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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2018 14:31:27 GMT -5
Episode 160: "10% Survival Rate! Satori, The Mantra Master!" Somehow Brother Love came across more dignified than this priest. So yeah, we meet the first priest in broad daylight: Satori, the overseer of the Ordeal Of Balls...who is annoying as frick. Hate his stupid dance, his "ho-ho-ho"s and his voice and I hope the Straw Hats beat him into a bloody pulp soon. But it's not as easy as it seemed at first since he possesses two strange powers: Mantra which lets him see the actions of his opponents before they happen and Impact (not to be confused with the wrestling show)...a sort-of close-quarter energy beam? Not much known is yet about this power, but we shall see if more is revealed in the future. Given what the other ordeals turned out to be, I have to agree that the Ordeal Of Balls looks like the most entertaining choice due to the randomness of the surprise clouds. Wonder what other things those balls contain. All in all, this episode was an entertaining one with a good balance of action (the fight Satori vs. Luffy/Sanji/Usopp was quite good and well-animated although at this point it's mostly in Satori's favor) and humor (Usopp's face when he realized the steep drop they are about to enter...priceless! Also the non-chalance with which Luffy and Usopp eat rice crackers while in the midst of the Ordeal Of Balls as well as Usopp's Imagine Spots about the other ordeals). Still, it has again some unnecessary filler parts that could have been done away with (see below). All in all though, tis a good one. Manga Differences: -The opening scene with Zoro, Nami and Robin in the woods was an anime-only illusion. -Usopp's imaginations about the other ordeals as well as some of the dialogue was also filler stuff. -The whole scene with Chopper at the altar was also an invention by the anime makers. -The exchange at the end with Satori vs. Luffy was extended a bit (originally Satori took him out with his first throw against the tree in the manga). -In general, I have the feeling that the fight feels a bit less violent than how it came across in the manga for some reason. Rolling along to another ep tomorrow!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2018 14:32:59 GMT -5
Episode 161: "The Ordeal Of Spheres! Desperate Struggle In The Lost Forest!" Decide, translators! Is it Ordeal Of Spheres or Ordeal Of Balls?! The episode can be divided into a good half and a bad half overall. The first, good half deals with the continued fights of Luffy/Sanji/Usopp against Satori (despite that latter's annoying voice). The randomness of the insides of the surprise clouds make for some pretty funny moments (Usopp and the four birds especially , The Usopp Hammer/Rubber Band combo never fails to make me laugh) and Satori is actually a very competent fighter using the surprise clouds to his advantage. Besides the fight are further hilarious scenes like Usopp's new gadget, the Aa-aa-aaa, and Sanji calmly overlooking the other two's silliness...after beating them to bloody pulps beforehand. Overall, just a fun first half. The other half, on the other hand, is mostly boring and time-consuming filler city with the Zoro/Nami/Robin trio walking through the forest and especially Chopper's struggle to retrieve his hammer being the epitome of killing time. If those scenes were not in, they could have probably finished the Ordeal of Spheres in this episode. Only interesting part is getting introduced to an arc-specific character earlier than in the manga: a small girl who is gathering up dirt for some reason...but more on her when she is properly introduced. The same goes for the second priest who we learn more about tomorrow. So, a good half and a bad half make for a decent run-of-the-middle episode all in all. Manga differences: -Luffy's head getting stuck in the tree is anime-only. -The scene with Usopp and the birds was extended quite a bit from the two panels in the manga (none of that singing stuff was even in there). -Satori's longish set-up to strike Sanji was also only in the anime (in the manga, he struck immediately after Sanji finished his talk to the others). -The Zoro/Nami/Robin scenes here as well as the scenes with the little girl were also anime-only. -All the Chopper scenes up until he gets back to the Whistle were also anime inventions (also, why the whole flashback to 8 episodes ago?). -The final fight scenes in this episode were also anime-only content. Mata ashita, yaro-domo!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2018 15:36:03 GMT -5
Episode 162: "Chopper In Danger! Former God vs. Priest Shura!"
Darnit, the Going Merry takes quite a beating in this ep. Hopefully, nothing more serious will befall her in the future.
Another priest gets introduced here who is my favorite among them: Shura, the Sky Rider. Really dig his voice, his fighting style with his flame lance and his pet bird Fuza also is quite the badass sight. Too bad, he gets perhaps the lamest end of all the priests...but more on that when it happens.
The fight between Gan Fall and Shura, how brief it may be in this episode, is also really exciting and energetic and provides a lot of fun. We also learn that Gan Fall knows this technique known as Impact as well. While Chopper comes across as a bit whiney in this ep, who can blame him? Being (arguably) the youngest and most naive of the Straw Hat Crew, I can stomach him better being overwhelmed by protecting the ship from a strong foe equipped with Mantra than the others. Especially since as of now, even Luffy, Sanji and Usopp are unable to beat a priest.
The episode also features more exposition along the way where we learn, courtesy of Gan Fall (who is quite the pumpkin harvester it seems), that the people to whom the guerrilla belongs to are called Shandians who are in war with the sky people for over a hundred years and also a legend about the island's singing voice that will herald the end of the war. Intriguing set-up for the later part of this arc. We also learn about some of the fight rules among the priests as it pertains to the Upper Yard.
All in all, a pretty good action-focused episode and I cannot wait for the conclusion of the Sky Rider vs. Sky Knight Fight!
Manga Differences: -The little girl noticing Gan Fall's entry into the Upper Yard was anime-only. -All the scenes with the Zoro/Nami/Robin group was anime filler as well. -The first part of the Chopper vs. Shura "fight" was also filler (we join it in the manga at the point that Chopper tries to put out the fire to the mast). -The scene where Satori begins to bring out his ball dragon is also not in the manga.
Until 'morrow!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 2, 2018 15:09:17 GMT -5
Episode 163: "Profound Mystery! Ordeal Of Strings And Ordeal Of Love?!"
Thank you, Sanji! If we went through one more episode with that annoying idiot, I would have lost my mind.
As you can guess, this episode marks the final of the Luffy/Sanji/Usopp vs. Satori fight which the former win...well, by sheer luck. If Satori had not been careless and left himself open to getting entangled by Luffy, he very surely would have beaten them. Still, it felt so satisfying seeing Sanji being a badass once more and delivering the killing blow to put Satori out of his misery. As a final note though, I have to say that the ball dragon was kinda neat.
The other fight also comes to an end when Gan Fall gets entangled in the...strings, I guess, and stabbed by Shura. Too bad, I really digged this fight and it could have gone a bit longer than it eventually did. Wondering how Chopper, Pierre and Gan Fall will get out of this wet mess, considering one is stabbed and the others are hammers due to being Devil Fruit users.
Another important part in this episode is that we get a closer look at the Shandians. I cannot help but think that perhaps this is also a reason why this arc is not that popular: the allusion to Native Americans brought forward by the Shandians with them living in teepees, their Native American garb, that they fight to retrieve their homeland from the Sky People (who live on the "white" clouds)...It may be just all speculation but it is something to think about. We finally learn the name of the little girl who's been sneaking around the past few episodes, Aisa, and get to know some other Shandians like Kamakiri, Raki and the one who seems to be the boss of them all, Wyper, whose default mood seems to be pissed off. Finally, we also learn about his ancestor, a great warrior named Calgara...I wonder if we will ever find out more about him.
Finally, Nami seems to have found something interesting but what? Tune into the next episode to find out!
All in all, a good episode with different setting giving us a good turn-around so as not to feel bored.
Manga Differences: -The whole first part with the Satori vs. Luffy/Sanji/Usopp fight was anime-only (only the part after we come back to them is manga material). Otherwise, this episode follows the manga very closely (with the Zoro/Nami/Robin scenes the first actual manga-based scenes ever since they left the Going Merry) and only the flashbacks feeling noticibly off.
Mata ashita, yarodomo!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2018 1:05:01 GMT -5
Episode 164: "Light The Fire Of Shandora! Wyper The Warrior!"
Dear lord, the knock-up stream is an even more dangerous force of nature than I thought, able to lift whole islands up.
So yeah, the big reveal in this episode is that Upper Yard is actually a part of Jaya and is probably the portion of land Noland referred to when he talked about the City Of Gold and other things. This reveal is really executed well where it is built up as a big secret by Nami who does not disclose to the others what it is she saw. Then the others see it but we don't yet their surprised reactions tell us that it must be something serious. And then comes the zoom-out and we see the other half of the house Cricket lived in. Add to that some fine piece of music and you got an excellent succession of scenes in my book.
As far as other stuff is concerned, the Shandians launch their big scale attack on the Upper Yard, we learn two more of the warriors' names (Braham and Genbou) as well as finally see the other priests in broad daylight, Sky Punk Gedatsu and Sky Breeder Ohm (though like with the warriors, we don't learn anything more about them). Also there seems to be more variations on that Mantra power as the little Shandian girl Aisa also possesses that power but for her it seems to work more like Dragonball Z's aura detecting instead of foreseeing any attack.
Pretty low on action (mostly still shots) and some humor mostly on the Luffy/Sanji/Usopp combo (how they finally get on board the Crow again and Luffy's impersonation skills as well as Sanji's calm punishment of them), but the big focus is on revealing the secret of the Upper Yard having a dirt ground. Only annoying thing are the heap of flashbacks to their meeting with Cricket that are unnecessary.
In that regard, a good episode in a different way, but still good.
Manga differences: -In the manga, we went immediately to Wyper clarifying with Aisa if she really heard two voices disappear. In the anime, we get a set-up to that scene with Aisa listening to the convo outside when she gets freaked out by Satori's "death" and stumbles into the meeting. -The scene of Chopper, Gan Fall and Pierre drowning in the sea (where the sky sharks mysteriously vanished. Was it their tea time break or something?) was anime-filler. Originally, we see Chopper again when he was already rescued and brought ashore. -The scenes where the Zoro/Nami/Robin group go towards what Nami saw until they reach the seashore (though it does contain a pretty nice character moment for Robin that she still might have a goal after all). -Some of the scenes on the Crow after Luffy/Sanji/Usopp continue to travel along.
Until tomorrow!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2018 1:08:03 GMT -5
Episode 165: "Jaya, City Of Gold In The Sky! Head For God's Shrine!"
So...I guess Jaya is not a mysterious city of gold anymore.
This episode is pretty unspectacular, all things considered. There aren't any events that noteworthy happening (save for both straw hat parties reuniting), the fight between the Shandians and the priests is animated and executed not that excitingly and the filler is again more on the "we want to kill time" variety. Though the first encounter between Luffy and Wyper is a pretty tense moment.
Not much in the way of humor here either, leaving me with...well, nothing to talk about, leading to this very short post.
All in all, a run-of-the-middling episode here.
Manga differences: -A few of the Shandia/priests fight scenes were extended from their manga form. -Most of the filler stems from the Luffy/Sanji/Usopp crew's leisure drive along the milky road. The downward spiral, the going up the tree, the final descent to the sacrificial altar area with beating up the sky sharks...all this was not in the manga (after the encounter with the Shandia, we do not see this group again until they reach the sacrificial altar). -Originally, we only get the summary of the reports by Usopp in the manga. In the anime, we actually see them giving their reports (including Luffy eating some skysharks as appetizers beforehand).
The day after today will be another day for an episode.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2018 15:07:38 GMT -5
Episode 166: "Festival On The Night Before Gold-Hunting! Feelings For 'Vearth'!"
Why do I have a sudden urge to eat some stew?
Here we have an example of an episode where nothing much happens...it is essentially an Arc Conclusion party before the arc has really concluded. Add to that lots of filler and it should mean a pretty dire episode, right?
Strangely, it isn't. Mainly because we have here again filler that enhances the manga content (for example, we actually see the reason why Kamakiri got hurt so badly or why the Strawhats suddenly dances with wolves) and the episode just gives off a really brightening atmosphere. You really get the urge to just party with the Straw Hats as they have a really good time together.
We also get more inside into why Vearth (what the sky people call the dirt ground not found in the sky) is so important to everyone, made especially poignant by the scene at the Shandian base.
Combine that with a good balance of action (the first part of the episode with the fight of the Shandia against Ohm) and humor (how Nami brings the cloud wolves on their side) and you get yourself a really entertaining episode.
So yes, a good one this one was.
Manga Differences: -In the manga, we immediately go to the news that Kamakiri got hurt, causing Wyper to call for the retreat. In the anime, we get to see the events that led to this (Kamakiri got hurt by Ohm while trying to save Laki who was not focused due to the bag of vearth she was carrying) -Zoro's and Chopper's walk through the forest was also anime-filler (we only see them arriving back at the camp) in the manga. -Zoro picking up Usopp for dinner was also anime-filler -The running gag with Sanji's heart-shaped carrot pieces for the stew was also anime-only content. -Originally, after seeing the glowing eyes in the dark, the next panels immediately cut to the Straw Hats partying with the cloud wolves. Here, we learn how they got together (especially love the main reason that the cloud wolf leader got impressed with Nami hitting him on the head). -After their retreat, we get back to the Shandia when Wyper has his big argument with Laki. In the anime, there is one scene that sets this up with Wyper asking Genbou about Kamakiri's condition and Laki confessing to Wyper what happened.
Well, that's all folks! See you tomorrow!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2018 7:06:19 GMT -5
Episode 167: "Enter God Eneru! Farewell To The Survivors!"
Eneru must have been a pretty naughty boy in his childhood. His mother must have pulled his ears quite a lot.
So yeah, we finally meet the big bad of this arc, God Eneru. Interesting design with the thunder drums embedded in his back (although we do not know his true power yet). Seems like a pretty carefree guy with a different kind of arrogance compared to Crocodile. Definitely a different sort of big bad compared to what we had before. Will be interesting to see where it goes.
Since I now have a better view on them, my brief thoughts on the other priests: -Ohm: Tough-looking, but nothing outstanding about him at all. The dog he fights with is interesting but otherwise...meh. -Gedatsu: Seems to be the stupid one of the group, given that someone has to explain to him to not bite his lip while talking or that you have to put your arms under your shoulders if you want to cross your arms.
Yeah, Shura's still my favorite out of all them still.
In another bout of mystery, somebody (...or being) has repaired the Going Merry overnight and even turned her back to her original design. Who could that have been?
Otherwise, we have a rare occurrence of the first act being completely manga-based while the second act is anime filler. Compared to last episode, the filler this time is again a bit on the shabby side which leads to a run-of-the-middle episode. Oh well, you cannot have winners all the time.
As mentioned, a middling episode here.
Manga Differences: -The scene where Wyper reminisces about the previous day's events over the fire is anime-filler. -The scene with the three priests talking before entering God Eneru's reception area was extended a bit compared to the manga original. -Shura learning about Gan Fall still being alive was also an anime addition. -The whole Going Merry salvaging scene (basically everything after Usopp "asking" Merry who repaired her until they split into two groups is anime filler).
Tomorrow will be a break for the Manga Volume 30 so see you on Thursday!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2018 10:17:07 GMT -5
Episode 168: "A Giant Snake Bares Its Fangs! The Survival Game Begins!"
Wyper: "Dammit Gan Fall! My mother died from spoiled pumpkin juice! How dare you open up old wounds like that?!!"
We get introduced to another bit player in this arc: a giant big-ass snake (Guybrush Threepwood would probably call it the second biggest snake he has ever seen) who provides in its fight against the straw hats the main action in this episode. And its certainly a ferocious one because of its fastness and its poison fangs not to mention the slow build-up to its reveal. It's quite a sight.
Furthermore, we get more exposition about why the Shandians want to reclaim the Upper Yard (again taking its influence from the US history) and more insight on Wyper (who went from righteous jerk to downright villain territory by wanting Gan Fall to provide 100 dead sky people as proof that he does mean business in the peace negotiations; not exactly warming up to this guy, furthermore aggravated by him spilling the Vearth that Laki wanted to bring back to Aisa). It certainly puts an ambiguousness on the whole affair, putting both groups (Shandia and Sky People) into shades of grey territory which is always good to see.
Otherwise, we also have funny bits here (the continued lack of direction on Zoro's and Luffy's part, Pierre going all Sadaharu on Usopp and Sanji) which lighten the mood a bit.
All in all, a decent episode I'd say.
Manga differences: -Aside from extensions in the Snake vs. Luffy/Zoro/Chopper/Robin fight, the build-up to it and some scenes on the ship, nothing that would stick out too much.
Until...later today (did watch this one yesterday but only came around to doing this bit today, so you get a double-whammy).
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2018 15:07:11 GMT -5
Episode 169: "The Deadly Reject! War Demon Wyper's Resolve!"
This episode marks a string of three awesome One Piece intros, starting with Bon Voyage: A really good song with an energizing refrain and accompanied by really lively picture composition. But see for yourself:
This episode has its highs and lows for me:
Highs: Definitely like the exposition part about the sky combat by Gan Fall, explaining finally in detail what an Impact is and mentioning how dials are misused to create truly powerful weapons. Also love the casual disposal of a Divine Warrior by Luffy as well as the face-off between Wyper and Luffy at the end.
Lows: My favorite of the four priests, Shura...earns the most lame defeat of the whole arc. While it definitely serves as an impressive show of the power of the Reject dial, it saddens me that he has to go without having an epic fight with either one of the Straw Hats or one of the Shandians. And his pet bird, Fusa...just flies off afterwards and is never seen again for the rest of the arc. Disappointing.
We also get introduced to some of the most annoying grunts ever...the Divine Warriors, notable for their baaaaa-d way of speaking which would drive the most sane person insane. But it gives at least satisfaction when anyone of them gets beaten to a pulp.
So, yeah, a middling episode all-in-all.
Manga differences: -Nothing notable this time around.
See you 'morrow!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2018 1:33:25 GMT -5
Episode 170: "Fierce Midair Battle! Pirate Zoro vs. Warrior Braham!" I wonder how fried Sanji would taste like... Main focus in this episode is the fight mentioned in the title which is a good one. It is a nice change of pace seeing Zoro fight not with a fellow swordsman but with somebody who has a different mode of attack and Braham's type of sky combat with his Flash Guns is certainly an energetic fighting style. Lots of nice animation and exchanges as well as a bit of humor (Zoro and his glasses... , ending with Zoro introducing his flying slash technique for the first time make this a winner. Otherwise, this episode is kinda all over the place. Some fights between the Shandians and the Divine Soldiers (with some scenes being repeated), Chopper running wildly around whimpering, Nico Robin easily taking care of a Divine Soldier (where we get a bit of insight that she does not take too kindly to people destroying ancient ruins)...and Eneru appearing on the Going Merry and seemingly killing Sanji! That's certainly a decent cliffhanger to go out on. So, yeah, the fight makes this a thumbs-up automatically. Manga Differences: -Zoro reminiscing about his new technique, encountering the bird and killing him was anime-filler. -Some scene extensions (especially some further dialogue between Zoro and Braham). Until 'morrow, lads!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2018 2:01:10 GMT -5
Episode 171: "Roaring Burn Bazooka! Luffy vs. War Demon Wyper!"
Oh my Eneru, they are multiplying!
The title fight in this one is really well-done with lots of good animation and Wyper's Burn Bazooka is an awesome looking and powerful weapon. Fun to watch but it ends with an event that will keep Luffy out of commission for the next several episodes. What that is will be revealed when the time comes.
Speaking of getting put out of commission. Eneru puts Sanji and Usopp out of action for the next couple of episodes as well by burning them to a crisp. His power is manifested more and more with it being based off electricity somehow but nothing concrete is said as of yet. The reason for putting three of the Straw Hats out of action by Oda is unclear (perhaps because the following fight would have been pretty boring) and it kinda makes Sanji look especially weak since he does not get a one-on-one fight during this whole arc at all and spends the rest unconscious like this (well, except for one event that happens). Considering that he was incapacitated on Drum Island by a stinger and now getting burned by Eneru, it seems that Oda loves to put Sanji on the sidelines. But it got better later on, I think.
What this opens up is Nami and Gan Fall having to deal with Hotori and Kotori, Satori's brothers...the same girth but twice the annoyance. Hopefully, they deal with them quickly.
In a side-battle one of the Shandian field commanders, Genbou, gets put out by the Divine Commander Yama who's...well...
But he's pretty agile as well.
So, an entertaining episode all around, I'd say.
Manga Difference: -While Sanji and Usopp got taken out in a flash (pun intended) in the manga, the anime extends the scenes to build their elimination up more. -Several more scene extensions during the Luffy/Wyper fight as well as the Kotori/Hotori introduction and the Genbou/Yama fight.
Mata ashita, yaro-domo!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2018 14:31:53 GMT -5
Episode 172: "The Ordeal Of Swamp! Chopper vs. Priest Gedatsu!"
Wow, that has to be the fastest a Straw Hat ally got eliminated.
Alright, truth be told, Gedatsu is actually a decent fighter when he is not being a big dumbass. His Jet Punch and Milky Dial Boots are pretty awesome and provide for an entertaining fight. Only his Swamp Cloud Burger leaves a bit to be desired. On the other hand, we have a bit of character growth for Chopper who has to beat an enemy for the first time without any of the others being around. Pushed by his defeat against Shura and becoming a true pirate, he certainly made a great effort by using his intelligence to defeat Gedatsu (well, that and Gedatsu being a dumbass until the very end). Definitely a very enjoyable fight.
Another fight begins in earnest with Robin fighting Divine Commander Yama which has Robin at a handicap fighting in valuable ruins that she does not want to see destroyed. Though we also get more hints thrown at us like something about a "blank century" and how Shandora may have the answer...whatever that means.
Otherwise, nothing much to say. The fight Chopper/Gedatsu was mostly dramatic (with the humor being provided by Gedatsu being a colossal idiot) and otherwise the episode flowed along decently.
While not the best episode ever, it was still in order.
Manga Differences: -The whole scene with Aisa, Conis and Pagaya (basically Conis and Pagaya saving Aisa from a sky shark) was anime-filler. In the manga, we do not see any of them again until they are already on their way to the Going Merry with Aisa already on board. -The scene with Luffy in the dark cave was also filler. -Some more scene extensions here as well.
See ya'll tomorrow!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2018 11:15:08 GMT -5
Episode 173: "Unbeatable Powers! Eneru's True Power Is Revealed!"
In this episode, we finally learn that Eneru is quite an electrifying personality *cricket cricket cricket*.
Joke's aside, we actually don't learn that much new about him besides re-affirming that he has electric powers (but do not know yet if they are Devil Fruit Power-based or not). Still, it is an impressive display of power that he no-sells Kamakiri's offense for five minutes and then pulls out an electric shock that not only turns Kamakiri well-done but other fighters on the Milky Road far away as well. And you kinda feel sorry for Kamakiri in his cry of despair that Eneru is invincible which comes across as a very effective scene.
Meanwhile, I have to thank Nami and Gan Fall for only taking one act to defeat the Annoying Twosome. Nami finally gets to show off her Clima Tact again (though I'd say the enemy is far weaker than Ms. Doublefinger was) and Gan Fall proves that even a stab wound cannot put an old battle horse out. The two bumbling buffoons (with the "highlight" of their offence being a Fart Dial) got what was coming to them: you don't kick people that have been burned to a crisp. Also, have to say, Nami crying in pain after using the Impact Dial was kinda cute.
Otherwise, there is nothing much to say here. Robin still has to contend with Yama and is at a disadvantage, we get a counter that of 81 fighters 56 have perished after 2 hours, Luffy is still wandering around a cave and does not know where he is etc.. Some humor with Nami meeting Conis and Pagaya again as well as Nami desperately wanting Gan Fall to stay and the aforementioned action lead me to my opinion...
...that this was a good 'un.
Manga Differences: -Nothing much to report besides Luffy encountering the gold in the cave was originally a silent panel while he has a bit of a monologue in the anime. Otherwise, we have the usual scene extensions.
Mata ashita, yaro-domo!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2018 11:27:01 GMT -5
Episode 174: "A Mystical City! The Grand Ruins Of Shandora!"
I hope Nico Robin is not as afraid of snakes as a certain other famous archaeologist.
As you can see, this episode focuses mainly on Nico Robin: first in her fight against Yama and then exploring the ruins of Shandora. Have to say...hell hath no fury like trampling over ancient artifacts in front of Nico Robin which is expressed wonderfully in her pained expression while running away from Yama and then in her going full force against him. Also really like the creative ways Robin uses her powers like her finishing move against Yama taking the form of a delphinium flower or digging holes. Never realized until now that her powers have more in common with flowers than just saying "Number x fleurs", to be honest.
The exploration part of the episode is even better where the accompanying music helps the mood of amazement and wonder of finding a lost city as well as Yuriko Yamaguchi's wonderful performance really hitting a character that has found a new sense in being alive. We also get some more hints about the "real history", "lost history" though again nothing certain.
Besides the Robin plot, we get some humor with Zoro having to fend off a hungry Southbird, Luffy exploring the cave further etc. and other stuff with the people on the Going Merry, but the meat of the episode is really the fantastic Nico Robin part.
All in all, a very good episode focused on the newest Straw Hat Member.
Manga Differences: -The scenes with Zoro and Luffy in this episode were anime-filler. Zoro and the bird get introduced in a later scene (which I won't spoil at this time because its really hilarious). Otherwise scene extensions as usual.
A 2-day break now because tomorrow will be the One Piece TV Special No. 3 and on Friday will be Manga Volume 31. So, see you all on Saturday!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2018 14:50:07 GMT -5
Episode 175: "0% Survival Rate! Chopper vs. Ohm, The Sword-Wielding Priest!"
Kinda wondering why the subs add the "Sword-Wielding" part when the actual episode title just says "Priest"...
The fight in the title...is really not a fight at all. Chopper encounters Ohm, talks with him, runs away...and then Ohm defeats him with one strike. OK, I get that Chopper already got his day in the limelight by defeating Priest Gedatsu but it is still a kind of weak way to go out. Especially considering that this puts Chopper out of commission for the next 20 or so episodes until the final boss of the Sky Island Arc is defeated.
I kinda start to think that this may be another point of contention many people have with this arc. Instead of being active all of the time, some straw hats get put out of commission for several episodes at a time which is among the few arcs that do this (as far as I remember). Granted, the Straw Hats stood by the sidelines to watch Luffy against Arlong but at least they were conscious and still ready to kick ass should the need have arisen. Being made unconscious for lengthy periods of time makes them look weak and appear on the level of Yamcha or Tien and for fans that saw One Piece as something different than Dragonball Z, it might have irked them a lot.
As for other events in this episode, we finally get the hint that the cave Luffy is in...is really the stomach of the giant snake in the forest, leading to the respective results when Luffy tries to punch his way out, causing the snake to go crazy and inadvertantly causing her to chase Nami and Aissa into the forest.
The episode ends on an epic note though with Ohm, Wyper, Gan Fall and Chopper appearing in the ruins directly below God's Shrine and getting ready for some Fatal 4-Way action...including the snake who also made her way.
Otherwise, we get some funny scenes (Zoro asking himself if he has seen the place he arrived at before...meaning the sacrificial altar as well as his whole interaction with the giant Southbird, Ohm crying about mankind and his solution to save everyone [by killing them all] as well as Chopper's reaction to that) and a dramatic scene where Kamakiri pleads with Laki to stop Wyper before the latter reaches Eneru.
All in all, a decent episode here.
Manga Differences: -Aside from the usual scene extensions, nothing much to report here. The most notable scene extension is the interaction between Nami and Aissa just before the giant snake appears.
Until tomorrow, lads!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2018 14:25:54 GMT -5
Episode 176: "Climb Giant Jack! Deadly Combat In The Upper Ruins!"
A big beanstalk named Giant Jack? Gee, I wonder where Oda got that inspiration from...
This episode is mostly about the Fatal 4-Way between Zoro, Ohm, Wyper and Gan Fall which is a really fun and entertaining fight that is fluently animated and made interesting by the different attack modes of the combatants. We also finally get a look at Ohm's mode of attack: a blade made of Iron Cloud which enables him to use it as a sort of slicing whip. Certainly a unique attack style.
Otherwise, there is not much else to say. Nami and Aissa accidentally wind up in the Upper Ruins themselves while Luffy continues to annoy the giant snake by trying to get out. Mostly an action episode with a few fun moments (Ohm's guarddog Holy being able to walk on two feet is especially notable for its weirdness), there is nothing that remarkable about it.
Ultimately, after the remaining Divine Warriors and Shandia arrive, Nami, Aissa and Gan Fall get eaten by the giant snake. Well, at least, Luffy now has company.
A run-of-the-middle episode this time around.
Manga differences: -Besides scene extensions, the scene with Eneru reminiscing about the current situation was the only really notable anime-filler add-on.
Mata ashita, yaro-domo!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2018 11:18:45 GMT -5
Episode 177: "The Ordeal Of Iron! White Barbed Death Match!"
After it was set up, I was kinda afraid that somehow Cactus Jack and Terry Funk would join the match.
The titular death match is not particularly exciting as it is basically just a big barbed-wire fence put around the battlefield to keep all from escaping. Besides throwing enemies into it, it never plays that big a role...well, besides keeping Wyper from saving Laki from Eneru who fries her to a crisp like he did the others. That was a very tense scene because of Wyper's despair in not being able to save Laki and the slow burn until Eneru shocks her. Still, besides that scene the barbed-wire does not play that much into proceedings.
On the humourous side, Gan Fall, Aissa and Nami meet Luffy in the snake's stomach where Nami rains down the pain on Luffy for causing the snake to act irritated...which in turn irritates the snake again. One does need a scene like that from time to time to lighten the mood.
Otherwise, not that much to this episode again. The fight in the upper ruins continues and next time, Zoro and Ohm will have their final clash.
We have another run-of-the-middler again.
Manga differences: -The flashback to Wyper and Laki's talk when they were children was anime-only filler as were the flashbacks to events that happened in the present during this arc. -Originally, Luffy appeared immediately before Nami, Gan Fall and Aissa after they concluded that only an idiot would rampage inside a snake's stomach. In the anime, there is actually a build-up to Luffy's appearance when the others hear somebody approaching and they wait until he actually shows up.
'morrow again!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2018 10:15:54 GMT -5
Episode 178: "Bursting Slash! Zoro vs. Ohm!" I sure hope that this is not a Sweet Apple Acres apple that Eneru keeps on eating during this episode. Despite taking the title, the fight only lasts until the adbreak (this seems to be a recurring conflict somehow where the title conflict gets solved a heck of a lot faster than the episode runtime). Until then, it mostly consists of Zoro dodging Ohm's (admittedly impressive) transforming Iron Cloud Blade. And Zoro's final attack where his slash is so powerful that it cuts right through the Iron Cloud is a well-done final shot for this fight. Though it is kinda miffy that Zoro got two enemies to defeat singlehandedly while other strawhats in this arc only got enemies to defeat through teamwork. A litl Oda bias towards Zoro perhaps? Otherwise, the remaining deadweight gets defeated, we get a pretty intense scene where Aissa gets ready to kill Gan Fall while Gan Fall takes full responsibility for the pain that the Shandia have suffered (despite it being a filler episode) and a nice talk between Eneru and Nico Robin (Robin so far being the only one to have a neutral attitude towards him rather than anger or fear). Finally, we learn of Eneru's ultimate goal: to destroy the whole Sky Island as told by a survivor of Gan Fall's Divine Squad...which ultimately leads to Conis's father getting killed while pushing his daughter out of the way. Poor Conis. All in all, a bit better of an episode than the last ones. Manga Differences: -As said, the long scene in the snake's stomach where Aissa threatens Gan Fall is an anime invention only. The next time we see this group is when they prepare to escape. -Pagaya's line about what he wants to do when this is all over is anime-filler. He never said that sort of thing in the manga. Mata ashita, yarodomo!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2018 14:35:13 GMT -5
Episode 179: "Collapsing Upper Ruins! The Quintet For The Finale!"
I wonder what fried snake tastes like...
One cannot say that this episode does not have a lot of stuff happening. Eneru gets rid of the giant snake (who seems to have some sort of connection to Shandora going by her actions like searching for something and crying), Conis takes off despite her grief over her father's death to warn the other inhabitants of Sky Island about Eneru's plan, Nami and Gan Fall finally escape the snake's stomach while Luffy, Aissa and Pierre stay inside, Wyper finally sees the home city of his ancestors...and we end on a chilling not with the four survivors (well, Nami survived as well but she did not want to fight) Robin, Zoro, Wyper and Gan Fall declaring that Eneru has to die and pointing their weapons at him.
Yet this episode also has lots of filler extension again where if they had forgone the filler we might be much farther along by now. And while some of it is humourous (like Aissa being bamboozled by Luffy being able to stretch himself and Pierre being able to turn into a horse), it feels like its just treading ground to catch up with the manga again. So I cannot really call it a good episode.
Still, that scene with Zoro telling Ohm's pet dog Holy to knock himself out was perhaps among the funniest scenes in this arc so far.
To draw a conclusion, a middling episode we have here.
Manga Differences: -Conis crying over and remembering her father before taking off to warn the others was a lot longer than in the manga where it seemed like she took off almost immediately (one of the few filler scenes I liked here because it really lets you settle into Conis's loss). -Most of the scenes inside the snake (the first one and Luffy and Aissa alone in the cave along with Pierre) were anime filler. A slight difference was also that Aissa made the comment about the Waver's jet expulsion while Luffy hung on to the waver instead of afterwards when they were left behind. -The scene with Wyper looking over the city was also a lot longer compared to the manga (including the flashbacks to earlier in the arc). -The usual scene extensions as well.
Mata ashita!
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