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One Piece, compared to other anime, has always had a knack for creating interesting non-canon episodes. Between the hilarious antics of the G-8 Arc or the interesting change of pace from the Boss Luffy Arc,One Piecefiller, more often than not, is a joy to watch. However, in a show that’s already over a thousand episodes long, sometimes it’s hard to get invested in a multi-episode arc that has no overall impact on the show whatsoever.
If this wasn’t enough, although someOne Piecenon-canon arcsand special episodes are well-crafted, many others suffer in terms of writing and animation, coming across as lazier than canon episodes. For this reason, even some of the better non-canon episodes have been cast aside as nothing more than fluff that an already abhorrent long show doesn’t need.
One Piece Fan Letter is a Masterpiece Non-Canon Episode
The Story of the Smaller Lives of One Piece
Yet against all odds, the new special,One Piece: Fan Letter,has set a new precedent for how non-canon episodes should be handled.For anyone still struggling to catch up with the most recent episodes ofOne Piece,TheOne Piece: Fan Letter,is a non-canon episode that takes place during the Straw Hats reunion after the two-year timeskip. Directed by Megumi Ishitani, theFan Letterfollows the adventures of the average citizens in the world ofOne Piece.
Ranging from a young Nami fan struggling to find her way in a society dictated by power, or a marine soldier whose life was changed after being rescued byLuffy during the Paramount War, Megumi Ishitani shares some of the most interesting perspectives in the series thus far in this short episode.
In the end, the combined lives of the citizens, all who have been affected by the Straw Hats in some way, end up saving Luffy and the crew, allowing them to sail safely towards Fishman Island. Boasting a strong critical reception,One Piece: Fan Letteris a must-watch for any fan of the series.
One Piece Non-canon Episodes Should Be Short
Single Episode Adventures Would Save Pacing
Outside of its quality,One Piece: Fan Letteralso shows some great techniques that helpOne Piece’sgold mine of non-canon episodesstand out in the minds of the audience. First-and-foremost, the special is only a single episode. While the story includes enough details and development that it could warrant a multi-episode arc, by keeping it as a single episode, the creators are allowed to put more quality into the final product, as well as keep the pacing moving. If fans had to spend eight or more episodes dealing with theFan Letter,the special would more likely be more disliked than beloved.
Non-canon episodes tend to bring the show to a crashing stop,hurtingOne Piece’salready slow pacing, though when they are well integrated, short, and high quality, it’s much easier to forgive. Filler, rather than trying to be their own expansive arc, should instead try to be a single, high-quality episode, likeOne Piece: Fan Letter.
Non-Canon Episodes Don’t Have to Stand Alone
Connect Filler to the One Piece World
Besides the quality and pacing,One Piece: Fan Letteralso incorporates itself well into the universe ofOne Piece.Many of the non-canon episodes can feel a bit like random one-off side quests, making them feel disjointed to the show. However,One Piece: Fan Letter,rather than making itself a random adventure, incorporates itself naturally into the already existing plot of theStraw Hat crew’s post-time skipreunion.
This not only helps the non-canon episodes expand on the establishedOne Pieceworld, but also creates natural transitions between non-canon and canon episodes. By doing this, despite being a non-canon episode, these episodes can feel more like a treat for the fans, rewarding them with details and Easter eggs from actual canon arcs, rather than just being completely separate.
While not every episode can match thesheer quality ofOne Piece: Fan Letter,the episode has set a new standard for what a non-canon episode should look like. These filler episodes should be single high quality episodes that interact with pre-established worlds in theOne Pieceuniverse. Additionally, these episodes should be created with the enjoyment of fans specifically in mind, especially since concerns such as overarching plot significance are not present in these episodes. Although it’s unlikely that future non-canon episodes will follow the precedent thatOne Piece: Fan Letterhas set, at least fans were given one amazing episode that was just for them.
