One Piece [Season 1 Episode 1]

One Piece Episode 1 Review: The Start of an Epic Adventure

When it comes to anime, few series have left as massive an impact as One Piece. With over 1,000 episodes and counting, the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew has become a cultural phenomenon. But every legend has a beginning, and Episode 1, titled “I’m Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King!”, is where it all starts.

A Simple Yet Promising Introduction

The episode opens with Luffy, our rubber-limbed protagonist, floating in a barrel at sea. He’s picked up by a cruise ship, only for the ship to be attacked by the Alvida Pirates. From the get-go, Luffy’s carefree personality and unshakable confidence shine through. He’s not just any pirate—he’s a kid with a dream, and he’s not afraid to shout it from the rooftops (or, in this case, the deck of a ship).

The animation, while dated by today’s standards, has a charm that fans still appreciate. The exaggerated expressions, the goofy humor, and the over-the-top action set the tone for what’s to come. Some viewers, like those on MyAnimeList, admit they weren’t immediately hooked. One user even said, “I didn’t care for this episode at all. I’m trying to see what the big deal is about One Piece.” But others, like another fan, countered with, “Stick with it, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”

First Impressions: Love It or Leave It?

The first episode is divisive, and that’s understandable. It’s light on plot but heavy on personality. Luffy’s introduction is pure chaos—he bounces around, punches pirates, and declares his ambition with zero hesitation. Some fans adore this energy. “Luffy’s ma dog!” one commenter cheered, while another added, “He’s such an awesome character!”

But not everyone was sold right away. A few viewers mentioned being put off by the 4Kids dub (which, let’s be honest, did the series no favors). One fan admitted, “I was originally put off by the dubbed 4Kids version.” Thankfully, the original Japanese version (or the Funimation dub) does a much better job of capturing the spirit of the show.

The Long Road Ahead

One thing fans unanimously agree on? One Piece is a marathon, not a sprint. With over 1,000 episodes, starting the series can feel daunting. “I don’t think I can get to episode 400 before they’re at 500,” one user lamented. But others reassured them: “Once you start watching, you won’t stop.”

And they’re right. The first episode is just a taste of the adventure to come. The world-building, the emotional depth, and the sheer creativity of Eiichiro Oda’s story unfold gradually. As one fan put it, “This was completely worth watching and STILL is.”

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Hype?

If you’re judging One Piece solely by its first episode, you might walk away underwhelmed. It’s silly, simple, and doesn’t dive deep into the lore yet. But as fans will tell you, “The first 7 episodes may seem average… just don’t drop it. You won’t regret it.”

For those willing to invest the time, One Piece offers one of the richest, most rewarding stories in anime history. Episode 1 is just the first step—a small, fun, and slightly chaotic introduction to a world that only gets bigger and better.

So, if you’re on the fence, give it a shot. As one fan wisely said, “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” Sometimes, all you need is a rubber-powered pirate and a dream.

Rating: 4/5 (A solid start, but the best is yet to come.)

What do you think of One Piece’s first episode? Did it hook you right away, or did it take a few episodes to win you over? Let’s discuss in the comments!