Yes, your friendly neighbourhood slice-of-life loving friend took a new step into a long-running shounen manga. A bit late huh. More like 12 years too late!

Started a few days ago and I just finished Princess Vivi’s chapter, which is chapter 230+. IT WAS AWESOME! Love the scene above. And Robin has joined the crew too. Another 350 more to go before I get in par with the rest!

You see, I’m not the type of person who would commit himself to such a long series. But I’ve been interested in the universe for the longest time. Been watching its openings on YouTube for years!

For one thing, I love pirates, thanks to a certain Skies of Arcadia. Similar to the RPG, One Piece has this friends-looking-out-for-each-other feel without lovey-dovey bits getting in the way. And unlike Bleach and Naruto, it doesn’t take itself seriously: It’s all about adventure, overcoming odds and ugly manly-teary-eyed faces.

You could say it’s similar to my love for Gurren Lagann.

It’s no surprise that it is the highest selling manga in history. For years One Piece remains at the top of the manga sales chart and is still the top 10 most watched anime in Japan week after week. Bleach and Naruto are nowhere to be seen.

Can’t decide which one is my favourite opening. One is good for the action, one for introducing different characters, the other for nostalgia, all for music.