One Piece is already one of anime and manga’s biggest legends. Eiichiro Oda’s pirate epic started in Weekly Shonen Jump back in 1997, and the Toei Animation anime has been running since 1999 with more than 1,100 episodes. That is not just a series anymore — that is a full-time lifestyle, bro.
But even with its insane legacy, the “greatest anime of all time” conversation is still complicated. One Piece has world-building, emotional peaks, iconic Straw Hat moments, and one of shonen’s most satisfying long-term adventures. At the same time, there are a few weaknesses that make it harder to recommend cleanly, especially to newer Malaysian and SEA fans trying to jump in today.
1. The anime pacing is still a huge barrier
Let’s be real: asking someone to start One Piece in 2026 is a big request. Over 1,100 episodes is gila banyak, and that number alone scares off casual anime fans who are used to shorter seasonal shows.
The issue is not only episode count. The anime’s pacing has often slowed down because it needed to stay behind the weekly manga while still airing regularly. That means some arcs can feel stretched, with single moments taking longer than they probably should.
For SEA fans who watch anime after work, class, or gaming sessions, time matters. It is one thing to tell someone “trust me, it gets good.” It is another thing to ask them to commit hundreds of hours before they reach the biggest payoffs.
That is why the upcoming remake angle matters. A modern version with tighter pacing and updated animation could be the clean entry point many new fans need. One Piece is not lacking quality — it is lacking accessibility.
2. Some villains do not hit as hard as they should
One Piece has some banger antagonists. Donquixote Doflamingo still stands out because he has personality, twisted beliefs, and a clear worldview. He is evil, but he is not empty.
The problem is that not every villain reaches that level. The source criticism points especially at characters serving under Imu, who can feel like they lack strong personal motives or independence. When villains exist mainly as extensions of a bigger mystery, they can become harder to care about.
In shonen, the best villains usually have that extra layer. Naruto had Madara Uchiha. Bleach had Sosuke Aizen. Even when fans disagree with them, there is something memorable in their ambition, ideology, or arrogance.
For One Piece, the Final Saga needs its endgame threats to feel more than just powerful. They need presence. Shamrock and Garling Figarland still have intrigue because we do not know everything about them yet, but the story needs to cash that cheque properly.
3. The Straw Hats are amazing, but not always equally served
The Straw Hat Pirates are the heart of One Piece. Each member joined Luffy with their own dream, role, and emotional reason. That is why the crew works so well — they are not just followers, they are people chasing something bigger alongside him.
But as the cast grew, the spotlight naturally became harder to balance. Before the Grand Line, the crew was smaller and easier to focus on. Now, with more members and a much larger world, not every Straw Hat gets the same level of narrative weight all the time.
That can be frustrating because their dreams are a huge part of their identity. Fans want to see those goals matter, not just in flashbacks or occasional moments, but throughout the journey.
Still a giant, just not flawless
None of this erases what One Piece has achieved. The repetition of visiting islands, uncovering oppression, defeating the villain, and freeing people is part of its charm. It gives the series its rhythm.
But if we are talking honestly, these drawbacks are why the GOAT debate never fully ends. One Piece is legendary, emotional, and still massively relevant — but for Malaysian and SEA fans deciding whether to start now, the anime’s length and pacing are very real concerns.
Source: ComicBook Anime