One Piece works more often than it doesn't and that's going to make the journey of more than 1,000 chapters worth it for a good portion of it It has one of the strongest worlds ever committed to fiction but it is a world that sacrifices familiarity for scale, creating a very unique world filled with a lot of unique characters that aren't going to mean much beyond the arcs they are central to.
One Piece boasts of probably the most interesting shounen band of main cast in the Straw Hats Pirates; the jolly, goofy but ultimately loyal captain Monkey D Luffy, the adorable, often greedy but ultimately loyal navigator Nami, the gruff drunk with a heart of gold Zorro, the romantic chef with honor Sanji, the soft spoken but ultimately strong-willed...considering you might want to actually read One Piece, it wouldn't help to spoil further.
The series holds a strong sense of adventure with the world of Oda oozing with creativity on every corner and every oddity that comes your way feel like refreshing. A lot of it is going to be beautiful to see on your first run. And the author is at his best when using the environmental storytelling, that much is true. Many islands have character and purpose and a history that seems to predate those that reside in it. The ecosystem of areas like the Red Line are simply without equal and the way several areas connect with each other is interesting to see. In my opinion, while a similar diversity is enjoyed by the characters, they are not as strongly built and this is not to fault the author. With any kind of writing, something has to be stronger than the rest. I know it's not popular to claim characters in One Piece aren't really the award winning variety but it's true. Outside of a few who hold a strong presence, a majority are distinct and memorable but compared to the world and the history are secondary in priority.
One Piece is a costly affair so do not simply walk into it with hype alone. Do not go into One Piece with the idea that it's all sunshine and rainbows. A lot of decisions Oda makes are questionable and can even pull you out of the show. Here's the question you really need to answer if you want to read or watch it.
_Do I care to invest in a set of characters over a long saga, prioritizing their dreams and my excitement of the wonders of this world over the strain a long series would hold? If the answer is yes, then please enjoy One Piece._- ~~~~~~
My Anime Rating System 2.0
90-99 [Balanced]
Entertainment, thematic value, worldbuilding, character development, animation, sound value, art style, expert direction, emotional sweeps and logical falls, the story has it all and is well balanced. Rewrites are virtually unnecessary.
70-89 [Compromise]
Small sacrifices to one or more important elements in the interest of upgrading others, elevating a story to more than the sum of its parts. Small rewrites can salvage plenty if not all of the project.
50-69 [Entertaining]
Deep sacrifices to one or more important elements in the interest of upgrading others, ending up with a half-baked project. Rewrites to more than half of the project if it is to get a stamp of approval.
30-49 [Effort]
Entire deletion of components that deserve the respect of being made and nothing more. Entire story rewrite at minimum.
10-29 [Indifference]
Life would have been better if such a project did not exist. Rewrites to the core of the project cannot salvage it.
1-9 [Eldritch Horror]
Project abandons logical pursuits in favor of cursing the very eyeballs that dare to consume it.
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