I have tried multiple times to watch One Piece, the anime. I made it as far as 5 episodes in my last attempt but I just can't get into it. The story just doesn't grab me and I find Luffy and his powers too laughable & ridiculous for the anime medium. I eventually lose interest and drop the show, every time. Until now.
Holy shit, you guys! The live action adaptation of One Piece on NETFLIX is really REALLY GOOD!
I seriously like it better than the OG anime.
The first 5 episodes of the One Piece anime? Meh.
The first 5 episodes of THIS? Bam! Right in the feels and I'm crying manly tears nearly every episode. The use of flashbacks/backstory is well executed and really makes you care for Luffy and his crew. Luffy's goofy weird powers just make this adaptation feel like a comic book Superhero movie somehow, like it actually WORKS better in live action. The villains are so over the top they too feel like Comic book Superhero arch villains. Luffy and his whole crew are just so darn likeable. In short order we get introduced to the principle cast and the story launches without delay. The pacing is excellent and holds your interest. The costume design, the backgrounds, the set design are all on point. The writing and acting are top notch and feel like a polished Superhero film told in serial form.
As stated, I'm not fan of One Piece the anime. But I f*cking love this live action adaptation, probably the best one ever done to date....which is a low bar, true, but this one sails right over it. I highly recommend it, even if like me you don't really like One Piece.