The journey for the unknown treasure continues, and fans just received some extra clues! Toei Animation’s One Piece panel at New York Comic Con (NYCC) featured a peek at the character design for the upcoming Elbaf Arc, behind-the-scenes details, and updated streaming information.
In anticipation of the new arc and its adventures, Toei Animation provided NYCC attendees with a special treat: never-before-seen artwork of the Straw Hat Crew in their Elbaf Arc fits. Viewers will recognize important crew members, such as Monkey D. Luffy, Tony Tony Chopper, Roronoa Zoro, Brook, and others in their colorful attire and accessories.
While fans can look forward to the Elbaf Arc, there are still several episodes in the current Eggman Arc to discover (or rewatch). Each One Piece episode has distinct visuals, music, and direction — and NYCC attendees learned how the production team makes those creative choices! The panel (moderated by Brook’s English voice actor Ian Sinclair) featured Series Producer Ryuta Koike and Series Director Wataru Matsumi, who detailed parts of the process, including translating manga battles for the screen.
“I’m always conscious about what can only be achieved through animation,” Matsumi says. “After laying out the frameworks in the storyboards, I work closely with each animator who works on those parts through detailed discussions. I believe that that’s what’s allowed us to create striking visuals that are impactful and meaningful.”
The team also discussed Bartholomew Kuma, whose tragic life was detailed through flashback scenes. “Some people commented that the processing of the flashback on Kuma’s life reminded them of the sort of traditional, classic cell animation,” Koike says. “In fact, it was designed to emulate the eight-millimeter camera footage, recreated using today’s compositing technology. And, in fact, this idea, this inspiration came from director [Yasunori] Koyama, his own memory with his father. So hearing that, it really reminded me how each director’s individuality, as well as memories and personal experience, is reflected in what they make.”
The team also revealed new streaming information for English-dubbed episodes 1134-1143 — fans can watch the new episodes on Crunchyroll next month. The English voice actor for Lilith, Madeleine Morris, who joined the panel, noted that fans can rely on comedic relief in the upcoming episodes. “There’s a moment between Lilith and Brook that had us rolling in the [recording] both,” she mentions.
While fans can’t view this moment until next month, there are more than 1,000 episodes to watch (or rewatch) on the streaming service. For more information on the series, visit toei-animation.com.
