Eiichiro Oda’s iconic manga and anime series One Piece has been going from strength to strength in recent years. This includes the live-action Netflix adaptation, the announcement that acclaimed animation studio WIT Studio will be remaking the anime series, and the climactic conclusion of the revered Wano Country arc in the manga.
Now, One Piece has officially embarked on the highly anticipated Final Saga – its last major story arc before reaching the eventual ending.
Coinciding with this milestone, the TV anime has implemented a substantial visual overhaul, improving character designs, and animation quality, and correcting long-standing complaints about repetitive animation shortcuts used by producer Toei Animation.
This upgrade will be welcomed by anime-only fans eager for One Piece to look its best as the plot builds toward its climax.
However, it also raises some interesting questions – is Toei intentionally boosting animation effort at this key junction to generate buzz and retain viewership against rival shonen anime as the story heads toward its finale? Does this tie into plans for WIT Studio’s remake to launch at a specific point?
In any case, between the anime boost, Netflix’s global platform, and the Final Saga announcement, One Piece is clearly entering an important new phase intended to maximize its popularity after 25 years of serialization.
Additionally, an intriguing recent development saw a fan ask creator Eiichiro Oda an amusing question during the fan-mail “SBS” section of a One Piece manga volume release. Specifically, they asked Oda why he consistently depicts female characters from exaggerated low angles focused on their rear ends.
True to eccentric form, Oda responded lightheartedly, leaning into rather than denying his reputation for “butt shots”. His answer demonstrated a willingness to acknowledge the occasional excessiveness of One Piece’s cartoonish aesthetics in good humor.
One Piece Creator Acknowledges Fanservice Critique with Humorous Self-Awareness
In a recent installment of the fan-question “SBS” corner featured in One Piece manga volumes, a reader asked creator Eiichiro Oda about why there appears to be an increase in low-angle panels emphasizing female characters’ rear ends since entering the new Egghead Island arc.
Playfully, they asked if Oda is intentionally including more “butt shots” to appeal to fans who enjoy that aesthetic.
In his typical tongue-in-cheek style, Oda gave a humorously transparent response. He explained that when conceptualizing the futuristic costumes for Egghead Island, he wanted them to clearly diverge from modern fashion sensibilities.
However, the designs he settled on inadvertently highlighted the rear. Realizing this, Oda decided to lean into it – he researched techniques for drawing attractive buttocks, improved his artwork of that aspect, and found it so entertaining that he enthusiastically started featuring more butt angle panels.
Essentially, Oda openly admitted that highlighting sensual elements is artistically amusing for him, so he deliberately incorporates ecchi angle shots when momentum builds – but always in good fun.
The lighthearted exchange gives insight into Oda’s self-aware approach. Rather than denying his reputation for showcasing One Piece’s attractive character designs, he embraces the manga’s playful fanservice elements with a wink and smile when appropriate.
This willingness to acknowledge the validity of criticism through humorous dialogue has characterized Oda’s relationship with readers for decades.
In keeping with One Piece’s usual tone, the discussion reminds us to not take everything 100% seriously in navigating the story’s dramatic highs and comedic lows.
How Fans Have Reacted To Oda Sensei’s Statement
Oda’s candid statement about embracing opportunities to draw attractive rear ends has elicited amused responses from fans:
Some fans contrasted it with how other veteran manga artists express fatigue and eagerness for their decades-long serializations to conclude. They joke that instead of burning out after 25+ years, Oda is discovering new joy in fleshing out sexy details like buttocks.
However, several fans also noted that most creators still take pride in their artwork and characters, so Oda’s enthusiasm itself isn’t unique.
Many comments are playfully poking fun at how earnestly focused Oda seems on perfecting shapely butt drawings relatively late in his career. His whimsical passion for learning this specific skill is quite entertaining.
Some humorously speculated that achieving immaculate butt angle shots will be Oda’s next level-up as an artist before reaching One Piece’s ending.
However, more serious fans analyzed the SBS quote to clarify that Oda didn’t intentionally design Egghead Island outfits for more butt exposure. Rather, their form-fitting nature inadvertently led him to realize and seize opportunities to highlight appealing rear views.
Generally, the reaction celebrates Oda’s enduring excitement to expand his artwork 25 years in. Where some may relent to fatigue, Oda finds new facets like alluring anatomy studies to polish.
His dedication and transparency regarding fanservice elicit laughs, perfectly fitting One Piece’s irreverent style.
