One Piece is quickly approaching chapter 1200. This means that the story so far is split almost 50% pre timeskip and 50% post timeskip. Perfect time to compare the two halves. Throughout the second half, many fans have voiced concerns about the feel of post timeskip. While it’s still spectacular. Many can’t shake the idea that pre timeskip one piece feels better than post timeskip. What does pre timeskip one piece have that post timeskip one piece doesn’t? This is pre-timeskip one piece vs post-timeskip.
The Stakes Were Smaller, But They Felt Personal
One Piece was best when the stakes were smaller and personal. During pre timeskip One Piece, the crew battled more emotionally than physically. It makes sense, many of them revolved around the Straw Hats being recruited and their struggles. Most of the East Blue Saga, parts of the Alabasta Saga, Water 7 Saga and Thriller Bark all focused on Straw Hats. Still, there was a moment in post timeskip that revived that feeling with the Whole Cake Island Arc centering on Sanji’s retrieval. It was the emotional investment on the Straw Hats that made many fans love the show. Following the typical shounen route, One Piece’s final events will be worldwide. Therefore, the latter half of the One Piece’s life feels bigger and less personal.
The Straw Hats Felt Essential to Every Arc
With the scope of One Piece, it was just a matter of time before conflicts in post timeskip went global. During pre timeskip, it was more contained to the straw hats.To many, it felt like every member was vital to each arc. Chopper, Nami and Ussop all had fights that were great. Unless it’s Luffy, the Straw Hats nowadays are taking a back seat to other side characters. Fans want to see more fights from Chopper or a new power up for Usopp. While Oda keeps creating new side characters, the rest of the crew becomes overshadowed. Yes, there are moments in post timeskip where straw hats get a big moment like Sanji in whole cake island. Even then those chapters were almost 10 years ago. The focus on the straw hats was what made the so magical. Unfortunately, Oda has shifted his focus which naturally pushes screen time away from the straw hats.
The Story Had More Room to Breathe
Some of the most cherished parts of One Piece were the slice of life moments. After each arc in pre timeskip, the crew would bicker causing all sorts of chaos. They would party and dance with their new friends. Jumping to post timeskip, it feels like the crew is speed running the second half of the grand line. Instead of a little downtime between arcs, the audience is shown more exposition. When looking at compilations online, the funny and ridiculous moments mostly happen during the pre timeskip era. It’s not to say there aren’t moments like that post timeskip but it’s noticeably cut down. While post timeskip One Piece has amazing plot elements, pre timeskip makes the crew moments feel much better.
Post-Timeskip Isn’t Worse, It’s Different
Many have heard that pre timeskip one piece is magical and post timeskip one piece is scientific. Somehow, Oda has crafted a plot that is amazing. With foreshadowing from years and even decades ago becoming relevant, it’s no wonder that One Piece is loved and discussed by many fans. While it misses the intimate moments among the crew, the worldbuilding and lore has rocketed to the forefront. One Piece now is not worse than One Piece before. It is simply just a different piece of fiction that has naturally evolved over its near 30 year lifespan. Many fans just wish to see those crew moments again and have the Straw Hats be more than what feels like cameos in their own story. Oda still has time to give the Straw Hats more screen time. Who knows, maybe Lodestar Island or Laugh Tale will be completely centered around the Straw Hats. Only time will tell.
In Conclusion
Thanks for taking the time to read this week’s article. Pre-timeskip One Piece vs post-timeskip is controversial by many but just know that both halves of the series are beyond phenomenal. One more emotional and smaller on scale vs one more scientific in worldbuilding and grander on scale. Whichever you prefer is your choice. Neither is wrong. Thanks and stay sexy my friends!