Written by: Alessandra Motisi – Publication date:
Warning: This article contains spoilers
One Piecethe famous manga created by Eiichiro Oda, has taken on new life through Netflix’s live-action adaptation. While the source material has captured the attention of millions of fans around the world, the transition from comics and anime to the TV series format inevitably raises some questions. In this third and final part, we will explore the key differences between manga and anime of One Piece and its new incarnation on Netflix.
After analyzing the differences between the TV series and the manga in a first and second part Oda and its anime adaptation, let’s continue with the latest discrepancies.
Luffy and Arlong’s first meeting
Episode 6 of the live-action introduces a significant change to the plot compared to the manga. Here, we see Arlong (McKinley Belcher III) in a direct confrontation with Luffy at Baratie. This battle ends with the Fishman defeating Luffy and throwing him into the sea. However, this meeting diverges substantially from the circumstances of the manga and anime: in the original material, Arlong was unaware of Luffy’s existence before their battle in Arlong Park, and he didn’t use Buggy to track him down. Their battle takes place exclusively in that location, making their interaction in the TV series a notable difference from the original story.
At Baratie, in the live-action, Luffy and his crew face Gin and his group of pirates, who in the previous episode were defeated by Mihawk. This is another point of divergence from the manga plot, where the Krieg group, after being defeated by Mihawk in the Grand Line, returns to the Baratie. In the manga and anime, after eating, the Krieg Pirates attempt to take control of the restaurant, leading to a conflict in which Luffy and the others intervene to protect the Baratie.
Nami’s past
Returning to the Arlong Park story arc, There is an epochal mistake here.
In the Netflix show, the treatment of Nami’s story and her relationship with the inhabitants of her village differs considerably from the manga and anime. In the source material, the villagers and Nojiko are aware of the sacrifice made by Nami: the navigator collects the ransom money with the intent of saving the village from Arlong’s clutches, and her village pretends to consider her a traitor to protect it. Nojiko’s tattoo is a sign of solidarity and support for Nami’s fight, a symbolic gesture that strengthens the bond between the two sisters.
In the live-action version this complexity is greatly reduced. The citizens, including Nojiko, are unaware of Nami’s sacrifice until Luffy arrives. This change in narrative removes a major layer of emotional depth from Nami’s story. The revelation that her entire village knew about and secretly supported his sacrifice is a powerful moment in the manga and anime, and its omission in the live-action significantly alters the citizens’ perception and scope of her action. Nami.
Another element that does not find space in the live-action version is Garp’s visit to Coco Village, a detail that is not part of this narrative arc in the television series.
These changes, particularly the omission of village awareness regarding Nami’s goal, led to less positive reception from fans. This is a modification that not only reduces the complexity of the characterbut also that of the entire village, transforming a crucial moment of solidarity and sacrifice into a superficial narrative.
Don Craig al Baratie
In the Netflix show, the Baratie story arc has significant differences from the manga and anime, particularly in its handling of characters and events. In the original version, Don Krieg’s pirates head towards the Baratie to confront Luffy and his crew. However, in the live-action, the portrayal of Don Krieg’s pirates and their involvement with the Baratie undergoes a substantial change: Mihawk actually eliminates Don Krieg’s pirates in a different location and, furthermore, they don’t even come close to the Baratie.
This change removes Mihawk’s original introductionwho in the source material was not called by Garp to hunt down Luffy.
Another relevant aspect concerns Don Krieg, whose characterization in live-action differs considerably. In the manga and anime, his attempted takeover of the Baratie is a pivotal moment, but on Netflix this is only hinted at with a brief cameo in which he is defeated by Mihawk. This narrative choice reduces the emotional complexity and motivations behind Sanji’s decision to stay at the Baratie and, subsequently, join Luffy’s crew.
Additionally, the live-action omits Sanji’s involvement in the fight between Zoro and Mihawk. In the manga and anime, this battle plays a key role in strengthening Sanji’s resolve to pursue his dreams of finding the All Blue. The decision to exclude Sanji from this critical moment could deprive the character of important emotional growth, reducing the impact of this key event.
Some pieces are missing (and what pieces!)
There are tons of characters totally omitted from live-action due to time constraints and budget issues: Hachi, Gaimon, Jango, Johnny and Yosaku, Usopp’s pirates, Momoo and many others, as well as entire story arcs.
Hachi
In the manga and anime, Hatchan – often called by his nickname, Hachi – is Arlong’s first mate. While Zoro wields three swords at once, Hachi can wield six and is known as the second best swordsman native to Fishman Island.
As we know, Hachi flees after the conflict in Arlong Park and becomes the subject of one of the manga’s mini-arcs. Later, in the Sabaody saga – in which his fish-man nature becomes the fulcrum of the entire arc – and after the Time Skip, Hachi becomes a very important character.
Although there is a character credited as “Hachi/Angry Fishman” in episode seven of the TV series, he is not the same character from the manga.
Logue Town doesn’t, but the barrel scene does
The conclusion of the season has also undergone changes: one of the most important differences concerns the choice to transpose the barrel scene, which in the manga occurs after the visit to Loguetown. In the TV series, however, the crew does not visit Loguetown.
This choice may be more of a delay than an omission, as hints are given of a future collaboration between Alvida and Buggy and the arrival of Captain Smoker, all key elements of Loguetown.
