One Piece Fights That Are Better In The Anime

Key Takeaways

Sanji Vs. Luffy had its emotional depth enhanced by music & voice acting.
Zoro Vs. Killer became memorable due to its exceptional animation and viral impact.
Luffy (Gear 5) Vs. Kaido was a comedic success thanks to its brilliant homage to classic cartoony animation.

As someone who’s been sailing the One Piece seas for quite some time now, I must say that the animated versions of these encounters truly outshine their manga counterparts. It’s like stepping into a grand amphitheater where every stroke of the brush and keyframe comes alive with vibrant energy. The dynamic camera work, the breathtaking particle effects, and the clever use of flashbacks not only make Luffy’s Gear 5 form terrifying for his enemies but also a visual feast for us fans.

It’s clear that the fame and recognition enjoyed by the One Piece IP wouldn’t be at the level we see today without Toei Animation’s animated version, which started airing all the way back in 1999. Although this anime is occasionally criticized for its slow pace and lengthy scenes, it still boasts some significant highlights.

Over the last few years, Toei Animation has significantly improved its work, creating stunningly animated battles for Eiichiro Oda’s manga in One Piece. Many fights from the latest story arcs surpass their original illustrated versions, and here are some of the most outstanding instances of this improvement.

1 Sanji Vs. Luffy

An Emotional Clash That Benefited From The Use Of Music And Voice Acting

One Piece Fights That Are Better In The Anime

Chapters 843 and 844 (Manga) Episodes 807 and 808 (Anime)

The struggle between Vinsmoke Sanji and Monkey D. Luffy was pivotal in the Whole Cake Island storyline. This tension reached its peak at Whole Cake Château, where Sanji persistently attacked his former captain despite Luffy’s reluctance to rejoin the crew. Although the anime extended this battle for a longer duration, it proved effective because it provided more depth to the emotional elements.

Observing Sanji mercilessly and persistently assault Luffy using some of his strongest moves was quite severe in the comic, but seeing it unfold in the anime made it heart-wrenchingly sad. The poignant background music, along with Hiroaki Hirata and Mayumi Tanaka’s exceptional voice acting, only intensified the tragic nature of this fight. Additionally, revisiting past flashback scenes added to the emotional impact, and the seamless animation of Sanji’s ultimate Concassé technique was a fitting capstone to the intense scene.

2 Zoro Vs. Kamazo The Manslayer (Killer)

A Short Filler Fight In The Manga Became A Viral Sensation In The Anime

Chapters 937 and 938 (Manga) Episode 934 (Anime)

In the Wano Country Arc of the manga, I squared off against the deadly assassin called Kamazo the Manslayer, who turned out to be none other than Killer. To no one’s surprise, given Oda-sensei’s masterful storytelling, even this brief skirmish was filled with pulse-pounding action. However, it didn’t exactly leave a lasting impression or make headlines.

Luckily, the gifted animators from Toei Animation transformed this brief skirmish into a standout moment during the second act of the Wano Country Arc. Their sword fighting animation was flawless, boasting a high level of smoothness and special effects that heightened its intensity and grandeur compared to the original source material. Moreover, Zoro’s final Purgatory Oni Giri attack was one of the most intricately detailed sequences when the episode initially aired, and it soon became a viral sensation among fans of One Piece on various social media platforms.

3 Worst Generation Vs. Beast Pirates

The Long-Awaited Return Of Luffy, Law, And Kid Was Turned Into A Momentous Occasion

Chapters 974 and 975 (Manga) Episode 978 (Anime)

Just as the Raid on Onigashima commenced, Luffy, along with Law and Kid, made their entrance. Their goal was to aid the Scabbards and inflict significant damage upon numerous ships belonging to the Beasts Pirates. This swift action in the manga served as a testament to the remarkable growth in strength of these three members of the Worst Generation. However, even this exhilarating scene pales in comparison to its animated counterpart.

In the anime, a two-minute action sequence unfolded, showcasing the three pirates deploying all their abilities to wipe out various members of the Beast Pirates and their ships. The animation and combat were brilliantly executed, with the energetic tune “OVER THE TOP” playing in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere. This is fitting, as this scene signaled the long-awaited reintroduction of Luffy and his comrades into the narrative following the engaging Kozuki Oden flashback.

4 The Nine Red Scabbards Vs. Kaido

The Scabbards Got To Show Why They Were Kozuki Oden’s Most Trusted Allies

Chapters 986 to 1000 (Manga) Episodes 994 to 1015 (Anime)

Occasionally, it can be easy to overlook the significant role Oden’s Nine Red Scabbards played during the Wano Country Arc, given the numerous characters engaged in simultaneous battles during the Onigashima Raid. In the comic, their heart-wrenching confrontation with Kaido is tinged with a mix of sweetness and sadness. Though they valiantly stood against Kaido for an extended period, he ultimately overpowered them all rather abruptly, stripping their heroic efforts of some grandeur.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my delight at how the fight scene in the anime was extended to showcase the Scabbards’ hidden prowess more effectively. It commenced with a stunning black-and-white sequence that led into an awe-inspiring, unforeseen attack on Kaido, and it only got better from there.

5 Luffy (Gear 5) Vs. Kaido

A Power-Up Based On Classic Animation Works Much Better Animated

Chapters 1044 to 1049 (Manga) Episodes 1071 to 1076 (Anime)

In the manga, the instant where Luffy activated his Devil Fruit and debuted his freshly unlocked Gear 5 form during his battle against Kaido was a crucial moment. The power-up was thrilling to watch, giving the impression that Eiichiro Oda was enjoying every minute as he sketched each panel depicting Luffy’s new, whimsical abilities.

As a gamer, I must say, Gear 5’s nostalgic nod to rubber hose animation perfectly aligns with the essence of anime. When Toei Animation finally brought this iconic moment to life, it was like a dream come true. The exaggerated, whacky animations and classic cartoon sound effects were spot-on, adding an extra dose of humor to what was already an intense clash. While the original manga version remains etched in my memory, this is a fight that simply demanded animation.

6 Luffy Vs. Rob Lucci Rematch

Gear 5 Keeps Proving That It’s A Lot More Fun In Animated Form

Chapters 1069 to 1073 (Manga) Episodes 1100 to 1105 (Anime)

It could be said that Toei Animation significantly improved their work during the Wano Country Arc, a improvement that they continued into the Egghead Arc which followed closely. The much-awaited rematch between Luffy and Rob Lucci unfolded in this arc, and it lived up to all expectations.

In a thrilling twist, the initial illustrated portrayal of this confrontation was electrifying because it marked the first instance where readers witnessed Luffy employing his newfound Gear 5 transformation on someone other than Kaido. Rob Lucci turned out to be an ideal target for Luffy’s antics. Yet, it became evident that Luffy’s latest power boost is more fitting for animation: the fluid camera movements, breathtaking special effects, and skillful incorporation of flashbacks amplified this battle, demonstrating that while Luffy’s Gear 5 form offers excitement for viewers, it instills terror in his adversaries.

7 Straw Hats And CP0 Vs. The Seraphim

An Unexpected Improvement That Demonstrated Why The Seraphim Are So Dangerous

Chapters 1075 to 1077 (Manga) Episodes 1108 to 1110 (Anime)

At one point, the Straw Hat Pirates joined forces with CP0 agents and engaged in combat against the Seraphim. This brief but entertaining episode served primarily to let Luffy and Zoro see the dangerous capabilities of the World Government’s latest biological weapons up close. The fact that they temporarily allied with their past adversaries was a nice bonus, much like cherries on top of a dessert.

In the manga, this battle was alright, though it didn’t stand out much amidst the multitude of thrilling encounters during the Egghead Arc. However, its animated adaptation significantly elevated the experience, becoming a defining moment within the entire arc. The captivating fight sequences and stylish animation gave S-Hawk and S-Bear an authentic menacing feel, particularly S-Hawk. Moreover, Toei introduced fresh scenes that maximized their Lunarian powers and artificially enhanced Devil Fruits, adding a unique touch to the battle.

8 Garp Vs. Kuzan

The Anime Turned This Simple Fight Into A Cinematic Masterpiece

Chapters 1081 and 1087 (Manga) Episodes 1115 and 1121 (Anime)

Without a shadow of a doubt, the electrifying clash between Monkey D. Garp and Kuzan on Hachinosu stands out as one of the most indelible scenes throughout the Egghead Arc. The comic portrayal of their confrontation – a duel between an experienced mentor and his former student – was exceptionally crafted, albeit brief. Toei Animation seized this opportunity to elevate the episode into something cinematic in quality.

Man, I’ve gotta say, Episode 1115 was already off the charts, but Episode 1121 took it up a notch! The animation is so flawless, it’s like watching a mini-movie. The fight choreography is intricate and seamless, yet packed with action. The music adds an extra layer of emotional intensity that really makes the scene pop. Plus, Garp’s Haki attacks and Kuzan’s ice abilities feel as powerful as ever on screen. And let me tell you, there’s even a funny meme tucked away in one of the frames! It all comes together to make the showdown between Garp and Kuzan one of those epic moments in One Piece that I’ll never forget.

2024-10-20 04:34