I loved OnePiece on Netflix, then I read the manga...(ft. Merphy Napier)

I watched the One Piece live action adaptation when it came out last year and totally fell in love with it. I decided to read the East Blue saga to see how the Manga compared with the show. Today, we are going to talk about it! Of course I had to bring-on my friend and One Piece expert, Merphy Napier. Let me know your thoughts below!
Merphy's manga channel: ‪@merphynapier42‬
Merphy's book channel: ‪@merphynapierreviews‬
Socials
bookborn.reviews

[@Bookborn]

A quick note to address a lot of comments: Because I know that seasons 2 (and maybe 3!) are being filmed and thus will be coming out in a reasonable amount of time, I don't mind waiting for the show. But obviously if that changes, and it starts being YEARS between seasons or whatever, I'll switch to manga first! So... no worries, it won't be ten years before I finish lol!

[@Iberlos]

You say that but it might be 10 years before the manga finishes. LOL Oda planned for 5 more years about 3 years ago, but although we are at the end of the series there is still a lot to go. (Personally I hope he doesn't rush it) Loved the video. Looking forward for your next entry.

[@aristotleshadow9296]

@@Iberlosfor any LA onlys, next will be MAJOR manga spoilers Yeah, I don’t think they series is ending any time before 2028 honestly, since we will probably have 10 more chapters of escaping EH+world updates, then going to Elbaf (probably at least 20-30 chapters), finding the OP arc (probably 50+ chapters) and then final war all secrets revealed arc (80+ chapters). It’s gonna be a long ride

[@royalfun1031]

​@@aristotleshadow9296 that's only the confirmed stuff

[@adamcarlson2192]

@@royalfun1031 Hopefully Oda doesn't get TOO distracted with side stuff, his health is suffering enough as it is.

[@emelindaferrer4455]

Just read the manga.. its way better than the live action and its not 1:1 adaptation.. there always been changes and not accurate than the manga.

[@baning23]

Merphy being the one to correct character names is a whole new experience

[@MonkeyDVictory]

lol

[@snicanol]

Feels like the end times are near

[@ShaqKhiElvie]

😂

[@jnrmnr]

On god 😂

[@Bookborn]

The bind leading the blind fr

[@applejackjk18]

"it's just the first hundred chapters" is the most One Piece thing to say.

[@yournumberonepal]

The first episodes are some of my favorites. I like the earlier ones more than anything after say, Sabaody Archipelago.

[@WiredLain_]

⁠​⁠@@yournumberonepalwhen i was first watching i felt i didn’t like them that much, but looking back i rmbr being so happy, it’s not even nostalgia either cuz i watched it all around the same time. BUT after Sabaody has some of my fav stuff. Impel Down/Marineford, Whole Cake Island, Wano. all peak imo. but yea early one piece is so good.

[@BossAwesomeSauce]

PSA: All of one piece is good, to the surprise of nobody

[@hirudinaria]

Good. You just read the Prologue 😂😂

[@Wayne-jh4mi]

Then you catch up and it's like why tf are there only 1200+ chapters

[@merphynapier42]

Thank you so much for inviting me to chat! I feel we barely touched the surface of all there is to talk about, but it was so much fun and I can’t wait for season two!

[@dylanterrell5190]

Merphy just a quick correction the live action didn’t finish the first saga, the town after arlong park is apart of the east blue and not the next one. Great video

[@samfisher6606]

You need to do a "Booktok/Booktubers Bullied into Reading One Piece" Reverie

[@DEVILS_advocate05]

Surprise surprise the manga is better than the live action.

[@DEVILS_advocate05]

Are you planning on doing this for every arc? It would be really cool too this team up.

[@BrunoEvan10]

1:14:10 LMAO 😂😂😂

[@pete-treedish4363]

I’m a simple man I see a 1+ hour long one piece video I watch it

[@Drago-ep2jc]

sn here bro :)

[@Krilonell]

Average one piece fan😌

[@mohamedchliyah9543]

a man of culture

[@naomikirisaki]

​@@Krilonell🤣

[@Itzdapitz]

It's not much but it's honest work

[@beckhampang191]

You know it's hilarious how Merphy went from book reviewer trying manga for the first time into now known as a one piece enthusiast

[@Bookborn]

Life comes at you fast. I said I'd never read ASOIAF because I didn't think it was for me, and now I'm making t-shirts that say "house stark"

[@thunderstar254]

​@@Bookborn Won't be long before you donate your whole ASOIAF collection to make room for all the One Piece boxed sets!

[@MonkeyDVictory]

I found it so funny that Murphy became some kind of ambassador of One Piece. She's everywhere.

[@fruitykrueger]

Fr. It’s funny that One Piece started out as a batch review and then became the whole thing for her channel lol

[@MonkeyDVictory]

@@fruitykrueger exactly

[@youngrootv]

Honestly, one of the best choices for one if we had to pick as a community lol

[@adventuroushermit2590]

Isn't that kind of exactly what they mean When they say, follow your passion and it'll lead places?

[@NeolwA]

I have not been keeping up with her channel but her fresh one piece review were peak one piece content, I remember getting so excited when she uploads the new op video.

[@yutubnyaDimi]

"The fights are too long" *Merphy makes funny faces Peak content

[@greywell2982]

she is like welp* looks at kaidou fight* XD

[@SoulmatesFire]

One Piece made you smile, I think Oda would be so happy to hear this because its the core of his story. This is the feeling he is trying to convey through his characters.

[@Moe_Posting_Chad]

Best fucking tankobon released in eight hundred years! "A tale full of laughs, the whole way through!" - Very Amused Man says

[@ludvig3242]

Corny

[@klairvoyance]

Saw this comment on another video but I like how the Oda uses the East Blue villains to draw an outline around the way Luffy sees the world. His idea of treasure being contrasted against Buggy (& Chouchou haha). His idea of loyalty being contrasted against Kuro. His idea of power being contrasted against Don Krieg. And then with Arlong finally all of this together. Still loved the live action's take on the East Blue Saga tho!

[@Bookborn]

Love this detail!

[@sneakinynja]

My favorite part of this was Merphy trying so not be a brazen fanatic while talking about Buggy. She didn't start actively worshipping his throne and I know that must've killed her on the inside. 😂

[@floreaciprian9742]

that was so funny knowing how much she loves Buggy

[@zackfross98]

Merphy is like the Nick Fury of the One Piece Fandomverse.

[@Ryroe]

I live for this. One Piece has become every booktuber's first manga - and for good reason. Welcome on board :)

[@Bookborn]

Not my first manga tho! I read some as a kid and have been reading Haikyu as an adult before starting one piece :) I just haven’t covered them on the channel

[@Ryroe]

@@Bookborn Yes, and I was happy to find that out during the video :D

[@jeffreymeehan3567]

Merphy's right in that the general One Piece fandom doesn't really care about how you begin/continue your journey through this story. We just love that you're set sail on this incredible voyage that we all love! Welcome aboard: always great to have a new nakama!

[@pierrelehnen6127]

The thing with ChouChou (and other characters too) is that in the manga the author always goes out of his way to make you care for them and make you really want them to be saved, instead of just trusting that "oh it's a dog, people will want a dog to be saved". And that is a big part of Luffy's character as well, that was kinda lost on the show. Luffy learns about Chouchou and thinks "wow this dog is something else" and then fights for him. He sees the mayor doing what he can for his city and thinks the same thing. It's only because he recognizes those characters that he decides to fight for them. Chouchou is also a vital point of Nami's story because when Luffy fights for him, that's the moment that starts breaking her whole view about pirates always being evil. In the show they boiled all of that down to Luffy telling Zoro they had to save the random people that were left in chains by Buggy. All those characters had no weight in Luffy's fight or any of his motivations (they barely even got any lines), but the show still used them to show Luffy as "a different kind of pirate" to Nami. They got saved simply because they existed and needed saving, which is something I think manga Luffy wouldn't really bother doing. I don't mind characters being cut, but the for the next seasons I really hope they spend a few minutes making us care about the characters that stay and play a part in the story, because that is part of the magic of One Piece and I feel that without it the show will get old long before the story is completed.

[@hydroking2969]

Yeh exactly Luffy has a high emotional intelligence that is kinda lost in the show. In the beginning Luffy was fighting with chou chou but he's a good judgement of character and saw Chou Chou's conviction to fight for his treasue. Orange Town arc is pretty much an arc about treasure. Luffy and Nami are Pirate and Theif, they both hunt for treasure so what makes them different? How does that compare to how other perceive treasures? Like buggy? or Chou chou?or the town people? When comparing a pirate to a thief Nami's obvious assessment to why she's better is that pirates kills and thief dont, so when Buggy told her to kill luffy she felt like she was compromising herself. Luffy only smiled and told her this is what she gets facing a pirate with a weak-half resolved, she complains, "what conviction? To kill people" "The resolve to put your own life on the line". Which pretty much gives us a good understand of how luffy see's what a pirate is ought to be compare to how nami she's what a pirate means to her. To luffy any thing that is deep to you, that's your treasure, take it for yourself even against those that oppose to take it for themself. A pirate puts their life on the line for the treasure even if it means to confront their enemy, a thief's goal is to evade their enemy while getting treasure. That's what separate a pirate from the thief and hits Luffy's belief that a pirate should put their life on the line for things that they truly want to take. This is also the spirit he saw with Chou Chou and the villagers, so he decides to take their treasures away from Buggy and his pirates by liberating the village

[@Bookborn]

My guess is as the show goes on, they will have more time for smaller characters like that because the main characters will be more established. OR, what I REALLY hope, is that we stop with this 8-episode limitation and go back to 12 😭 I just feel like so many fantasy and sci fi shows these days need a COUPLE more episodes to flesh things out!

[@Nastyn1nja808]

they did shoot a scene with Luffy and Chou chou but sadly it fot cut. at least Everybody Really Loved the Story!!!!!!!

[@dustinrausch5008]

@@Nastyn1nja808 I heard that some scenes were also shot involving Dragon (outside of the Roger execution). Wonder if these deleted scenes will ever see the light of day somewhere.

[@wwe12153]

that's a good point. I think manga luffy wouldn't save the people buggy chained. People think that I am saying that luffy is evil but this isn't true at all. Luffy save people that he connects with. He is not just a guy who looks for people to save.

[@sohumshah8632]

Lmfaoooo Merphy hiding spoilers under the cover of jokes 🤣

[@kimmygersmann8189]

I know, for example, 1 hour 14 teasing brook

[@Nastyn1nja808]

lol Evil

[@Nastyn1nja808]

​@kimmygersmann8189 um Please😢😢😢😢

[@OrokanaMkIII]

I thought it was a reference to klabautermann

[@sgerardpandian]

Glad someone else picked up on that! I was laughing so much...

[@HerculesOfHate]

The Usopp hate always hurts when I hear it even if its just an initial reaction. A self insert character representing the crux of humanity and its flaws and weaknesses but also shining a light on overcoming those weaknesses to persevere is such a wonderful idea to add to such a fantastical story. He really is such a great character, but the story is a comedy so i feel a lot of people get too lost in the weeds and cant see through the goofiness. Luckily i know that most people learn to appreciate him more through more of the story but still makes me a sad pup to hear the disinterest in him.

[@RottenBen]

Luckily I know a few reactors who immediately loved Usopp as of Syrup Village and it has made them reactors that I keep coming back to as they progress through the series. One is on The Drawk Show, and the other is from the channel Pork Chops Rice and Peaches.

[@RobSomeone]

tbh he doesn't really feel like anything but a pure gag character most of the time until his fight at the end of the next arc and then his depth really opens up when, you know when.

[@louginko4432]

Usopp has been one of my absolute favorite character since his arc. As a lover of tales, stories and legends, it really hits something in me. I believe Usopp will be the one to tell the One Piece's story after Luffy's death, and proclaim himself a god too haha

[@jaimeruiz7837]

Uselop is baggage.

[@jakemineer5779]

Fully agree. He was great from the start for me and kept getting better

[@riatsila144]

As a huge One Piece Fan...if you have it in you to wait on the live action first, I'd be super excited to continue hearing your unique take on the series! Loved hearing you and Merphy talk about all of this! I'd have a hard time holding that resolve, but if you can, would love to hear more! Also, agreed ln two of your favorite moments! Of course "Help me", that's a given, but Sanji's dream in the manga..that super huge grin. Both live action and manga, no cool facade, basically just showing his inner child. That's basically when Sanji became my favorite Straw Hat. To this day, that's who I think about when I think Sanji.

[@DongusMcBongus]

At first I was surprised. I’ve never got into One Piece because I’d never finish it. Then I realized, I could finish all of One Piece in the time Winds of Winter is taking to come out. May I recommend an anime for you and your Husband? Mob Psycho 100. I’m not huge into Anime/Manga but MP100 is legit one of the most beautiful/funny/heartfelt series I’ve seen in years. It’s seen as a masterpiece and it’s short and sweet.

[@D__634]

Try Girls' Last Tour anime and manga. The story is amazing

[@bigivel]

You can read/watch One Piece 10 times before Winds of Winter cames out 😂

[@deathdragonss2508]

Delicious in dungeon is also a nice anime to watch with the family

[@Bookborn]

The shade of finishing one piece before Winds of Winter comes out ☠

[@TheNamekianClown]

I've always found the too long argument to be silly as well, because when you really think about it, it just comes from the mindset that you think you need to do it all in as short of a time as possible. You could read a single chapter a day and be caught up in 3 and a half years, or a volume a week and be caught up in 2 and a quarter years. That sounds like a long time, but you could do that instead of just putting it off for years saying it's too long. So in the future if anyone says that it's too long, just reply with "you don't have to get caught up as soon as possible, just take your time, because making slow progress even if it takes years is better than not doing it for years if you are genuinely interested and the length is the only thing stopping you".

[@HelenourRigby]

I have been reading the manga since 2003 when the crew was heading to Jaya. And so many of my friends would scoff once I would recommend it to them when I was growing up. I am not one of those people who pissed when something that they love turns to be loved by pop culture. If anything, the amount of family and friends who've come to me and said I love the series and should have picked it up sooner is something I never thought would happen in my lifetime. I have finally got my brother to start watching it and he is HOOKED. I'm glad you get to set your sails and start this One Piece journey with the rest of us. And enjoy the ride because where we are in the manga, it is absolutely crazy!

[@1234567890ujmqaz]

To be honest, first starting One Piece (the manga), I also had the idea of it being "a monster of the week story that would go on forever". But, what changed that mindset was when the strawhats made it to the Grand Line. Its a real sense of progress on the journey to everyone's goals, and that was the moment I was like "ah, there's going to be an ending that we can see them make concrete steps towards achieving." One Piece is pretty good at having this sense of "I know where were going to end up, trust me", you can see it in the scene Mihawk first shows up. The story is saying "this is where Zoro is going to end up. Every time he gets stronger, measure him to Hawkeye to see how close he is to his goal." In any case, it's definitely fun to see someone going from LA to manga - it's a very unique perspective!

[@Bookborn]

Actually, them making it to the grandline so "quickly" made me think that my perception may have been wrong, as well. I was like "oh, the plot is progressing"

[@Moe_Posting_Chad]

In my opinion. The story comes with a single promise. It don't matter who you are, why it happens, when it happens, or if you tell anybody. *But this story promises its gonna GET YOU.* And then once it does it the first time, ITS GONNA GET YOU AGAIN! I swear to god, some chapters make me cry just as hard as the first time. That is art! For me it was the moment Luffy put Roger's hat on Nami. That was the scene I knew this was going to be a very special cartoon. Oh boy, how far have my expectations ever been exceeded!

[@tpsam]

​@@Bookbornthis show being so JOYFUL it's a deliberate feature from the author Oda and it would be spoiler for recent stuff being published recently so yeah this was ALWAYS supposed to be a tale full of laughs and joy

[@Phanthief95]

Especially with Luffy in the manga now. In the beginning, you will think that his dream of becoming the Pirate King to be ridiculous, but after seeing the stacked crew that he has gathered, the incredible allies he’s made, & the powerful villains he’s defeated, you will feel like he’s earned the right to be called the next Pirate King.

[@Phanthief95]

@@Moe_Posting_ChadAfter reading the most recent tragic backstory in the manga, I have even said “Oda, how do you keep topping yourself?! How is this backstory more tragic than all the others before it?!”

[@ScootsYoutube]

LET’S GO!! Bookborn joining the Strawhats journey wasn’t on my bingo card 🏴‍☠️😁

[@Bookborn]

Count me in! Do they need a bookish member of their crew?

[@Nastyn1nja808]

Nakama!!!!!!

[@floreaciprian9742]

@@Bookborn i cannot answer this question without any spoilers

[@jamiereid7428]

⁠@@Bookbornevery crew needs bookish members!

[@ramblingdad7764]

@@Bookborn Are you shamelessly asking for a self-insert character? or are you asking for spoilers? Because if you want, I'll tell you about new crew members.

[@AzenHawke1995]

I bet Merphy was dying of laughter inside when they were talking about new crewmates

[@Yoshi3977]

maybe an undead to haunt the ship?

[@NonAnonD]

Bookborn expanding into a ton of BookTube favorites with a different/fresh perspective is so fun to watch (also it’s funny that now Merphy has become a veteran/authority figure in One Piece)

[@choppergamer]

I KNOW RIGHT??!! I love it so much, she is so smitten by this story we all love

[@MonkeyDVictory]

Exactly and I love it

[@IndiaTides]

I am always happy when BookTubers join the One Piece fan club. I was thrilled when Merphy joined. I have been reading Manga since 2016 and still feel new to the fan club.

[@pockystick8557]

Every time a booktuber watch One Piece, an angel gains its wings. WELCOME TO THE CREW! I hope you enjoy the whimsical and bonkers adventure that is the search for One Piece. I hold this one very close to my heart with how it made me feel, how much tears I cried, and how attached I become to every single one of our crew over the years of reading it. I've read a lot of books but nothing quite hits it home like One Piece does. I am always glad to see a newcomer to the journey. If you're planning on making more videos about it, feel free to post anything! One Piece fans are most welcoming to the experience of newcomers because that's how we relive the story that we love. And last thing, One Piece rewards careful readers with some of the biggest payoff I ever witnessed in fiction. You can deduce (and a few people did) on how things will pan out just based on a throw away dialog or a seemingly random encounter. Even a cover story may matter 500 chapters down the line! The whole thing is a giant puzzle. You see, Oda is a deliberate writer and that's the most amazing thing about One Piece. He started this journey in his teens knowing first how it will end. And we are approaching the ending, after all these years, so the best time to catch up is right now.

[@felice2441]

Its awesome that the live action got new people into the series. I really loved the soundtrack of the show, especially zoro's theme. If you loved east blue then you will definitely love the rest of the series. Oda was only 22 years old when he started writing one piece, so as you go further in the series you will see a consistent growth in quality while still keeping everything interconnected

[@Bookborn]

I meant to ask about the sound track - was the theme song the same as the anime theme song? I loved it so much

[@marcin2053]

​@@BookbornLive action has a different soundtrack, but they make it similar to anime. And sometimes it is a cover, for example "we are". The first anime openning and one piece fans anthem

[@felice2441]

​@@Bookbornit's all original sounds created by the same 2 people that worked on the Witcher. Though they did use a remix of the first anime opening during the final barrel scene. That scene is iconic!

[@TheSpeep]

I remember thinking at the start of the show that it felt a lot like they were trying to lean into a Pirates of the Carribean vibe with the soundtrack. I dont remember enough of it to say if I was right on that at the end, but I do remember recognizing some iconic tracks from the anime in moments that felt fitting, so all in all I wasnt disappointed.

[@nicholasgraves3149]

Nojiko has her tattoo in the live action, which she only got because she was the only one who knew (well, that Nami was aware of at least) what Nami was doing, and she got a tattoo to match hers so she wouldn't feel alone. Why would she get the tattoo in the live action if she thought Nami was against her the entire time?

[@bluelight17]

Yeah, they should have at least kept Nojiko knowing about Nami's plan, her tattoo really meant nothing in the LA

[@Bookborn]

I agree with the person below that at the very least they shouldve kept Nojiko as knowing. That I think is the weakest part of changing the story. I'm guessing the tattoo was just kept in as a nod to the manga

[@Moe_Posting_Chad]

Because this is about the tranny Koby.... Just when I thought I could literally not hate Koby as a character even more! The live action shows me just how much more hate I have to feel! Also extremely bitter about the character assassination of Garp. Its like he's Akainu wearing Garp's skin.

[@Ottamus_Prime]

I gotta say I like it better that no one knew so it makes it an actual sacrifice on Nami’s part

[@MrDUneven]

I do agree that the tattoo in LA was silly choice. There would have been so many ways around it. 1)Stick to the manga's plot, she knew the truth about Nami and was just acting along, the tattoo was showing that she was standing with her the whole time 2)Follow the LA's plot but have Bellemeré to have huge blue tattoos visible on her neck and arms, then Nojiko's tattoo would be her homage to her. Nami taking similar tattoo at the end would be her returning to their family 3)Follow the LA's plot but don't paint tattoos on Nojiko first, in the ending when Nami's new tattoo is revealed it's shown that Nojiko took even bigger tattoo marking them as sisters again Probably even more options, maybe even have it be whole villages tradition to be tattooed blue, but they just went the laziest way "Oh, she has tattoo so let's put that and don't ask questions". It's so weird because they clearly understood so much about the other characters, the scene with Garp and Zeff eating in Baratie is one of my favourites because how smartly written it is. So weird.

[@ethan.6562]

The showrunner of the live action is a huge one piece fan and he’s been on a livestream to talk about some stuff and it’s really great to see someone who actually cares about the source material be in charge of the adaptation, also Nani’s actress is a big one piece fan!

[@darKuchiki]

This was just SO MUCH FUN to listen to you guys discuss this series, you have amazing chemistry together. And Bookborn, you brought such a fresh and insightful perspective to the conversation which makes me kinda bummed that we will have to wait until Season 2 to hear more of your thoughts but I'll wait eagerly for your next video on One Piece when it comes. I'm just glad that you enjoy the show/manga we all love so much.

[@Exilum]

About kids. I do think it's fine for kids to watch or read One Piece, genuinely. The themes are universal, and they aren't that shocking. You need to get really far to have risky subjects, but even then it's handled in Oda's way: very straightforward, with a deeper second and third reading you can only have as an adult. In France, there was already quite a culture around anime on TV, inherited from the 90s. So I watched one piece quite early, when I was around 8 to 9, and it took a few more years for me to get things beyond the basic good/evil framework I had as a child. What we tend to think as "quite" unfit for children (unlike fully unfit), tends to be just fine, as any understanding you have as an adult is only built once you have the tools to handle it. At least in modern society. It's a bit similar to how kids won't understand a lot of jokes from the Simpsons that target adults. It just passes over their heads.

[@Binkoboy3]

Woah I literally just found bookborn yesterday, watched all of her ASOIAF reviews and now shes reading one piece and talkin to freaking merph?!!

[@mediumoscar]

Same😊

[@Gadeberg90]

Sanji telling Luffy about All Blue, is so great in the manga and anime, cause it's the first time we truly see him smile.

[@Moe_Posting_Chad]

I didn't like Sanji for so so so long. *Then Oda-san did it again!* He literally can't keep getting away with it! (Waiting for that next delicious scan to hit the getting spot tomorrow. Chapter 1120 is gonna be so peak! I am so ready to be blow away again)

[@royalfun1031]

​@Moe_Posting_Chad y tho

[@Moe_Posting_Chad]

@@royalfun1031 If you know you know...

[@royalfun1031]

@@Moe_Posting_Chad FMI?

[@Moe_Posting_Chad]

@@royalfun1031 Did you somehow skip Whole Cake Island?

[@kylejenquine6680]

Well my two favorite book reviewers just came together to talk about my favorite series since I was 10. I've been a fan of Murphy since she was reviewing the Harry Potter series then one day randomly read one piece. And I know book born from song of ice and fire. This has never been a better time to be a one piece fan. Welcome aboard everyone

[@Bookborn]

Thanks for the welcome!! I'm collecting fandoms like infinity stones at this point

[@pablobuquet2534]

Manga goes so incredibly hard rn

[@Sw4lley]

Damn, Merphy did thread the needle perfectly in her information clarifications. I'll love to see Bookborn discover onepiece from the TV series point of view.

[@alastorcorvus]

Top ten anime team-ups! You two (and the Goblin) were my introduction to Booktube, I'm thrilled to see you collaborating, and on a One Piece video, no less.

[@FerPaduan]

As a manga reader, anime and live action watcher, I have to say that Nami and Bellemere story was fine in live action, incredible in the manga, but SUPERB in the ANIMÉ. They added real good scenes (the walk!!!) and the pacing and the music it's AMAZING. Top episodes (top 10 or top 5) in the whole 1000 episodes show.

[@ItsNickster]

merphy's response to the buggy question has me CACKLING

[@TyandOnGoing]

I’m enjoying that you decided to do show first then manga because it going to give you a VERY unique perspective compared to everyone else. I hope Merphy has the time to chat with you about s2 of the alabasta saga. There a lot more to unpack about that saga more than East blue imo so I’m excited.

[@M.W.K6996]

Season One: I can honestly say that I'm pretty satisfied with the results. I was a little concerned when I learned that my all time favorite anime was going to get a live action series - even after I learned that Eiichiro Oda was working with the people working on this project, I was still skeptical. But after watching it, I can definitely see the faithfulness to Oda's source materiel while also being a bit more ground; and trying out something a little different. I was pretty happy with the casting choice, as most of the actors did a fantastic job at portraying their respected characters - my favorite being the portrayal of Dracule Mihawk; despite his limited appearances in the anime and manga, he has always been one of my favorite characters (and I was more than happy to see him getting more screen time on this series). And while I did like Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, his portrayal at times came off as weak - I get that he was trying to capture the stern and seriousness of Zoro, but he doesn't really have the voice for it just yet, which is why I think he could have used just a bit more energy. And while Iñaki Godoy's acting also came off as weak at times, his personality usually made up for it. I get that there is only so much you can do with real people, and you have so much more room with animation, which is why plenty of stuff was cut out in the first season. But I really wish it had at least ten episodes, if it would have helped for us to see more of the characters we enjoyed and it could have helped build up more of the story - such as Don Krieg, Pearl, Genzo, Nojiko, Cabaji, Merry, Gin, Patty, Mohji, Mayor Boodle, Kuroobi, Choo, and even Arlong's sawblade, or a bit more on the relationships between the crew and their past; as well as the people in their lives. And while there were times when the choreography was obvious, most of the times it was done very well. And I don't object for diversity, just as long as it makes sense. I really do hope that Netflix keeps these people on their payroll, so they can continue bringing this amazing world to life.

[@apoptosisduellinks109]

What a wonderful discussion, and both of you were lovely to listen and watch!

[@rollsroyce1213]

having Merhpy join this community was such a blessing so I'm sure you'll be an awesome addition as well. you can make hours long review about One Piece and I'll be listening to it like how i binged through Merphy's One piece review playlist. can't wait for future content and I'm so happy to have you. NAKAMA!

[@Potata_Potato]

My sister has never read manga, EVER. She watched One Piece Live Action and IMMEDIATELY started asking to borrow manga volumes from me to see where the story was headed. Now she’s at volume 41 and shows no signs of slowing down. Thankfully I’ve collected all releases!

[@reco7234]

I had a smile trough this whole video, i loved listening a different perspective for one piece, it is an amazing story

[@deliii395]

Loved this whole discussion! It's really interesting seeing the perspective of someone who's first source was the Live action. But I'm glad you're reading the manga too! FYI while fans didn't mind Don Kreig getting cut , people didn't really like the Garp/koby storyline especially cause there's a very deliberate way the marines and characters belonging to the marines are explored and utilized in the story which differs from the way Straw hats are explored. The live action kind of did away with that dichotomy. It also pushed the garp being granpa reveal really forward in comparison to the very specific place where it's revealed in the manga. Also it was revealed that this storyline was one of the things that Oda wasn't very keen on when he first read the script for live action but the Showrunner convinced Oda to let him keep it.

[@adamrivers3250]

First ASOIAF and now OP, Bookborn is picking up all my favs and I’m here for it.

[@mindyphillips260]

I love this. As someone who's watched the anime, read the manga, and loved the live action, I really appreciated how it was stated you had a different favorite character in both. My favorite strawhat is Zoro in the anime/manga. The live action favorite is Nami. My favorite character that's not a straw hat in the anime/manga doesn't show up until way later. In the Live Action so far it's Koby. Morgan Davies nailed that role.

[@Furitenma]

This is awesome, I love seeing these kinds of perspectives. I also love how Murphy didn’t spoil anything about the story. It’s so hard not to go on and on about these characters but the conversation was great without it. I hope to see more of your takes as you go through the story in the live action.

[@ThePjRivera]

Really hope you keep covering your reaction to the rest of the manga. The story is so rewarding you’re going to love it.

[@jimbrown5387]

Two of my FAVE book tubers together. Y'all made my week. Thank you. I, too, came to One Piece live action having failed to be captivated by either the manga or the anime. I think it is a MARVELOUS show!!!!!

[@Raishiwi]

As someone with 2 daughters it makes me incredibly happy to see that the anime and manga commentary isn't the all boys club it used to be. This discussion was really amazing. I discovered Batman through the 90s animated series then became a comic lover. It's so cool that One Piece now will have similar origin stories for people.

[@KicBacJac]

Wow I really loved this conversation! I’m a long time One Piece fan who started watching the anime when I was 15, around 2010. I’ve always had a genuine connection to this series and it wasn’t until the Netflix adaption that my wife gained interest in it (she knew I loved the series, but isn’t a big anime/manga fan in general). She really enjoyed her watch of the live action so I found this discussion relatable on so many levels. I thought the live action did a really good job of capturing the essence of the series, while the manga definitely goes more in depth with background stories and that connection to each pit stop village/island our characters make. I look forward to more discussions when season 2 drops! 😁

[@XiuHang]

This was really cool to listen to. Getting an outsider's perspective on the live action was really interesting. Since I've been following the manga for nearly 25 years now I've reread the series multiple times, and I focused more on what was included in the live action than what was excluded. I had accepted that the live action wasn't going to be able to do everything and I cared more about how well the do what they can. For the most part I felt that the live action did really well. My biggest gripe is the way they broke up the backstories as flashbacks intertwined in the main story, while in the manga the flashbacks are mostly done in full. It definitely hurts Luffy's and Usopp's characters handling the flashbacks that way. With Luffy's backstory it wasn't written as a flashback and loses a lot of the impact by being told in snippets. Then for Usopp, in my opinion, it ruins the entire story arc the way they did his back story. In the manga Usopp is first viewed as a liar and a jerk, but then you get to know the real character of Usopp. You get to see his caring side with Kaya. Then in the conversations with the other's in the crew you get to see his desire to be brave. Then when the Black Cat pirates are coming you get to see his cleverness. Then when the plans go awry and everything's on the line you get to see Usopp's bravery. Then at the very end, after you as the reader have learned that Usopp isn't the lying jerk you first met, you learn that he never was a lying jerk; he was just a kid who was scarred by the loss of his mother. I also think I can provide some insight into the whole Bellemere not getting her fight in the live action. One of my other gripes is how Bellemere was handled in the live action. They try to make Bellemere more of a mother figure in the live action, but in the manga the whole point was that she wasn't motherly. Bellemere died at age 30 in the manga. She was the wild child of the village who became a marine then returned home with two children. The whole time she struggles to be a mother, but she does her best even when she's in over her head. In the live action they make Bellemere a lot more motherly. She's a lot more gentle. And I hate pointing it out, but the person they cast to play Bellemere looks 10-15 years older than the character of Bellemere. In the context of Bellemere being more motherly and less wild child the fight with Arlong would make less sense. And because it's relevant I just want to point out two smaller, but significant gripes. 1. In the live action Bellemere slaps Nami when Nami proclaims Bellemere isn't her real mother. In the manga Bellemere slaps Nami when Nami proclaims Nojiko isn't her real sister. I felt like that pretty significantly changed the sentiment. 2. In the live action Luffy hears out Nami's story from Nojiko. I think the manga handles Nami's non-betrayal brilliantly. Zoro first notices it, Sanji wants to believe it, Usopp experiences it, and Luffy just doesn't care because he already cares for Nami. At the hat pass scene, live action Luffy knows and will fight for Nami, but the manga Luffy doesn't know and will fight for Nami.

[@Bookborn]

What an insightful analysis about Bellemere and I couldn’t agree more. The emotional part of her story is how hard she tries for them even though she isn’t great at it, and agreed that the slap coming after she says Nojiko isn’t her real sister is a super different flavor. Again, still uncertain why they couldn’t have kept that the same.

[@s.davidcox7523]

Fan-freaking-tastic! I'm just getting into the One Piece manga because of my son's love for the amine. You two are both great! Fun mixed with genuine thoughtfulness and insight. Thank you both!

[@Luai93]

The live action has to adapt Loguetown before starting the Arabasta Saga. That's why Buggy is important; he has his role and a very important scene on the next island.

[@em5522]

I'm really glad Bookborn is sticking to the show bc it'll be really neat to hear the takeaways from newer fans who don't know more of the story. The first season puts in quite a good amount of elements that should pay off later. But already knowing abt these elements, I think, will likely make it harder for older fans to judge how well the developments play out for new fans.

[@IbbyMelbourne]

I love that fantasy booktube is getting into One Piece. Bookborn, Merphy, Daniel, Jimmy, Allen, Mike, Philip, Petrik, etc. I'm dying for more collabs. I know Philip and Mike are planning on reading it together. But I'm selfish and can't get enough One Piece discussions! 😆

[@il-seven]

Always exiting to see the perspective of those who watched the show first, so thank you for this video

[@jcnot9712]

6:00 as Merphy said, his name is Zoro. I believe Viz had issues with the copyright holders of “El Zorro” so they’ve kept “Zolo” just to be safe. Everywhere else he’s called “Zoro.”

[@chaos4654]

I think it's moreso the first group (might've been 4kids) to translate One Piece were *afriad* of getting into a legal dispute instead of a legal issue actually happening.

[@jazzycat8917]

There was never any copy right issue. "El Zorro" had long since been in public domain, but 4Kids in their infinite wisdom didn't bother to do any research on it so they just assumed it was still copyright. Viz then copied what 4Kids had done, not bothering to fix the mistake.

[@GoldenKaos]

They didn’t have issues, they were essentially overcautious. It’s genuinely annoying they’ve kept it wrong for the sake of consistency for *decades* after it was cleared up.

[@jammersanimovieblog]

Viz actually started initial print runs with Zoro, but switched to Zolo to match the 4kids dub. They then stuck to it long after

[@Bookborn]

@@jazzycat8917 I was WONDERING about this because I was like "why would zorro be a copyright issue"

[@rezahydra]

Loved this, YT recommended treating me well, can’t wait to delve more into your channel! Also… 37:38 I CANNOT unsee the Lord Farquad meme from Shrek 1, just “Look, the longest fight was cut!” or “Look, Don Krieg was killed in 2 seconds by Mihawk!” and now I need to actually go and make that XD

[@phobic1818]

Thank you for bringing PEAK to your channel ❤

[@wbebbs]

Thanks v much! The interaction c MN really worked. I appreciate your thoughtful, honest and insightful work. I am sure you have a clear understanding of what your viewers want more of but ... your essays are the best. The reviews are great, do not misunderstand me, but your commentary is brill. Your videos on race and censorship are two good examples of excellent research and explanations of not-easily-parsed topics. Merci, merci, merci.

[@graememunro8427]

what a perfect Collab! Love you both for your different content. Really hope/MX cited to see you continuing journeying with the straw hats!

[@DXDragon38]

"I love how Joyful this makes me feel" That's what One Piece is all about! I'm glad you took the time to give the series a chance, and I hope you have an incredible journey exploring the series! Been a fan of One Piece since I first started Reading/Watching it in 2004, and the series has only gotten better and better 20 years later! 😄

[@mosdvious1]

- HAT PASS OFF - happens, READER/WATCHER " I loved that part " , FANDOM " WE GOT EM "

[@alastorcorvus]

Along with the "Why am I crying for a boat?" Then you know we got them for the loooong ride.

[@dkutch8776]

@@alastorcorvus why am I crying about a dog? why am I crying about a boat? why am I crying about a donut? why am I crying about a man who dresses like a baby?

[@mrseangardner22]

Glad to hear a live action first opinion, it was a nice prospective. Welcome to the crew.

[@mdunt9183]

the sanji line " crap geezer " is actually better translated as "shitty old man "

[@Bookborn]

I figured it shouldn’t have been “crap” but tbh I felt the mildness of the word added to they hilarity and so I sort of liked it 🥲🥲

[@clarkeashley39]

Nice to see a new fan and enjoyed her and Merphy's talk

[@burgerlover4574]

Quite possibly the greatest collaboration . Thank you for making every book KZbinr read one piece lol

[@Heartbreak_Kidd]

really? the greatest collab?

[@burgerlover4574]

@@Heartbreak_Kiddfor me 😭

[@MDrishad-td9xj]

welcome to one piece club mate! as a lifelong one piece fan , i dont know why i am so obsessed with live action content .anywhere i find live action i just keep watching . i get so much recommending opla to my friends as they have wild theories like mihawk and buggy joining the crew and so many wild perspective its awesome to listen to you !came from merphys channel now i also subbed here

[@jcnot9712]

Keep your Koby stocks, Bookborn. That’s all I’ll say on that.

[@Bookborn]

I will never not be a Koby fan don’t you worry

[@jcnot9712]

@@BookbornI hope your husband’s moderating the comments or something, ‘cause the One Piece fanbase isn’t well known for respecting spoilers. Thread these waters carefully.

[@Moe_Posting_Chad]

Spoilers. *GARP DIED FOR NOTHING! FUCK KOBY!*

[@rsync9490]

Bookborn is now reading one piece, too? I would have never guessed one-piece would become so popular in the west when i read this manga series as a kid.

[@Bookborn]

It must be so disorienting for fans since the beginning to see so many new fans 25 years later!

[@jayko2853]

Idk why Merphy said that but Buggy IS actually really important in the manga later on (he will even be in Season 2 at loguetown)

[@zanypsychout9141]

she specifically said he isn't a big part of Alabasta, which is accurate, she probably wasn't thinking about loguetown when she said it

[@zSlicksco]

Being almost done with whole cake island in the anime. This conversation makes me so happy! Enjoy the journey! Would love to see another update video on your progress of the series when season 2 comes out

[@mayroblack1777]

Was not expecting this but I love it… keep it up bookborn ❤

[@FelipeFrotaBass]

lovely video and loved all takes from both of you! So cool that you'll keep the perspective on "show first and manga later", it's pretty cool to see through this perspective!

[@eliashigham8901]

So glad to hear you liked the live action and have joined the cruise with the manga! Excited to see how you feel about the upcoming material

[@jordywhitmer4793]

One piece Stan here. IT'S SO AWESOME that you're planning on sticking with the show first. I love these incredibly unique points of view

[@pietarimajuri9753]

Live action got me into One Piece! In May I caught up with the anime, and in the manga I'm currently at Dressrosa. Soon I'll get to read non-anime material, so exciting!

[@RaisinBug]

Loved this discussion! Hearing the live action first vs manga first perspective was super interesting!

[@timogul]

The reason I think they did Garp stuff, and why I was fine with it, was because I think it did a good job at expanding the world a bit more than the manga had done, or at least in a more economical way. It detailed how the Marines worked, what their role was in that world, why they were sometimes the villain, not not _always_ the villain. It sort of rounded out a lot of the edges of the pacing too. Oh, and I will say, my One Piece journey was having binge-watched basically all of East Blue, which was all that existed at the time, and then going back and reading the manga and continuing both forward from there.

[@usagi77777772003]

Loved this discussion and wish it went on for even longer! Bookborn, similar to you, both me and my sister experienced the Netflix live action version of One Piece before the manga or anime. We fell madly in love and couldn't resist watching a huge bulk of the anime (though it was a shortened fan-made version called One Pace). You're not alone in finding the Don Krieg fight to drag on for too long. Having watched quite a bit of the anime, I find that a lot of the action/fight scenes in One Piece to always be the culprit when it comes to slowing down pacing. I find the lore/history, worldbuilding, and character backstories to be super engaging, but then the fights start and more often than not, everything gets stretched out. It also doesn't help that many of the fights are written more as matchups rather than scenarios that progress the plot: It's like right before some important plot point or character revelation is unveiled, we have to watch the characters first fight minions #1, 2, 3, etc. This causes many of the fights to be more of an obstacle to story advancement and it's why most One Piece fights are my least favorite part of this masterful series. In my opinion, so many of them hold the plot hostage, lol. Luckily, characters and plot are always the most important elements for me in any story and One Piece prioritizes those aspects first and foremost, so I can easily put up with the more lackluster action.

[@usagi77777772003]

And now, onto my most hated One Piece Live Action change: Even before watching the anime (having seen the live action first), I found the villagers to be really one-note and was disappointed that Nojiko, Nami's own sister, believed in her betrayal so easily. It's really unrealistic that she harbored hatred for Nami all these years without ever attempting to dig deeper. After their mother's death, Nami was her last remaining family member, so how could she bear to give up on her? The way she just assumed the worst, even spitting at her feet in the LA (live action) turned my blood cold. Her actions made it seem like she never really understood or loved Nami to begin with. What made it even worse was Genko's half-assed apology at the end that lasted one second. As a first time watcher, I was like, "Um...that's it? That was WEAK!" It really made Nami's loved ones come off as cardboard characters rather than actual people. Then I found out from fan complaints that this wasn't the case in the anime/manga. Apparently, both Nojiko and Genko as well as the entire village knew about Nami's sacrifice. That made much more sense to me and upon seeing the anime version, I was blown away by how much deeper it was than the LA. Both anime Nojiko and Genko felt like three-dimensional people, capable of critical thinking, who harbored unconditional love for Nami. Even when they were shocked and hurt by Nami's supposed betrayal, initially lashing out a bit, they never completely gave up on her. Nojiko quickly wised up and set about trying to figure everything out on her own. She started following Nami around and soon found out the truth. Even Genko and the villagers figured everything out eventually, but just chose not to say anything in order to give Nami the chance to break away from the burden of saving their village anytime she wanted. They were every bit worthy of Nami's sacrifice/suffering and proved that she wasn't the only one doing all the sacrificing. I get that the LA creators wanted to make Nami as sympathetic as possible to easily endear her to the viewers, but that shouldn't come at the cost of removing all layers/nuances from others to prop up one character. It makes her entire village feel less believable and lived in as everything/everyone there seemingly revolves only around Nami. At the very least, Nojiko and Genko should have eventually figured out her sacrifice and kept it a secret out of their love and desire to set her free, thus giving both characters more agency. Both Genko and Nojiko were underutilized in the LA and Genko, especially, felt more like a prop, existing for fan service (looked just like anime/manga him) rather than a character. Aside from the stealing incident in one of the flashbacks, he offered practically nothing to the narrative. The meaning of Nojiko's tattoos and his pinwheel are entirely lost here...what a shame! Upon watching the anime and getting the complete backstory, I loved this arc even more. It had everything: Betrayal, grief, slavery, oppression, loyalty, and unconditional love. This is where Oda really showed us he was capable of crafting mature/brutal stories. Bellemare's sacrifice and the fact that the entire village was secretly aware of Nami's suffering/sacrifice was extremely heartwrenching. Overall, the anime version of Arlong Park is a masterpiece and blows LA Arlong Park (much as I respect/adore it) out of the water, no contest! But I do have to say that, for me, Nami's "help me" scene in the live action was just as emotional as it was in the anime (subbed). Both versions gutted me equally and I also LOVED the live action only scene where she started screaming, "you can't do this..." while Nezumi's men held her down. So compelling and heart-wrenching: Emily Rudd's performance hit it out of the ballpark!!!

[@mountain_p4th]

47:17 Bookborn: There's a couple people I didn't love the acting of in the show Merph: Name and shame. 🤣

[@Fei-qj7lf]

This was such a fun discussion coming from someone completely new, had some nitpicks about the LA but I'm happy to know you enjoyed it enough to continue with it as your main OP medium!

[@JustinGoran]

I would LOVE to hear you two talk about each arc together and how it was portrayed in the show! this was a great overview chat but I feel like you two could talk for an hour on both arcs haha and welcome to the fandom!

[@kamaldeepatkar3081]

I rarely watch whole streams of discussions ( even for one piece ) surprisingly I watched this one. I understand your decision of staying live action first, but personally I would suggest you to continue reading the manga cause of better world building, character development and much more, but the biggest reason I would say is 'Spoilers' between years of waiting for live action you would DEFINITELY get riddled with major spoilers from one source or another maybe even your comments section and man does spoilers hurts for one piece, I would say the biggest hooking & oof factor for one piece is its mysteries and revelations they make you go crazy I still remember being literally on the edge of my chair many time while watching one piece for first time as anime, like example - garp revelation wasn't even mystery but it was BIG. Live action actors are soo good ( especially straw hats ) but they & the whole series is tied back by many many things so you won't be enjoying one piece at its best. I would have said to watch anime but since you are really conscious of pacing I will not & since you already have live action character's voices set in your head it would be too conflicting to digest but I will tell you nothing can top the comedy and fun of one piece anime ( maybe not even the new anime adaptation ). You won't have to worry about lengthy fights in manga for about 200 chapters. And since you love it covering one piece regularly could maybe great for channel.

[@JLUKIM7]

2:38 Joyful huh? Boy I can't believe she said that.

[@ElDragow]

Just wanted to say how happy i am to hear you're reading Haikyu!! Literally not only one of my favorite sports manga, but manga in general. It has the perfect balance between slice of life elements, like interpersonal relationships, having self doubt, insecurities, and much more, mixed with the epicness of the matches that are like the hype you feel from reading a battle shounen. As someone who's done sports, especially team sports, reading haikyu was amazing and i'm still sad about the fact it's finished.

[@flashedits2084]

Now we just need Merphy to start reading A Song of Ice and Fire

[@Bookborn]

Can I convince her?? Maybe my next goal 🤪🤪

[@vigilantvigilante2582]

@@Bookborn YES! Do it! As a longtime fan of both of yours, another collab is welcome and appreciated

[@finalfantasymad]

@@Bookborn Don't do it. As much as I love the books I have come to terms that they will probably never be finished. Don't let someone else suffer.

[@VinnieMF]

She's tried before, about 5 years ago, and quit in the 2nd book.

[@PedroKrick]

​​@@finalfantasymad you realize that you're saying this in a video about one piece (which started at 1998 just like asoiaf) with two book tubers who also read brandon sanderson who have even more books and will probably take longer to finish his own series? I get the uncertain feel about grrm writing pace but most of the pessimism around it is bc he got late and the show passed the books and also he used to keep Giving us dates and postponing it. People really overreact to it but bookborn herself already is re-reading the series for how good it is. Even if it really ends up without a proper ending it is still one of the best pieces of literature out there.

[@cherryfulK]

I enjoyed this so much! I can’t wait to be back here for the Alabasta saga discussion. Just hope Season 2 of the Live Action isn’t going to have spoilers like the Garp appearance. 😓

[@mohan7273]

I love how Merph carries over the conversation without giving up any spoilers (like a true one piece fan) but there is always I know you will love it face :D

[@hobbitall]

Just happy to hear more people talking about One Piece 😊

[@Mariamox]

I love when a booktuber gets into one piece it's soo funn to hear different peoples perspectives are towards the themes and characters of this manga

[@dogman6687]

Ladies and gentlemen... we got her

[@bloodyswordsmen23]

This is soooo good keep doing more these its so kool seeing bookworms dissect one piece

[@Sharkey1208]

One of my favorite parts about the manga is how often the towns and islands feel like their own characters and not just set dressing.

[@DanTheMan3152]

A suggestion for the next one: have the one who knows what’s going to happen (merph) ask the one who’s new (bookborn) to predict plot lines. That’s one of my favorite things when people start one piece. What do you think will happen in the next arc? Which characters will be involved? What plot lines do you see being tied in? What unanswered questions will be addressed? Do you think the crew will get bigger? Anyone you think will join? The list goes on and on. Great vid!

[@DanTheMan3152]

1:12:08 nvm, good job guys!

[@Jonathan-wn9pk]

OP is a great story and I think the Live Action did a great job portraying that story but not necessarily portraying the individual themes of each arc. That Don Krieg fight was about showing Sanji learning about giving things up for your dreams. Chou Chou and Buggy is about the meaning of “treasure” and Arlong Park is about needing and accepting help. The story is great without this stuff being drilled home but something definitely gets lost in translation.

[@Moe_Posting_Chad]

Not to mention the character assassination of Garp. And the plot hooks that were removed and will cause narrative issues in later arcs... It feels so bad man.

[@AlbertoCiarrocca]

i love everything you said please continue reading one piece. We'll have to do something about that "zoro is my favorite charactrer" though but there's time

[@Bookborn]

Why can’t zoro be my fav 🥲🥲🥲

[@AlbertoCiarrocca]

@@Bookborn well because we need to make space for Usopp! But again, there's time for that no need to rush :)

[@vednair7951]

Bookborn just casually revealing they're reading all of my fav series