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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2017 16:06:36 GMT -5
Episode 105: "The Battlefront Of Alabasta! Rainbase, The City Of Dreams!" That is a really cool name, Rainbase. The Straw Hat Crew enter the heart of the lion's den in this one with mostly funny and action-packed episode. Seeing Luffy showing restraint and cherishing the water that Toto dug up for them is a really nice side of him (as is his "Gum Gum No-Way" technique to evade Usopp ), we have another hilarious encounter between Luffy and Smoker as well as Zoro and Tashigi and the chase scene through Rainbase is composited pretty well with lots of excitement. Another big part of the episode is in Alubarna where Karoo finally arrives and informs the king about the events and the true initiator of the revolt. Vivi's father is presented here as a thoughtful and wise ruler that I wish we had more of in the real world instead of some of the caricatures walking around. The scenes in the palace despite having no action to speak of are made entertaining through the dialogue between the different participants (and a cute scene where Karoo refuses to let his mark of friendship be inspected by Chaka). Lastly, there's a scene with the rebels but that one is mostly notable for something below and introducing us to a child character that will play a part later on. So, all in all, it's a pretty good episode this time again and we shall see what the Straw Hats will do in Crocodile's casino Raindinners. Manga Differences: -The beginning scene with Vivi still in tears and thanking Luffy for helping her decide until she explains where Rainbase is is anime-filler only. -A bit of censorship again as originally we see the rebel soldier, whom Koza asks to show his battle scars to the young boy, in full view. In the anime, he left in the shadows mostly and we only get a hint of his injuries. -We never get the actual lines in the letter Vivi sent her father, only the reactions in the manga while we get to hear Vivi's voice and visual material to the letter in the anime. -Chopper's search for the others after they are chased off by the Marines is anime-only. Until tomorrow, everyone!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2017 15:32:58 GMT -5
Episode 106: "The Trap Of Certain Defeat! Storming Raindinners!"
Now, Raindinners on the other hand...not such a memorable name.
You could say that this episode is the opening to the climax of the Alabasta Arc. Crocodile manages to trap our heroes (well, at least four of them + 1 marine) and catch Vivi just before Operation Utopia commences. We also finally learn about his devil fruit power (the Sand-Sand power) and see it in action (at least he does not ever have to worry about losing his head).
We also get introduced to a fairly important item: the Sea Prism Stone. A stone that has the same effect on devil fruit users as sea water use, thus making it a useful tool for the Navy to imprison them. Here it is introduced as part of Smoker's jutte weapon but we would later on learn other ways of the Navy using this special stone.
In the larger action scene of this episode, we get to see Pell's Bird-Bird Fruit (Model Falcon) in action as well as also finally seeing Miss All-Sunday's power, the Flower-Flower Fruit in action (with the latter being a very...interesting kind of power). And we say goodbye to Pell already since nobody could possibly survive their back being broken like that. But at least he managed to defeat several Millions before that.
Otherwise, lots of humor in this episode (the crew searching for Crocodile in the casino, them getting trapped, how Luffy, Usopp and Zoro pass the time being prisoners) and the final cliffhanger makes you look forward to the next ep. Cannot wait.
Manga differences: -The whole scene with Chopper, Tashigi and Sanji was anime-only. -We get a extended look into the casino than what we got in the manga (including Zoro taking out a few Millions in front). -Originally, the progression of scenes went: Straw Hats go into the door leading to the VIP area - them already in the trap - how they got trapped was done via flashback. In the anime the scene goes chronologically.
Tomorrow is another break to read One Piece Manga Volume 23, so see you on Thursday!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2017 17:27:49 GMT -5
Episode 107: "Operation Utopia Commences! The Swell Of Rebellion Stirs!"
Um, Ms. Doublefinger, you should probably see a doctor about those hip movements of yours. They don't look healthy.
So, the episode mostly focuses on the Baroque Agents setting the final phase of their plan into action: kidnapping the king, having Mr. 2 impersonate the king to rile up the citizens against him, letting a ship full of weapons crash into the land to provide the rebels with enough weapons to offer a battle on equal footing with the royal army.
In that case, the episode really does capture the despair of the parties really well. Especially the first scene that highlights Koza's motivation into becoming the rebel leader uses sound and picture composition excellently to really emphasize Koza's resolve (not to mention Koza's VA doing a magnificent job). On the other side at the later part of the episode, Chaka's resolve is also highlighted really well by rallying up the royal guard to protect the country. By contrasting those two differing view points, the episode really highlights how devilishly evil Crocodile's whole operation is.
Meanwhile, Crocodile continues to be the biggest douche that ever lived to Vivi and by that moment you really get into the mood that Luffy beats his smug face which makes him an effective heel.
Yeah, a very good episode. I liked it muchly.
Manga Differences: -While not having many new scenes, they did extend existing manga scenes like Koza's flashback, "Kobra's" "apology" to the citizens of Nanohana, how the armory ship crashes into Nanohana etc.. Not any change in the tone of the scenes or noteworthy additions, just longer and detailed (in some cases making it even more effective).
Until tomorrow, lads!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 1, 2017 16:34:04 GMT -5
Episode 108: "The Terrifying Bananagators And Mr. Prince"
So, if Sanji ditches this disguise after this arc, is he then Mr. Artist Formerly Known As Prince?
Well, in this episode there is not really much happening. 80% of it takes place in the underground prison and it is a lot of talking (mostly of the Crocodile mocking and insulting Vivi and her country). Vivi against the Bananagator is not a really engaging fight (let's face it, Vivi is a decent fighter but far from the level of the monster trio) and the ep feels more like biding time until the more exciting stuff happening in the next episode.
Yeah, nothing really to say here. Not bad but not very good either. Just middling.
Manga Differences: -The whole scene with Mr. 1, 2 and Ms. Doublefinger in the carriage was anime-only filler.
Until tomorrow.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2017 1:25:57 GMT -5
Episode 109: "The Key To A Great Comeback Escape! The Wax-Wax Ball!"
And here Crocodile learns the lesson of all supervillains: when you have your enemies at your mercy, just kill them in cold blood instead of doing elaborate death traps.
Have to say, Sanji is a pretty clever thinker in his own right when he is not clouded by love for anything female. His plan to get to the others' cell was pretty well thought out and Chopper proved to be the perfect aide to his plan. Granted, since we learn that the key Crocodile left was a fake, it would have been for naught if Mr. 3 did not appear out of a bananagator...though Sanji could have probably kicked the cage apart.
Gotta also love how Smoker and Luffy are growing to have a bit of respect for each other, leading to Smoker letting Luffy off the hook this one time (which is a pretty high gratitude from him given his characterization until now). Looking forward for more interaction between them in the future.
Episode also has some fun moments like Chopper evading Crocodile and a kinda adorable scene where Vivi gets sad since she had trouble beating one bananagator while Luffy and Zoro took out the entire herd. The escape from the death cell and from Raindinners was also done pretty well.
All in all, a pretty good episode here.
Manga differences: -The scene with Sanji and Chopper executing their plan in front of Raindinners was extended with showing Chopper introducing himself to the Millions and then beating their keisters. -Otherwise the usual scene extensions of existing manga scenes.
Until tomorrow lads!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2017 12:59:22 GMT -5
Episode 110: "Merciless Mortal Combat! Luffy vs. Crocodile!"
Chopper found a Giant Enemy Crab. I hope Luffy does not attack its weak point for massive damage.
Yeah, the main focus of this episode is Luffy's first fight where he is completely overwhelmed by his enemy. It is interesting to see almost all of Luffy's attacks over the course of the previous episodes make a return (including the battle axe that finished off Arlong and a new one where he basically imitates one of Wapol's attacks), only to see them being completely futile against Crocodile.
Crocodile meanwhile proves to have some pretty good attacks on his side as well including creating an antlion-like sand pit that shows that the desert is his domain (I wonder how he would fair in a fight against Gaara from Naruto).
Even though it becomes apparent that Luffy is in way over his head, the episode still stays strong with fluid animation and the banter between Luffy and Crocodile (including a funny bit where Luffy hits Crocodile in the mouth, causing him to not fully finish his sentence which Luffy points out). Finally, it ends with a chilly scene: Crocodile piercing Luffy with his hook, made all the more ennerving by the music completely disappearing and only Crocodile's words and the drops of blood remaining. This shows why the English anime dubs of yesteryear's insistence to put music into every scene was complete bonkers.
So yeah, a very good episode here and I hope Luffy will be fine.
Manga differences: -Originally, Luffy gets pierced during his first grabbing at Crocodile in the manga. Here, he grabs him, lets go to take care of the sandstorm somehow, then grabs him a second time after which the piercing commences (probably for time extension).
Mata ashita, yaro-domo!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2017 14:54:18 GMT -5
Episode 111: "Dash For A Miracle! Alabasta Animal Land!"
Wait, Igaram is alive? That's a surprise I am OK with. As long as they don't pull that card too often.
So the first fight between Luffy and Crocodile comes to an end with Luffy's defeat although something seems to have happened when Luffy's water dropped on Crocodile's arm and that time Luffy was able to forcefully grab him. In my opinion, it would have been more effective if they left Luffy's fate in question until his actual reappearance in a few episodes. They could have told his escape as a flashback (which would have also provided a nice set-up for the next crew member to join) and it would have been more dramatic that way. Of course nobody would actually believe that the main protagonist croaks like that but it could have still been a solid execution.
Nevertheless, we get a hint that Ms. All-Sunday aka Nico Robin might be more than meets the eye referring to somebodies called those who carry the D. Also, Pell is alive, having survived his back being broken in half.
In the other location of this ep, the others are travelling first by moving crab named Pincers, then by Kung Fu Dugong-drawn Sandoran catfish and finally via Supersonic Duck Squadron towards Alubarna. Those scenes are mostly played for laughs (especially Usopp's reactions and the plan to help Pincers cross the water) and give a glance on why I love the crew's interactions so much.
All in all, this was a decent episode again and we are moving rapidly towards the climax.
Manga differences: -All the scenes with Toto in Yuba are anime-only filler. -Otherwise the usual scene extensions of manga-existing material (and just how long does it take for the agents to make it to Alubarna anyway?)
See you tomorrow 'gain!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 5, 2017 15:46:17 GMT -5
Episode 112: "Royal Army vs. Rebel Army! Showdown At Alubarna!"
Well princess, in your mission to stop the rebellion...you've failed.
Have to say though that the Straw Hat Crew proved quite smart with their two strategies in this one: first the decoy trick where the actual person simply stayed behind and their two-fold strategy to check whether they are dealing with the real deal or with Mr. 2. Really looks like they are quite adapt at two-level plans.
This episode also sadly reminds us of something that Crocodile mentioned off-handedly in past episodes: that members of Baroque Works infiltrated the Royal Army and the Rebel Army, thus, leading to Vivi's final chance to stop the rebellion being covered up in a cloud of dust (literally). But it speaks for her resolve that the Straw Hats inspired her so much that she never gives up!
All in all, a decent episode that, while not on the same level as the previous ones, makes one interested in how the proceedings in Alubarna will move forward.
Manga differences: -The scene with Pell and Luffy at the start was anime-only filler. -Originally, after Vivi figured out that Usopp was fake, she immediately took off leading to Mr. 2 asking himself why he was found out despite having the mark around his arm and erasing his disguise. In the anime, Mr. 2 immediately gives away his disguise and confronts Vivi. -The talk between Sanji and Usopp & Lashes (both beaten by Mr. 2) went longer in the anime.
See you all tomorrow!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2017 15:10:46 GMT -5
Episode 113: "Alubarna Grieves! The Fierce Captain Karoo!"
Geezus, if the announcer at the beginning of the episode spouts even more pathos, you would think we were in a bible epic or something similar.
This episode is essentially the set-up for the obligatory "Straw Hat Crew vs. Field Commanders" fights, giving us the brackets of Sanji vs. Mr. 2 Bon Clay, Zoro & Nami vs. Mr. 1 & Ms. Doublefinger and Usopp & Chopper vs. Mr. 4 and Ms. Merry Christmas. The focus in this one is mostly on the latter fight giving us bits like a gun that somehow ate a devil fruit and turned into a dog sneezing baseballs that are also time bombs...
...
This show is weird.
Anywho, Mr. 4 and Ms. Merry Christmas have an interesting and dangerous attack combination and it will be interesting how Chopper and Usopp get out of this. Also some fun scenes in here (Usopp's confusion about Chopper's explanation that "Mr. 4 is a fourth-batter together with his dog", their comments about Ms. Merry Christmas etc.) which offsets the tenseness a bit.
The drama part is mostly taken over by Karoo trying desperately to keep Vivi away from the advancing Mr. 2 Bon Clay, showing fierce determination that get underscored by some flashbacks of the bond he has made with the Straw Hat Crew. Getting some real appreciation for that brave ducky.
So all in all a pretty decent ep that sets up the major battles in this arc which I hope will deliver.
Manga differences: -The scene with Sanji encountering some royal and rebel army soldiers is anime-only filler. -Originally, as said last episode, Vivi immediately got carried away by Karoo after seeing through the fake Usopp while here Vivi has to evade some attacks from Mr. 2 before Karoo takes her away. -A longer argument between Usopp and Chopper that was not in the manga during their fight just before Ms. Merry Christmas transforms into her mole form.
See you tomorrow!
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Post by Dub H on Dec 7, 2017 7:44:48 GMT -5
Alabasta has some of the most fun battles in the series.
Ussop and Chopper really shined there
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2017 8:50:34 GMT -5
Especially looking forward to the fight after the next one where a Straw Hat finally gets the time to shine against a field commander.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2017 9:43:34 GMT -5
Episode 114: "Sworn On A Friend's Dream! The Battle Of Molehill, Block 4!"
Wondering if the 4Kids dub had Usopp uttering something akin to "Stop! Hammer Time!" whenever he used his hammer.
We now go into the thick of things regarding the fight between Usopp and Chopper vs. Mr. 4, Ms. Merry Christmas and Lassoo, Mr. 4's dog. It is a fun fight for the most part due to the personalities of the characters providing lots of laughs (Mr. 4's slow reaction to Usopp hitting him with his hammer, Chopper's naive adoration of Usopp's "strength" among others). Mr. 4 and Ms. Merry Christmas also provide a unique battle atmosphere with their attacks and for the first time, Usopp comes to the breaking point that his tricks (that worked against Choo from the Arlong Pirates) do not work against this pair, leading him to genuinely run away from the fight crying. At least, he tried his best with his usual trickery (love the random "Rubber Band" when he tried "Whack-A-Mole" with Ms. Merry Christmas.
Chopper meanwhile is trying to analyze the fight calmly and enduring the array of time bomb baseballs to find a weakness. One wonders at this point why he does not eat more rumble balls one after the other instead of just depending on one. But we will find about that later. And the idea that "Brain Point" gave him was a sound one although he underestimated the durability of the Number Agents.
Only fault with this ep is that it is interrupted by a pointless filler scene showing Vivi running through the city, falling, having flashbacks that give her the strength to carry on and continue running. If that scene weren't there, the fight would have probably been done in this episode already. Alas, we have to take it over to the next ep.
Still, a very good ep with an entertaining fight.
Manga differences: -As mentioned that whole scene with Vivi in the episode is anime-filler only. -The usual extension of scenes that were in the manga already (especially Chopper analyzing Mr. 4 while getting hit by baseballs).
See you all 'morrow!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2017 15:52:28 GMT -5
Episode 115: "Big Opening Day Today! The Copy-Copy Montage!"
Wow, remind me to never talk bad about Luffy when Usopp's around.
So, we come to the end of our first battle and the most awesome moment happens right at the start, reminding us why Usopp got inspired to go become a brave warrior of the sea: because of Luffy's inspiration. And he does not let anyone mock Luffy the way Ms. Merry Christmas does. A real bad-ass moment for Usopp when he goes into his speech while surviving all sorts of attacks from Ms. Merry Christmas and Mr. 4 (where we also learn that he has a pretty big nose bone). Finally, with a fine display of team work, Usopp and Chopper manage to be the first to take out some of Baroque Works's field commanders after an entertaining battle.
And we move to the next fight between Sanji and Mr. 2 Bon Clay. While it is not as unique as the previous battle (consisting mainly of kicking and dodging), there are some fun bits from their interaction (Sanji completely no-selling the episode title technique, Sanji going from serious to love-struck in seconds whenever Mr. 2 changes into Nami) that still make this a pretty good fight. It will be interesting to see how it will go from there.
Finally, Vivi reaches the castle and orders it to be destroyed to draw the attention of the fighting groups to come up with...something. Huh, guess she should have thought this through better.
Anywho, this is again a good episode mostly for the finale of the Molehille Block 4 battle so hopefully it continues in this vein.
Manga differences: -Chaka's flashback to the last time he saw Cobra was anime-only. -Otherwise only the usual scene extensions.
Until tomorrow!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2017 4:15:56 GMT -5
Episode 116: "Transformed Into Nami! Bon Clay's Rapid-Fire Ballet Kenpo!" Uhm...NEW INTRO! Seriously, when the new intro hit I was confused and thought I had the wrong episode there for a second but it is legit. The confusion stemmed from that the intro at this time contains a pretty big spoiler regarding the next Straw Hat Crew member that most of those who only follow the anime would not have seen coming. Ignoring this, I am glad that we finally get a replacement for "Believe". The new song "Hikari e" is not among the most noteworthy intro songs but it is decent and it is not "Believe" anymore! Interesting to note that this intro did away with showing stills from future characters like the two previous intros did. Anyway unto the episode which focuses mostly on the Sanji/Mr. 2 fight. There are some really fluid animation segments during the fight which look awesome and both of them are really great in figuring out the other's weaknesses (Mr. 2 with Sanji's inability to attack him while he is copying Nami, Sanji with figuring out that Mr. 2 cannot use his attacks while doing his copying technique). I still contain that this fight is not as entertaining as the previous one was but it is still a decent fight with a tense conclusion (who knew that you can do a samurai showdown with kicks as well) and a fun end. In other areas, we finally get the split-up into Zoro vs. Mr. 1 and Nami vs. Ms. Doublefinger. Although Nami seems very proficient with her three-part staff, I doubt she has any chance of defeating a field commander like this. In the other part, Mr. 1's Dice-Dice Fruit ability looks really interesting (able to turn his whole body into a blade) so we'll see how Zoro deals with that. Finally, Crocodile appears in the palace to mock their efforts some more and confronts Vivi with his assumed fact that Luffy is dead. He is just such a dick. All in all, another good episode in the battle part of this arc. Manga differences: -The scene with Chopper and Usopp in this ep was anime-only filler. -The two guards confronting Vivi and Chaka about the truth of them blowing up the palace (after Chaka promises Vivi to give the pirates a big banquet which was in the manga) was anime-only. -Actually seeing Vivi and Chaka with the guards who are lighting up the explosives and Crocodile interfering was again anime-only. Originally after the above banquet comment, the next time we see them it is already Crocodile appearing. Mata ashita, yarodomo!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2017 12:43:13 GMT -5
Episode 117: "Nami's Cyclone Advisory! Clima Takt Burst!" *sings* NAMI! NAMI! AT LAST...YOU NOW CAN FIIIIGHT! Yes, after a long time, the debatedly weakest member of the Straw Hats with no claim of having beaten a field commander in the past gets a weapon that puts her in a position to fight her own battles. It gets set up wonderfully with a "flashback" to when Nami asked Usopp to make her a weapon where she basically hits all the bullet points that made her feel inadequate until that time (the others having superhuman strength and her being an ordinary human, she cannot fight on the same level as them and don't want to become a burden. She also wants to help Vivi more than she was able to until now). It just feels so good having the two "normal" members of the Straw Hats having this kind of discussion, realizing that they have to find a way for themselves to become as strong as their crew members. And Nami achieves this with her new weapon: the Clima Takt. In this ep, we do not get to see its true power yet (mostly because it is used for comedic effect in this ep) but we already get to see that it is a weapon suited for the navigator and weather expert Nami. Though one wonders how Usopp managed to create such a weapon. Her opponent, Ms. Doublefinger, is not too shabby either, having eaten the Spike-Spike Fruit enabling her to turn every part of her body into a deadly stinger weapon. And she uses this power in some pretty creative ways (Sewing Stinger, using it to walk on ceiling, Stinger Hedgehog etc.). Definitely a more entertaining opponent than Mr. 2. While the fight has some pretty tense moments, for now its mostly focused on comedy (Nami's and Ms. Doublefinger's reactions to Usopp's party usage of the Clima Takt which are pretty hilarious), making for a pretty good episode. Meanwhile in the palace, Ms. All-Sunday keeps the guards from entering while Crocodile interrogates King Cobra about a weapon called Pluton...whatever that weapon is. And that leaves us for our cliffhanger. All in all, an awesome episode giving the final member of the straw hats a chance to defeat a field commander. Manga Differences: -I didn't mention it until now but...originally, there were some panels in the manga where Usopp handed over the Clima Takt to Nami just before they reached Rainbase. Seeing as it did not appear at this point, it seems this part from the manga got ommitted. -Longer talk between Crocodile and Vivi in the beginning. -The flashback to Nami and Usopp's talk had Luffy and Chopper as well as Zoro appearing which did not happen in the manga. So all their appearances in that flashback are anime-only inventions. Not to mention the talk got extended in a good way. -We actually get to see Ms. All Sunday erect her barrier which we did not in the manga. One day pause to read Manga Volume 24, and we see each other on Tuesday again. BONUS: Nami's fight outfit (*drool*)
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2017 15:47:16 GMT -5
Episode 118: "Secret Passed Down In The Royal Family! The Ancient Weapon Pluton!"
Ms. Doublefinger had quite the shocking experience in this episode.
While the fight now turns more serious this time around and focuses less on humor, it is still pretty entertaining seeing Nami figuring out how to accurately use the Clima Takt and managing to hit her first blow on Ms. Doublefinger. The latter shows some more cool moves based on her power (including being to turn...well...balls into cones, so to speak) and that part where she spikes Nami's fight hurt from looking (I am just glad it did not hit a toenail or something). The fight ends on an awesome note with Nami's determination and Ms. Doublefinger getting defeated by the Tornado Tempo...not without a touch of humor thrown in.
We also find out more about the Pluton weapon which is apparently a weapon similar to an atomic bomb...Oh yeah, and Crocodile proves to be a Grade A dick again by revealing that a cannon ball will be shot into the square to kill the whole royal and rebel armies. What an asshole.
And we get a glimpse into the final major fight, Zoro vs. Mr. 1 which will surely be a blast as well.
All in all a pretty good episode again and it continues to entertain.
Manga Differences: -The first moments of Usopp and Chopper before Sanji showed up was anime filler. -The flashbacks of Nami to scenes with Vivi were anime-filler as well. -The royal guards trying to figure out how to get past Ms. All-Sunday's arms was also anime filler.
See you tomorrow!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2017 15:11:57 GMT -5
Episode 119: "Secret Of Powerful Swordplay! Ability To Cut Steel And The Rhythm Things Have!"
Hopefully, Mr. 1 can keep his ability in check when making love.
In a rare instance the whole episode is dedicated to the fight Zoro vs. Mr. 1 without any scenery change to the Alabasta Palace or elsewhere. Which is good because this fight is very good.
As I mentioned a long time ago, this is basically Zoro's first fight in a series where he faces a blade-based field commander at 100% health. Before there was always some kind of handicap involved: suffering from a stab wound against Cabaji, having to fight with one sword against the Nyaban Brothers, suffering from Hawk-Eye's inflicted wound against Hachi, Zoro always had to fight his opponents at a disadvantage. Now, he actually struggles against an enemy not because of a handicap but because the enemy does prove to be a challenge to him.
In that regard, Zoro is unique among his crew mates in that his goal is ultimately to get stronger and stronger. While the others mostly defeat their enemies for the greater goal of the mission so to speak, Zoro's arc is based around his overcoming powerful enemies to reach his goal of becoming the best swordsman in the world. That's hinted at by his excitement to see a challenge before him with a person made of steel who seemingly cannot be cut.
In an exciting fight, Zoro hits most of his big moves against Mr. 1 who is not harmed by any of it. While it does not contain any beautiful moments of animation like in the Sanji/Mr. 2 fight, it still brings forward the action decently. Finally, Zoro learns from remembering his teacher's lecture and experiencing the verge of death how to feel the rhythm of things, enabling him to defeat Mr. 1 with one strike and mastering one further hurdle to his destiny.
Yeah, a good episode with not much of humor (a little bit of dry humor maybe) but lots of action and intensity. Definitely a good finale of the field commander fights in this arc.
Manga differences: -Besides some additional fight sequences and flashbacks to past episodes, nothing major to report here.
See you 'morrow!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2017 10:38:01 GMT -5
Episode 120: "The Battle Is Over! Koza Raises The White Flag!"
Silly episode title. The battle is far from over.
Yeah, this episode...While it follows the manga very close, it is kinda a jumbled mess for the most part.
First, we have the whole scene with the Kicking Claw Corps, perhaps among the most pointless scenes in OP history. This corps gets an awesome entry beating down the barrier made by Ms. All-Sunday...then does one swipe at Crocodile and fall over dead because they used some power up-suicide drink to combat him. They might as well have called in the People's Front Of Judea's Suicide Squad for all the good that did. And the worst is that you cannot even swipe it away as filler since that was actual manga content. Still makes one wonder what Oda was thinking when he came up with that chapter.
And from that scene, it is kinda hard to get back into the episode. While it moves the story along, the constant flashbacks mess up the rhythm so that I did not feel that much into the episode. It contains Koza finding out the truth about who really stole the rain, Chaka's Devil Fruit Power and a pretty emotional scene at the end (Vivi screaming Koza's name after the latter gets shot by Baroque Works Billions posing as Royal Army soldiers is pretty chilling), so it is pretty important. Then again, the scenes with the Straw Hats in this one takes you kinda out of it although they are again based of the manga.
I dunno, I just did not feel this episode at all. So, thumbs in the middle since technically the episode is not that bad.
Manga differences: -In the manga, we do not actually see the Kicking Claw Corps attacking the gate. They just appear right in front of the whole group. -Again additional flashbacks to extend the running time.
Until the next day, laddies!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2017 11:42:20 GMT -5
Episode 121: "Where Vivi's Voice Gets Heard! The Hero Descends!"
Don West: Luffy hit Crocodile...RIGHT IN THE FACE!
So yeah, Luffy's back and now he is able to bring righteous indignation upon Crocodile after episode of episode of him being a smug douche towards Vivi. Funny how Old Man Toto whom Crocodile mocked in his first fight with Luffy ultimately is the reason Crocodile is going down. Cannot wait to see how it goes (though again it would have been more dramatic if we didn't already know that Luffy made it out of the quicksand already).
The ep also has a sweet moment when all the Straw Hats gather in front of the palace, making Vivi so happy that they all survived. Not to mention Luffy having some reassuring words for her after Crocodile nearly broke her spirit. But I still wonder why Vivi calls everybody by their name and only addresses Zoro as "Mr. Bushido" for some reason. *shrugs*
But that is mostly in the second part, the first part sees the fight between the rebel and the royal army flare up again because of Koza being shot (starting with a chilly scene where Koza slowly falls over while children's music plays) and Crocodile being a huge d**k again. But it speaks for Vivi that she still would not have given up had Crocodile not grabbed, a trait in a character that is a major incentive for Luffy to help her as we now know for quite some time.
Only downside in this one are very noticible animation repetition and extension of scenes. They could have gone even further in the story if they had not done that.
Still, a better episode than the last one.
Manga differences: -In the manga, we don't get to see how Chaka falls before Crocodile which we do in the anime. -Again flashbacks, scene extensions etc. pp..
See you 'morrow, yarodomo!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2017 15:10:12 GMT -5
Episode 122: "Sand Croc And Water Luffy! The Second Round Of The Duel!"
Sand Croc and Water Luffy? Is that like Sharktopus vs. Whalewolf or sth?
The whole episode is based around the second round between Luffy and Crocodile and it is a very good fight. While Luffy has found a way to actually hurt Crocodile, the latter proves that he did not become one of the Seven Warlords of the Seas for nothing, being able to adapt to this new situation rather well (though one time his anger at Luffy's silliness got the better of him, leaving him wide open for a Luffy attack). The fight is mostly deal with seriously but it contains some funny moments with Luffy declaring himself the Eighth Warlord of the Seas, the moment when he starts leaking the water he just drank etc.. Ultimately, this second round ends again in favor of Crocodile who managed to dry up Luffy for good, leaving him just a mummy.
From a plot standpoint, we get a bit more insight into Crocodile's partner, Ms. All-Sunday or Nico Robin as her real name is. She seems to be a real bad apple and I hope the straw hats can do everything in their power to apprehend this dangerous person.
Lastly, the search for the cannoneer begins with the Strawhats + Pell spreading out to search in the area while they seem to be mostly left alone from the fight (perhaps the sand cloud helps in that regard).
All in all, this was a good episode and I wonder how Luffy will get out of that pickle.
Manga differences: -The discussion between the Straw Hats was longer in the anime going about the topic of Crocodile sacrificing his own men for his goals. -That scene with Usopp and Zoro discovering a cannon only to find out (after taking care of a wounded royal army guard) that it is a rusty one was anime-only filler.
Until tomorrow, lads!
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