The remake project “The One Piece” by WIT Studio, covering the East Blue saga, is quickly becoming a hot topic. After Netflix released the trailer, fans eagerly examined every detail of the legendary characters’ new designs.
1. Luffy: Staying True to the Original Spirit
WIT Studio’s version of Monkey D. Luffy shows very few changes from the original. The image of the passionate 17-year-old boy with his signature bright smile remains intact. Black-and-white sketches from the production team highlight their dedication to capturing Luffy’s wide range of iconic expressions as the Straw Hat captain.
2. Zoro: More Muscular Than Before
Unlike the somewhat lean appearance in early Toei Animation episodes, WIT Studio’s Zoro looks bulkier and more solid. This makes sense for someone who spends most of his time lifting heavy weights. Additionally, his skin tone is slightly lighter, giving him a fresh and modern vibe.
3. Nami: Focus on the Eyes
Nami’s design maintains her balanced and alluring look from the original. However, a closer look reveals her eyes are smaller and more refined compared to the overly large eyes in the previous version. Despite this subtle change, she remains captivating and keeps her strong personality, especially when playfully interacting with Luffy.
4. Sanji: A Blend of Elegance and Humor
Sanji’s design evokes the style seen in the spin-off Shokugeki no Sanji but with smoother refinement. Fans will still recognize his classic “ladies’ man” expressions in the background, while the main character exudes the calm, sophisticated charm of a true gentleman.
5. Shanks: A Surprisingly Fresh Look
This newly revealed design shows Shanks in his younger days, with both arms intact, looking much more youthful and charming. A major difference is his skin tone. While Toei’s version usually depicts Shanks with a sun-kissed complexion from his time at sea, WIT Studio opts for a fairer skin tone, giving him a more godlike, striking appearance.
6. Usopp: The Most Controversial Character
Usopp’s design is perhaps the most unfamiliar among the crew. While retaining his distinctive facial features, his physique appears quite muscular, reminiscent of his post-timeskip look, even though the story is still set in East Blue.
Furthermore, Usopp’s lighter skin tone, contrasting with his typically darker complexion in the anime and live-action versions, has sparked mixed reactions within the fan community.