28 Years Ago Today, Shonen Jump Launched Its Biggest Series

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On July 22nd, 1997, the inaugural chapter of “One Piece” manga was published in the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine by Shueisha. This was author Eiichiro Oda’s third endeavor to launch a pirate-themed shonen manga, having previously released two one-shots titled Romance Dawn. Due to the competitive and selective nature of the manga industry, it was initially challenging for Oda to get his work published. However, fate favored both the author and Weekly Shonen Jump when One Piece was given the green light for serialization in the magazine, marking the beginning of an illustrious history.

Over time, the “One Piece” manga has evolved into an extensive media conglomerate. This long-running comic book series holds the title of the best-selling manga series globally, with more than 516 million copies distributed across 60 nations. To put this into perspective, even the “Dragon Ball” manga, which ranks fourth in terms of global sales with 260 million copies, pales in comparison. The “One Piece” manga has a highly-watched anime series that continues to be one of the most popular shows worldwide, boasting over a thousand episodes and counting, and a significant improvement in animation quality in recent years. This franchise is unparalleled in terms of merchandising, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, and has gained traction in the Western market. There’s simply no other series quite like “One Piece,” and it’s unlikely that anything will ever come close.

One Piece Has Something to Say Behind Its Silly Plot

For those familiar with the concept of the franchise, they know it features a rubber boy wearing a straw hat who sails on a pirate ship alongside his crew, a premise that’s inherently whimsical in nature. The visual aesthetics of One Piece echo a playful children’s cartoon, with characters sporting large and exaggerated designs. The powers exhibited within the series are far-fetched, especially considering Luffy’s ability to stretch, and things only become more outlandish as the story progresses. Given its lighthearted tone and kid-friendly characteristics, it’s not surprising that 4Kids! Entertainment considered marketing the series to young audiences in the U.S.; the original manga and anime bore all the signs of a suitable children’s franchise.

In my viewpoint, what many casual viewers of this series overlook is its intricate depth and masterful world-building. Right from the outset, Oda has infused the narrative with the overarching theme of freedom and pursuing one’s dreams – a staple in Shonen genre storytelling. Yet, he skillfully weaves this theme with poignant tragedy and grim portrayals of historical atrocities. Beneath the exhilarating escapades that Luffy and the Strawhats embark on lies the stark reality that the islands they traverse are rife with suffering people.

In the world of One Piece, individuals’ freedom is frequently endangered by either ruthless pirates or a corrupt global government. Common people are persistently struggling with issues such as hunger, resource scarcity, threats to their safety, and displacement due to the inaction of those in positions of power. Despite the manga’s seemingly absurd battles and heavy-handed narrative style, it surprisingly carries a strong undercurrent of resilience.

One Piece, in an unsubtle and eccentric manner, subtly communicates its poignant themes. The creator, Oda, often employs unique angles when addressing real-world issues and events, with the series serving as a reflection of his viewpoints. Characters in this story frequently endure immense sorrow, and are often ostracized by society due to factors they cannot control. However, the narrative’s primary focus is not on giving up but rather persistently striving for personal liberty, a message that resonates powerfully in today’s world.

Luffy embodies the essence of freedom more than any other character, yet he seldom assists or rescues others purely out of kindness. Despite his quirky nature and lack of ill-intent, Luffy rejects being labeled a hero. He only lends a hand when a friend is in peril or if food is involved. The central theme of Luffy is to portray the universal concept of freedom, implying that every living being deserves it. While Oda may lean on the familiar trope of “friendship power,” he infuses it with a profound message about freedom, corruption, and global distress in the world of One Piece.

One Piece’s Action Is Inventive and Rarely the Same

Despite being an action shonen series like One Piece, it’s primarily designed to amuse young audiences, mainly preteens or younger, with intricately planned fight scenes. Creator Eiichiro Oda has always been open about the series catering to young boys, which gives it a straightforward and unpretentious feel. Although One Piece delves into darker themes, it never dwells too long on the harshness of its world. Unlike Naruto, which became increasingly serious and message-heavy, One Piece prioritizes maintaining a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

In the world of One Piece, the profound themes are largely introspective; the story primarily revolves around the journey. Oda stands out among his peers in crafting captivating adventures, richly layering history and background for each island visited by the Strawhats. Every new location introduces unique inhabitants with diverse motivations, economic systems, and social structures, which gives the world a sense of authenticity and inhabitation.

In a distinctive and engaging manner, Eiichiro Oda infuses his writing of combat sequences with unique abilities and quirks for each antagonist and protagonist. While not all powers translate flawlessly to the written form, they certainly inject plenty of character into the storyline. To account for the unconventional nature of each fighter, Oda frequently devises creative solutions for how characters overcome their opponents, ensuring that no two battles are alike. The fact that the series remains captivating and enduring after so many years is a testament to Oda’s ability to consistently keep things fresh and thrilling.

Over the past few decades, “One Piece” has predominantly been a beloved Japanese creation, boasting a substantial fanbase in the U.S. despite its niche status. However, the franchise’s popularity has expanded worldwide, collaborating with American sports teams and appearing on the Las Vegas Sphere. The Netflix live-action version has emerged as one of the most successful live-action anime series to date, with a second season upcoming. Remaining relevant for 28 years, “One Piece” shows no signs of slowing down, given that the manga still has several more years to run. Eiichiro Oda infuses “One Piece” with genuine emotional depth that mirrors our world while maintaining an element of fun. Can any other series make you so emotionally invested in a man wearing a straw hat and made of rubber?

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2025-07-23 01:10