Dragonball & One Piece: A Match Made In Heaven?

Post by **Herms** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:47 pm

Raki wrote:One Piece is a great show, but I actually like its manga more.

Agreed. I love the manga, but have never been able to work up much enthusiasm for the anime.

DemonRin · Post by **DemonRin** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:50 pm

The Anime is awesome to me because of the voice cast and the Music, both Raw and (FUNi) dubbed.

But I love the Manga too, I have every volume (Japanese, Viz makes me Cry) Except the newest like... two or three... They're right next to my DB Kanenban on the bookshelf over there XD

Chuquita · Post by **Chuquita** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:52 pm

Count me in as another favors-One-Piece's-manga-over-its-anime.
(I really like the seiyuu, but there's just so many episodes. @_@ )
Maybe I just don't have the gumption to follow long-running anime series anymore? I guess if there was one I absolutely loved enough I'd follow it, but I'm a casual OP fan, so...manga for me. ^^;

I'm waiting patiently for Funi to put out movies 4 and 6 as I'd really like to buy them *hints at Funi*. Movie 10 looks like it'll be really interesting, so I may check that out.

Super Ghost Kamikaze · Post by **Super Ghost Kamikaze** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 11:59 pm

I got through the manga alright through the point where I burned out, but the anime to me is simply unwatchable. I don't know what it is, and I'm guessing it's some combination of a lot of factors that makes most modern anime horrible unpalatable to me.

Bussani · Post by **Bussani** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 12:00 am

Raki wrote:
Bussani wrote:
Kunzait_83 wrote:*snip*
You hate shounen. This reaction is to be expected.
Kunzait likes shonen, but not every shonen walking the Earth.

He's told me a million times that he hates shonen and is proud of it. It's more the shonen tropes than the fact that it's for 'young boys' though. After all, he does like Dragon Ball.

By the way, Makafushigi Adventure sounds just as shoneny (in terms of lyrics) as any other shonen opening to me. The tune itself is another matter, but yeah.

I guess different people like Dragon Ball for different reasons. I know a lot of us like the adventure aspect, the strange and mystical world that there is to explore, even if the exploration isn't exactly what's on Goku's mind at the time. Even in Dragon Ball Z, what fascinates me the most is the cosmos itself, and exploring all the little aspects of the universe. Maybe that's why something like One Piece appeals to me.

Edit: For some reason, I prefer the One Piece anime to the manga. Which is very rare for me. I much prefer Dragon Ball's manga to the anime, and I'm known by my friends as "the guy who always says 'the manga is better.'" But somehow I just have more fun watching the anime of One Piece than reading the manga. Probably at least partly because you read manga alone, but I watch One Piece with a friend.

Teclo · Post by **Teclo** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 12:08 am

One Piece can be cheesy but I've never found it cheesy in the typical American way where it seems stripped-down, diluted and forced into being happy. Like, in the Apis mini-arc, the ending is a lot more bittersweet than a Disney ending, where we'd hear Celine Dion warbling away while the dragon swoops through the air in front of a rainbow or something...

One Piece is sentimental indeed, but it never feels fake or trite to me. On the other hand, there have been certain films I've seen where people in the cinema actually burst out laughing because of these insanely tacky parts - like when Spiderman swings past the US flag (movie 1 or 2) and another part where all those NOO YOIKERS WID A HEART O'GOLD tell the Green Goblin that this is NOO YOIK and they don't take kindly to such un-American behaviour. Also the end of I Am Legend when they arrive at what looks like some incredibly terrifying religious cult in the Mid-West, where Will Smith would be burnt on a cross later that day. These things were meant to be good things, were meant to illicit a positive emotional response, but the sentiment seemed way off - to the point that most people in the cinema started laughing at those points. Most people seem to get a feeling from One Piece of "Ah! If only it was that simple!" rather than "Oh man, that's some real Disney shit right there".

One Piece's sentimentality isn't the creepy sort, where they take an old story and sterilise it (a la Disney) or where it almost seems to be trying to indoctrinate the kids into some religion, like those horrible little books that Christians give out (and no, that isn't a slur on the Bible; I mean those little pamphlets). It seems pretty pure stuff and well in-tune with what just happened. When Apis says "if you put your heart into it, you can achieve anything" she uses a line that's been done to death, but it doesn't stand out as some horrible "Moral of the story" or "message of the day" because it seems like she had to earn that realisation. Also, her dream is a pretty down-to-earth one; she essentially becomes an animal carer. Honestly, the Simpsons is way more cheesy than that when it has it's little Heart-Warming Christian Message at the end of every episode - ah, home is where the heart is! It's family that matters at the end of the day! Those moments really clash with the rest of the show. One Piece's sentimentality fits into the world it's set in because the whole show is about different people's dreams. The dreams aren't like some little suburban girl saying "I wanna be a pwincess like Anastasia!!" without realising that Anastasia was serially raped and executed, but more like "I want to be the best chef in the world" or "I want to map everything". I find it more "adorably upbeat" than I do "sickeningly cheesy".

Raki · Post by **Raki** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 12:12 am

Chuquita wrote:

I'm waiting patiently for Funi to put out movies 4 and 6 as I'd really like to buy them *hints at Funi*. Movie 10 looks like it'll be really interesting, so I may check that out.

Funi's deal didn't include the movies outside Movie 8. They said it should be a part of the next deal.

JulieYBM · Post by **JulieYBM** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 12:20 am

Teclo wrote:One Piece can be cheesy but I've never found it cheesy in the typical American way where it seems stripped-down, diluted and forced into being happy. Like, in the Apis mini-arc, the ending is a lot more bittersweet than a Disney ending, where we'd hear Celine Dion warbling away while the dragon swoops through the air in front of a rainbow or something...

One Piece is sentimental indeed, but it never feels fake or trite to me. On the other hand, there have been certain films I've seen where people in the cinema actually burst out laughing because of these insanely tacky parts - like when Spiderman swings past the US flag (movie 1 or 2) and another part where all those NOO YOIKERS WID A HEART O'GOLD tell the Green Goblin that this is NOO YOIK and they don't take kindly to such un-American behaviour. Also the end of I Am Legend when they arrive at what looks like some incredibly terrifying religious cult in the Mid-West, where Will Smith would be burnt on a cross later that day. These things were meant to be good things, were meant to illicit a positive emotional response, but the sentiment seemed way off - to the point that most people in the cinema started laughing at those points. Most people seem to get a feeling from One Piece of "Ah! If only it was that simple!" rather than "Oh man, that's some real Disney shit right there".

One Piece's sentimentality isn't the creepy sort, where they take an old story and sterilise it (a la Disney) or where it almost seems to be trying to indoctrinate the kids into some religion, like those horrible little books that Christians give out (and no, that isn't a slur on the Bible; I mean those little pamphlets). It seems pretty pure stuff and well in-tune with what just happened. When Apis says "if you put your heart into it, you can achieve anything" she uses a line that's been done to death, but it doesn't stand out as some horrible "Moral of the story" or "message of the day" because it seems like she had to earn that realisation. Also, her dream is a pretty down-to-earth one; she essentially becomes an animal carer. Honestly, the Simpsons is way more cheesy than that when it has it's little Heart-Warming Christian Message at the end of every episode - ah, home is where the heart is! It's family that matters at the end of the day! Those moments really clash with the rest of the show. One Piece's sentimentality fits into the world it's set in because the whole show is about different people's dreams. The dreams aren't like some little suburban girl saying "I wanna be a pwincess like Anastasia!!" without realising that Anastasia was serially raped and executed, but more like "I want to be the best chef in the world" or "I want to map everything". I find it more "adorably upbeat" than I do "sickeningly cheesy".

Completely agree good sir...madam?

Many dreams these characters have are actually pretty solid, and almost grounded. No more ridiculous than that Ahab (was it?). Usopp for instance, wants to overcome his trademark fear, looking up to brave adventurers, pirates, and giant vikings. Nami wants to map the entire world (although in-so-far I can't believe she's done much of that), Robin wants to discover the meaning of the poneglyph, something not too different from Egyptologists of our world, really.

One Piece--and Luffy in particular--is a story meant to make children believe they can achieve what they set out to do. Luffy and Zoro have been able to make their bold claims of becoming King of Pirates and The World's Best Swordsman because for the most part, they've busted their balls to have the strength to back it up (although, I'm sure the rules of One Piece's world help out a whole lot). The character's suffer through so much, and the villains are so nasty, it's hard not to root for the heroes.

dchan316 · Post by **dchan316** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 12:46 am

I, too, much prefer the One Piece manga to the anime, and the same goes with Dragonball. But I like the anime as a complement to the manga.

I thought One Piece began okay, but really hooked me when Mihawk shows up. Getting a taste of the Grand Line really got my blood pumping! And since then, I've just loved the series. To be honest, I enjoy the Alabasta and Skypeia arcs more than the Water7 arc (that whole episode 227 thing).

And I've been into Dragonball from the beginning. I started with those first heavily editted 13 episodes of Dragonball, and thought they were really fun, then happened to turn on the TV the FIRST time DBZ came on the air! I considered it fate and became obsessed (good obsessed), and it still remains my favorite series, along with One Piece. I love the wacky characters with designs that don't look like "generic anime," the mix of humor & action, and light on the drama. Just a lot of fun to read and watch!

And for those struggling to see whats so great about One Piece after getting through so-and-so many episodes, try Fairy Tail, because that one reads like One Piece's kid brother. Its quicker into the action and spirit that a lot of people like One Piece for (it just lacks One Piece's depth), and it even looks really similar (the mangaka was an assistant with Oda on Kenshin, and even assisted on One Piece early on). Its getting an anime soon, too, so that'd be a good place to start. And if that doesn't do it for you, perhaps One Piece just isn't for you, which is fine also.

Post by **Herms** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 1:17 am

JulieYBM wrote: Many dreams these characters have are actually pretty solid, and almost grounded. No more ridiculous than that Ahab (was it?).

Captain Ahab? He was portrayed as insane.

Velasa · Post by **Velasa** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:13 am

Kunzait_83 wrote:
ShinRogafuken wrote:You haven't seen anything. Episode 227 is where it really starts.
POOOOOOST

My god, I love you Kunzait

I may have been the first one to mention not liking One Piece but you totally kicked my ass with possibly your longest effing post ever.

It was pretty interesting too- the whole perspective of what the Martial Arts setting means was interesting, especially as I've never really watched a Martial Arts flic.... <_< It gives a little perspective into Son though, which helps understand how infuriating he can be at times.

Bussani · Post by **Bussani** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:51 am

Herms wrote:
JulieYBM wrote: Many dreams these characters have are actually pretty solid, and almost grounded. No more ridiculous than that Ahab (was it?).
Captain Ahab? He was portrayed as insane.

Follow your dreams, even if they're insane!

...Yeah, Ahab's not a good example of a well grounded 'dream'. He wanted revenge on a whale. You might as well be someone who dreams of getting revenge on a hurricane for killing your family.

Shoryuken · Post by **Shoryuken** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 9:41 am

One Piece has a fine anime, although the manga is better.
Where else would we get awesome opening songs such as "We are".
I have no problem with the anime at all in fact I favor it over Naruto and Bleach at any day.

Kezellz · Post by **Kezellz** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:17 am

Velasa wrote:
Kezellz wrote:I love both of them, and I never heard of a DBZ fan who didn't like One Piece
Trust me hon, there are a lot of Dragonball fans who can't stand One Piece. Just because Toriyama likes the show doesn't mean we have to.

I don't like One Piece b/c Toriyama likes it. That is just a lame excuse for watching it. IMO One Piece is funny, the fights and adventures are awesome and it gives me the feeling of begin Dragon Ball. Also I started OP because Naruto is getting too serious and the fights aren't that exiting or special. And Bleach battles are especially lame, really if you expect some awesome sword fights and you don't get them. And I like OP because I liked the begin of Dragon Ball.

Also, If you state you don't like it, at least give some reasons.

Kunzait_83 wrote:
Kezellz wrote:I never heard of a DBZ fan who didn't like One Piece
...

From the few lines I read it seems you just hate the things that are I almost every shounen series :/

You love DBZ b/c of the Martial Arts (I think, sorry I just couldn't read it all

) and I think Dragon Ball is the only series who does the Martial Arts fights right (Just b/c I haven't seen an other show about martial arts, like to know some more). And I can understand if you love DBZ for the Martial Arts, that you don't like OP. But I think most people like DBZ also for other things, and not only Martial Arts, and so that's why maybe they like One Piece too. OP is the general beat up with no tactical moves, just awesome punches and devil fruit moves.

But really, you're the only guy I know who loves DBZ just for the Martial Arts. (Maybe I know one more, but I'm not sure. )

And I'll make no comment about the big post you made

Shoryuken · Post by **Shoryuken** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:35 am

Kezellz wrote:
You love DBZ b/c of the Martial Arts (I think, sorry I just couldn't read it all ) and I think Dragon Ball is the only series who does the Martial Arts fights right (Just b/c I haven't seen an other show about martial arts, like to know some more). And I can understand if you love DBZ for the Martial Arts, that you don't like OP. But I think most people like DBZ also for other things, and not only Martial Arts, and so that's why maybe they like One Piece too. OP is the general beat up with no tactical moves, just awesome punches and devil fruit moves.

But really, you're the only guy I know who loves DBZ just for the Martial Arts. (Maybe I know one more, but I'm not sure. )

And I'll make no comment about the big post you made

Fist of The North Star captured martial arts way better now there is also Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple and the list just goes on.

Kezellz · Post by **Kezellz** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:40 am

Shoryuken wrote:
Kezellz wrote:
You love DBZ b/c of the Martial Arts (I think, sorry I just couldn't read it all ) and I think Dragon Ball is the only series who does the Martial Arts fights right (Just b/c I haven't seen an other show about martial arts, like to know some more). And I can understand if you love DBZ for the Martial Arts, that you don't like OP. But I think most people like DBZ also for other things, and not only Martial Arts, and so that's why maybe they like One Piece too. OP is the general beat up with no tactical moves, just awesome punches and devil fruit moves.

But really, you're the only guy I know who loves DBZ just for the Martial Arts. (Maybe I know one more, but I'm not sure. )

And I'll make no comment about the big post you made
Fist of The North Star captured martial arts way better now there is also Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple and the list just goes on.

I don't think Martial Arts fights in Kenichi are more epic than in Dragon Ball, and yes I've watched it.

However, I'm pretty interested in Fist of the North Star.

Super Ghost Kamikaze · Post by **Super Ghost Kamikaze** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:42 am

Kezellz wrote: From the few lines I read it seems you just hate the things that are I almost every shounen series :/

You love DBZ b/c of the Martial Arts (I think, sorry I just couldn't read it all )

There's issue #1 with your post: You didn't read what you're replying to.

But really, you're the only guy I know who loves DBZ just for the Martial Arts. (Maybe I know one more, but I'm not sure. )

Reading is key, knowing is half the battle, etc, etc. Kunzait is saying that Dragon Ball and One Piece aren't "A match made in heaven", the comparisons are unfounded, because they're completely different genres of storytelling. One is a martial arts epic, and the other is a light adventure friendship Shonen romp. They're completely different in terms of execution, and a fan of one does not necessarily have to be a fan of the other.

Kezellz · Post by **Kezellz** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 11:55 am

Super Ghost Kamikaze wrote:
Kezellz wrote: From the few lines I read it seems you just hate the things that are I almost every shounen series :/

You love DBZ b/c of the Martial Arts (I think, sorry I just couldn't read it all )
There's issue #1 with your post: You didn't read what you're replying to.

But really, you're the only guy I know who loves DBZ just for the Martial Arts. (Maybe I know one more, but I'm not sure. )
Reading is key, knowing is half the battle, etc, etc. Kunzait is saying that Dragon Ball and One Piece aren't "A match made in heaven", the comparisons are unfounded, because they're completely different genres of storytelling. One is a martial arts epic, and the other is a light adventure friendship Shonen romp. They're completely different in terms of execution, and a fan of one does not necessarily have to be a fan of the other.

If I didn't mention that I didn't read everything, you wouldn't even say that. From what I read what you just posted, I think I perfectly understood his post with the lines I read. Plus I also understand why he doesn't like OP, maybe for him it's lame fights and lame adventures?

ThegreatPirateKing · Post by **ThegreatPirateKing** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 12:44 pm

Actually, speaking of a 'lame' adventure, has anyone here actually given that aspect of Dragon Ball any thought? The world of Dragon Ball is pretty modern, with hover cars and the dragon radar itself. The reason why I bring this up is because without these devices, wouldn't the series be forced to spend far more time on this? Goku had the Kinotun at this point and if Bulma hadn't lost her capsules, wouldn't they have gotten the Dragon Balls at the start of the series a lot easier?

Also remember when Pilaf had hidden the ball from the radar? If Baba hadn't been around, they would have had to send months trying to find that last ball. In fact, one could say that the reason One Piece and Dragon Ball aren't a match made in heaven because Toriyama glosses over most of the adventure part while One Piece embraces it?

If they had planes in the world of OP, then the story wouldn't have been about finding it rather just a battle to the top series, which wouldn't have been as fun. Another unfair point is that spend forever searching for a treasure. They are travelling in a SHIP, go and read about Christopher Colombus if you don't know what I mean.

It reminds me of this one joke from the anime Saiyuki, where in a short segment, a fan asked a question. I can't remember which episode but one question was asked 'Why didn't they just take an aeroplane to their destination'? A simple answer would be because without the adventure part, there wouldn't have been much of a story.

And the above, if you will, is a far better reason for saying the two series are different.

Kunzait_83 · Post by **Kunzait_83** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:41 pm