With Its Season 2 & 100% on RT, This Show Proves That It's Netflix's Best Anime Adaptation

In 2023, Netflix released One Piece, and the impossible happened – the iconic manga adaptation delighted fans and newcomers alike.

Now, two and a half years later, the second season has arrived. It features the Straw Hat Pirates as they venture to the Grand Line, make new allies, and confront a mysterious criminal organization.

Here's what makes the second season great, what surprises await viewers, and why it's Netflix's best project in the genre.

What Is 'One Piece' Season 2 About?

Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji leave East Blue and head to Reverse Mountain in order to reach the Grand Line. However, their supplies are running low, so the crew decides to stop in Loguetown, the birthplace and execution site of the Pirate King, Gold Roger.

The island is swarming with onlookers and Marines, and Luffy is already being hunted. The crew splits up: Nami and Usopp go shopping, Sanji stocks up on provisions, and Zoro searches for new swords. The restless captain heads to the legendary execution platform.

There, he encounters old acquaintances – Buggy the Clown and Alvida. The commotion attracts the attention of Captain Smoker, but a mysterious stranger helps the crew escape and reach the Grand Line.

There a giant whale, a prehistoric island, a clash with the Baroque Works assassin network, and a winter kingdom await them.

'One Piece' Season 2 Maintains the Original's Atmosphere & Delights Fans With Easter Eggs

Netflix's One Piece captures the core strengths of the manga – a captivating atmosphere, unique characters, and an extravagant world design. Newcomers will easily grasp the plot, while fans will spot a plethora of Easter eggs.

The creators even jump ahead, mentioning the Sun God Nika and Gold Roger's son, seamlessly integrating the monstrous plot into the series.

The graphics have improved – Chopper, the season's main mascot, looks great in two of his three forms. Though occasionally some flaws are visible, the atmosphere and love for the source material make them easy to overlook.

The Acting Is Uneven, but the Cast Is So Good That You Want to Turn a Blind Eye to It

Iñaki Godoy has yet to fully embody the role of Luffy – his portrayal of the captain is overly naive and lacks seriousness. On the other hand, Mackenyu's Zoro suffers from a lack of emotion.

However, Taz Skylar is superb as Sanji – he's so passionate about the character that he outshines Zoro in charisma during their constant confrontations.

New faces include Katey Sagal as the femme fatale Lera Abova, Callum Kerr, David Dastmalchian, and Joe Manganiello, who makes a brief appearance as Mr. 0.

The second season of One Piece proves that the first season's success wasn't a fluke. The show incorporates all the best elements of the original while retaining the silliness and absurdity and seamlessly translating them into live action.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'One Piece' Season 2?

• One Piece Season 2 has 100% from critics and 96% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.