Genre: Game, Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural, Ecchi, Fantasy
About a pair of siblings who get transported into another world where fates are decided by video games and wagers.
The two protagonists in the series are incredibly intelligent and quick-witted.
Animations are top notch and the art style is vibrant and colourful.
The series is incredibly popular with millions of fans around the world.
2. Btooom!
Title: Btooom!
Year: 2012
Episodes: 12
Studios: Madhouse
Adaptation: Btooom!
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Psychological, Seinen
Another isekai anime where the protagonist is incredibly gifted at a certain shooting video game but suddenly gets transported into the game where he must endure life and death situations.
Only thing you’ll be wishing for at the end is more episodes.
Great character development that is explored thoroughly and metaculously.
Filled with many twists and betrayals to make your head churn.
3. Accel World
Title: Accelerated World
Year: 2012
Episodes: 24
Studios: Sunrise
Adaptation: Accel World
Genre: Action, Game, Sci-Fi, Romance, School
An overweight and bullied middle school student who only manages to find solace in playing video games is thrust into an augmented reality fighting game where he must rise to the top in order to meet the game’s creator.
Boy receives power to glimpse into the future with the diary written on his phone. 11 other people with similar abilities must enroll into a battle royale where only one player can win and become a literal God.
Incredible action combat and animations.
Contains many twists and turns as well as disturbing and maniacal scenes.
5. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
Title: Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka
Year: 2015
Episodes: 13
Studios: J.C.Staff
Adaptation: Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
So similar that even the protagonist’s voice is played by the same actor.
The protagonist must embark on a journey to explore numerous dungeons where death is waiting for him on every corner.
Definitely not a masterpiece but a good watch none-the-less.
6. Log Horizon
Title: Log Horizon
Year: 2013
Episodes: 25
Studios: Satelight
Adaptation: Log Horizon
Genre: Action, Game, Adventure, Magic, Fantasy
Almost identical premise to Sword Art Online where thousands of players are thrust into the world of Elder Tale with no ability to exit.
Both games features are MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game).
Has a very unique and interesting protagonist who fights indirectly and control the flow of his battles.
Contains a rich amount of unique and well defined characters who fit perfectly into their roles.
7. Attack on Titan
Title: Shingeki no Kyojin
Year: 2013
Episodes: 15
Studios: Wit Studio
Adaptation: Shingeki no Kyojin
Genre: Action, Military, Mystery, Super Power, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen
About humanity who are on the brink of extinction when gigantic man-devouring titans began to roam the earth. The only thing stopping the the titans are three gigantic walls which the humans reside under. However, the wall is not going to protect them forever.
Both series contain elements of imminent danger and fight for survival.
There is also certain levels of mystery within both series that make them thrilling.
First is the initial set-up – What Eiichiro Oda had set up before this reveal. There were countless speculation regarding Kaido’s devil fruit, after all what kind of an incredible animal must the king of the Beast Pirates be in possession of? There was simply too much mystery surrounding it. We knew it had to be a Mythical Zoan but it was difficult to ascertain with his unique tattoos and facial features. All we knew about Kaido at this point was that his hobby was to attempt suicide and that he was virtually un-killable.
Lets talk about the reveal. It was a god damn dragon. Oda totally delivered on our expectation that it was going to be something grand. A dragon is what the king of the beasts should be. In the Japanese and Chinese culture, dragons are a symbol power, strength which is everything Kaido embodies. The only value he sees in individuals is courage and strength which is quite clear as his crew is built on the philosophy that only the strongest shall rise to the top. We know Oda likes to take inspiration from multiple different sources and countries so there was still many unknowns about his powers. What kind of a dragon is it? What powers does it have? etc.
Next, lets talk about what is going on with the panel itself. These panels are utterly beautiful. Oda really went all out on these panels to make them look as mythical as possible. In fact, recent works by Oda such as Whole Cake Island and Zou have shown us that he is extremely motivated in getting these panels to look as beautiful as possible. Kaido looks like a monster, towering over multiple different powerful figures such as Shutenmaru, Nekomamushi and Inuarashi. The perspective really makes him look like a powerhouse. Even when challenging the 9 red scabbards he looks unstoppable.
2. Brook vs Big Mom
Going into the first infiltration mission for the Straw Hats, we had absolutely no idea what to expect, and this scene was out of my wildest dreams. Brook, normally one of the weaker members of the crew was standing up against a top-tier of the One Piece world. And yet as if that wasn’t enough, Brook declares that he will steal the Road Poneglyph from Big Mom and calls her a young lady.
The fact that he managed to steal a copy of the map and later destroyed mother Caramel’s picture makes Brook the MVP of the Whole Cake Island Arc. It was also an interesting matchup for the two with Brook’s soul vs Big Mom’s soul ability. Brook made the trip extremely worthwhile for the crew as they not only took Sanji back but also an item they really needed to become the pirate king.
3. Zoro Nothing Happened
Zoro is the unadulterated badass of the crew and his actions right here proves that, willing to give up everything he has worked for his entire life for the captain he admires and respects. No one else in the crew is more fitting for this act than Zoro, the man with the greatest ambition in the crew second only to Luffy, the first member of the Straw Hat crew and the first one to believe without question that Luffy would become the pirate king. His immense loyalty for his captain is awe-inspiring and beautiful.
This was also the moment we witnessed Zoro’s growth. The man who said he would cut down Luffy if he ever got in the way of his ambitions is now willing to give up everything he has for Luffy. Zoro takes this up another notch by keeping his actions a secret as to not burden his captain because he understood that Luffy would feel extremely disappointed in himself. This was the beginning of his selfless act which is later seen when he goes to beg Dracule Mihawk to train him, something even Mihawk was surprised to see.
4. Akainu vs Whitebeard Pirates
Akainu is a monster and this panel is the perfect representation of his strength. It erases any doubt I had in my head whether an Admiral should be as strong as a Yonko. Akainu was completely unstoppable and took little to no damage during the Marineford war. Whitebeard was the only man able to damage Akainu but Akainu was also able to significantly damage Whitebeard. In fact, that skirmish was what damaged Whitebeard the most. Akainu was able to explode the man’s entire internal organs with magma and also took out half of his head.
After Whitebeard’s death, Akainu was willing to keep going and eliminate every single pirate he saw. With his target on Luffy, he managed to severely injure Jinbei and also give Luffy the famous scar we know on his chest. He was only stopped for a little while with the combined strength of the Whitebeard pirates and also, later stopped by Shanks before almost eliminating Coby.
5. Goodbye Going Merry
What a beautiful, heartbreaking and emotional scene this was. It not only solidified the Going Merry as a true member of the crew but it also signified the first death of a crewmate for the Straw Hat Pirates. Going merry was a brave and strong crew mate who endured many hardships to rescue and carry her comrades to safety.
There is a water spirit called Klabautermann which is the incarnation of ships that have been treated with much care and kindness. The first time we see Going Merry’s incarnation is at Skypiea when Usopp witnesses it fixing itself in order to carry the crew for much longer. Going Merry managed to sail all the way to Water 7 which surprised many shipwrights in the city but later she managed to sail much further, all the way to Enies Lobby to rescue her friends from immediate danger. This make her a true Nakama.
6. Luffy and Ace’s reunion in Marineford
This panel is from the Marineford arc, where Luffy and his crew try to save his brother, Ace, from being executed by the Marines. This panel shows the moment when Luffy and Ace finally see each other after being separated for so long. It’s an emotional moment that highlights the strong bond between the two brothers.
7. Luffy’s Gear Fourth transformation
This panel is from the Dressrosa arc, where Luffy faces off against Doflamingo, the main antagonist of the arc. This panel shows the moment when Luffy activates his Gear Fourth transformation, which is a powerful new form that he can take. It’s an iconic moment in the series, as it shows Luffy’s determination and power.
8. Gol D. Roger Execution
The reveal of Gol D. Roger’s last words and the beginning of the “Pirate Era” is an iconic moment in the One Piece manga series. Gol D. Roger, also known as the Pirate King, was the only person to ever find the legendary treasure known as the One Piece. Before his execution, Gol D. Roger announced that his treasure was up for the taking, and this sparked the beginning of the “Pirate Era,” where many pirates set out to sea in search of the treasure.
9. Luffy vs Crocodile
The fight between Luffy and Crocodile is an intense and memorable moment in the One Piece manga series. Crocodile is the main antagonist of the Alabasta arc, and is known for his ability to control sand. He is also a member of the Shichibukai, a group of powerful pirates who have allied themselves with the Marines. Luffy fought a grueling battle against Crocodile, but ultimately emerged victorious.
10. Thousand Sunny Reveal
The panel where Luffy’s crew first sees the Thousand Sunny, their new ship is an exciting and memorable moment in the series. The Thousand Sunny is a ship built by Franky, a shipwright and member of the Straw Hat Pirates. It is a massive, beautiful ship that serves as the crew’s main mode of transportation for much of the series. This panel is significant as it marks a new chapter in the journey of the Straw Hat Pirates.
11. Zoro fights Mihawk
The panel where Zoro fights Mihawk and promises to become the world’s greatest swordsman is an intense and memorable moment in the series. Mihawk is one of the strongest swordsmen in the One Piece world and is known as the “greatest swordsman in the world.” This panel is significant as it establishes Zoro as a skilled and determined swordsman, and also sets the stage for his ultimate goal to become the world’s greatest swordsman.
12. Robin joins the crew
The panel where Robin joins the crew is a memorable and significant moment in the series. Robin is an archaeologist and former member of the powerful organization known as the “Baroque Works.” She joins the crew after Luffy saves her from dying. This panel is significant as it adds a new dynamic to the crew, as Robin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise on ancient history and cultures, and also highlights the crew’s compassion and willingness to accept and protect those who have been persecuted by the world.
Blackbeard has hands down the best laugh in the entire series. It’s just so damn powerful, unstable and raw. The voice actor really does go all out to deliver on the fans expectations. The laugh is also beloved amongst countless fans of One Piece.
Blackbeard is a character that is built to be the final hurdle for the Straw Hat Pirates. He is the end game that Luffy must surpass to become the Pirate King because the characters represent two sides of the same coin. Blackbeard acquires his powers by scheming and planning, waiting for the right opportunity to strike while Luffy faces his adversaries head-on without any planning.
Blackbeard moves while only keeping his end goal in mind, but Luffy focuses on the journey with his comrades. They both want to become the pirate king but the differences in their beliefs and actions is what makes us root for one over the other. However, we also like Blackbeard as a villain because he represents a true pirate. After all, freedom is what both of them are chasing, but with freedom there are absolutely no rules you have to follow. On paper, Blackbeard is not doing anything wrong as he is doing whatever he wants much like Luffy does whatever he wants.
2. Jaguar D. Saul’s Laugh / Kid Robin’s Laugh
What makes this laugh so high on the list is the emotional weight associated with it. Saul was a Giant and a friend of Nico Robin when she was a child. His strong determination and kind hearted nature allowed Robin to escape from the destruction of Ohara unscathed. Before his death, Saul taught Robin how to laugh like he does and that she must never stop laughing, no matter how hard life gets. He also gave her hope that there are people on the sea who will accept her for who she is and not as the devil the World Government makes her out to be.
Jaguar D. Saul was a character that originally worked for the Marines as a Vice Admiral. When he encountered a wanted ship of archaeologists, he meets Nico Olvia and begins to doubt the World Government for attempting to hide the forgotten past. He comes to Ohara to warn the archaeologists of the World Government’s coup to wipe them out with the dreaded buster call. This is where Saul meets his untimely death by the hands of his former friend Aokiji.
Robin inherits Saul’s will and continues to move forward, eventually finding Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates who were willing to die for her and accepted her for who she was.
3. Doflamingo’s Laugh
In case you didn’t realise, Doflamingo’s voice actor changed from the pre timeskip which is a relief because now it’s much more menacing. One listen and you can gauge just how confident, cunning and maniacal he is. He really does sound like Joker from the Batman series.
Doflamingo was the big bad of Dressrosa. He is a shady broker who trades many illicit items in the underworld. He is also a schemer who overthrew an entire kingdom whilst making himself look like the hero.
What’s later revealed is that Doflamingo was in fact born as a Celestial Dragon, the supposed “Gods” of the world. His father chose to leave Mary Geoise and live amongst the common folk but when the common folk realised they were Celestial Dragons, his family was ostracised and murdered. Doflamingo’s rage makes him awaken his dormant Conqueror’s Haki, a power only given to the chosen few.
4. Whitebeard’s Laugh
Whitebeard has a very unique and hilarious laugh. The old man sounds like he’s gargling on marbles.
Whitebeard has the title of “the strongest man in the world” and was previously rival to the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. He was a man so powerful that had he aimed to become to the pirate king, no one could have stopped him. This was however not what he wanted because his dream was to have a grand family with everyone on his crew as his son. He gave individuals with nowhere to go or return to a safe haven and was willing to die protecting his sons without a moment’s hesitation.
Whitebeard’s death came from a rescue attempt of Ace who was defeated, captured and handed over to the Marines by Blackbeard, an ex-member of Whitebeard pirates. Whitebeard was a force to be reckoned, wielding one of the most powerful devil fruit in the world, the Quake Quake fruit. When he arrived at Marineford, it was clear to everyone present that this man was truly the most powerful.
5. Sir Crocodile’s Laugh
This laugh is truly terrifying. It’s a simple “ah ah ah” but given the context, it sounds very disturbing and evil. Crocodile was a calculative and deceitful man who planned to start a war involving millions of people to simply further his own goals of world domination. He enjoys torturing people in some very cruel and purposeless manner. An example of this is when he repeatedly sends sandstorms to certain villages and make the inhabitants watch as their village get slowly destroyed.
Crocodile is also the man who gave Luffy his first loss as a pirate. Had Nico Robin not betrayed Crocodile, Luffy would have died during their first fight. Crocodile’s logia devil fruit was virtually invincible until Luffy found out that water is his weakness. During their second and third fight, Luffy manages to touch and Crocodile and eventually defeat him, freeing Alabasta from his control and exposing him evil-doings as a pirate.
6. Arlong’s Laugh
Arlong is another character with an extremely terrifying laughter.
Arlong is one of the scummiest fishman in the One Piece World. As a fishman he believes that his race is the superior being compared to humans. His experiences as a younger man witnessing his captain’s early demise and the general racism towards the fishman people made Arlong a very bitter and angry man. His hatred for humans has led him to do many inexplicable things such as enslaving Nami, killing her foster parent, and extorting humans for money in exchange for their lives.
Arlong’s demise came at the hands of Luffy when Nami asks him for his help. Luffy’s resolute mind without a moment’s hesitation gathered his crewmates and headed for Arlong Park to defeat the pirates terrorising her town. Luffy knew Arlong needed a beating for lying to Nami and making her cry.
Additional
5 Most Annoying Laughs
Sure they might be annoying, but I still like them nonetheless.
1. Pica’s Laugh
When I first heard his voice, I genuinely felt sorry for him for his ridiculous and hilarious laughter. But as the story progressed, I realised that this guy was one annoying bastard, always hiding and running away from Zoro. Pica was one of the top tier fighters for the Donquixote Pirates with an extremely powerful Stone-Stone devil fruit ability.
2. Dr Hogback’s Laugh
His laugh is just so damn ridiculous and over-the-top. Dr Hogback is a henchman of Gecko Moria, one of the Shichibukai. He is a world class surgeon who joined the Thriller Bark Pirates and assisted them in creating an undead army. He was idolised by Chopper until Chopper discovered of his true nature and how it contradicted everything Chopper stood for.
3. Captain Nezumi’s Laugh
My god was this guy one of the most dispicable and corrupt Marine that only found value in money. In Arlong Park, he struck a deal with Arlong to look for Nami’s treasure she had been collecting her entire life to free her village from Arlong’s ruling. Nezumi finds the treasure and takes it from her to share with Arlong. His laugh is very befitting to his wicked nature
4. Gekko Moria’s Laugh
His laugh is too damn close to Luffy’s considering he is one slimy bastard. However, when his backstory was revealed, I started to feel some slight remorse. During his heyday, Moria was rival to Kaido who is one of the current yonko. When he encountered Kaido, his entire crew fell at the hands of Kaido’s crew. Traumatised from his past, Moria became lazy and started building army of the dead so that he may never suffer from losing his comrades.
5. Perona’s Laugh
It’s annoying at first, but I started to find it kind of endearing when she starts a friendly relationship with Zoro and Mihawk in a sort of the dynamic trio kind of situation. The predicament of their current situation led to some really funny dialogue exchange during the two year timeskip.
Why are One Piece Laughs so weird?
Eiichiro Oda creates a unique laughter for each of his character as it helps to give them a unique identity and personality.
Oda accomplishes in distinguishing characters using multiple methods such as character design, clothing and style in which laugher is only one of the many techniques at his disposal. When you think about it, One Piece appears to be the only anime to use this technique.
Here we are at the number one spot, and a well deserved one it is. Wano is the ultimate arc that is the culmination of the entire New World saga, beginning way back in Punk Hazard with the pirate alliance between Straw Hat and Heart Pirates. To put things into perspective, the extent of Wano’s hype from the birth of the legendary Samurai Shimotsuki Ryuma to the general mystery regarding its inhabitants leads all the way back to chapter 450. This was during the pre time-skip period at Thriller Bark where many exposition was dropped such who Kaido was and his history with one of the Shichibukai Gecko Moria.
The number of secondary characters in the arc is absolutely insane and will easily put any other arcs to shame in this regard. There are the supernovas (biggest line-up since Sabaody Archipelago), CP-0 of the World Government, and Swords of the Marines. There are also the inhabitants of Wano such as O-Tama, Momonosuke and the Red Scabbards, the yonko Kaido and if that weren’t enough, Big Mom, another powerful Yonko joins the fray. The number of characters and their dynamics has allowed the author to focus on many themes in this arc – one most prevalent being about loyalty and betrayal.
Have I also forgotten to mention one of the most legendary figure in the story, the man known as Kozuki Oden? The man that awed the likes of Whitebeard and the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. The man that travelled on both legendary ships and reached the mythical island which they named “Laugh Tale”. This man gave us the most hyped backstory in One Piece and showed us something we never expected to see, Whitebeard and Roger in their prime clashing. His tragic end was emotional and real, but he also left with one of the best quotes in the series that is very self-reflective of the themes Oda has portrayed in earlier arcs – that a man only dies when he is forgotten. Oden couldn’t have cared less if he was forgotten, because he knew that his flame would never die.
They can forget me, for all I care. My soul will live on!!
Kozuki Oden
2. Skypia
Why it’s good
Skypiea to me is what One Piece is all about, a fantasy adventure. I don’t think anything is more adventurous and fantastical than going to a sky island, an island that is literally on the sky. The thrilling atmosphere of the unknown and the unique premise of the island made Skypiea work extremely well. The arc feels like a standalone series seperate from the main story-line, however if we look deeper, Skypiea is extremely relevant and is beginning to become more and more relevant as the story progresses. The primary antagonist of the arc was also the absolute best with some of the most broken abilities in the entire series. Comedy in the arc is probably the best it has ever been with some of the most perfectly executed gags and how well it balances along with the more serious events that transpire.
After landing at Jaya, the strawhat pirate crew look for information regarding Sky Island and whether it’s even possible for it to exist. They meet the descendant of the infamous Mont Blanc Noland who was a man executed for supposedly deceiving his king. The king had travelled to find the gold Noland had said to have existed, but when he reached the island it nowhere to be found. The descendant, Mont Blanc Cricket want’s to prove for himself whether his ancestor was a liar by discovering the gold and clearing his family name. The Straw Hats visit Mocktown, a relevant name for a town that mocks men for dreaming where they meet Bellamy, a non-believer who ridicule Luffy for even fathoming the thought of a Sky Island. On the other end of the spectrum, they also meet Blackbeard, a pirate who announces that dreams can and will never end. The method of which the author manages to c0me back full circle to these events that transpire early in the arc is what makes it the very best.
Let’s talk about how this arc is becoming more and more relevant as the story has progressed. First, is the ability known as Mantra. This was the arc that first revealed the concept of Haki and its abilities. As the story has progressed, we discovered that mantra is in fact, Haki, and more specifically, it’s Observation Haki. We also see the first instance of Haki can be incorporated into ones devil fruit powers. Enel was able to sense individuals at ridiculous distances by amplifying it’s powers using his lightning powers. This is similar to how Luffy incorporated armament haki into his Gear Fourth ability. Because he is rubber, his coated armour can become squishy, which catches Doflamingo off guard in Dressrosa.
An extremely relevant theme that One Piece has portrayed in the overarching storyline is also displayed in a smaller scale in Skypiea. That is, the concept of D as “God’s natural enemy”. Enel is the self proclaimed god of Skypiea much like the World Government’s Celestial Dragons are also the self proclaimed God of the world. He appears to be an all powerful banevalant force in Skypiea with literally no figure being able to remotely damage the man, except for Luffy, who is a D. His rubber property make him literally Enel’s natural enemy. Enel cannot damage Luffy with any of his most powerful abilities and Luffy manages to defeat him. In the process, Luffy sounds the golden bell which accomplishes to wrap up multiple storylines, the promise of the Shandians to Noland that dates back centuries, the end of the war between Shandians and the inhabitants of the Sky Island, Mont Blanc Cricket’s proof that Noland was not a liar and that Sky Islands exist, and finally the end of Enel’s tyrannical ruling.
3. Enies Lobby
Why it’s good
Enies Lobby is an arc which many unanimously agree is the best arc in One Piece and for good reasons. The arc is packed with mystery, action, drama and many heart-throbbing moments. This was the greatest and the biggest battle the Straw Hat pirates had ever faced. It tested their dynamics as a crew and whether they were a team worthy to become the top or to crumble and disappear. There is the case of Usopp, a man growing significantly more and more insecure, realising that he is only a burden to the crew. Then there Nico Robin, the Straw Hat that is least trustworthy amongst the crew, a girl shrouded with a mysterious past and an unreputable history with other pirate crews. Luffy faces a crisis and for the first time, becomes tested as a Captain when events out of his control transpire. Finally, there is the World Government and their twisted plans to keep the world under control.
When the Straw Hat Pirates land at Water 7 to fix their degraded ship, they discover from the local shipwrights that the ship is beyond saving. Luffy receives this information and makes the decision as a captain to build a new ship and leave the Going Merry behind. Usopp, although understanding that the ship cannot be saved, cannot bring himself to leave the ship behind because he too feels that he is not strong to continue sailing the rough seas ahead. His frustration makes him leave the crew and challenges Luffy to a very emotional 1 on 1 fight. At the same time, the crew cannot find Robin and she seems to have betrayed the crew. As if things couldn’t get any more twisted, the World Government has been spying on the mayor of the city, looking for blueprints of a ship that has the power to destroy islands.
Right when all hope is lost, the crew discover Robin’s sacrifice and decide to journey to Enies Lobby and save her from the hands of the World Government. They challenge the World Government by destroying the flag which is a masterful visual storytelling that signifies the crew opposes the very existence of the organisation. Everything from the strawhat line-up, robin shouting that she wants to live, to the crew destroying the Word Government flag are beautiful sequence of events that makes the scene a classic.
Let’s not forget this is also the arc where the story officially solidifies four members of the crew, Usopp, Robin, Franky and the Thousand Sunny and also the arc where we say goodbye to the Going Merry with a very emotional farewell. The story made us cry for a ship. That is how well the story was written and executed.
4. Marineford
Why it’s good
This was the second most anticipated arc in One Piece, second only to Wano. It had a build up that dates as far back as Alabasta, with the introduction of Ace and his hunt for the ex-member of the Whitebeard pirates, the mysterious pirate Blackbeard. Almost every legendary figures we know in One Piece were present during this legendary battle. Blackbeard, Whitebeard, the three admirals, the Shichibukai, Ace, Shanks, etc. This battle was at an unprecedented scale where Luffy was nothing but a small fish in a large pond. It was also an emotional one too, with the death of Luffy’s loving brother Ace and the man he looked up to, Whitebeard. Whitebeard was truly a legendary man who died in the most badass way possible, while standing. Throughout his entire career as a Pirate, he never ran from a fight, and never suffered a scar on his back. There were so many memorable moments in this arc as well, such as Akainu vs Whitebeard, Mihawk vs Luffy, Luffy’s entrance into Marineford, Whitebeard’s appearance and his devil fruit powers, Blackbeard stealing Whitebeard’s devil fruit powers, and finally Shanks appearing to stop the war.
Marineford begins with Ace getting captured by the Marines after Blackbeard turns him in to become a Shichibukai. The Whitebeard pirates and their alliances charge into Marineford to attempt a rescue for Ace. Prior to the battle, fleet admiral Sengoku had gathered the entirety of the Marine force to counter the inevitable rage of the strongest man in the world while Whitebeard had gathered his Alliance. Mind you, the Marines were so scared to fight one single Yonko that they needed to gather their entire forces. Blackbeard was also getting much stronger as he had infiltrated Impel Down and gathered strong crew members in the prison. These were the three primary forces about to gather at Marineford. When the battle ended, although the Marines were victorious, Blackbeard was the one that actually benefited from the fight.
Important facts regarding certain individuals and and places were also revealed. This includes Ace being the son of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, and Whitebeard declaring that One Piece does exist and confirming that it is indeed real.
5. Alabasta
Why it’s good
This arc contains arguably the best antagonist in the series. The evil, cunning, and powerful man called Crocodile of the Shichibukai. This was the first man Luffy lost against. Prior to this, Luffy was stomping any villain that came in his way with very minimal effort, but Crocodile was different. Again, to put things into perspective, prior to Crocodile, the first Shichibukai we witnessed was Dracule Mihawk. Mihawk was a man so powerful that he handled Zoro as if he was a child and liked to casually chop battleships in half when he was bored. We had absolutely zero idea of what to expect from another Shichibukai, and Eiichiro Oda used that to his full advantage with many twists and turns that resulted some very surprising outcomes.
Alabasta begins with Princess Vivi joining the Straw Hat Pirates all the way back at Whiskey Peak. Her country has been targeted by a certain organisation called Baroque Works. The leader of the organisation, Mr. 0’s secret identity is Crocodile, one of the Shichibukai who is supposedly working for the world government. Crocodile seeks to take complete control of Alabasta and build the ancient weapon Pluton. Vivi must stop Crocodile and the war that will eventually start between the Royal guards of the kingdom and the common people involving millions of people.
Crocodile is extremely evil and intelligent. Without a moments hesitation, he is willing to murder millions of people to further his own goals. He is also extremely powerful. When Luffy first fights Crocodile, he cannot touch him due to his Logia devil fruit powers. During their first fight, Luffy is agitated by Crocodile’s cruelty and acts with emotions but Crocodile stabs him with minimal difficulty. Luffy, the man that we all thought would be a man of his word was utterly destroyed. This was completely unfathomable and extremely surprising. There are countless instances of these surprises riddled on this arc. Eiichiro Oda knows exactly the kind of expectations us fans have in mind and can flawlessly use that to his advantage and deliver us with some very hard-hitting moments.
In this ranking, I present to you the best comedy sports anime that are all extremely high rated and have a massive fanbase.
Whatever sport the anime is about, I think most of us can agree that it doesn’t matter so long as it has an amazing story and the characters are unique and interesting.
The best Sports Comedy Anime Series
1. Haikyuu!!
MyAnimeList: 8.48/10
IMDb: 8.7/10
One of the most popular sports anime series and anime in general.
Haikyuu!! is about Volleyball, but it is also much more than that.
What makes this anime truly one of the best is its deep and complex characters.
There are plenty of rich and unique characters to root for.
Top quality animation and art style produced by Production I.G, same company that produced Attack on Titan, Psycho Pass, Vinland Saga and Kuroko no Basket .
Some hilarious gags and comedy that will really make you laugh out loud.
The anime also seems to get better every season which is quite unusual.
2. Hajime no Ippo
MyAnimeList: 8.74/10
IMDb: 8.7/10
Extremely funny and laid back but also very inspiring and motivational
The story is about a boy who wants to become the number one boxer in Japan
Very interesting and well developed characters with about 74 episodes.
Fights are very hard hitting and well executed. Every punch the characters throw has emotional weight behind it.
The music and soundtracks will get you extremely hyped before every episode.
3. Slam Dunk
MyAnimeList: 8.53/10
IMDb: 8.7/10
Some may say this anime is quite outdated, but it has some deep sentimental value to me.
Animation may get outdated but the story is as great as it was decades ago.
Extremely funny with two very likable protagonists.
Somewhat of a slow pacing, which may turn some viewers away.
It’s a classic.
4. Major
MyAnimeList: 8.25/10
IMDb: 8.2/10
Regarded by most to be the best baseball anime of all time, including me.
Has multiple seasons where we can see the protagonist grow up and evolve.
The MC dreams to become a professional baseball player, following his father’s footsteps who he has always admired.
Has so many seasons but by the end you will be wanting for more.
5. Kuroko no Basuke
MyAnimeList: 8.11/10
IMDb: 8.3/10
Probably one of the most popular sports anime out there.
The story is about a man who wants to beat the 5 strongest high school basketball players in in Japan, dubbed the name “The Generation of Miracles”.
A very unique take on the genre with supernatural themes allowing users to exceed their limitations and abilities.
The anime is also experimental with interesting and unpredictable outcomes of certain matches.
The series is packed with countless high stake matches, whether it’s a test match or a tournament.
6. Diamond no Ace
MyAnimeList: 8.11/10
IMDb: 8.2/10
Eijun is a baseball player who gets scouted by a prestigious school after they see his potential for the sport.
He dreams to become the ace of the team but struggles since he’s surrounded by extremely talented individuals.
This is another baseball anime that is revered by many anime fans in the in the genre.
7. Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru (Run with the Wind)
MyAnimeList: 8.43/10
IMDb: 8.4/10
Anime about track racing, simple enough.
Well an anime about track racing couldn’t possibly be enjoyable right? right?
Well it’s as much of a sports anime as it is drama and comedy consisting of cmany likable and interesting characters.
Also has some very funny gags that are assisted with some great visuals.
8. Cross Game
MyAnimeList: 8.41/10
IMDb: 8.2/10
Yet another anime about baseball.
Kou Kitamura has immense talent for batting but has never been interested in baseball.
Aoba Tsukishima is a star player and loves to play baseball.
There are many twists and turns in the story that will play with your emotions.
It will make you laugh with some very well executed comedy but also make you cry with some very emotional and depressing moments.
9. Eyeshield 21
MyAnimeList: 7.94/10
IMDb: 7.7/10
Interestingly enough, this Japanese anime is about an American sport, American football.
An interesting fact – the manga was illustrated by Yusuke Murata, the same artist that drew the One Punch Man manga.
Another interesting fact, the story is by Riichiro Inagaki, the very same person that created Dr. Stone.
10. SK∞ (SK8 the Infinity)
MyAnimeList: 8.04/10
IMDb: 8.2/10
Anime about competitive Skateboarding.
Contains some amazing character and costume design along with some really detailed and crisp art style.
Colours are very vibrant and attractive.
Reki Kyan likes to participate in dangerous competitive underground skateboarding matches however one day loses to another competitor, breaking his arm in the process and also getting his skateboard burnt.
While he is depressed that he cannot skate, a new transfer student from Canada joins Reki’s school, someone who has never skated before. Reki befriends the new student and introduces him to the world of Skating.
