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One Piece: Sky Island Saga Review

The third One Piece saga is called Sky Island Saga. It consists of two main arcs and 52 episodes in total. It’s another terrific saga.

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“My power is unrivaled.

That is why I am God!“

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Jaya Arc is the weaker one of the two obviously. It only has nine episodes, so it’s not that important in the bigger scope of things. However, it’s still solid and hugely entertaining in its goofy pirate character additions and fun action. Blackbeard is particularly fun whereas Bellamy was a pretty solid villain. The fight between him and Luffy is the highlight of this particular arc.

But let’s talk about the main crust of this saga, which is naturally the Skypiea Arc. It’s fantastic. It has to be the best imagined of all the sagas so far, especially in terms of fantastical elements and world building, but more on that later. In terms of plot, I have to say that the Ordeals was my favorite part of the story. It’s so good.

Basically, the team has to go through these ordeals in order to reach the big baddie Enel. Snakes, balloons, goofy, but very tough to beat opponents – these are all the obstacles that the team had to face during this incredibly entertaining part of the story that reminded me wonderfully of the best parts of the original Dragon Ball.

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As for the big battle between Luffy and Enel, it’s some powerful stuff. It ranks among the best fights on the entire show because this guy is so damn strong and fueled by some stellar moves and powers. The design on him is great and him basically being a God was so well explored. Everything when it comes to his characterization and this entire world’s dynamics was very well developed and I appreciated that level of commitment showcased throughout this saga.

So, the action is excellent. Again, there is not a lot of action in some stretches here, but when it’s there, it’s superb. The main villain fights continue to be the show’s finest hour. Enel is an amazing villain and probably the best so far, but that’s tough to say honestly as this anime has already had so many phenomenal villains.

As for our main characters, Luffy is still vulnerable, but he gets stronger and stronger as time passes by. That gradual change in his power, especially his powers set, is so naturally established, and I really admired that about this show.

I found Sanji and Zoro a bit underutilized this time around, but Chopper continues to be hilarious whenever he is on screen while also being badass in his grown mode. The female characters are also commendable on One Piece as not only Nami is per usual terrific, but Conis is a great character as well. She got for herself one very well developed, emotional betrayal storyline that really worked.

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The animation continues to be wonderful. I by now have come accustomed to this strange, goofy animation style as it works in the context of the show’s tone and comedy. The humor is once again excellent and the character dynamics are wonderful. Some of the best episodes are the ones where the crew just talks and has fun. The score is also good, but the new opening theme is among the weaker ones so far. As for the fillers, they are so inconsequential and weak here that I am going to pass on them from now on.

Overall, Sky Island Saga is another stellar saga for One Piece that does have a weaker first arc, but the second arc is superb and featuring a terrific villain in Enel, great world building and again strong humor.

Worst Arc: Jaya Arc.

Best Arc: Skypiea Arc.

Worst Episodes: Quit Dreaming! Mock Town, the Town of Ridicule! and Legendary Family! Noland, the Liar!

Best Episodes: The Ordeal of Iron! White Barbed Death Match! and They Finally Clash! Pirate Luffy vs. God Enel!