Important Highlights
- The emotional intensity of Sanji vs. Luffy was amplified through music and voice acting.
- Zoro vs. Killer left a lasting impression with its outstanding animation and viral presence online.
- Luffy’s (Gear 5) showdown with Kaido shone comically, paying tribute to classic animation styles.
It’s clear that the One Piece franchise wouldn’t have achieved its current level of fame and recognition without the animated series produced by Toei Animation, which first premiered in 1999. Despite some criticisms regarding its pacing and prolonged sequences, the anime has delivered numerous standout moments.
This has been particularly notable in recent years, as Toei Animation has significantly improved its production quality, resulting in stunningly animated battles that surpass the original manga illustrations by Eiichiro Oda. Here are some prime examples where the anime adaptation outshines its source material.
1 Sanji vs. Luffy
A Heartfelt Showdown Enhanced by Soundtrack and Voice Acting
- Chapters 843 and 844 (Manga) Episodes 807 and 808 (Anime)
The confrontation between Vinsmoke Sanji and Monkey D. Luffy served as the emotional core of the Whole Cake Island Arc. This passionate clash reached its peak at Whole Cake Château, where Sanji persistently attacked his previous captain, who was determined not to abandon his crew. Although the anime extended this combat significantly, this approach allowed for a deeper emotional exploration.
The portrayal of Sanji’s relentless assault on Luffy, accentuated by a stirring soundtrack and the exceptional voice work of Hiroaki Hirata and Mayumi Tanaka, magnified the heartbreak evident in the anime. The fight also featured previously animated flashback sequences that enriched the experience. Furthermore, Sanji’s final blow, his iconic Concassé technique, was animated with impressive fluidity.
2 Zoro vs. Kamazo the Manslayer (Killer)
A Manga Encounter That Evolved into an Anime Sensation
- Chapters 937 and 938 (Manga) Episode 934 (Anime)
In the manga of the Wano Country Arc, Roronoa Zoro engaged in a seemingly minor altercation with the assassin Kamazo the Manslayer (later identified as Killer). While this brief exchange featured some entertaining moments typical of Eiichiro Oda’s work, it lacked significance.
Fortunately, Toei Animation’s skilled animators transformed this fleeting moment into one of the standout acts of the Wano Country Arc’s second phase. The swordplay animation was remarkable, emphasizing fluid movements and special effects that heightened the intensity and epic feel compared to the manga. Zoro’s finishing move, Purgatory Oni Giri, showcased stunning detail and quickly gained traction among One Piece fans across various social media platforms.
3 Worst Generation vs. Beast Pirates
The Anticipated Return of Luffy, Law, and Kid Transformed into a Spectacle
- Chapters 974 and 975 (Manga) Episode 978 (Anime)
Before the Onigashima raid commenced, Luffy, Law, and Kid made a dramatic entrance, aiding the Scabbards and obliterating several ships belonging to the Beasts Pirates. In the manga, this moment was rather brief, simply showcasing the trio’s growth in strength. While it was undoubtedly exciting, it paled in comparison to the anime adaptation.
The animated version expanded this into a captivating two-minute action sequence where these three pirates unleashed their powers on random Beast Pirates and their fleets. The exceptional animation quality, combined with thrilling choreography set against the backdrop of Opening 22, “OVER THE TOP,”transformed this scene into a celebration. This was especially fitting, as it marked the long-awaited return of Luffy and his comrades after the lengthy yet compelling Kozuki Oden flashback.
4 The Nine Red Scabbards vs. Kaido
The Scabbards Showed Why They Were Oden’s Closest Allies
- Chapters 986 to 1000 (Manga) Episodes 994 to 1015 (Anime)
The significance of Oden’s Nine Red Scabbards in the Wano Country Arc can sometimes be overlooked, given the multitude of characters involved in the Onigashima raid. Their emotional confrontation with Kaido in the manga was bittersweet; despite their efforts to stand firm against the Strongest Creature, they were ultimately defeated without much fanfare.
While the outcome remained unchanged in the anime, the fight was elaborated upon, allowing the Scabbards to exhibit a greater variety of skills. Beginning with an artistically rendered black-and-white sequence, the battle escalated into a spectacular unexpected attack on Kaido. Key moments like the use of Oden’s Two-Sword Style by Kin’emon, Denjiro, Ashura Doji, and Inuarashi stood out in the animated version, illustrating their respect for their master’s legacy more convincingly than in the manga.
5 Luffy (Gear 5) vs. Kaido
A Power-Up Honoring Classic Animation Thrives on Screen
- Chapters 1044 to 1049 (Manga) Episodes 1071 to 1076 (Anime)
The instant Luffy unveiled his new Gear 5 form in his contest against Kaido was a pivotal moment in the manga. The power-up itself was entertaining, reflecting Oda’s playful spirit as he illustrated Luffy’s exaggerated abilities.
Since Gear 5 pays homage to vintage rubber hose animation, it was only fitting that its vibrant execution came alive more fully in the anime. Toei Animation’s adaptation of this iconic moment effectively utilized exaggerated animation and classic cartoon sound effects, adding an extra layer of humor to this intense battle. The manga version remains iconic, but this particular fight was crafted for animation.
6 Luffy vs. Rob Lucci Rematch
Gear 5 Shines Brightest in Animated Format
- Chapters 1069 to 1073 (Manga) Episodes 1100 to 1105 (Anime)
Toei Animation’s advancements throughout the Wano Country Arc seamlessly continued into the subsequent Egghead Arc. The long-awaited rematch between Luffy and Rob Lucci during this arc met high expectations.
The depiction of this encounter in the manga was thrilling, marking the first instance where readers could see Luffy employing his Gear 5 abilities against an opponent other than Kaido, with the formidable Rob Lucci serving as the ideal adversary.
7 Straw Hats and CP0 vs. The Seraphim
An Unexpected Elevation Showcasing the Seraphim’s True Threat
- Chapters 1075 to 1077 (Manga) Episodes 1108 to 1110 (Anime)
The collaboration between The Straw Hat Pirates and the CP0 agents against the Seraphim comprised a brief but enjoyable segment. It primarily served to allow Luffy and Zoro to witness the formidable capabilities of the World Government’s new biological creations, with the temporary alliance adding an intriguing element.
This fight was a decent yet forgettable moment in the manga, overshadowed by more thrilling battles in the Egghead Arc. However, the anime transformed it into a memorable highlight through impeccable fight choreography and stylized animation, establishing S-Hawk and S-Bear as real threats. The addition of fresh scenes showcasing their Lunarian powers and artificial Devil Fruits further emphasized their menace.
8 Garp vs. Kuzan
The Anime Transformed This Basic Fight into a Cinematic Experience
- Chapters 1081 and 1087 (Manga) Episodes 1115 and 1121 (Anime)
The exhilarating duel between Monkey D. Garp and Kuzan on Hachinosu stands out as one of the most unforgettable sequences of the Egghead Arc. While the manga presentation detailed their encounter, albeit briefly, Toei seized the opportunity to expand this into a legendary, cinematic-quality episode.
Episode 1115 was remarkable, but Episode 1121 elevated it even further, akin to a short film experience due to its complex and cohesive fight choreography. The score augmented the emotional stakes, while Garp’s Haki attacks and Kuzan’s ice powers were depicted with convincing intensity. Adding a humorous reference in one of the impactful frames added an additional layer of enjoyment. These elements combined solidified Garp vs. Kuzan as one of the standout battles in the One Piece saga.
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