This article contains spoilers from the One Piece Egghead arc.
Overview
- Sanji fans express frustration towards Toei Animation for the inaccurate depiction of his character.
- Toei’s alterations to Sanji’s portrayal include unnecessary changes not found in the manga.
- The anime adaptation has drawn criticism for distorting significant events and mismanaging Sanji’s character.
Contents
The recent return of the One Piece anime has not met the expectations of Sanji’s devotees or those who advocate for a faithful adaptation of the source material. Toei Animation has faced backlash over their controversial choices regarding Sanji’s character in the latest episodes.
Sanji’s Depiction in the Anime
Toei’s Unnecessary Additions
Regarded as a fan-favorite, Sanji consistently ranks among the top characters in One Piece. His compelling story arc and incredible combat abilities contribute to his popularity among the Straw Hat Pirates. While the manga often receives praise for its portrayal of Sanji, recent alterations in the anime have sparked outrage among fans.
The controversy intensified with the release of episodes 1123 and 1124, wherein Sanji’s character was subjected to significant misrepresentation. For instance, during a crucial moment in the Egghead Island arc, Sanji was inexplicably omitted from an iconic scene that included other main characters, raising eyebrows among viewers. Notably, characters like Franky, who had minimal screen time, remained featured in this adaptation.
One of the most critical changes involved an inappropriate reaction from Sanji, where he displays heart eyes towards Jewelry Bonney, a character who is depicted as a 12-year-old. This portrayal is problematic, especially since in the manga, Sanji conducts himself appropriately around Bonney. Oda, the creator of One Piece, ensured that Sanji’s interactions remained respectful, making Toei’s decision all the more perplexing.
Additionally, during Sanji’s encounter with S-Shark, the anime depicted him as struggling in the fight, even shown kneeling after a punch. This interpretation starkly contrasts with the manga, where Sanji demonstrated resilience and nearly overwhelmed S-Shark. Toei further exacerbated the situation by introducing a scenario where Nami appears to save Sanji, reversing their roles since it was Sanji who actually came to Nami’s aid in the original storyline.
This isn’t the first instance of Toei altering key moments, as they are often criticized for inserting filler content that diverges from the manga’s narrative, particularly regarding Sanji’s character arc.
Where to Watch One Piece
Available on Crunchyroll
After a six-month hiatus, the One Piece anime has resumed with the Egghead Island arc, marking the beginning of the final saga. With 1124 episodes currently available, fans can watch new releases on Crunchyroll every Sunday or Monday, depending on their location.