—they also were both powerful leaders who relied on younger followers to build their ranks. One of One Piece’s most notable characters, Zoro, also comes based on a French pirate by the name of François l’Olonnais, whose backtory and proficiency with a sword became the inspiration for Luffy’s right-hand man in the show. There are plenty of more comparisons to be made, but perhaps my favorite is Franky and Jim Carrey’s Ace Ventura. —Ben Felderstein

Netflix’s much-anticipated live-action adaptation of One Piece holds a promise that fans will find reassuring: a commitment to preserving the essence of the original manga series. When the live-action series was first announced, Oda said, “The first condition I presented is that the live-action will be faithful to the fans who have supported One Piece for 20 years.”

While adaptations often tread a fine line between innovation and faithfulness, the creators of the series have expressed their dedication to staying true to Oda’s original vision. From the distinct personalities of the Straw Hat Pirates to the intricately woven narrative arcs, the live-action rendition aims to capture the core elements that have emboldened the franchise for decades. The first season on Netflix will consist of eight episodes, and fans can prepare to set sail with a new and exciting adaptation of the iconic manga series. —Jacob Kramer