The bestOne Pieceepisode of all time isfree to stream on YouTube(with certain region restrictions) for a limited time; if anyOne Piecefans haven’t yet seen it, they need to.One Piece: Fan Letterwas released in October 2024 in commemoration of the 25th anniversary ofOne Piece’s anime. The special is a loose adaptation of theStraw Hat Storiesnovels, but the most important thing to know about it is that it completely recontextualizesOne Piece’s world. Shifting focus from Luffy and crew,Fan Letterinstead centers on everyday people in the Sabaody archipelago.
One other thing to know, actually, is that it’s incredible.MyAnimeList’sall-time top anime listfindsOne Piece Fan Letterin second place; on IMDB, it holds a 9.4 out of 10 ranking; on Crunchyroll, a 4.9 out of 5.One Piecefans who have yet to catch the special will have until December 1 to watch it at no cost on YouTube, but this offer is valid only in North America and Canada. However, even anime fans who aren’t familiar with or fond ofOne Pieceought to know what all the buzz is about, because it might give them a new perspective on their favorite series.
What MakesOne Piece Fan LetterSo Special?
Fan LetterShows An Entirely Different Perspective
WhileOne Piececertainly doesn’t lack emotional depth,One Piece Fan Letterbrings the series a much-needed perspective: an ordinary person who has to live in the midst of chaos. Tracing life in the Sabaody Islands, the episode primarily focuses on a young girl who’s fascinated by Nami because Nami doesn’t recklessly destroy things like other pirates. Taking place in the aftermath of the Paramount War, the episode highlights the difficulties of actually living inOne Piece’s world.
The special is touching on its own, and the resolution with the girl is enough reason thatOne Piecefans should give it a shot. However, it also sets the stage perfectly for the Fish-Man Island arc directly after. AlthoughFan Letterhas been called “filler”, it’s an inaccurate label.Narutoprovides a great lesson inhow filler and canon build each other up. The way thatFan LetterbringsOne Piece’s adventures to life by way of a surreal self-awareness means that no fan should miss the chance to check it out.
Fan LetterHas A Profound Message About Storytelling
Fan LetterIs A Letter ToOne Piece’s Own Fans About Dreams And Inspiration
Suppose self-awareness, or at least a growing capacity for it, is a sign of maturity. The self-awareness ofFan Lettermight speak toOne Piece’s own somber maturity: as the franchise soldiers on, it also becomes more self-aware;2022’s One Piece RED, beforeFan Letter, also observed the human cost inOne Piece. Like throwing alcohol or Tylenol at one’s own body for decades wears it out, the living world of any long-running work sprawls and tires itself out, forced to wear the scars it gives itself.Then, it’s just a matter of how to wear those scars. One Piece Fan LetterisOne Piece’s decisive declaration that it chooses to resiliently, pridefully embrace them.
Thecore lesson ofOne Piece Fan Letteris that in a dreadful world, one has to find values in things that make it worth living there despite the dread. There isn’t a world without dread.One Pieceaccumulated narrative moments through Luffy’s travels that would make it intolerable for average people. After all,Fan Letterwouldn’t exist ifOne Piecedied before the Paramount War arc.
You can watchOne Piece Fan Letterfor free on YouTube until June 04, 2025.
One Piece
Cast
The One Piece anime began in 1999 and follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy with rubber-like abilities, as he embarks on a journey to find the legendary treasure “One Piece.” Inspired by the pirate Shanks, Luffy aims to become the King of the Pirates, accompanied by a diverse crew.
