The latest episode of “One Piece,” Episode 1107, has stirred up a storm among Sanji enthusiasts, with many expressing their discontent on social media platforms.
Just two weeks after disappointing fans with a misinterpretation of Sanji’s speed feat, the Toei Animation Studio, responsible for animating “One Piece” since 1999, finds itself at the center of criticism once again. The anime’s necessity to avoid excessive filler has led to a significant slowdown in pacing, often resulting in the inclusion of extra, non-canon material.
Sanji fans, in particular, have been vocal about their frustration with Toei’s portrayal of their beloved character, citing stretched-out gags and abbreviated fight sequences as recurring issues. Animators have remained elusive about their approach to Sanji scenes, prompting fans to interpret these changes as personal affronts. This sentiment is compounded by the perception that Zoro consistently receives superior animation treatment.
In Episode 1107, mixed reactions surfaced as Sanji is depicted following Stussy in a manner reminiscent of a dog. While the manga features a brief panel where Sanji requests to be referred to as a dog, the anime extends this moment, showcasing him walking and barking like a canine. The divergence from the source material has left many Sanji supporters disheartened, further exacerbated by additional alterations to his character arc.
Expressing their dismay, one fan lamented, “I don’t believe Toei harbors animosity towards Sanji; rather, he’s simply an easy target for scene extensions. Nonetheless, it’s incredibly vexing.” Another echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Toei’s portrayal of the character is veering further from the original storyline, hinting at potential deviations in future arcs.
The discontent among Sanji fans reflects broader concerns about Toei’s approach to character development and storytelling. Some fans argue that the issue extends beyond Sanji, citing instances of gratuitous fanservice and narrative padding as indicative of a larger problem within the anime adaptation. With hopes pinned on improvements, fans look to other studios, such as Wit Studio, to deliver a more faithful rendition of their beloved series.
As debates rage within the “One Piece” fandom, the controversy surrounding Episode 1107 underscores the delicate balance between honoring source material and adapting it for the screen, a challenge that continues to test the boundaries of anime adaptation.