One Piece: Was a remake necessary?

One Piece is making a lot of noise right now, and for good reason. If you haven’t heard, the popular manga is nearing the end of its run, and the One Piece anime is just as busy. The show startled fans around the world earlier this month when it was revealed that One Piece is working on an anime version. However, one artist has sparked debate over the reboot after voicing their disappointment.

The remake, titled “The One Piece” will re-animate the original manga’s first chapter “Romance Dawn” with new visuals. An ambitious undertaking, the goal is to retell the story from the beginning for new and old fans alike with updated animation quality. Moreover, according to Netflix’s press release for The One Piece anime, the forthcoming remake will be a “fresh yet familiar experience, utilizing cutting-edge visual technology to reimagine Luffy’s adventures through the beloved East Blue saga.” 

The use of “cutting-edge visual technology” is what has One Piece fans fearing the worst, as the phrase could be referring to the controversial use of AI-animated programs. Both Netflix and WIT Studio have already dabbled in AI animation with The Dog & The Boy, igniting backlash from anime fans and animators alike.

Wit studio director commented about The One Piece remake: “We are resolute in forging new paths for the series, aspiring to ignite inspiration across the globe with the triumvirate of dreams, friendship, and hope for the future themes masterfully depicted by Eiichiro Oda in his manga.”

The revelation of the anime remake follows the recent live-action Netflix adaptation, which is also presently in development. With flowing animation and a rapid pace devoid of filler, this new take on a classic shonen anime has fans intrigued.

Although Toei Animation is listed as one of the companies involved with the production committee behind the One Piece Netflix reboot, animators for the original anime series have expressed their displeasure over the news online. One animator said, “What will happen to the anime that is currently being broadcast? It makes me feel a little sad that the value of the anime that we have built up until now seems to be diminishing.”