I casually read One Piece manga and watched a hundred episodes a decade ago, but never got that far. Life was getting busy, and plowing several hundred episodes of this anime was hardly top priority back then. But episode 1071 deserves supplemental commentary as to why people should care, even those outside of the One Piece fandom.
For one, the episode crashed Crunchyroll. So many people wanted to see it.
The hint to the cultural significance of this episode is in the number. How many anime series can you name that have run for almost three fucking decades? Longevity of the author Eiichio Oda’s passion hints at inspiration of the deepest level. Striving relentlessly towards and reaching your peak as a person through your work against all entropic powers is divinity made manifest. This is beautifully symbolized by Luffy’s jump to the moon.
Whether intended or not, the jump is an obvious reference to the tale of Icarus who flew too close to the sun.
It’s an inspiring moment in anime history, because we’re seeing the endurance of anime as a medium. We’re seeing a series started in 1997 sustain its popularity for 26 years! One Piece is among the rare number of shows to remain vibrant and well-budgeted for decades, break into the mainstream and become part of the lives of our kids and eventual grandkids. These shared media experiences transcend national borders and tribal squabbles over idiotic politics.
As I was outside the loop, I read several articles to catch up. This article by Gamerant.com explains it best. The gist is, Luffy has found ways to unlock greater powers from the devil fruit he consumed years ago, which he calls “gears”.
To be able to leave all the savagery of society behind the door to your office, and to create greatness among brilliant peers to be enjoyed by global audiences, that creative work is the peak of civilization. It is the ultimate end-game of existence. Beauty is purpose. Entertainment is celebration of God. Luffy’s mad laughter having gained Gear 5 after so long is the only sane response to such an achievement. Fans can reflect their own achievements to this and be inspired to work relentlessly to transcend all problems and reach their own peak in their careers, their hobbies, their relationships.
Great art is only possible in contained, well-maintained spaces where creators can peacefully let their imaginations flow freely, allowing them to begin manifesting divinity through their work. The rarity of this even inside of veteran media studios cannot be emphasized enough. Most companies have internal drama. Most projects burn in silence.
Twitter was absolutely ablaze, or “X” as it’s called now. Access the full discussion via this #Gear5 hashtag.
Watch animation clip 1 and animation clip 2.
