One veteran and one (super) rookie go through the One Piece manga week to week, analysing and reviewing it for your listening pleasure!
Justin (long-time One Piece fan), Jacob (brand new One Piece fan)
Wano has concluded after more than 4 years. Oda must be tired. Surely, the next few chapters will be slow, steady, and-- OH, NEVER MIND, WE GOT PLOT, DRAMA, AND EVEN A DEATH STAR! This week on OP is OP, JJ dissects Chapters 1058 - 1060 and discuss what the future holds for the Strawhats (and Caribou). Jacob predicts a prisoner exchange being a major plot point in the future, and Justin thinks Vivi is even more important than we're let on. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
The plan to leave Egghead is on pause as the Strawhats and JJ are stuck in the labs while the world outside slowly-but-surely becomes more chaotic. As the Strawhats scramble to search for Vegapunk and Bonney, join JJ in this week's OP is OP as Kuma's potential backstory is theorized, the drip check is updated, and the survival of everyone's most-worried side character is confirmed to be alive and well (Wapol, of course). Jacob still has military-grade copium, and Justin asks about Kaido's sex life. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Egghead continues the momentum of answering decades-old theories from the fanbase; only this time, it is met with Vegapunk's own theory that spins the mind of JJ. In this episode of OP is OP, straddle in as Vegapunk's Theory of Creativity is discussed, predictions on Kuma and Bonney's potential backstory are made, and the popular sci-fi moral question of cloning is brought to light thanks to the introduction, of all possibilities, a copy of a Rocks Pirate member. Jacob joins the now-popular trend of guessing possible clones, and Justin absolutely loves the power difference between CP0 and the Strawhats. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Egghead hits an emotional peak and narrative turning point as Oda reveals and confirms vital information about the One Piece world that super-veterans everywhere have been theorizing for years. On this week's episode of OP is OP, JJ speculates where the arc and overall story will go from this point on as we get to meet Vegapunk himself, witness the aftermath of Ohara's preservation of their books, and anticipate CP0 and Kuma joining the fray. Jacob has the panels of Robin's happiness living rent-free in his head, and Justin would put his life's savings on Luffy KO-ing Lucci in the first round. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Yes, we have a heated fight between Blackbeard and Law, with the fate of powers and poneglyphs on the line. Yes, Egghead's quickly developing connections to Skypiea, Kuma & Bonney's backstory, and the Revolutionary Army. And yes, Rule 63 Law lives rent-free in JJ's mind. HOWEVER, this week on OP is OP, the super-rookie and super-veteran are most excited about the drip check! Jacob dreams of Usopp piloting a mecha this arc, and Justin thinks space travel is a real possibility. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
As the main series continues to build on the sci-fi amusement park that is Egghead, JJ can't help but feel the presence of automatas, wretched weaponry from the sky, and nostalgia with old friends is all too convenient to be a coincidence. The whiteboard is cleared; the minds of super-rookie and super-veteran convene on the forest kingdom of Skypiea as OP is OP introduces a new speculation and theory-heavy series called Waypoint! The significance of one of One Piece's most divided arcs is now providing a vague hope to the path of what could happen in the ongoing arc and, possibly, the finale to the series. Jacob foresees a path in the IRL timeline of Oda starting "The Golden Age of Fan Fiction" that will rival the Star Wars EU, and Justin considers the very real likelihood of an old villain and his new followers crashing the party to reintroduce the themes of defying the will of gods.
After JJ stowed away on the other barrel next to Caribou's, they burst out and discovered they were on Egghead! Welcome to the World of Tomorrow! In this episode of OP is OP, fresh out of leaving Oda's version of feudal Japan, the next arc skyrockets onto an island of science-fiction, wonder, technology, and one of the greatest mysteries in all of One Piece: Dr. Vegapunk. Immediately, the super-nova and super-veteran are met with philosophical questions of what makes something or someone real, what exactly is Vegapunk's relationship to the World Government, and cool robots. Jacob hopes for answers from Bonney soon, and Justin hypes up Jimbei in his first full arc with the Strawhats. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Even sitting around the quiet bonfire, JJ feels the unsettling and rising fear of the Cross Guild and its possible impact on the world of One Piece. This week on OP is OP, the super-rookie and super-veteran think back on all the challengers that opposed the Strawhats and respect the best of the best, both the leaders and their goons. Jacob fantasizes about Arlong returning and getting bested in record-time, and Justin enlightens why Katakuri would be the deciding factor in any team match-up. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
JJ has been trailing the Strawhats for more than a year, barely keeping up through flying whirlpools and resupplying at hectic docks; however, now that they have caught up, Jacob and Justin agree they are not worthy to even stow away on the Thousand Sunny, and so they let the pirates get a head start. After kindling the Bonfire, the duo decides to cash in their XP to share and compare who, in fact, would be worthy to sail on such a vessel. This week on OP is OP, join the super-veteran and super-rookie as they discuss the allies and companions closest and most helpful to the Strawhats! Jacob gives some consideration into Carrot the Minx as the possible 10th member, and Justin praises Bentham as the guardian to the future King of Pirates. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
After more than 4 years, just short of 150 total chapters, the Epic of Wano has finally concluded! With the curtains closing to Act 3, JJ wraps up any loose ends while also addressing Chapter 1057 and what could be next for One Piece in this episode of OP is OP! Jacob has a Yamato-shaped hole in his heart, and Justin finally reveals his own Strawhat Rankings List! Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
At the peak of Wano, the emperors of the sea clash as the drums of liberation sound off the return of Joyboy. JJ fully and officially catches up with the One Piece manga full of nostalgia for boomer cartoons, theories on the state of the OP world, and the falling-action of Wano in this special episode of OP is OP! Jacob appreciates the arc of Kozuki Momonosuke the Great, and Justin loves the action Joyboy brings to the manga. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Action! Fights! Team-Ups! Growth! Lore! Act 3's momentum is now firing on all pistons as JJ analyzes each of the major fights under a magnifying glass before the drums of the climax. The Sun God is named, a fear is realized, and a new goal is created, and that's only scratching the surface in this episode of OP is OP! Jacob's eyes lit up seeing a cyborg piloting a mecha suplexing a genetically-modified triceratops, and Justin's heartrate soars when the Wings of the Strawhats fight their A-game. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
The Liberation of Wano is underway, and JJ tags along with the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance to witness history being made right before their eyes in this week's OP is OP! From the declaration and stakes of the New Onigashima Project to the brand new, captivating character full of potential, this 25-ish chapter portion is so dense with set-up, plot, and development, and yet is only an appetizer compared to what's to come. Jacob catches himself (more than once) simping over the new challenger, and Justin shares a toast to our BAE finally joining after 400 chapters. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Finally back from their trip reliving the movies and specials, JJ finally returns to the long-awaited Wano: Act 3, only for the co-hosts to find themselves going back in time once more to see the origin of Momonosuke's father: Kozuki Oden! This week on OP is OP, see how the Red Scabbards survived Kaido and Orochi's wrath, witness Gol D. Roger's iconic finding of the One Piece, and experience Kozuki Oden the Magnificent's life! Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Literally just the continuation of the last episode. Come on, pay attention. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
(Part 1/2) This is a special one! A filler episode with a budget and passion, if you would. In this episode of OP is OP, JJ streams on Twitch via digital-snail and constructs a tier list of the best and worst arcs in all of One Piece! While trekking down Memory Lane of the last 23 years of storytelling, the Super-Veteran and Super-Rookie find themselves in agreement with what arcs needed the most work, what had the most potential, what fired on all cylinders, and what made the series an unforgettable one. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Have you ever been out fishing after 9 PM, only for pirates to fall from the sky, evade your capture for days, and eventually escape because some special inspector sent from Navy HQ ruined your plans with a bazooka? Well, that's what it's like to command the G-8 Naval Base at Navarone. This week on OP is OP, JJ takes a gander at arguably the best anime-only filler arc in all of One Piece! Jacob sees Jonathan and hears an ad for a certain truck company, and Justin sees Major Shepherd and remembers the good ol' memories with the legend Condoriano. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
At some point in the anime runtime, the people at Toei decided to revisit the first truly great arc in One Piece, Arlong Park, and make the TV special titled Episode of Nami. JJ takes another bite at the beautiful, emotional, and powerful origin to the navigator of the Strawhats. Jacob promises not to cry this time, and Justin reappreciates Luffy's character. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Despite this being the second time Monkey D. Luffy is invited to a pirate festival of pirates for pirates by pirates, the Strawhats set sail to commemorate the anime's 20th Anniversary, and everyone is invited! Every. One. As JJ makes their way through the crowded festival in this week's OP is OP, they found the final movie Stampede to be quite fun and enjoyable at first before becoming oversaturated with cameos, disorienting cinematography, and Discount-Broly. Jacob appreciates the final action Luffy takes in the movie, and Justin cannot believe how most of the best drip was on-screen for 30 seconds tops, and both hosts provide some honorable accolades for each of the best and worst One Piece movies! patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Viva Gran Tesoro! This week on OP is OP, JJ have such a night watching Film: Gold and dive into the Vegas-inspired super ship and Gild Tesoro's god complex, but the best is yet to come as the movie is coated in quality, drip, color, and fan service. Jacob can't help falling in love with Lady Luck and Discount-Nami, and Justin's burning love for the film persists ever since he first laid eyes on it. patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
The ocean sees the beginning of the world, and the ocean knows the end of the world. This week on OP is OP, JJ takes a look at Film: Z, a villain-focused movie that, despite ruining the world balance with stone-nukes and volcanoes, wins our hearts in the end! Jacob loves how raw and brutal the climax turns out to be, and Justin connects the dots on the movie's naming scheme live! patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Alas, we are here! The beginning to the Golden Age of OP Movies, and Strong World kickstarts with a bang (and an asterisk). This week on OP is OP, JJ enjoys the buffet of peaks and highs the movie presents before dissecting a glaring flaw that's too much for one of the co-hosts to tolerate. Jacob welcomes Brook to the movie franchise as "Bad Bitch Brook," Justin loves Franky's ridiculous banana hat with a cannon, and both want a plushie of Chopper in his pink onsie. Patreon.com/OPisOP https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
(34:40 to skip to 1045) JJ takes a small break from the One Piece movie coverage to bring you a small interlude. Not a big deal or anything, but in this week's surprise OP is OP, the significant and game-changing Chapters 1044 & 1045 are discussed and analyzed before the inevitable predictions afterwards. Jacob boldly predicts an end to Wano within half of a year, and Justin witnesses the peak of the series after more than a decade of reading weekly. HEAVY SPOILERS AHEAD Patreon.com/OPisOP https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
If you loved Drum Island the first time, you'll love it again here as Episode of Chopper is a wonderful and heartwarming adaptation of everyone's favorite tiny doctor! JJ inspects the differences, pros, and cons to this "what if?" movie, even if they're insignificant to the overall experience. Jacob obsesses over Franky's 10-second Strong Right moment, and Justin obsesses over Zoro's action sequence. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
What sounded like an easy slam-dunk of a cash-grab on paper ended up so cut and raw that you don't need Chef Zeff to yell "It's raw!" This week on OP is OP, JJ revisits the classic Arabasta Arc in the form of Movie 8: The Desert Princess and the Pirates, but rather than an a 1-to-1 adaptation, the movie becomes a shell of the arc's former self to fit into the 90-minute runtime. Jacob couldn't believe that the theme of "vital intel" was cut entirely, and Justin couldn't believe Sanji, Bon Clay, and Ace were done dirty. Patreon: Patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
We knew that whatever film that came after Movie 6 was going to have an uphill battle for approval, but we didn't expect such a bland result. JJ takes a look at The Giant Mechanical Soldier of Karakuri Castle, and after brushing passed the fan service, mechs, and riddles, mediocrity is the final result. Jacob despises the main antagonist in almost every way, and Justin sighs at how mediocre the movie is. Patreon: patreon.com/OPisOP Discord: https://discord.com/invite/utdp782B Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Do not let the poster fool you; this secret island of a fabulous resort and fun trials isn't what it appears; after all, the trust of the innocent is the liar's most useful tool. Movie 6 is in a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that the Strawhats should voyage far. JJ, in this episode of OP is OP, dives into the wonderful color, drip, music, and animation before falling headfirst into the abyss, for this is the most ambitious and unique One Piece movie yet. Jacob goes full eldritch cultist and describes the intentional "character regression" as a horrifying force of the island, and Justin illustrates how the team at Toei did a too good of a job with their darker storyline and how it delivers a mixed experience. Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
So. You sat down and watched The Curse of the Sacred Sword because it looked like a cool Zoro movie. Nothing wrong with that. Midway, however, you realize not only is this actually "Zolo" and isn't like the original guy at all, but that this movie sucks. A lot. What do you do now? This week on OP is OP, JJ discusses all the faults, blunders, missteps, inconsistencies, and padding for Movie 5, so you could take a listen to help with the pain of disappointment. Jacob attempts (and fails) to explain how the orbs were supposed to work, and Justin tries (and fails) to understand the orbs and the rest of the movie. Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
This week on OP is OP, the Strawhats participate in the Dead End Races at a shot of wealth and glory, and JJ has their first solid, fun One Piece movie with creative cinematography, colorful ships and characters, and truthful scenes and actions with our favorite pirates! Jacob praises the first half of the movie as almost perfect, and Justin admits the child character of the movie isn't bad. Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
The big count went up to Chopper, he was lookin' for a barb to bite. He was in a bind 'cause he was way behind and he was tryin' to make it right. JJ came across this big count sawin' on a fiddle and playin' it hot, the super rook jumped up on his ol' cushioned seat and said "Just, let me tell you what." "I guess you didn't know it but I'm a Chopper fanboy too, and if you'd care to take a sec, I'll make an ep' with you. Now you spit a pretty good discourse, vet, but give the rookie his due. I'll yak a con and you a pro for this film 'cause I think I'm as good as you." The vet said, "My name's Justin and it might be a fact, but I'll take your deal, you're gonna love it 'cause I'm the best in this pact!"
In the second movie, the Strawhats go for a more traditional shonen adventure, and JJ dissects all the good and the bad in Clockwork Island Adventure! The film reaches as high as the Diamond Clock in design and action, but due to inconsistent characters, sidelining, and budgeted animation, it feels like it sinks... like the Diamond Clock. Jacob soils the podcast's good name by misremembering Karoo (worse than the movie doing Nami dirty), and Justin advocates for Clockwork Island to be the best East Blue destination (before Luffy got there)
Back when our Strawhats had baby faces, back before Arlong Park, and back before the OG Five were together, Toei Animation released a movie to celebrate our pirates obtaining the Going Merry. JJ gets the large tub of popcorn and the free refill as they watch one of East Blue's lesser-known legends of Captain Woonan. Jacob adores seeing One Piece in motion and voiced for the first time, and Justin praises the chemistry of the Strawhats and nostalgia of the pre-Grand Line.
While the War for Wano rages on in One Piece, JJ gets word on the Navy moving in and must clear out while things are chaotic. So why not spend the newfound time on the origins of the mad-lad Oda himself? In this week's OP is OP, now-canonized Monsters and the two early versions of Romance Dawn are analyzed and discussed on how even the best have to start somewhere. Jacob highlights key character differences between old and current Luffy, and Justin praises the world-building decision to drop old terms used in the past.
It's 45 chapters into Wano, and Oda's still setting up the pieces for a confrontation that could make Miyazaki or Kurosawa proud: only time will tell. JJ analyzes the development of the Strawhats and the possibilities of Wano's fate as it's in the crossfire of two emperors of the sea and the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance. Jacob wants to pet Onimaru, and Justin wants a refund on his toad oil.
And here we are: after over a year, OP is OP has finally reached the current arc: Wano! In this episode, JJ admires Oda's clear passion and influence from Edo Period art pieces, then just as the Strawhats do, they see the challenges and atrocities enforced by the Animal Kingdom Pirates and the corrupt Shogun Orochi. Jacob gushes over the historical connections to the Meiji Restoration Period, and Justin acknowledges Kaido's power and legitimacy as Emperor.
Despite what the arc is named, the events that transpire are everything but. JJ, however, put on the detective hats and looks into every crack, every orifice to analyze the six tantalizing chapters Oda gifted us. Even with the Revolutionary Army moments away from declaring war, Jacob is most intrigued by the occult of the Great Im (or some say Imu), and Justin is entranced by an artifact locked in the deepest corners of Mariejoa. Oh, and Happy belated Thanksgiving!
(TRIGGER WARNING: Discussion involving child abandonment and child trafficking occurs during the Big Mom/Mother Carmel segment near the beginning) In typical OP fashion, JJ discusses a Red Wedding plan during Big Mom's own Red Wedding with American Mafia members and drippy Strawhats that then goes wrong after learning about a backstory riddled with giants, cravings, and tragedy, all leading to the Great Escape to Wano. Jacob's opinion on Sanji is far more complex than before, and Justin holds Brook and Jimbei in high esteem as they are on their A-Game. Music: Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
In this week's sweet episode of OP is OP, the journey to rescue Sanji is a rocky road. JJ churns cheesy puns and make ends meat at the promising-yet-flawed start to Whole Cake Island. Jacob hates what a sap Vinsmoke Judge is, and Justin admires the childlike cereal killer Big Mom. Music: Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Zou's not on an island, but on the back of the majestic elephant, Zunesha! Fresh out of Dressrosa, JJ and the Strawhats piece together the events that transpired before their arrival in Zou before finally getting the roadmap to Raftel! Music Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Dressrosa enters its climax! Doflamingo and Trafalgar D. Water Law have their backstories expanded and contrasted, Luffy brings a storm, and a grand pirate alliance is founded. After JJ pays respect to Corazon, Jacob expands on the exploitation and horrors of Flevance, and Justin breaks down the Birdcage.
Play the flamencos, smell the paella, and watch the games; JJ has arrived at Dressrosa! But don't let the thicc gladiators, femme-fatales, and white knights distract you, it is also the capital of the criminal underworld, led by the diabolical Doflamingo, and the game has been rigged from the start.
In their discussion of Punk Hazard, JJ find world info dumps, re-introductions of old characters, and set-up for something much bigger leaves the arc in Shambles. Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
Fish-Man Island started off incredibly strong, but now JJ gets into their criticisms with the climax and conclusion of the arc, and then explore the implications of a tantalizing lore drop.
It's the first big arc of the New World, and Oda comes hot out of the gate with heavy story topics and themes. JJ dives into the deep world of Fish-Man Island's social injustice and tragic history while the Strawhats get ready to take action. Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ Check them out for great royalty-free music!
The Strawhats reunite after 2 years of training, and JJ appreciate the glow-ups. The majority of this special episode, however, is spent reminiscing on Part 1 of Oda's epic! The duo discuss favorite characters and moments before setting sail for the New World, including Strawhat rankings, favorite antagonists, coolest devil fruits, best girls and more!
After the events of Marineford cause a rippling power vacuum in the New World, JJ take a look at the Post-Marineford Arc's refocus to what's most important in One Piece; the Strawhats. This week on OP is OP, the super-rookie and super-veteran explore a web of details established hundreds of chapters ago pertaining to the mystery of haki, the allegiance of warlords, and the commitment of the crew as what appears to be "Phase 1" coming to an end. Intro: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com Outro: Pirate Crew by Ross Bugden - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQKGLOK2FqmVgVwYferltKQ
At long last, JJ has reached the climactic Marineford! Strong opponents with strange powers litter the battlefield, tension is rising, and the stakes are higher than ever.
Abandon all hope, ye who listen here: Justin and Jacob discuss Luffy's personal hell going through Amazon Lily and Impel Down. In the limbo of the calm belt, JJ struggle to contain their lust for certain amazons, while Luffy's desires yearn for something more meaty than even Hancock's hams. And once they descend into Impel Down, the greed for more of Oda's world, the determination of Luffy, and a grandiose newcomer make for an exciting prison break leading up to what should be an explosive climax.
And who are you, the young cap' said, that I must stop so soon? Only a demon of a different fruit, that's all the truth I know. With a force of paws or a force of gum, a devil still has dreams And mine are bright and true, my lord As valuable as yours And so he cried, and so he cried That Cap' of Thousand Sunny But now the rains weep o'er his home With no crew or toddy Yes, now the rains weep o'er his home With no soul or Monkey
This week on OP is OP, Thriller Bark sends shivers down your spine with a second Slash homage, classic horror tropes, and a glimpse of a tyrant. Jacob gets a late W (not really, but we'll let him have it) and Justin's old sympathy for newcomer Brook turnes to empathy on re-read.
There's much to dicuss this week as we discuss a slew of big reveals!