You Won’t Believe What Inspired One Piece

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Summary

  • Vicky the Viking, a 1970s animated series, served as a major influence on Eiichiro Oda’s creation of One Piece, showcasing similar themes of adventure and camaraderie.
  • While you may not find many explicit references to Vicky, Oda attempts to capture the spirit of the show in One Piece.
  • Vicky the Viking’s impact extends beyond its time, inspiring not only One Piece but also other popular works, highlighting the lasting influence of stories.

One Piece, a famous Shonen manga, didn’t just survive during the golden era of Jump, but continues to captivate audiences globally today. Despite being a significant pillar in the animanga world, it hasn’t always been around. There was a time before its creation, and during this period, this influential series drew inspiration from various sources. Specifically, Oda, the creator of One Piece, recalls quite vividly the factors that sparked his imagination to bring it into being.

Just as the tales of One Piece have left an indelible mark on countless Shonen Jump authors who were once avid readers, Oda too delved into his well of inspirations from his earliest days when crafting his narratives. While iconic works like Dragon Ball undeniably played a role, there is one source of influence that might come as a surprise. This inspiration isn’t found within Jump or any other Japanese manga magazine; instead, it hails from Germany and tells the tale of a small Viking.

Vicky the Viking

Oda’s Love of This Viking Animation Drove His Pirate Fantasy

The animated series titled “Vicky the Viking” first aired in the 1970s, based on a novel published in 1963. The story centers around Vicky, the son of a village chief, who embarks on thrilling journeys with his larger crew, seeking new experiences. However, unlike typical Vikings, Vicky stands out not for his physical prowess but for his intelligence. He often relies on his cleverness to navigate the adventures faced by him and his crew.

Each installment presents fresh hurdles for the team to conquer. As a kids’ adventure series, it offers plenty of laughter, but also some tough obstacles that the team needs to tackle. Initially hesitant about his enthusiasm to assist, Vicky soon proves indispensable as a valuable team member.

Initially, the series known as “Vicky the Viking” made its debut in Germany. Later, it got a Japanese voice-over for broadcast in Japan. Besides Germany and Japan, it was also exhibited in Austria and the United Kingdom; however, it wasn’t widely distributed to other parts of the world.

How Oda Drew Inspiration

Oda Wanted to Capture the “Spirit” of the Series

As I gaze upon the captivating world of “One Piece,” it might astonish you to learn that the Vikings served as an influential backdrop. Although they may evoke distinct mental pictures, they share many similar themes. These mariners were known for managing crews and navigating the oceans in pursuit of riches or adventure. The creator, Oda, was first introduced to this series during his childhood, and he attributes it as the spark that ignited his passion for pirates, a passion that remains strong today.

In an initial volume of the manga “One Piece,” there’s a page where Oda mentions Vicky the Viking. He shares that as a child, he used to watch an animated TV series titled “Little Viking Vicke.” This show followed the escapades of a boy named Vicke, who was not particularly strong but very clever, and a band of Vikings who were incredibly strong but lacked intelligence. Their adventures were exciting and amusing, which likely sparked Oda’s fascination with pirates.

In One Piece, while the characters might not be directly copied from Vicky the Viking (although some enthusiasts claim they’ve spotted resemblances in the manga), it’s clear that Eiichiro Oda aimed to honor the essence of the series. Interestingly, another renowned manga author chose a more overt way to pay tribute to his work.

In a somewhat imprecise analogy, I’d say that my work seems to preserve the essence of that series.

There’s Another Popular Series that Vicky Inspired

Was Vinland Saga Inspired by Vicky the Viking?

It’s quite remarkable that a series like “One Piece” holds the title of the best-selling manga ever, making it an impressive accomplishment for any work that claims to have been inspired by it. However, what makes this even more astounding is that “Vicky the Viking” has also served as inspiration for another popular manga and animated series. If you’ve been keeping up, then you might already know, but the creator of “Vinland Saga,” Makoto Yukimura, acknowledges that “Vicky the Viking” was a significant influence on his storyline.

The acclaimed manga titled “Vinland Saga” stands out among other works themed around Vikings. Unlike some popular titles like “Vicky” and “One Piece,” it lacks the same level of humor, but its creator, Yukimura, has openly shown his affection for the series through his work. In an inconspicuous scene within the manga, you’ll notice characters from “Vicky” in the background. They don’t contribute to the plot or speak, but it’s a delightful nod to fans, adding charm to a series that can become quite grim.

Vicky the Viking is a Testament to the Reach of Stories

Vicky is a Small Viking with a Big Impact

Even though Vicky the Viking isn’t typically mentioned in modern animation discussions, it’s amazing how these tales can leave a lasting impression on those who watch them, whether children or adults. Back in 1963 when the book’s original author, Runer Jonsson, first published his novel, he likely hadn’t imagined the far-reaching impact his narrative would have or how enduring its relevance would be. However, years later, this tale managed to cross continents and spark a new wave of children who embraced it as their own. And in doing so, they created additional stories that, in turn, inspired people from all corners of the globe.

Episodes of Vicky the Viking are available to watch on YouTube and Amazon Prime where available.

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2025-03-23 20:36