Summary
Viewers of Netflix’sOne Piecelive-action adaptation have praised it for its display of CGI and practical effects. From the highly detailed features of the Arlong Pirates’ fishmen to Luffy’s rubber body, the people behind the series managed to translate Oda’s vision into live-action magic. And withOne Pieceseason 2 on the horizon, fans have their expectations set high for the special effects that will be used for the Zoan Devil Fruit users of the story.
There arethree types of Devil Fruit users: Paramecia, Logia, and Zoan. The show’s main character, Monkey D. Luffy, is a Paramecia user, which means he can manipulate his body according to the traits of his specific Devil Fruit. On the other hand, Zoan users can turn into a particular animal or species. Devil Fruit users of this nature can have a maximum of three states or transformations: human, animal, and hybrid. If fans were already impressed by Luffy’s abilities as a Paramecia user, they are in for a treat for Zoan users.
Netflix’s Live-ActionOne PieceHighlights Practical Effects And CGI
While other live-action series have failed,Netflix’sOne Piecelive-action remake succeeded. Usually, attempts to recreate the powers possessed and showcased by characters in anime or cartoons don’t turn out how fans want them to be. There’s a cringe factor that comes along with the misalignment between how the animated version made you feel versus how the live-action did. This ineffective translation was never an issue forOne Piece.
It was interesting to see how the Netflix show flawlessly interpreted the abilities and features ofOne Piececharacters without becoming a caricature of the source material. To achieve this, they painstakingly crafted props and prosthetics that look exactly like the ones in the story. Take theTransponder Snail (Den Den Mushi)for example. Fans didn’t know how to feel about seeing these animal devices in “real life,” but this ability to hook the audience and make them react in certain ways proves the ingenuity and creativity behind the craft.
In addition to the practical effects, the CGI is quite remarkable for the show. Inthe Arlong Park arc, Arlong lost his teeth and grew them back immediately. Although it was surprising in the source material, Netflix’sOne Piecetook it up a notch and made the regrowth bloodily graphic. Watching it for the first time was truly an experience in itself. The live-action seamlessly incorporated these elements fromOne Pieceand made them believable and realistic.
With Netflix’sOne Pieceseason 1 delivering high-caliber special effects, they have earned a good reputation among fans. As the Straw Hats make their way into the Grand Line and meet new characters, viewers will see more of the exceptional craft put into the practical effects and CGI by the people behind the show.
The Drum Island Zoan Types: Dalton And Tony Tony Chopper
Drum Island is home to many citizens, including the first two Zoan characters to be introduced in the story. Dalton used to be theformer captain of Drum Island’s royal guard. However, he now lives as a common citizen in the country abandoned by its king. Another Zoan devil fruit user is Tony Tony Chopper, who will eventually become the Straw Hats’ ship doctor and crewmate. Both of these characters are unique Zoan users and display their transformations differently.
Dalton And The Ox-Ox Fruit, Model: Bull
As the acting leader ofthe inhabitants of Drum Island, Dalton is expected to be the country’s pillar. With his role in the kingdom, it’s only fitting that he has eaten the Ox-Ox fruit. His build and the model of his fruit, a bull, are clear visual representations of his stable and immovable nature. With this in mind, the actor who will play Dalton, Ty Keogh, is a fitting choice for the character.
In aninterview conducted on the official NetflixOne Pieceaccount, Ty Keogh is asked a series of questions about Season 2 that are set to hype up the fans. Aside from his answers, something else piqued the interest of viewers.
Behind the actor are the prosthetics and props used in Season 1, and presumably Season 2. Familiar faces can be seen, including the fishmen and Buggy. But what appears to be Dalton’s hybrid form can also be seen on the right. It’s also worth noting that what could beCrocodile’s dehydrated victims are seenon the shelf on the left. With this attention to detail, it’s exciting to see how this will all be played out inOne Pieceseason 2.
Tony Tony Chopper And The Human-Human Fruit
The Straw Hats wouldn’t be complete withoutthe adorable ship doctor, Tony Tony Chopper. His story is undoubtedly one of the most heartbreaking backstories inOne Piece. Additionally, he is the first case in the story of a Devil Fruit user who is originally not human, a phenomenon that turns out to be common in the Grand Line.
Chopper’s introduction is an intriguing showcase of multiple transformations before he even had lines to speak. He initially appears as Dr. Kureha’s reindeer. Next, his human silhouette is shown to save Luffy. Finally, his hybrid form, the one everyone knows and loves, is shown to the audience through Nami.
However, Chopper is unlike other Zoan Devil Fruit users. Whereas others like Dalton are limited to three transformations, Chopper has gained the ability to do seven. Thanks to the Rumble Ball, a medicine or drug he invented, he has expanded his powers and transformations, much to the delight of Luffy. Admittedly,Chopper’s seven transformation formscould be difficult to animate, but Netflix’sOne Piececould add it to their list of live-action achievements.
What Does This Mean For The One Piece Live-Action Adaptation?
Thetransformations of Zoan Devil Fruit userswill require significant effort in practical effects and CGI. Chopper’s seven transformations alone seem to be demanding enough. And with fans having an extreme attachment to the ship doctor, they will expect nothing but the best in the introduction of this highly anticipated character, among others. However, if Netflix’sOne Piecehas proven anything, it can beat the odds and deliver spectacular results. Fans can look forward to the upcoming Netflix Tudum for possible teasers about the series.
One Piece
Cast
One Piece is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The series follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirate crew as they explore the Grand Line to find the King of the Pirates' ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the next king. The manga’s popularity helped it spin off into a larger media franchise, including an anime with more than 1,000 episodes.
