Anime: Straw Hat Reunion Arc- Episode 518

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First Thoughts

This week's episode felt a bit weak compared to the episode from last week. You may have noticed that there was a lot of filler material in the episode. Filler material isn't a bad thing but it can be bad because  it can slow the pace of the episode. If you didn’t notice a slow pace then please let me know.

It is unfortunate because this episode has some good moments in it.

News Piece: Season 4 is Coming

Well guys it's finally happening, the awesome guys at the Unofficial One Piece Podcast have officially announced via a well marketed podcast special, that Season 4 has been officially licensed by Funimation. For those of you who don't know, Season 4 contains portions of several story arcs. The Davy Back Fight arc pits the Straw Hats in a series of challenges against the Foxy Pirates. the Ocean's Dream arc based on a One Piece videogame in which the Straw Hats lose their memories work together to regain them.

The very popular Water 7 arc largely featured in Season 4 depicts the Straw Hats in some of their worst hours. It practically has some of the most important and darkest moments in the entire history of One Piece in my own personal opinion. But in terms of overall narrative, it introduces the future shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates, Franky.

I'm absolutely excited about this. Water 7 is one of my favorite arcs and hearing it in dubbed English will be an amazing experience. The prospect of the Funi voice actors speaking these famous lines makes me quiver. By the way, Funimation seemed to have licensed 58 episodes so far, but considering the fact that this arc is so popular, and the fact that apparently unlike the Japanese DVDs, these are in widescreen and HD. That alone is going to pave the road for Season 5. Funimation haven't stated a release date but my guess is going to be the summer of 2012 or possibly the fall.

So now that I've said my piece, what are your thoughts on Funimation finally giving the fans what they want? Please post your comments below and let's just sit back and enjoy, knowing that Patrick Seitz may be voicing Franky like in the Unlimited Adventure game. It will be great.

Written by Neku:

Edited by Dsaftler.

Anime: Straw Hat Reunion Arc- Episode 517

Accept no substitutes! Go into the New World with OnePieceOfficial.com

 

First Thoughts

Because Mikey is so swamped with his reviews (imagine, a whole review dedicated to the 15^th opening!) I, Sora, was asked to handle the review of episode 517. My response was joyful and full of glee. It is such a great honor to be reviewing this episode today. I never dreamed I would get this chance, and the idea never crossed my mind once I had scheduled out the turns we each take. This was an amazing episode, and one of the best in a while (and that is saying something considering how great all the episodes have been as of late.) Plus, this gave me a decent reason to re-watch the episode. Just one viewing is not enough for an episode of such quality.

One Piece More: Oni Con 2011 + Panel

I hope everybody in the Houston/Galveston Area is excited because this weekend is Oni Con 2011.

The anime convention is taking place over October 28th though the 30th. It will be at the Galveston Island Convention Center. You will have to travel a little farther compare d to Oni Cons in the past,  but anything is better than where it was last year.

Oni Con has a few noteworthy guests this year such as the Earthbound Papas featuring Nobuo Uematsu (Formally known as The Black Mages), Chris and Greg Ayres, and Clarine Harp. You may have heard of Nobuo Uematsu for because of his musical contributions to the Final Fantasy video game series. The Ayres Brothers and Clarine Harp have played a few roles within the Funimation One Piece dub.

Want your One Piece fix at Oni Con? Then I welcome you to the One Piece Fan Panel hosted by this very blog. The panel will be on Sunday in Panel Room 2 at 1 pm. We will be discussing the latest manga chapter and prizes will be given out. Overall, a great time is to be expected.

See you at Oni Con.

-Mikey

KND/One Piece Fanart (Follow Up)

You may remember in August that a piece of fanart by Codename: Kids Next Door creator, Tom Warburton, was showcased on the site. The reason why I am bringing this up is because Mr. Warburton noticed the article and the suggestions for who could be Nami. Below is what he had to say:

"If you read the comments, there are some thoughts regarding Numbuh 86 standing in for Nami, the Straw Hat's navigator.

I LIKE that idea. "

The suggestion that Numbuh 86 stand in for Nami was so appreciated by Mr. Warburton that he decided to draw it. This was all because of your suggestions and beyond anything I expected. Mr. Warburton did a great job in drawing Numbuh 86 as Nami. You can see that he drew one of Nami's famous expressions while she carries her Perfect Climatact.

You can head over to Mr. Warburton's site in order to view the full size image of his artwork.

Manga: Chapter 642 (SPOILERS!)

SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!

Surfs up! Read Viz's One Piece or read online at JManga.com!

Anime: Opening 15- We Go!

We all go to OnePieceOfficial.com!

First Thoughts
You may have noticed that Episode 517 was full of action. Normally discussion of a new title sequence is within the anime review of the episode it premiered in. This time the review will be broken into two parts.

Episode 517 premiered Opening 15, “We Go,” the spiritual successor to “We Are.” It is fitting because the series is starting at the beginning in a way. The new theme is opening that will start a new chapter in the series.

So how about we go into this review!

Manga: Chapter 641 (SPOILERS)

SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!

Don't panic yet! You can still get One Piece from Viz or read online at JManga!

Anime: Post Marineford Arc- Episode 516

 

The new era announced its entrance at OnePieceOfficial.com. 

Be there. (I was!)

First Thoughts

I confused dates and I forgot that the new opening was not playing this week, but debuting next week. Oh well, I was almost the first to review the new opening. However, next weekend may be the true beginning of the New World Saga, but important points will be shown in this episode. Big events are occurring, if only to part the waters to the New World. It will be really cool to see the next episode, nonetheless.