One Piece: The Reality of Fantasy

[@MelonTeee]

Break up with basic browsers. Get Opera GX here: operagx.gg/MelonTeee

[@nerobiblios4086]

Any plans on making videos about the Live Action? I'm interested in your opinion of it.

[@lonemichi5289]

Can you do the worm on camera and upload it thx

[@_CNT_]

No melontree, don't advertise the chinese spyware!

[@Magni87]

Sorry MT. I already have.

[@Freaky.Franky]

Dose any one find it funny how one piece fans joke about how one piece is MID, and yet we still love or like it?

[@iamdivan7368]

The two part two hours Luffy video is coming, Mel. You can't run from it forever

[@Ashgrey0]

She can't keep getting away with it😭

[@janeboxxer9511]

@@Ashgrey0 WHAT IM SAYING

[@erossauro2427]

YES

[@Santiago-lf4dz]

This Will happen

[@AsuraOkami]

I get hyped when I see a new video of yours up. Always becomes an instant watch because i know it will be a banger.

[@jacobhays8678]

The biggest thing I get from Skypeia specifically is the theme of history and it’s ramifications. Montblanc Noland, as opposed to the lying fool we were first told about, was a badass and a hero to the early Shandians, as well as a great friend to Calgara. But due to a circumstance that neither of them could’ve ever predicted, Noland was put to death for lying and acknowledged as a joke for generations. And when ever I think about it, I can’t help but wonder: “What about us? How many Montblanc Nolands exist in our world? How many historical figures that we acknowledge as failures were actually noble people?” I didn’t sign up for an existential crisis when I first started One Piece, but that’s the kind of stuff folks mean whenever they say it’s not your typical Shonen.

[@goofywill90]

I think Noland is Usopp's ancestor. And a foreshadowing for Joy Boy the one who disappeared from history.

[@Iarlen]

If you want to know how many Nolands exist, start looking into adolf hitler first. You would be shocked.

[@AlexT7916]

​@@Iarlenno , Hitler was just a straight up horrible person

[@luluazhal5565]

​@@Iarlenget lost, nazi

[@gungnir1474]

​@@AlexT7916bro tried to sneak in HITLER. What the hell

[@alexcurtis6180]

The fact that Oda has written multiple genocides into the series and still gets dismissed as "cartoon trash" just goes to show that people cannot understand this series until they experience it. One Piece is the epitome of "don't judge a book by its cover"

[@bug7461]

Just want to say that you convinced me to start watching One Piece so now we're both stuck in this for life

[@ACeForgot]

Same here

[@eeluim7201]

Same here

[@friendlyneighbourhooddegen4739]

Same here!

[@majestyzx9081]

You'd be better off reading it, unless you just have an exorbitant amount of free time. Best of luck to you either way 🎉.

[@chowrites6179]

Enjoy the ride, its been wild for us all but we all still love this series

[@MakkenziKreiga]

One of the most impressive things about Oda's work is "One Piece" can be described with deadly seriousness or as goofy beyond belief. And both work equally.

[@C.C.369]

OMG SO TRUE! I'm one of the deadly serious point of viewers and recently got in an argument with a goofy beyond belief viewer and their points where just completely valid and somehow on point, even tho I NEVER looked at it like this. That lil talk totally opened my eyes to the fascination that is the fact of your comment! It's SO BEAUTIFUL and indeed impressive that both sides work!! MASTERPIECE 💯💯💯

[@MegaRay220]

Checklist for a MelonTeee video: 1.) Skypiea 2.) Law Backstory 3.) Sanji Backstory

[@Karla-rk5pe]

4) Whole Cake Island is peak OP arc

[@notationmusical]

Since Fishman Island isn't talked enough, I want to mention how this arc parallels Skypiea and other arcs with how fear and hatred of others warps people. While Fisher Tiger experienced the suffering of being enslaved, this did not stop him from freeing both fishmen and other slaves like Koala. But he could not let go of his hatred of humans as he was dying and refused the blood transfusion. Otohime was aware of the situation, having experienced none of the traumatic experiences, yet still trying to find peace. And while Hody isn't as memorable as other villains, I feel that was intentional. People can just see him as another bad guy Luffy has to punch, but what interests me about him is that he hadn't suffered like Fisher Tiger or even Arlong, which reminds me a little of Wyper. He was in an environment where it was encouraged for fishmen to hate humans. This drove him to the point of showing no remorse to even the fishmen wanting to befriend the humans and assassinating Otohime. All these people feel real in a setting with mermaids and fantastical sea creatures.

[@beckhampang191]

Hody became one of my favourite villains once he said "nothing" The chills i got from that. I wanted to relate, i wanted to care, i wanted to know... because we always want to find reasons for someone's hatred and then we can solve or change them through it. But when he said NOTHING. Woah. That gut punch hit me in real life because sometimes u cant change people or relate or understand them. They are just Wrong.

[@alifnovaldi5195]

Hody is a villain we supposed to just hate because he's a representation of blind, inherited hate. Just like how Neo Nazi and young KKK hate something just because their parent hated them

[@maeschder]

Hody was hating for hatred's sake. It became a self-promoting idea without the slightest reason or justification at least. Imho it perfectly mirrors how some people will become incredibly opinionated and reactionary on some topics, despite never having been personally impacted. Like how people get super mad about LGBT issues being talked about or racial justice just because it annoys them to hear about it.

[@96WackoXJacko96]

Baby 5's need to be useful to someone is definitely a story from OP that can hit really close to home imo. I'm sure there are plenty of people who have known someone similar to her, who constantly tries to be of help even at the cost of their wellbeing. Baby 5's story is very brief but you feel for her immediately

[@martinacosta3821]

You know what i NEVER hear people talk, is her name, baby 5, as in, they didnt even bother to name her, and just called her as the 5th child, like, wtf?? Thats sad af too

[@alexandralugo1743]

​@@martinacosta3821I was just about to talk about it! I was gonna say that it's crazy that no one bothered to name her. Her mother named her Baby5 beacuse she was the 5th baby, the 5th mouth to feed.

[@corvus6381]

You are absolutely right but yet her story is still made to be over the top. Real life people who go through that would still not accept every marriage proposal from random strangers or hold a gun to their head. Thats what makes people able to just distance them enough from it to still allow the light hearted and goofy scenes between and to not make it too depressing to watch

[@ramonavila3847]

​@@martinacosta3821Juxtapose that with how Hiruluk went just "Fuck it you are Tony Tony Chopper from now on". At that moment Chopper knew that someone cared for him and was so happy and laughing even though he was like "Tony Tony Chopper really ????"

[@sakura5sango6]

And then there's Señor Pink's story, which might be more common that what we'd like it to be... and OH, GOSH, it's so tragic :(

[@docileventriloquist]

One Piece is just so great at making it's worldbuilding mean something to the story. It really makes the difference to just having a crazy in depth world, when every part that's shown adds to whatever story is currently being told.

[@taloutezero]

A great example of this is Wapo-metal. The result of an antagonist devil fruit ability that has such world wide applications that a main character in the series created one of their greatest weapons with it.

[@bitterchco]

NEVER STOP TALKING ABOUT ONE PIECE PLEASE i love when you take this series and put it under a microscope and study it it's amazing

[@DurianKing]

Oda is like a historian who's read many, many examples of human depravity and atrocious behavior, but still haven't lost faith in humanity.

[@joshjonson2368]

Isn't that just called coping

[@DurianKing]

@@joshjonson2368 nothing wrong with coping, if it meant the creation of One Piece.

[@worthlesskid125]

If you don’t mind me asking, do you think it would greatly help in my writing ability to become such a person, too?

[@kishorikumari9014]

@@worthlesskid125 absolutely. The more knowledge you have, the better you'll write. And chances are, the better person you'll become

[@thequeenofcringe1585]

@@joshjonson2368no need to be so cynical

[@ninnoofthelastunicorn]

That last bit, regarding the catharsis in the simplicity of the answers. I'm so glad you brought that up after what so many of us talked about recently. Wano is still haunting me because of the violence and hurt that was out into one good punch. Everytime Luffy punches a tyrant, dictator, or a selfish despot, I heal a bit more.

[@primarybufferpanel9939]

Water 7 hit me like a brick. The themes in Usopp and Robin's stories were pretty personal. A lot of people struggle with their worthy and I think that's one of the reason's it's viewed as potentially the peak of One Piece.

[@user-dp2vx7di1m]

"What if we can solve all these problems with just a punch? What if one funny monkey boy could lift you out of that hole and take your hand" hits so hard. This, I think, is a big part why Luffy works so well as a protagonist and why fans get so attached to him. Even subconsciously, we see him as a wish-fulfilment relief from all our possible problems.

[@becca_98]

So... about the really close to home part, my cousin (who was like a big brother to me) died, and when I was watching Marineford (one year after his passing) Luffy's pain while losing Ace shook me... In that case I was gratefull to Oda because, even as weird as it sounds, I felt less alone in my pain, having Luffy going through the same! And dont let me get started on Jimbei speach! Like... it was what I needed at the moment ❤

[@Tyty-qi2gu]

I'm sorry, Rest In Peace to your cousin

[@becca_98]

@@Tyty-qi2gu oh thank you, thats really sweet

[@bug7461]

24:18 This has to be my favorite aspect of the show. The grand story, characters, and worldwide politics are all amazing, but nothing beats the comfort of knowing that trough it all, the strawhat crew is going to be alright. After the big bad is defeated their going to have a HUGE party until, everyone is tired, and the call of adventure starts tugging away at Luffys heart. Love these silly pirates

[@chriszorander9333]

"I just want to die" -> "I want to live" hit very hard. I connected a lot to that arc.

[@andrelobato7763]

I know it sometimes seems like the solution boils down to a punch, but quite often Luffy is only able to get as far as he has because of real grassroots movements in the lands he saves. The small, seemingly insignificant decisions of millions of people to topple that which is oppressing them, being given strength through Luffy’s fist and vice versa. Man I love Oda

[@nerd.berserker]

Yes! This is what really elevates One Piece, in my opinion. The people are not passive recipients of freedom, they are an active, crucial part of freeing themselves! It couldn't be done without them! If people didn't have agency in their own liberation, the message of freedom would ring hollow

[@zack_feldman]

It’s crazy that it has stayed relevant and good at the level it has. I started reading one piece when I was 14…now 22 years later I still read it weekly. It’s an amazing story.

[@CreepyGralloch]

The thing that most often gets me in the world of One Piece is that things are never purely black and white, and nobody is perfect. Every character, culture, and island is somehow flawed. Every conflict has deep roots, and despite there being that big bad thing you can slap out of the way, and you can throw a big party to feel better, we're still left with no perfect ending. When we leave, there is still work to do. The world lives and breathes outside of the main characters' sphere of influence and things don't exist in a vacuum. It's something that many series don't do correctly, or even show, and it adds to the realism and grounding of the series, since it echoes a lot of what we go through in our own lives.

[@samuraikarasu]

Something I adore is we've cut back to Dressrosa several times since the events of Doflamingos birdcage. Basically every time we see it, they're STILL repairing the damage done there. Because of course they are. A giant golem made out of stone burst out of the ground and left all sorts of structural damage. Buildings were shredded by razor sharp strings. It shows that even though Luffy saved them, they still have a mess to clean up. Now that they're free though, they're all willing to do what it takes to bring their country back to its former glory without Doffy running the show.

[@AnaRodriguez-vt3sh]

Also the crew saved alabasta from crocodile but it’s still in danger thanks to the control the world government has over the kingdoms and it’s history with lily. In the real world, the only realistic way of solving problems and liberating is through wealth, power, and influence, something luffy is fighting to achieve. All the empathy, intelligence and unity in the world won’t change it alone. you need wealth, fame and power.

[@spacepiratecaptainrush1237]

One Piece is cartoon introduction to Anarchism. It's quintessential Shonen power fantasy but the fantasy is "what if I could make people's lives better by punching entrenched power structures?"

[@jedexentry]

WTF!! I wanna yell out loud why I love this series so much. Just like you quote "Grounded in its conception, Romantic in its execution" It gives me HOPE with what people has been going through whatever generation you belong just by reading or watching the series every week.

[@On3Pa55]

Mel. MEL. You just cant stop knocking these out of the park. The complexity of this series and the questions it asks, versus the simplicity of its answers is why I love it so much. There's such a sublime beauty to it that makes it the perfect escapism, even when real life is particularly rough. I just- theres only so many ways I can try to describe how much I adore your writing and voice for these things, how digestible and clear your interpretations are, without coming across as a broken record. This was such an amazing video, and spoilers or not, does a great job of letting people know of the depths this series has beyond its surface absurdity.

[@CobaltMarigold]

I always watch MelonTree’s sponsorship time because it’s actually as entertaining as the video. I feel bad for my family that have to hear me laugh every two seconds while I’m watching your videos.

[@majestyzx9081]

I feel bad for them too.

[@beckhampang191]

Melonteee trying to sneak in complimenting Zoro's massively huge badonkadonks anytime she can in a video.

[@cowardi]

Fantasy is actually pretty easy, I just imagined myself being the richest man alive and it happened in my head.

[@kaischreurs2488]

imagine having aphantasia

[@peppasfrontface_]

​@@kaischreurs2488what's that

[@Slater2113]

@@peppasfrontface_Imagine you had a device with access to a search engine

[@CEOofTired]

That's a dream. Dreams are technically part of our mental reality, so your not too far off in that sense. However, to convey how you become a rich man in a fantasy based story. That takes more time, effort, history lessons, and so much more to properly write it out, and have it stick with it's audience.

[@CEOofTired]

​@@peppasfrontface_An illness that some people have(myself included), when it's come to images not showing in our heads. Like. I can I imagined something, but the truth is, I mostly hear that imagine via words. Not images like most humans. Having this illness really sucks as an artist as well😭💔

[@sidetracker3496]

I've always had an affinity for Sanji due to growing up in an abusive household. To me my life has been pretty dark and depressing until i found my boyfriend who in no short terms quite literally rescued me from my depression. Yes i was rescued by my cute twink of a bf and i will marry him.

[@nessmarie6044]

im so glad you were able to get out of there and find someone that makes you happy ❤ best of luck to all ur future endeavours

[@Elisabeht-Swan]

I wish you a continue happy ever after 🙂

[@A.S._Trunks]

Nice 🙂👍

[@joshjonson2368]

Bruh 💀 its over

[@Slim_Dave]

The one scene that hit me almost instantly, and still lingers in my mind, is when Jinbei held Luffy through the throat and told him to focus on what he had left instead of what he had lost when Asce was killed. I have given that same advice when similar situations have come across in my personal life or to my close ones... And I still believe this is the right mindset to have in these kinds of situations. This is one of the many lessons I've learned from One Piece, hence why it is so close to my heart and hope that I will get to see the end of it.

[@xina9032]

25:27 I will use this quote "within the question there is a realism but within the answer there is a fantasy [...] grounded in its conception, romantic in its execution" to explain how One Piece is both silly fun and emotionally serious, thanks!

[@beckhampang191]

Seriously accurate quote for the series.

[@lyd8747]

One Piece world has me in a chokehold since 2011 and whenever I get tired of other media I enjoy, One Piece is always there to give me some dopamine with its never-ending supply of theories, wild plotlines and characters❤

[@aquawesome]

I was bummed out the other day reading comments about One Piece, I was thinking "Why do they only look at the shallow layer veil of deep story telling" and then this video came up the day after and it made me realize not everyone is consuming the media like I do. Thank you for making me more considerate and understanding on other people's perspective!

[@CrimsonMoonRising]

During one of the darkest parts of my life, psychologically, I found One Piece. A person that I came across during one of my group therapy sessions recommended that I read One Piece. They explained to me that the manga had brought light to their life in a way other manga had not. I was warned by this person early on that there may be subjects Oda-Sensei tackled that may upset me. Despite their warnings, I continued forward anyway. As I read the series I found myself connected to many of the characters and their stories. The trauma that these characters experienced, although not exactly like my own, struck a chord with me and gave me a sense that I was not alone. As much as I love Zoro, he is my husbando after all, Luffy, as a character drew me in like no other. His love of freedom, sunny disposition, and respectful and encouraging nature that others pursue their own dreams and personal sense of freedom affected me on a visceral level. As a person who had been lost and lacked an identity due to abuse, this manga kick started a sort of revolution to oppose all of the things I was told by loved ones that I may never amount to anything in my life. I raised my own flag and started a rebellion of my own. Perhaps this sounds silly but it is my truth. Reading the manga over the past 15 years as well as watching the anime connected me to a community I never knew existed. Although the world of One Piece is fiction, I find its roots grounded in the reality of our own world. I am forever grateful to Oda-Sensei for creating this story because it has led me to develop wonderful connections and friendships as well as a sense of purpose that I, indeed, can find my own personal One Piece and my dreams will never die.

[@samuraikarasu]

You're going to do amazing no matter what anyone said before!

[@CrimsonMoonRising]

@@samuraikarasu Thank you so very much for your heartfelt reply. It means the world to me! You reaching out to me is the same as the very light and joy that Oda sensei has bestowed upon Luffy as the sun god Nika. We can all serve as the warriors of liberation by providing a sense of camaraderie (Nakama) and help in removing the shackles of pain of those that feel that they must endure their past trauma and lose their way. I know that this is a Shonen manga but I see it as more. Your attention has brought a smile to my face and given me strength. I thank you wholeheartedly! Love and light to you and your loved ones! ♥️🥰

[@Idkexactly]

​@@CrimsonMoonRising this happend to me but in both works....first hxh....then one piece. I hope you're doing good and will do good forever, and as gyro from hxh said to a friend : "dont die untill you die"

[@shyguypro9876]

As great as season 1 of the live action was, I'm so excited for future seasons when the show starts to deal with really heavy subjects. Drum Island is literally about how comically evil it is to withhold health care from people for personal gain. Skypiea is about the struggle of indigenous peoples dispossed of their homeland. Water 7 is about how governments justify horrific atrocities as being "for the greater good" using propaganda to the point that they're willing to turn the whole world against an innocent 8 year old girl. Sabaody is about how the systems that enforce laws are tools used by the wealthiest in society in maintain their power and wealth.

[@C.C.369]

Damn! That's the first time someone gets me exited for the life action! 👏👏👏 Now I'm looking forward to see em progressing as well 🥳

[@C.C.369]

@@jamesadvincola9687 maybe they won't get this far but since op is a constantly ongoing criticism of all standards that are bad in real life they won't get far without touching any of these themes 😁🤙

[@alifnovaldi5195]

And change water and rain to oil in Alabasta and we got ourselves middle east conflict

[@lishark843]

Gyojin island shows how personal hatred to groups of people can infect children and cause future problems both for them as those they wish to harm due to being brainwashed into thinking that harming said groups is not just moraly correct but a thing you must to do Dressrosa how powerful people can and will create scandals in order to bring down figures of autority and replace them with themselves or a group more akin to their ideas In whole cake how some familiar bonds can be toxic and used to the good of one part even if that damages mentaly or emotionaly the other be it by making them submisive to their desires or felt they need to be perfect because is their family duty to be so

[@CantusTropus]

One Piece isn't such a straightforward Leftwing piece, though. It's not simply a tract in favour of any one side. -Wapol withholds medical care not for any meaningful personal benefit, but because he's a comically evil asshole. -Skypeia does condemn taking indigenous land, but it also emphasises the need for both sides to make peace and forgive each other. -If the Marines were exclusively a tool of elite oppression, they wouldn't bother showing us good Marines like Garp and Koby. They've been corrupted, they aren't inherently evil.

[@friendlyneighbourhooddegen4739]

Babe wake up, Melonteee dropped a new One Piece vid

[@shadowslayer358]

Amazing video as always Mel!!! The part that hit hardest in terms of realism was the book burning of Ohara along with Akainu's commands to destroy the civilian ships. That hit like a truck the forst time reading it and really made me pause and and reconsider everything else that happened before that.

[@Choppgeladinho]

1:42 already have the luffy mod, THE CHOPPER STEPS ARE SO CUTE

[@chilliicecream5456]

“Fantasy is escapist, and that is it’s glory. If a soldier is captured by the enemy, don’t we consider it his duty to escape?” - Some guy

[@C.C.369]

Dude that comment is pure chilliicecream! ❤️💯

[@moosesues8887]

What if they water board bro in jail tho we gotta save his ass

[@Noot-Noot.]

Each one of your One Piece videos has made me ugly sob for at least 30 minutes at a time. I had your Sanji (wholecake video) in my "watch later" for MONTHS when I was catching up to One Piece. As soon as I caught up, I watched the video and it made me so emotional. I already related a lot to Sanji's struggles with his biological family, because I grew up in an abusive home as well, with no real escape till I was older, and not finding my true family till I was older as well. The only reason I got away though was because my abusiver died. Hearing his story and character deeply explained made me sob for like an hour because of how much it hit home, but it was cathardic. One piece as a whole has made me cry so much because of how deep some of the themes hit.

[@DarkDay2012]

My favorite line in Whole Cake Island "Why did he suddenly start listing your best qualities?" Paraphrased but iykyk

[@lstreamer4535]

Indeed, the true power of this series and why it has such an appeal to a broad audience of virtually all ages is because it can be consummed in different ways, you can take it at surface level and have fun or you can investigate further the undertones and have fun too, this balance is very delicate and deliberated, most definitely takes a lot of skill to create, hats off to Oda and One Piece.

[@newt2120]

Oda is literally a GENIUS. people don't give him enough credit for that because he didnt invent the light bulb or anything, but in his own field, he's right up there with the other greats in terms of intellect.

[@zeromagnum2811]

One piece is to fantasy fiction in this generation what lord of the rings was in Tolkiens generation.

[@BobtheX]

That scene at the end of Marineford where Luffy cries as he counts his friends one by one hit me so much harder after I lost my Dad. That shit always made me cry but now it makes me fucking weep just thinking about it.

[@upsidonkey9570]

im so glad to have people like you reframe this series to me in such a meaningful and impactful way, it really helps me appreciate even further this amazing work of art. if one piece is a bottle of wine then i consider you a fine sommelier!

[@federodriguez6712]

This video represents almost perfectly how this series affects me. Love this channel, love the care that you put in every video

[@HomieSeal]

Oh I love these videos so much The quote “That’s what One Piece wants to be: grounded in its conception, romantic in its execution” is utterly fantastic, it really sums everything up so well

[@parsifalkitty5109]

I don't actively ask questions I connect the threads as I watch. One Piece has a good show don't tell vibe that of which I just had in a very depressing game called Omori. Being able to convey the emotions over a broad spectrum is some damn good talent.

[@lorddarkrai5753]

I'd like to hear your take on all the Navy higher ups (Garp , Aokiji , Sengoku , Fujitora , Kizaru , Akainu , Ryokugyu) , especially Kuzan and Kizzy san , considering their actions paved the way for Robin and Jinbei to join Luffy's crew correspondingly.

[@bentucky4324]

You are absolutely one of the rare gems of the One Piece community and we are blessed to have your work in helping spread the knowledge, wisdom, and joy of One Piece to the world. A true Oharan in our realm.

[@kevinsojo3661]

Excellent video. I personally live in a country that has been going through a terrible situation for the last 20 years, with a totalitarian regime. Many of my friends have left and many others are simply trying to endure the pressure that this dragon in the form of a man puts us through. Seeing arches like Arabasta, or Wano, makes me feel firsthand what those people might be feeling with their rights smash before their eyes, but truth be told, it not only makes me have a cathartic moment when the villan is crushed under the bright and liberating force of hope that is luffi, But also seeing the people of each of those nations that, although invented, always have the flavor of reality, stand up and fight against their tyrants even if that symbolizes a dark future, gives me hope. strength to keep the smile in this terrible stage. Particularly Yasuie touched my situation a lot, the whole situation with Wano and his speech made me cry deeply and see my reality with the hope that at some point Joyboy would save us, even if that Joyboy is just a rubber boy in a series written in other side of the world. This manga somehow brings out the virtues of our silent hearts, and thanks to that manga, I was able to listen to your reflection, which in my personal opinion was brilliant, worthy of the work you talk about. thank you.

[@atheos6827]

I love every video you post, your energy is perfect for portraying something as serious and silly as One Piece. Please keep making videos like these :)

[@allithemeal620]

The best kind of story is not one that focuses on one aspect. But one that weaves in all aspects into it to let the audience choose what to focus on

[@EasyTargetLP]

I really loved this video, Mel! "Grounded in it's concept, romantic in it's execution" is such a fantastic way of putting One Piece. What I think draws me to One Piece is that despite it's fantasy, there's fundemental truths you can draw from within it's characters. They're an anchor for you to ground yourself into the fantastical nonsense of the setting. They're "real" in a sense that they speak certain truths, despite the solutions to their issues being simplitic. The way they're written, and how their trauma or childhood experiences reverberate through to their current day actions is especially true to life. And yet, it does all of this while balancing plot, world building, and the sheer utter fucking hilariously insane nonsense! It's really well done and I can't get over it!

[@ClodsireBcuzYes]

21:55 this feels personal seeing as your favorite straw hat is sanji

[@SuraimuWasTaken]

The one aspect of One Piece mixing fantasy with reality that has hit too close to home for me personally is the the idea of found family and escaping the circumstances of your past. Robin was the most wanted woman in the world for over 20 years because of who she is and where she comes from and found a home and family on the Merry with the Straw hats that declared war on the world government just to show her that he existence is not a sin. A funny monkey boy and his friends literally declared war on the world for this one person. That's incredibly unbelievable in it's execution but looking past that to the reality, it's the story of how a woman escaped her traumatic past when she was on the brink of taking her own life and found new meaning in her existence with a group of friends who love her for who she is and not the horrific circumstances she found herself in simply for being born, Whether it's Oda's phenomenal story telling or simply projecting, that aspect of Robin and her character never fails to make me weep like a baby.

[@aarontwisted951]

Thank you for consistently make what I consider the best One Piece's video essays in KZbin. For covering all this deep and complex topics in such an enterteining and senstitive way. For sharing the love and joy towards this amazing and timeless story. I'm so happy you exist. Thank you. Oh, and I'll definetily try OperaGX!

[@weirdcatthing]

Your videos are one of the bigger reasons i started reading one piece and i thank you for that :) everything you make is a joy to watch, all the character studies made me fall in love with them before i even read their introductions and i think this is what made my one piece experience so far so great

[@naluzoniro]

Yesssssssssssssss all of this ! It's frustrating sometimes to talk to One Piece with people who like it but aren't as into it as I am, but YOU get it and your videos are such a joy to watch ! They make me feel so seen ! And I gotta add : the live action could NEVER. It's completely missing this dychotomy of realism/escapism. It thinks it must be dark and serious all the time or it can't have themes at all. The lack of humor and levity KILLED me, but no one else seems to see it ???

[@boiplatinum4737]

00:48 Griffith getting clumped with all of them being called a silly boy was a mental flashbang

[@Ronin11111111]

5:42 Man, that spread is so f'in good! It's just. It's so wholesome!

[@aopiea]

Not me CRYING while listening to this video omg😭 one piece for years has not only been an escape from reality and all of my burdens, but also something that gives me genuine hope for the future and something to look forward to

[@catpsychic5383]

Great video, I've been trying to phrase this sort of feeling about the series for a while, but you said it really well! It takes an insane amount of skill to write layered stories like this, where you can take things at a surface level and have a great time, but also have the option to think and delve deeper. And in One Piece the series is so big and meaningfully written, and there's so much to sift through it's actually insane. You could spend a year thinking about just one character and still be discovering new things about them by the time the year is up. One-off lines or world building details can imply so much, and everything is subtly connected in a way that makes the series so cohesive and strong. People have already been analyzing it for decades, and I think will continue to for decades afterward. Yet you can still enjoy it as the silly pirate manga, and be equally correct in how you read it. It's seriously one of the greatest stories on earth.

[@tokyonotghoul9066]

Onw piece is simply too good. I cried when nico robin said she wanted to live becuase of certain circumstances in my life i was looking for an end. One piece gave me a nudge away from that dark place and the courage and hope i needed to reach out for help. Thank you Oda, I'm not sure i'd be here today without your story.

[@h0bb1t322]

far out. thanks for this video it made me realise why I love One Piece and fantasy so much. i was tearing up a bit during this video because I was abused as a kid and relate to the found family aspect that you mentioned. awesome video

[@jaredbanares9514]

"-that's what One Piece wants to be. Grounded in its conception, romantic in its execution." THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU FOR THIS.

[@SheninZanewa]

After spending alarming amount of hours watching your One Piece videos, I just want to say that these might be the best video essays not just about One Piece, but overall! You are amazing and I can't wait for future videos.

[@spookyagata5387]

Gurl im in love with ur videos, its what i needed when i go trought one piece fever times, also ur way of narrating the videos is amazing

[@89Mikylee]

Apart from my love for Sanji, 2 scenes in WCI that hit me for their relevance to reality is the relationship with his abusive family. The scene where (as you pointed out in your old video ) Sanji almost had a panic attack before meeting his brothers again is an example of this, and the scene where Sanji asks to his child self if blood ties are enough to give respect to someone. I was hit by how Sanji totally disconnected from that trauma, from his younger self, as if that kid was another person, and yeah... it happens in reality. All these little details are so damn truthful. I don't have any experience with an abusive family (thank God) but my friend did and... let's just say he continues to go to the psychologist to manage that trauma, and now he stopped hurting himself. With One Piece I definitely understood that I want to be for my friend what Luffy was for Sanji. And God knows how much I'd like to solve certain things by throwing punches here and there!

[@brokensanity5252]

Thanks for this video, the exploration of how the fantasy elements of one piece mix with the themes to create really emotionally effective scenes that stay clear of harming audience members who have history with the topics depicted, is an idea I've never heard before. Excellent as always😁

[@sparo_art]

It's crazy that I'm watching this video today when not a week ago I was telling my spouse about how I love the symbolism of fishmen because they are not a direct metaphore. They are inspired by indigenous culture (the closes, the slavery, the racism, the violent stereotype) but it's not like its a specific culture that is represented and that is what I thought was so good about it. Also, is keeps Oda from being insensitive, as you said, about a subject. I have a feeling some more recent show could think a little more about this.

[@SodaBikeArt]

Thank you for such a fantastic analysis for One Piece! I am genuinely so grateful for your videos and enjoy every last one.

[@Deode-d4h]

I'm so glad MelonTeee made this video. I didn't know how to put it into words, but this video summed it up very well what I was thinking. Oda is such a masterclass writer in making this world have that extremely nice candy coated exterior that people can so easily disconnect the darker moments and themes and ideals because hey, funny pirate story with rubber boy. This phenomena of disconnection really irked me in two instances, one are the moments people who watch/read most if not all of One Piece say that the story has zero politics. Like what, are you sure we're reading the same manga? The second is the same as the first except it was when Hasan was describing One Piece to the Trash Taste boys. They either had to act dumb/evasive because they really don't want to get caught in the absurd toxicity of political discourse, or they genuinely haven't thought of One Piece in that sense. Don't get me wrong Hasan's description was pretty accurate but goddamn did he have as much tact as a truck hitting you at Mach 3. But hearing them laugh at Hasan's interpretation of One Piece and laughing like One Piece didn't have ANY sort of political messaging of ANY kind was so backwards.

[@DolphinTillTheEnd]

Your videos are amazing, they've rekindled my love for One Piece in a way I didn't realize I needed, thank you so much for that

[@micaela5986]

*MelonTeee uploads a video* Me: *likes video automatically*

[@Zistheone2]

One thing I like about the fantasy elements of One Piece is that it’s grounded by an in-universe level of reality, so it provides logical explanations for stuff like talking reindeer or skeletons, a country with sentient toys, landmasses in the sky, or an island where everything is alive & made of candy.

[@Amavenn]

I just discovered your channel and I literally watched every video, love your one piece insights!

[@jackalexande]

MELON YOU'RE NOT GONNA SEE THIS BUT YOU INSPIRED ME TO CATCH UP ON ONE PIECE OK THANKS BYE

[@carlossuarez4702]

I found your channel about a week ago, and have spent every day watching your videos. Idk where you’ve been but I’m sure glad I found this channel. Your approach and the passion that comes thru your delivery is such a lovely addition to my day now.

[@harvestingreaper]

What hit for real? Mont Blanc Noland/Calgara. Two person wildly opposite in character and ideology sit and talk and finally find a soul mate. Then promise to meet again only for fate to step in and plunge one into war, desperate to reclaim the one thing his friend can find him by. The other searching the seas to find the sound of that bell that will take him to his friend. I believe it was an episode all together. And I cried like a child. Thanks for the video Teee, always great content.

[@369destroyer]

The first friend we see Luffy make wabtedto be a Marine, and Luffy ENCOURAGED him. I feel like its a subtle way to say "Maybe you'll disagree with my views, but thats ok, as long as you are enjoying your journey"

[@elizabethlockhart2103]

I do want to challenge the idea that "punch your problems in the face" is an unrealistic fantasy solution. The thesis of One Piece, the idea that is reinforced over and over and over again, is that all the things you talk about - freedom, liberation, dreams and goals and life - they are all *worth fighting for*. Worth suffering for, even dying for, as long as that is what *you* choose. No matter how silly other people think your goals are, if *you* believe in them, they are worth any effort you put into them. That is the hope that Luffy inspires. That the odds are only insurmountable because you refuse to throw the dice.

[@iamcarlosamaya]

This is what I love about One Piece. It manages to touch topics that are too real, too relatable, but gives us that topic about the pursuit for freedom. I’ve watched One Piece since I was a kid, and it has shaped the way I’ve lived my life: Pursuing a life where I can be free.

[@treedungeonsisters4686]

At 25:04 it really does feel like that sometimes when Oda hit us in the feels

[@kingRagnar616]

Omg I have been literally checking for about a week for a new vid. To drop 🔥🔥🔥

[@mayhewstorm1473]

I literally use opera and didn’t know about the stuff you brought up in your ad so 10/10 ad and as always the video was thoughtprovoking and and enjoyable as hell. Always looking forward to the next one

[@lolkeetanlol]

Im a 29 man with a beard and seeing the short clip of Luffy floating with the wish lanterns was enough make me choke up. The episode itself had me a complete mess, the story being told is one i never could have imagined in the slightest. One piece, if you let it, will single-handedly develop your emotional intelligence as a human being that has translated to my life in ways that have quite literally furthered my career. I couldnt imagine life without this journey we are all on together. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pumamodesto9005]

I really love your content and think that you're one of the best youtuber who talk about One piece, thanks for all your work ❤

[@Kazeshini25663]

I never saw the fights as overcoming obstacles with physical violence. It's more a meeting of wills and ideals that manifest as fights. The power is not strength per say (although that's part of it), it's more those with the strongest will and purest ideals win in a fight.

[@azuln.3760]

amazing video as per usual mel, you make the pain of waiting for weekly episodes/chapters much easier (I have a chronic one piece addiction)

[@FujinagaAkimitsu]

THE QUEEN HAS POSTED

[@alovesupreme76]

14:18 this is the biggest reason why one piece feels so grounded, Oda's emotion intelligence is reflected in so many aspect throughout the story. The biggest reason it's grounded despite its over-the-top fantastical elements is the element of human nature. The world is wacky, and the people that inhabit it are a reasonable consequence of being real human beings having been brought up in this world. Oda really seems to have a solid grasp on human behavior and how we realistically as a species would respond to being born in a world like one piece rather than the real world. He has a solid grasp on how events, trauma, environmental factors would influence and inform someone's future behaviors, both on an individual level and macro level of the world at large. How certain characters and whole factions react to news and events, how the government operates, how corruption propagates, how morally ambiguous most actions in the show are, etc. Oda seems really dedicated to the idea that there's always more to someone than what we see, and he scoffs at the idea of one-off NPC side characters that aren't relevant. In one piece, damn near everyone's story is relevant in some way. The world isn't grounded, the characters are Also melon your videos are genuinely awesome they have such a charm that make me smile and nod my head while watching. your sense of humor is elite fr

[@yugoxgc]

There's also another theme in One Piece that I never heard brought up. The only person who came up with it was the mother of Streamer Drawk. That theme is "Timing" Drawk came up with an idea to get his mom into One Piece by having her read it & talk about it on stream ( also vids of that posted here) Her analysis & insight is insane. Plus she blew my mind when brought up the idea of the running theme of "Timing" around Arlong Park

[@ChibiChidorii]

Dude, Flevance Town hit REALLY close to home for me. I remember being like 4 and seeing live on the news a man burn himself alive in front of our house of government. Years later I found out it was the last protest of a town in my country that was devastated by asbestos contamination, even thought it has been known asbestos was deadly since the 80s the asbestos industry in this town was still working in the 2000s. This man was talking about how he has seen his family, children and neighbors die of asbestosis and mesothelioma and being ignored and misdiagnosed. they made asbestos ilegal after his death, but there's still homes made of asbestos to this day in his town. Seeing Laws story, all the children having trouble breathing due to a white powder was very shocking but familiar to me. Even I around 10 years old played on the streat with other children breaking tiles and roofing made of asbestos because it was fun how it easily broke in pieces.

[@alisayar_]

I swear it was the most interesting and cool “sponsor ad” that I’ve ever seen! You’re videos are so awesome that even the sponsorship parts are amazing lol

[@Naruto1341]

I like to frame some of these topics like so: Freedom is a “moral concept”, and it’s meaning changes depending on the moral code it rests on. Luffy is an Egoist (he acts to benefit from his own actions as a primary), so freedom to him is the absence of coercion while he adventures. He seems values, like experiences and friends. He doesn’t want to lose those values, so when he makes a friend and finds they are being oppressed and their own freedom being trampled on, he goes to remove the coercion that is limiting their freedom. Blackbeards morality is “survival of the fittest”, so his concept of Freedom is “the strong can do and take whatever they want”, so he trampled on people and doesn’t feel bad about it. One Piece is indeed about freedom. The other two themes you highlight are definitely valid in this formulation. A dream is a Value. A value is anything you act to gain or keep. Ones Will is their Virtue. Virtue is the means of gaining or keeping a value. So to me, it’s about Freedom, Values and Virtue. Great video and formulations! I will definitely like and subscribe!

[@Pinkalligatr]

A story that hits too close to home for me and is actually painful to read is WCI for me. I was bullied heavily by my siblings in childhood, so watching Sanji go through it is too hard for me. When I reread it I end up skimming the parts that center around the Vinsmokes.

[@Vordt_]

Another ducking masterpiece melon. I recommend your channel to everyone I know that likes, or is getting into one piece.

[@nablan518]

I appreciate how your humor is in your ad reads.

[@Berwyntor]

I love and respect your videos! You inspire me so much. Keep on keeping on.

[@kaluza2620]

STOP MAKING ME CRY!!! (please don't actually stop, it's for good reason every video that makes me cry) BECAUSE YOURE WRITING IS SO GOOOOOOOOOOOOD AND YOUR THOUGHTS ARE SO INTERESTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!

[@Speculector]

The most chilling thing to me is that now that we've seen Gear 5 a lot of human experimentation we've already seen in One Piece is starting to look a lot like humans trying to recreate Joyboys power. The gigantification experiments with Punk Hazard The Seraphim Pacifista on Egghead having a Lunarian lineage factor which is strong and has white hair Failed devil fruit clones (smile fruits) giving the eater a permanent smile And now i'm making the connection of Sanji and his siblings being intended to seemingly have no empathy, sympathy, or compassion for their opponent, and also having (at least one) swirl shaped eyebrow...while typing this it just hit me that Sanji also has fire powers 👀

[@nadyagoblin902]

You forgot the Energy Steroids from Fishmen Island. They literally gave superpowers, made hair white and provoked rapid aging. This island is strongly associated with the Joy Boy.