After 20 years, I have lost interest in One Piece, but the Netflix series showcases the Straw Hat in top form

MeinMMO editor Niko grew up with One Piece, but he no longer follows the anime and manga. The Netflix-series gives him a sense of nostalgia.

Like many people my age, I also grew up with the anime on RTL2. One Piece (although Dragon Ball is still my favorite) was something very special. No anime, no series could convey the feeling of adventure as much as One Piece.

I tried to watch every episode, and when I had completely caught up (it was already airing on Tele 5), I picked up the manga and regularly read the new chapters there too. But now, nearly 20 years after my first contact with the anime, I’m out.

About with the “Wano Kuni” arc, I stopped reading the manga. I still get to hear about major events, but I lack real interest. However, the 2nd season of the Netflix series, which will be released on March 10, 2026, could rekindle my love, even though the series looks quite silly.

Who is writing here? Nikolas Hernes primarily focuses on movies and series for MeinMMO, but he grew up with anime. Even if he doesn’t watch as much as he used to, he is still passionate about the medium.

One Piece, along with Dragon Ball and Naruto, played an important part in his life that he doesn’t want to miss even after over 20 years. That’s why the Netflix series of One Piece is also a major highlight for him.

One Piece: Netflix shows new trailer for season 2 with Nico Robin

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Silly, but full of adventure

I can understand anyone who continues to actively follow One Piece. There are new characters, big new revelations, and epic battles. But for me, personally, it’s too much. The spirit of adventure before the time skip, the 2-year time jump after the Sabaody arc, is missing for me. I miss the feeling of being on a treasure hunt with the Straw Hats. Nowadays, I prefer to watch shorter anime or series.

But that’s where the live-action series on Netflix comes into play. When the 1st season started in 2023, I, like many others, was initially skeptical. A good live-action adaptation of anime seemed impossible, but Netflix made it happen. They found a middle ground. Nothing is too realistic, often even silly. But that was how the anime was back then.

Every time I see new trailers for season 2, I get excited. Yes, I know the story almost by heart, but it’s about the feeling – the feeling of fun, adventure, and friendship. Much of the set design looks almost theatrical, and the effects are not always good. But that’s what creates a special charm.

I want to feel the camaraderie of the Straw Hats again, not just in dramatic moments, but also in exploring new islands or interactions on the ship. That is something that is missing in today’s anime and manga.

In addition to a reinterpretation of many characters, I especially look forward to the fights, because something special is missing from today’s One Piece: more ingenuity in combat.

Not hitting harder, but rethinking

What I really liked about the early arcs in One Piece were the fights. The many abilities were so unique that the Straw Hats had to rethink to defeat their enemies. I immediately think of the fight Luffy vs. Crocodile or Chopper and Lysop’s 2 vs. 2 against Mister 4 and Miss Merry Christmas.

Seeing those fights in a new light will be a fun experience. Back then, the environment was still used, and Devil Fruits were creatively interpreted. That is something I miss a bit these days. In new fights, it often feels like the one who wins is the one with the cooler ability, not the one who uses it the smartest.

A major highlight for me is already Mister 3. I really like seeing David Dastmalchian in films and series, and his first images as a villain of the Baroque Works are fantastically silly (via x.com). In general, I have to praise the actors. With every interview, I feel like they love the characters. Taz Skylar as Sanji is especially impressive, who underwent tough training.

That is also an important factor for the fights. Besides the camera and choreography, the actors must also embody the situation. One has to approach such a live-action adaptation with fun and a little silliness, not with pure realism.