TOP 10 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN One Piece Anime And Live-Action

Manga and live-action adaptations offer distinct storytelling experiences, each characterized by unique features. Manga, the Japanese comic or graphic novel format, presents narratives through black-and-white illustrations and speech bubbles, allowing readers to engage their imagination. Conversely, live-action adaptations, in the form of films, TV shows, or stage productions, bring stories to life with real actors, offering a more realistic portrayal of characters. These adaptations have predetermined pacing and timing, governed by directors and editors. Manga creators enjoy greater artistic freedom, while live-action adaptations contend with budget constraints.

Garp’s presence during the execution, Shanks, Kuina, and Mihawk. Here are some crucial changes that the live-action One Piece made from the original series. There are very minute and crucial differences between one-piece anime and live-action.

TOP DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANGA AND LIVE-ACTION

Where were live-action changes better?

Mihawk Introduction

Mihawk’s character design looked great. There could not have been better casting. The use of VFX here may not have been appealing, but it was enough to defy expectations. Thank god they didn’t ruin that ship-cutting scene. Slicing down Don Krieg’s bullet was epic.

Mihawk In the Manga / Anime

In the original, Luffy defeated Don Krieg with more versatility and had better weapons in the anime. Instead of fighting Don Krieg pirates, Mihawk appeared on his boat enough to hold only one person. LMFAO.  One spoiler we got too early was his introduction as ‘Warlords of the Sea’. Also, Garp never called Mihawk to capture Luffy in the Manga.

Buggy

Oh my goodness! Wasn’t it awesome? Since the trailer, we knew this performance would be better, But this good? It is Beyond expectation. I also loved how they added different dimensions to his character, with Good use of CGI and performance. Buggy should be one of your favorite characters in the series if you are watching for the first time. It was a bit different than the original but it was better.

Changes made to Buggy’s character

Live-action had a better version of Buggy’s character. He was more serious and psychotic. He was less threatening and more goofy when introduced in the manga. Strawhats did not steal the map from the marine base they stole it from Buggy.

Sanji and Baratie

Sanji’s backstory was perfect. The whole Baratie was great. Zoro vs Mihawk was nostalgic. The way Mihawk took out his little knife was epic. But what stood out for me was Sanji, a  Sweet-talking Frenchman with the charisma to take on all women. Remember when the trailer was out? We had doubts about Sanji’s character. Well, we got paid well.

Sanji in the Manga / Anime

One big change in this live-action has to be Sanji’s eyebrow. He has two curly eyebrows that often change their direction. Zoro is often heard calling Sanji as curly brows in the anime. We did miss his eyebrows in the live-action.

What happened to Chef Zeff’s leg in the anime?

The manga and the live-action have the same story regarding how Zeff lost his leg. In the anime, however, it’s a little different. After their ship was destroyed Sanji becomes unconscious. Zeff on the other side has his leg stuck in the ship’s wreckage. In order to save drowning Sanji. Zeff cuts off his own leg. 

Sanji and Zeff save Zoro

It was a great change. Sanji and Chef trying to save Zoro after his battle with Mihawk established a connection with viewers that will give them a better viewing experience if the series progresses. Chefs can be doctors, they are excellent users of knives too. 

Coby’s character and his relationships

I understand Coby better. How his character developed through every episode was emotional. Live action gave a better depth to his relationship with Garp and Luffy. It’s good to see how he stood with Luffy in that final episode.

Manga / Anime

Live action did better with how Garp trained Coby. He not only gave Coby physical training but raised his mental strength as well. The use of the Go game to help us understand his training was exceptional. But Netflix did miss out on some of Coby’s harsh physical training.

Garp and Roger’s execution

Garp was a big surprise since the trailer came out. It added a whole new plot to the main story. The presence of Garp is going to bring in some new theories. Roger also missed out on a very important dialogue from the original series.

What happens in the manga/anime? 

Garp was not present during the execution of the pirate king in the manga. Roger didn’t Joke by telling Garp that the handcuff was itching. It was rather emotional. But they could have changed that to show us the true personality of Gold Roger.

Added materials

I was OK with how One Piece live-action added unique features to the series without ruining most of it. Humor was flawless. It was not forceful nor too goofy. The series felt more serious with its plot. There was thriller, and horror, and felt more like ‘Piraty’.

OK! COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT BETTER

Shanks

I thought Shanks was a young, charismatic pirate. It turns out Netflix did not understand one of the most favorite pirates of the One Piece fandom. I was OK with the performance though. The scene where Shanks loses his arm should have been better. It was not as impactful as it was in the manga. Come on Netflix! a little investment and it could have been a great scene.

How Shanks Saves Luffy

Shanks did not pull out Luffy from the water in the first place. After the sea king kills Higuma, it goes after Luffy who was drowning. Shanks out of nowhere comes and rescues Luffy in a crucial moment. In the live-action, Shanks loses his arm on the boat. In the manga, he loses it the exact time he grabs Luffy from the mouth of the sea king from the water.

Zoro as a child

I would have loved to see a younger Zoro, a childish Zoro. But they made Zoro far from young. This could be because kids are hard to imitate as good swordsmen. But it was not a ‘Rabbit out of hat’ thing. It did not provide an emotional touch to his backstory. Live-action failed to reveal the cause of Kuina’s death.

Zoro’s backstory in manga

In the manga, Kuina died after falling from stairs and the guy wearing spectacles is her father. It was also more emotional and added meaning to Zoro’s dream which live-action failed to produce. In anime, Zoro was a little stubborn and promising. 

THEY MISSED IT! COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER

Ussop backstory and his 8,000 men

They completely ruined Ussop’s backstory and his 8000 men. One of the most famous Ussop moments ran out of the script. Disappointing fans to prolong the worst episode of this live-action action. Kaya and Ussop’s relationship did not mean much in the live action. New watchers may not fully understand the importance of Ussop’s lies.

Ussop in manga

TUssop and his little friends raise flags to scare off pirates trying to land on Syrup Village. It was one of the iconic Ussop moments that live-action skipped. Ussop’s backstory had many details and his important lies fit his character. Live-action was unable to carry Ussop’s legendary lies.

Kuina

The most annoying character in the live-action was Kuina. Far from the manga, it was a disappointing performance and an irritating lips moment. Did I get emotional about her death? No, I was happy not to see this character again. Also, Live-action failed to show that Zoro started using 3 swords as a tribute to Kuina. 

Sanji bowing down at Baratie

In the anime, the scene shows Sanji’s unparalleled love for Chef Zeff. I was waiting for this scene but they had no idea how to put that out. Not bad but I still missed a chance to make things better. In the live-action,

What happens in the Manga?

Before leaving, Sanji kneels and bows to Zeff and the Baratie in the manga.

Which one of you is Arlong?

The scene where Luffy comes out asking for Arlong comes too early in the live-action. Arlong comes looking for Nami in the Baratie. Later ends up defeating Luffy by throwing him into seawater. This came as a surprise and thank god, did not ruin the vital scene.

Epic anime entrance

Where is Arlong? It happens after Nami calls Luffy for help, followed by an epic walk to Arlong Park. Luffy broke into the compound when Arlong’s pirates were having quite a good time. He destroys the entrance gate and shouts “Which one of you is Arlong” straight at Arlong’s face. This scene was iconic. That’s how straightforward and serious the future king of the pirates can be.

Final Verdict

Live action was nearly perfect. Wise decisions to eliminate certain uniqueness of the manga and anime paid well. There were still elements that should have been stamped out, like Alvida’s needless screaming. At the end of episode 4, Luffy was sitting on top of Going Merry, screaming with his hat on air which felt completely off-tune. But in the end, it was a gem, especially for One Piece fans. Netflix did pull out an impossible fate.