First Time Watch! One Piece - Episode 1 Review (Spoiler Alert)

Seasons - 20

Episodes - 21122

Genre: Shonen, Adventure, Sci-Fi,

Season Rating – 7.5/10

In One Word - Optimistic

Available on: Netflix, Crunchyroll, BBC IPlayer, Amazon Prime Video

Pacing

The first episode of One Piece has a relatively fast pace, especially for an anime that later becomes known for its slower storytelling. The episode wastes no time introducing Luffy and his carefree yet determined personality. Within 20 minutes, we get a brief flashback to his childhood, an introduction to Alvida and Koby, and a small-scale action sequence. While this helps keep things engaging, it also means certain moments—like Koby’s fear and admiration of Luffy—don’t have as much time to fully develop. However, for a first episode, it does a solid job setting the tone without feeling rushed.

Strength

The biggest strength of this episode is Luffy himself. From the moment he appears, his confidence and optimism are infectious, making him an instantly likable protagonist. The episode also does a great job introducing the world of One Piece—pirates, Devil Fruits, and dreams of adventure are all established clearly. The animation, while dated by today’s standards, is full of expressive character work, and the action scene where Luffy takes down Alvida is simple but effective in showcasing his Gum-Gum powers. Koby’s character arc in this episode is another highlight, showing a timid, scared boy who finds the courage to stand up for himself after meeting Luffy.

The episode wraps up on a strong note, with Luffy inspiring Koby and setting sail for his next adventure. We get a glimpse of Roronoa Zoro, teasing what’s to come, which adds intrigue and excitement for the next episode. It’s a satisfying conclusion that leaves viewers eager to see how Luffy will continue his journey. However, it doesn't have a dramatic cliffhanger or an intense emotional moment, which might make it feel slightly underwhelming compared to some modern anime premieres.

As a first episode, One Piece does a great job of introducing its world, its main character, and the core themes of adventure and dreams. While the pacing could have allowed for a bit more emotional weight in certain scenes, it effectively sets the foundation for what’s to come. The strength lies in its characters, particularly Luffy’s bold and inspiring personality. It’s a solid start that might not immediately blow everyone away, but it plants the seeds for one of the greatest adventures in anime history.