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Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2018 16:35:40 GMT -5
Episode 425: "The Strongest Man In The Prison! Poison Man Magellan Appears!"
Well...one definitely cannot say that Magellan does not have a regularly planned workday...
As the title promises, we meet the warden of Impel Down, Magellan, and he definitely looks like the devil himself (fitting because of the whole hell theme the prison has going for it). His first appearance is mostly for comedic purposes with his interactions with his vice warden (who is certainly more bold than Iznogoud ever was) and also being overcome by Hancock's charm. Definitely an entertaining scene though it makes me wonder how tough he really is.
Meanwhile, Luffy and Buggy have arrived on Level 2, the Floor of Wild Hell Beasts, featuring such horrific creatures as...small hippos with big mouths, praying mantis guards and, admittedly the only real threat, a giant basilisk. However, this does not bother the two too much and they get rid of them straight away, earning them the respect of the level 2 prisoners. One of them even offers their help and its none other than Mr. 3. Thankfully, the anime makers give us a brief reintroduction to him by an all newly animated flashback to the Little Garden mini arc. I wonder how he will help them.
Finally, the prison guards report Luffy being in Impel Down to their superiors which has Fleet Admiral Sengok reminiscing about the only prisoner who ever escaped Impel Down, the pirate Golden Lion...whoever that is.
A decent episode this time around because the Luffy/Buggy scenes on Level 2 were not as good as the previous ones.
Manga Differences: -Basically all the Luffy/Buggy scenes until they meet the basilisk are filler scenes including the meeting with the small hippo and the praying mantis guardian. -The Hancock crew arriving on the fourth floor is also an additional scene. Only from the point when Domino mentions Magellan's daily regimen do we segue into the manga material. -Buggy teasing the level 2 prisoners about freeing them and what they have to do so that he frees them is also anime filler. After the prisoners mention that they defeated the basilisk, the next manga scene shows them already being free. -The scene with Sengok originally had Garp present in the manga, talking with Sengok. -The usual scene extensions.
Until 'morrow!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2018 15:34:09 GMT -5
Episode 426: "A Special Presentation Related To The Movie! A Gold Lion's Ambition On The Move!"
We now interrupt your regularly scheduled manga-based content for a special presentation!
But first, new intro time!
OK, the first part of the intro is definitely weird and nonsensical and...I don't know...combined with the music, it does not really feel like an intro, more like an ending. The second part with the foreshadowing of events to come is definitely better in the video department but in the audio department...meh. The song is just too...non-descript and energyless. Definitely another case of me being glad that Jungle P will accompany me again for the time being (but seriously, this is now the 3rd or 4th intro in a row that Crunchyroll could not apparently afford. Will the intro ever change again?).
So, now the next few episodes is a short filler arc that sets up the One Piece Movie "Strong World" that came out around that time (December 2009). I guess you could consider this a Bleach kind of filler (interrupting the manga based story in between to do a filler arc) but since it is related to a movie build-up, I'll let this one slide for now.
We get the introductory episode building up Golden Lion, the only recorded escapee from Impel Down (who...cut his own legs off and flew away. Yikes, hopefully his crew had blood bank donations waiting for him) and captain of the Flying Pirates. Going by his ability, he and his crew probably took teaching lessons from Gohan about how to fly somewhere in the past. We also meet a mariachi-based pirate crew who are asked to do something for Golden Lion if they want to join his assembly.
The main part of the story deals with the Straw Hats landing on an island with immigrants from the East Blue with some of them even coming from the towns Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp and Sanji came from originally. A neat concept where I look forward for the crew's reaction when they finally see the buildings based on their homes. Also on this island is a girl who hates pirates because they killed her father (geez, where have I heard that plotthread before) who is friends with a giant Kabuto beetle named Boss who is certainly into a rivalry with Luffy.
Not much else to say. The fun is decent with the Straw Hats engagement with the Kabuto beetle and the introduction of Little East Blue but it is mostly an expositionary episode.
All in all, 'tis decent.
Manga Differences: -Filler Filler everywhere, so let's all have a drink!
See y'all the day after today!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2018 10:29:31 GMT -5
Episode 427: "A Special Presentation Related To The Movie! Little East Blue In Danger!" Well, I guess some Little East Blue adolescents will have some nice dreams tonight... Yeah, Nami gets to join the fun as well and meets her own fan club (much to her chagrin since it consists of prepubescent boys with the obvious wacky ideas in their heads). Those moments are the funniest moments in the whole episode since Nami outbursts of anger are always fun to watch. Meanwhile, the others get to see the buildings in Little East Blue reminding them of home (with some respective flashbacks) which are some sweet moments for the persons who did not join One Piece from the beginning (and for those of us who haven't seen characters like Kaya or Zeff in a long time). The most hilarious part is of course Usopp meeting the inhabitant of the house inspired by Kaya's mansion (where we also learn that everyone in Syrup Village wished to live in a house as splendid as Kaya's). All in all, a sweet collection of scenes observed by the little Marine girl who is angry of the villagers bonding with the pirates. Ultimately, the Amigo Pirates attack with Luffy quickly dealing with the majory of them but then getting captured by the captain's Devil Fruit power, the Net-Net Fruit. Will Luffy escape this trap? We will see. A good episode here. Manga Differences: -Filler filler, do do do do do dooo, oh filler filler, do do do do do dooo... Later days!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2018 10:36:50 GMT -5
Episode 428: "A Special Presentation Related To The Movie! The Fierce Onslaught Of The Amigo Pirates!"
...I'd rather not know what the captain of the Amigo Pirates makes his basic sticky net from...
So, the Straw Hats get overwhelmed by the captain's Net-Net Fruit power which is, honestly, pretty nifty. Basically, everything he consumes, he can turn into a net, be it metal, water, fire etc.. Certainly an interesting power to have.
Otherwise, this episode...just feels pretty meh. I get that they are trying for the drama with Boss the beetle wanting to sacrifice himself, Yoko's desperation in seeing Boss get shot, the villagers thinking about letting Boss sacrifice himself only to have a change of heart at the last minute and Luffy, of course, not wanting this for an unusual reason. But it just feels somehow like a rehash of the Millennial Dragon filler arc which hit on most of the same spots and did it better IMHO and there's no need for watching a lesser rehash of the same story. Thankfully, this mini filler arc ends with the next episode so hopefully it will have a decent conclusion.
Thoughts about this episode...meh.
Manga Differences: -Cause it's filler, filler night!
Tomorrow it will be a break for Manga Volume 56 so see you all on Thursday!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2018 10:50:27 GMT -5
Episode 429: "A Special Presentation Related To The Movie! Luffy vs. Largo - The Battle Is On!"
Ah, Largo was the Amigo Pirates' captain's name.
And so this mini-arc comes to a close with Luffy using Gear Second to put Largo to the test. A rather pedestrian fight ensues consisting mostly of Luffy evading Largo's nets through his superior speed, but it does have one thing interesting about it: Largo managing to entrap Luffy in a net made out of his own body (I wonder how his organs function through that considering that he is not made of rubber like Luffy). Ultimately Luffy uses Gear 3 to break this body net (which in any other series would be quite graphic but here it does not seem to affect Largo at all) and finishes this rather bleh filler villain.
Meanwhile, the other townspeople are being useful by knocking the other pirates out with stones, using the vast tunnels in the island (though from how it is presented in the episode, they might as well have climbed up to those spots and thrown the rocks at the enemies), and the straw hats lending a helping hand in getting rid of the grunts. And so everything is alright with the marine girl learning that not all pirates are bad, Luffy battling Boss to a draw and vowing to meet him again one day to finish their duel and everything being peachy-keen.
Oh, but what is Shiki planning with those monsters at the end? Well, to find that out...you'd have to watch the 10th movie.
Kinda decent episode to end this filler arc but nothing that memorable.
Manga Differences: -I'm a super filler, filler's gonna blind me, shining like the suuuun...
A break again tomorrow for the One Piece OVA "Strong World: Episode 0" and the 10th One Piece Movie. So, see y'all on Saturday!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2018 5:08:08 GMT -5
Episode 430: "A Warlord In Prison! Jinbei, The First Son Of The Sea!"
Why do I have a sudden craving for noodle dishes after this episode?
We get our first look at Jinbei who is certainly a massive being (Scott Steiner would certainly have something to say about him) and seems to have a certain set of morals inscribed into him (which is why he rebelled against the war against Whitebeard). Through him we also get a very sad look into the history of Fishman Island which certainly had its share of slavery that was already hinted at in past episodes and which makes it understandable why Jinbei wants to keep Whitebeard from dying (in contrast to the other inmates of Level 6...one of whom seems awfully familiar...like I have seen him before). Definitely looking forward to see more of Jinbei.
Meanwhile, Luffy and Buggy are joined by Mr. 3 (though the latter is mostly interested in working with Buggy, considering that the latter also wants to break out) and all three have to contend with the various hellbeasts of Level 2: In addition to the ones we have seen already, we have puzzle scorpions, manticores (who repeat words uttered by the inmates, no matter how nonsensical they are) and finally, the boss of this floor...the Sphinx. Though this one is more interested in uttering various noodle dishes than asking a riddle where the answer is "human being". The interactions between the three is definitely the funny highlight of this episode as is the Sphinx happily smashing the various wax figures of Mr. 3. Ultimately, all three + the Sphinx fall through the floor to Level 3...I wonder what will await them there.
A good episode to see here.
Manga Differences: -The talk between the guards in the monitor room on Level 6 about Ace and Jinbei etc. is anime filler that does not exist in the manga. -In the manga only the puzzle scorpions and manticores follow the Straw Hats while the anime version also has the filler beasts like the hippo, praying mantis etc. from last episode. -The chase scene until they meet the Sphinx is also considerably longer in the anime version. -The usual scene extensions.
See y'all....later today!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2018 16:28:16 GMT -5
Episode 431: "Chief Jailer Saldeath's Trap! Level 3 - Starvation Hell!"
Great, now how will the Sphinx ever get her noodles when stuck in Starvation Hell?
The title-named level 3 is indeed a starvation hell...so hot that you can probably grill an egg on a surface and with the prisoners not being given any food or water, they are more dead than alive (though that's still better considering under these conditions most of them were probably dead...or do they all get nourishment from accidentally grilled animals like Luffy did?).
Chief Jailer Saldeath...is not really that memorable outside of that funny interaction with Luffy that he has regarding his name. Though he is the first one to manage to trap Luffy for a period of time in Impel Down. Too bad the Sphinx who accidentally gets trapped along with Luffy has something against being trapped.
Otherwise, nothing much to say about this episode. We get a fun Sengok/Garp conversation, Buggy and Mr.3 continue getting taken along by Luffy (and getting physically hurt by his trust and optimism) and we get some action with Luffy taking out some guards and Blugoris.
All in all a decent episode.
Manga Differences: -The trio going around Starvation Hell until ending back up where they started is anime filler. Originally, they stayed in the same spot while the grilled bird bit, the explanation of Starvation Hell etc. took place. -We get a brief glimpse of the outlines of the four guardian beasts already whereas in the manga we get nothing until they actually appear. -The bit where Sengok takes Garp's rice crackers and gulps them all down is also an anime addition. Originally the scene ended after Garp's admission that even his life would not be enough to weigh upon the graveness of Luffy's crime. -Some more scene extensions.
Until 'morrow!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2018 11:06:21 GMT -5
Episode 432: "The Unleashed Swan! A Reunion With Bon Clay!"
*checks list* Oh, it looks like I finally did it...I HAVE ARRIVED AT THE HALF-WAY POINT!
Granted, half-way point for a series that is still continuing sounds a bit bold but what else can I say since the next scheduled episode is episode 864 on Dec. 09th in Japan and I am now at Episode 432, so....
This episode re-introduces Mr. 2, Bon Clay to the viewers and he has not changed a bit: still energetic, still doing ballerina twirls and still being mildly annoying but he gets bonus points for not hesitating to join Luffy in his quest to go down (although I find it a jerk move that he first appears as Zoro to Luffy...it made Luffy all disappointed that it wasn't Zoro though he quickly no-sells it). I wonder though who is on Level 5 that Bon Clay is so eager to meet.
In the other big scene of this episode, Boa Hancock finally meets Ace and gets to tell him that his little brother is here to rescue him, resulting in the appropriate shock moment for Ace. This is also a very schizophrenic scene where we have both humor (Hannyabal's antics, the fact that the inmates call Magellan "s*** man" due to his bowel problems) and darkness (we finally get to see Magellan's poison powers in action where he looks like he is made from jelly but which turns everybody that he touches into a screaming mess...seems like a pretty potent power to have).
Otherwise, we meet another one of the chief jailers, Sadie-chan, who looks and behaves like a dominatrix (shouldn't she have been named Domino then?), getting a rise out of hearing screams of her victims and apparently having a giant koala (drawing confusion from the marine soldiers). I am kinda curious what would happen if she ever met Sanji....
All in all, a good episode to be found here and the Impel Down arc continues to be pretty entertaining.
Manga Differences: -(forgot to mention last episode that the whole scene in the elevator was also anime only filler. Until the group arrives in the level 6 cell area, we do not see them in the manga). -Buggy and Mr. 3 sneaking to Mr. 2's cell past the surveillance snails is an anime only addition which we don't see in the manga. -Everything after Mr. 2's comical reaction to seeing Mr. 3 outside his cell is filler material. After that, we don't see him in the manga again until he appears as Zoro before Luffy. -In the anime version, in between the manga-based scenes of Magellan punishing the level 6 prisoners, we get anime added content of a silent conversation between Hancock and Ace (we only see their mouths move but not hearing what they say). -Otherwise, the usual scene extensions.
Later days!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2018 10:48:04 GMT -5
Episode 433: "Warden Magellan's Strategy! Straw Hat Entrapment Completed!" Don't be angry at the poor Minotaurus guardian. Considering that his mother was a Holstein cow, he was forever branded as being a half-breed by his brethren. What else to do besides becoming an angry prison guard? This episode contains perhaps my personal single most hilarious pic in One Piece: Buggy's reaction after Luffy says no to his question whether he remembers his Buggy Ball... It is perhaps a bit better in the manga version, but this is funny too. I don't know exactly how to say it...it's just this deadpan look that says "What have I been doing all my life if I don't get remembered for stuff like that?" that I might so goddamn funny. Your mileage may vary, but that expression never fails to make me laugh every time. This time, we get some pretty good combo fighting from Mr. 2 and Luffy, both against the grunts and the Minotaurus (who is surprisingly agile for his size), with Bon Clay showing that he can still kick quite a punch. We also learn a bit more about the person he wants to meet: a person named Iva-san who is the queen of the country that Sanji is currently stranded on and who is apparently a miracle man. I wonder if we get to see him as well. We also get a brief introduction to the next level, Level 4 - The Burning Heat Hell: A big iron pot where it is even hotter than the Starvation Hell as if that can be believed. While the four-man team of Luffy, Buggy, Mr. 3 and Mr. 2 manage to fell the minotaurus through an awesome combo attack, Magellan already prepares all his forces on Level 4...things look pretty tough for Luffy now. Another good episode in a string of them. Manga differences: -The first scene with Buggy and Mr. 3 is anime filler. We don't see them again until they get chased by the Minotaurus. -The whole sequence after Luffy and Mr. 2 defeat the Blugoris until the Minotaurus attacks is anime-only addition. We basically go from the meeting in Magellan's room directly to the Luffy/Bon Clay fight against the Minotaurus. -Boa Hancock leaving the prison also only occurs in the manga. We don't see her again until she is already outside being rowed back to the marine ship. -The brief clip to the island of Kamabakka is also only in the anime version. -The usual scene extensions. Until the day after today, me dearies!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2018 10:47:47 GMT -5
Episode 434: "All Forces Have Gathered! The Battle On Level 4 - The Burning Heat Hell!"
Too bad Luffy didn't think of bringing any marshmallows to roast...then again, they would have probably melted long before.
In a bit of a more quiet episode (all things considered), we get the calm before the storm that will surely be the Luffy vs. Magellan fight. After only hearing about it, we finally see the Burning Heat Hell...and it certainly looks like a burning hell with fire everywhere as if it were Kane's birthday. Prisoners get kicked into a boiling pot of blood and water while others are scheduled to carry firewood in the scorching heat which make the other levels look like a picnic in the spring in comparison. Among those prisoners we also see another familiar face...Mr. 1 (this arc really is kinda a Baroque Works reunion. Too bad the others are free and occupied elsewhere to join in...well, except Crocodile but what are the chances of him making an appearance?).
Most of the episode is dealt with the Impel Down crew preparing for Luffy's arrival where we also meet the other Guardian Beasts: a hawkish Koala, a bashful Rhino and a shy Zebra. I am confused how being bashful and shy is gonna help you with guarding prisoners but the koala probably keeps them in check (though would it kill Sadie-chan to provide them with some handkerchiefs for their runny noses? It is not really pleasent to look at). Meanwhile Hannyabal continues his running gag of "accidentally" mentioning wanting to become the warden while we learn that Magellan's portable seat also serves as a port-a-potty in a fun scene. In general, the Impel Down crew is funny and I like their scenes. Hopefully, this does not mean that they will be pushovers in a fight.
Finally, Luffy and his rag-tag group of tag-a-longs fall down into the Burning Heat Hell (after a fun argument) and Luffy and Mr. 2 finally encounter Magellan in person after getting rid of several grunts again (Buggy and Mr. 3 meanwhile have made themselves scarce). How will this fight end? Questions over questions...
Another fun and good episode again.
Manga Differences: -The fact that Magellan's portable seat is a toilet is an anime invention. It never has this use in the manga. -Several scenes (like the first scene with the Impel Down All-Stars where Hannyabal goes to open up the curtain of Magellan's seat or the whole set-up to reveal that the seat is also a toilet) are anime filler that do not exist in the manga. -Some more scene extensions.
Mata ashita, yarodomo!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2018 10:53:29 GMT -5
Episode 435: "Mighty Magellan! Bon Clay Bugs Out!"
You were supposed to be his friend, Mr. 2!
Luffy and Magellan finally clash and Luffy is definitely at a serious disadvantage here. While he has encountered foes that he could not touch (like Smoker), at least hitting them did not have lethal consequences for him. Magellan's power definitely produces some interesting attacks like his hydra, chloroform ball, venom road etc., leaving Luffy with nothing but fleeing from him until he puts his all into a final desperation attack of which we will see the results tomorrow. Hopefully, they won't be too bad (though given what we have seen of Magellan's victims until now...). Though until now the setting and Magellan's attacks definitely make this a good fight to look at.
Meanwhile, Mr. 2 runs away from the fight seeing no chance in hell to win against Magellan...and the anime version is even better because here it takes Mr. 2 a really long time to struggle whether or not to keep fighting with his friend (including some fun scenes with him going through various scenarios resulting from him attacking Magellan). Certainly makes Bon Clay a better and more human character than before.
Finally, Buggy and Mr. 3 try to break through Hannyabal's defence (since they want to go up and consider him the weakest of the Impel Down All Stars), leading to a very funny scene where the opponents misread each other's intentions (won't spoil that here).
An interesting episode both in the dramatic and fun departments. A good one definitely.
Manga Differences: -A large portion of the Bon Clay scene (including him going through three scenarios attacking Magellan) is anime filler. Basically the only manga part is the end portion where he runs away in tears. -Buggy and Mr. 3 confronting the troops under Magellan is also an anime-only addition. Everything after them jumping down until the scene ends does not happen in the manga. -Some more scene extensions.
See y'all 'morrow!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2018 9:29:07 GMT -5
Episode 436: "The Showdown Has Come! Luffy's Desperate Last Attack!"
What a terrible way to go...being covered in hot Jell-O...
And so the fight Luffy vs. Magellan comes to its shocking conclusion. Despite giving it his all, Luffy ultimately has to succumb to Magellan's poison while realizing that even hitting him with his Gear Second attacks does nothing more than strike holes in his body. It is pretty unsettling seeing Luffy slowly getting overwhelmed by the poison with his hearing and seeing capabilities being reduced more and more until he is unable to hit Magellan at all who is pretty calm throughout it all. Even with his last desperation attack, Magellan's Hydra makes short work of Luffy who is out of commission definitely. How will he ever get out of this pickle?
On another level, Hannyabal appears to be pretty strong himself, having managed to knock out Buggy and Mr. 3 with ease and providing a decent challenge for Mr. 2 who appears to pull out a surprising trick out his sleeves.
Another good episode here mostly through the drama of the Luffy/Magellan fight.
Manga Differences: -(Missed from the last episode) Bon Clay sacrificing himself by taking a hit from Luffy intended for Magellan and their discussion afterwards was filler. -The second scene in this episode at the entrance to the stairs for Level 3 (Mr. 2 attacking the guards who were on the verge of bringing Buggy and Mr. 3 away and engaging in a brief duel with Hannyabal) incl. Bon Clay's prior battle with the guards on the walkway to this area is entirely an anime addition. In the manga we only see the aftermath of this scene in the next episodes. -The usual scene extensions.
Let us meet again on the day after today!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2018 1:05:25 GMT -5
Episode 437: "For His Friend! Bon Clay Goes To The Deadly Rescue!"
So, Level 4 is burning hell and Level 5 is arctic cold? I cannot imagine the bill for this set-up that Impel Down has to pay every year (probably out of tax payer's money or something similar).
After running away last episode, Mr. 2 redeems himself by deciding to bet his life on the line to save Straw Hat (with Buggy and Mr. 3 being unwillingly taken along). But although he managed to take Hannyabal's identity (how, we do not know yet), it becomes apparent that only a miracle can save Luffy from his poison predicament which is why Bon Clay goes with his original plan: Finding Ivan, the man of miracles, to save Luffy.
Ultimately, Mr.2 and the others enter Level 5, the Freezing Hell...and it is indeed an arctic wasteland where prisoners freeze to death and cannot even eat anything due to it being frozen stiff, not to mention the ferocious army wolves on this floor. The hopelessness of this prison becomes even more evident by the comments of the prisoners who lay down the survival rules of Impel Down to the barely alive Luffy, ridiculing him for his will to save someone else in a rather sad scene that, however, gets a ray of sunshine with the appearance of Mr. 2.
But what is this "Demoning Away" that the guards talk about where prisoners disappear without a trace? Mysterious.
A good episode overall that despite the overall somber mood manages to get a few funny scenes involving mostly Buggy and Mr. 3 so the mood does not get too depressing. Nice.
Manga Differences: Something I haven't done in quite a while: -Anime Version: Prisoner comments on his fingers being frozen and that he cannot move them. Manga Version: Prisoner comments on one of his fingers falling off due to being frozen (there's no blood there but still pretty...yeesh) -Buggy and Mr.3's brief conversation before being led down to Level 3 is anime filler that was not there originally. -Every scene with Buggy and Mr. 3 from here on out after they leave Mr. 2 hanging is anime-only addition. In the manga, we don't see them again until a bit later (after Luffy being healed). -Mr. 2 fighting the Army Wolves is also added to the anime. In the manga, we only see them charging and after that later, we immediately go to Mr. 2 standing in front of Luffy's cell. -Bon Clay was originally a bloody mess when he arrived at Luffy's cell, while he is comparably clean in the anime.
Until 'morrow!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2018 16:27:26 GMT -5
Episode 438: "A Paradise In Hell! Impel Down - Level 5.5!"
Did I just turn into an anime version of the Rocky Horror Picture Show by accident?
This episode details for the most part Bon Clay's desperate struggle to find Ivan-san, also known as Emporio Ivancov, the last hope in saving Luffy from the poison he received. Through less-than-helpful prisoners to the terror of the army wolves, it ultimately comes down to Luffy again subconsciously releasing his Conqueror's Will to subdue the wolves after they started gnawing at Mr. 2...and then getting rescued by a weird man (or woman? I am confused) who seems to enjoy a good glass of wine (even if his way of dressing is pretty weird. Was the Zodiac Man his inspiration?).
In the second act, Bon Clay awakens in a very queer paradise that makes it seem like they are not in Impel Down anymore and we finally get to see Emporio Ivancov for the first time...who is certainly an interesting fellow (and I think he would even put Frank N. Furter to shame in terms of being a sweet transvestite) though we do not yet see why he is a man of miracles exactly. I guess we'll find out later.
Otherwise, we get to see the further misadventures of Buggy and Mr. 3 while also getting a glimps what the Impel Down All Stars are up to in the meantime. But nothing extraordinary to this.
All in all, a decent episode here. Not as good as previous episodes (mostly because of the superfluous Buggy/Mr.3 scene in the beginning), but still servicable.
Manga Differences: -As mentioned, the whole Buggy/Mr. 2 scene in the beginning was anime filler. We do not see them again until much later in this arc. -Bon Clay awakening and then following the noise to where Newkama Land is, is also anime only addition. In the manga, we immediately go to his reaction upon seeing Newkama Land for the first time. -The usual scene extensions.
Let us meet again on the day that follows this night!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2018 7:43:24 GMT -5
Episode 439: "Luffy's Treatment Begins! Ivan's Miraculous Power!"
Yeesh, I hope Luffy's natural lifespan wasn't meant to end at age 30 or something.
We see more of Ivan-san's or rather Emporio Ivancov's personality in this episode which is that of a drag queen turned up to 11...playful, overdramatic but also serious when it's about a serious subject matter. Has the ability to do a very powerful "wink", able to propel a bullet right back to where it came from (don't know if it is related to a devil fruit power or similar) and is seemingly able to control hormones in one's body (as evidenced by him being able to turn a man into a woman and what is implied in how he treats Luffy's poisoned state). Certainly an interesting character and I am curious how Ivancov is received in the transgender community given some of his comments regarding the inhabitants of his New Kama Land...what he says sounds very positive but then again his whole appearance, like Mr. 2, also screams some of the unfortunate clichés of drag queens/transvestites.
So, in order to heal, Luffy has to endure about 2 1/2 days of pain while his body battles the poison with only a 2 to 3% chance of survival. By the screams of agony Luffy emits, it must feel like having to endure the sting by bullet ants for that amount of time, i.e. not very good. This also means that by the time he heals, Ace will already be executed. So...I guess it's all over for Ace now.
A good episode mostly to Iva-san's enjoyable personality and powers.
Manga Differences: -Again the whole scene with Buggy and Mr. 3 is anime filler (though it is funny with how they introduce their wax stilts as if they want to advertise them). -Ivancov walking with Mr. 2 to where Luffy is being "treated" is an anime-only addition. Originally it was not made clear where they talked about this (still in the New Kama party room or already in Luffy's treatment room?). -In the flashback to when Luffy begs Ivancov to save Bon Clay's life, Ivancov says something beforehand while in the manga's flashback, he didn't say anything. -The usual scene extensions.
Until the next day, laddies!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2018 0:46:52 GMT -5
Episode 440: "Believe In Miracles! Bon Clay's Cries From The Heart!"
Dammit, Ivancov is no slouch either when it comes to packing meals.
This episode focuses mostly on Mr. 2's support for Luffy's deadly struggle, cheering him on for hours despite the ridicule from some of the New Kama Land inhabitants and his body still being in mostly bad condition. Yet his determination in staying with his friend ultimately wins over the other candies (as the inhabitants of New Kama Land call themselves) and by the end everybody is cheering for Luffy to pull through while doing this for hours.
We also get some more exposition about Ivancov (he has eaten the Horm-Horm Fruit and is thus able to control hormones in the human body at will) and also Impel Down (how this space between Level 5 and 6 came to be, what kind of criminals are in Level 6 [even Crocodile, the former Warlord and main antagonist of the Alabasta Arc is there] and how there was once a man as strong as Magellan in Impel Down named Shiryu of the Rain, a sadist who killed prisoners for fun and who was a force also to be reckoned with). Meanwhile, Ace's transportation to the execution place draws nearer and nearer with Impel Down doing their final preps.
Finally, earlier than expected by Ivancov, Luffy manages to win the fight against the potion in a tense scene (where it appears that he has died at first) and after packing away several days of food, he triumphantly announces his return in an epic cry. But will he be in any condition to save his brother still?
Another good episode.
Manga Differences: -The whole plot thread of Bon Clay cheering Luffy on is done in much more detail in the anime. The manga version basically consists of Bon Clay cheering with the other candies' reactions presented in silence until they all join in in comparatively low amount of panels. In the anime, we get a focus on three candies especially giving their comments about Bon Clay's efforts with a lot more dialogue compared to the manga. -The usual scene extensions
See you all...tomorrow (since today was scheduled to be for Manga Volume 57 so I would not have done an episode today either way).
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2018 10:47:52 GMT -5
Episode 441: "Luffy Back In Action! Iva Begins The Breakout Plan!"
Hmm, I bet Ivancov could make a killing as a doctor, doping various athletes with the athletic state commissions being none the wiser.
Another quiet episode dealing for the most part with the aftermath of Luffy's recovery (although without Ivancov's tension hormone, he would arrive at Ace's cell one week after the execution took place). After learning that Luffy is the son of Dragon (meaning he is the son of Ivancov's revolutionary comrade since he is also a member of the revolutionary army), Ivancov is all too eager to support Luffy in rescuing him, getting help from that weird Zodiac-looking person (who appears to us as a man this time again...does he/she regularly let his/her gender changed by Ivancov for kicks or something?) named Inazuma who appears to be good at picking locks given this episode.
Otherwise, there is again not much to this episode. Luffy, Ivancov and Inazuma quickly take care of the Army Wolves (including Inazuma's hilarious way of getting rid of one) in the action piece of this episode, we continue watching the fun misadventures of Buggy and Mr. 3 (who only seemed to get up one floor in 20 hours since they are still only at Level 4) and have some more fun times with Magellan's bowel problems. But the time is ticking and will Luffy and Co. make it in time to rescue Ace?
Decent episode all in all.
Manga Differences: -As always, the Buggy/Mr. 3 scenes are filler material. -Otherwise (besides the longer flashbacks to previous episodes), it is just the scene extensions.
Mata ashita, yarodomo!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2018 17:04:23 GMT -5
Episode 442: "Ace's Convoy Begins! Battle On The Lowest Floor - Level 6!" Wow, luck is surely on Luffy's side, having come across an Impel Down guard with gender identity issues. With this episode the first try by Luffy to save Ace (getting to his cell on Level 6) comes to a close...and it is indeed close with Luffy arriving just after they have taken the lift upstairs. But as we know our Luffy, this does not dampen his spirit since that means he just has to go to the marine headquarters to save Ace now. That determination even impresses Ivancov who will continue to support him in this endeavor. Most of this episode is action-packed with Luffy, Ivancov and Inazuma having to fight off guards and traps on the way to Level 6 (where we also learn that Inazuma has eaten the Snip-Snip Fruit, making him a scissors man and thus enabling him to cut and handle any material as if it were paper), them having to fend off the sleeping gas that Hannyabal sends after them and Ace showing that he is pretty dangerous even when subdued by Sea Prism Stone handcuffs. And I have to say it, the Impel Down guard after being turned into a woman is pretty cute and adorable Being trapped on Level 6 now, an unlikely ally appears to offer his support...none other than the main antagonist of the Alabasta Arc himself, Crocodile! How will they decide regarding his offer? A good episode this time. Manga Differences: -Luffy, Ivancov and Inazuma fighting through the staircase to level 6 is shown in much more detail in the anime (including them evading traps built into the staircase). -The whole subplot with the guard that Ivancov turns into a woman and who gratefully helps them is an anime-only addition. In the manga, the only scene that involved a guard was the scene where Ivancov yelled if it were the right cell (since Ace was not there anymore) who in the manga was a male guard. -The whole fight scene with Ace until he gets subdued by Magellan is also anime filler. In the manga we only see the aftermath of Magellan pressing him to the floor. -Ace being handed over to the Marine is also anime-only that did not happen in the manga. -As is the Buggy/Mr.3 scene in this ep again. -The usual scene extensions Until 'morrow!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2018 17:02:37 GMT -5
Episode 443: "The Ultimate Team Has Formed! Shaking Impel Down!"
So, what is Crocodile's secret that Ivankov knows? Did he wet his bed as a child? Was he a woman before getting Ivankov's hormone treatment? Was he a former lover of Ivankov? Questions among questions...
The highlight of this episode is, of course, getting reacquainted with Crocodile, the main antagonist of the Alabasta Arc that we have not seen for close to 340 episodes I think. He continues to be a smug bastard (well, at least whenever Ivankov does not bring up his secret) and Luffy does not make any pretense that he still hates Crocodile for the grief he caused his friend Vivi. Nevertheless, he fights alongside them and, being a former Warlord, proves to be a formidable comrade in arms with his Sand-Sand Power (which the narrator re-introduces us to as well).
Jimbei also gets freed and we get only a hint of what he's capable of I think (a taste of Fishman Karate that takes care, albeit belatedly, of a group of jailers). We shall see what else he has to offer.
In other news, Ivankov's breakout plan gets underway with them freeing every prisoner they can get a hold of to increase their chance of survival, Buggy and Mr. 3 continue their way up to the top floor and Hannyabal is almost having a nervous breakdown when Luffy manages to escape from Level 6. Oh, and Crocodile releases another former Baroque Works member into freedom.
Another good episode mostly for seeing the ultimate team engaged in battle.
Manga Differences: -In the anime, we actually see Ivankov inject Mr. 2 with his tension hormone. In the manga, we only get to see Bon Clay after he already got his treatment. -The usual scene extensions.
Until the day after today!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2018 16:10:11 GMT -5
Episode 444: "Even More Chaos! Here Comes Blackbeard Teach!"
Gee, I knew that Ivankov seemed the type of person who has a big head but that's ridiculous!
As the title says, Ace's captor enters Impel Down to do...something we don't know yet but it will be no doubt something nefarious. His appearance does remind us however of his Darkness Devil Fruit Power (which we last saw some 120 episodes ago).
Otherwise, an episode light on content to actually talk about. Hannyabal's nervous breakdown over all the various fire sources is fun to watch as is his victory dance when he gets reassured by Warden Magellan and it is still a sight to see Luffy fighting alongside former Baroque Works agents against a common enemy (although at this point the enemies consist of the equivalent of common grunts so its not that exciting) while Buggy and Mr. 3 do their thing on Level 2.
Ultimately, the episode ends with Shiryu Of The Rain being released from his prison to hold off Blackbeard...and he shows his cruelty immediately by slashing the guards that released him. What will a clash between those two bring? We just have to wait and see.
Only a decent episode this time around.
Manga Differences: -While today's episode did not feature any filler scenes with them, last episode had a Buggy/Mr.3 filler scene where they hid from the manticores which was not in the manga at all. -Otherwise, besides the usual scene extensions, today's episode did not contain any notable added material at all.
Until 'morrow!
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