Netflix’s One Piece is among the most successful live-action anime adaptations in recent years, and one of its biggest character rewrites alters how viewers see Luffy D. Monkey’s (Iñaki Godoy) story for the better. In general, the live-action One Piece stays faithful to the source material, bringing Eiichiro Oda’s manga and anime to life with accurate characterizations and story beats. The Netflix series condenses the source material a bit, but it holds onto the important parts of Oda’s series. That’s likely because Oda himself had some involvement in One Piece‘s decision-making.
While Netflix’s One Piece stays true to the heart of Oda’s story, it does make a few changes to the manga and anime version of Luffy’s journey. In addition to speeding things along for a more concise first season, the live-action One Piece rewrites a few characters, fitting them into Luffy’s story earlier than the anime and manga. Although the Straw Hat Pirates’ backstories are almost identical to their anime counterparts, one character outside Luffy’s crew gets fleshed out more in the Netflix series — and it improves both their arcs overall.
Garp At Roger’s Execution – Netflix’s One Piece Change Rewrites History
Luffy’s grandfather, Vice Admiral Garp (Vince Regan), gets something of a rewrite in Netflix’s live-action One Piece. Garp appears in the source material, but he’s introduced later in the story. The One Piece manga and anime don’t feature him so early, nor do they reveal that he’s related to Luffy or has a history with Gol D. Roger (Michael Dorman) right away. Garp first makes an appearance as Koby and Helmeppo’s mentor in the Diary of Koby-Meppo serial. His first run-in with the Straw Hat Pirates occurs in the Post-Enies Lobby Arc, and his reunion with Luffy plays out differently from the live-action series.
By contrast, Netflix’s One Piece introduces Garp during its opening scene, as Luffy’s grandfather is present for Gol D. Roger’s execution in this version of the story. Although the source material confirms that these characters respected one another, it doesn’t show their relationship during Roger’s final moments. The live-action adaptation adds an extra layer to their bizarre friendship by having Garp oversee Roger’s execution, all while lamenting the fact that the Pirate King didn’t heed his warnings. The show also ramps up the complexity of Garp’s relationship with Luffy by altering his character arc.
Garp Chasing In Luffy So Early Is New To Netflix’s One Piece
While Garp and Luffy reunite in the One Piece anime and manga, it doesn’t happen the way it does in the live-action show. Garp is absent at the beginning of Luffy’s journey, and he never chases him and the Straw Hats across the seas. Even Koby (Morgan Davies) disappears for a long time after he’s first introduced. Needless to say, the Netflix show’s Marine storyline takes a lot of liberties when adapting the source material. It makes Garp hellbent on finding Luffy from day one, and it shows Koby’s struggles as he joins the Marines.
By bringing Garp and Koby into the fold earlier than the anime — and giving them new motivations — the live-action One Piece fleshes out these characters better than the source material. Garp’s insistence on preventing Luffy from becoming a pirate makes him a more layered character, as he genuinely seems concerned his grandson will meet the same end as Roger. His pursuit also makes Luffy’s adventure more compelling, as One Piece‘s lead is forced to grapple with enemies he cares about in addition to villains like Buggy the Clown (Jeff Ward) and Arlong (McKinley Belcher III).
One Piece’s Garp Changes Make Him More Involved In Luffy’s Life
In the original One Piece, Garp isn’t concerned with his grandson’s future or his career as a pirate. In this way, his live-action counterpart is more sympathetic, as he’s involved in Luffy’s life. Netflix’s iteration of Garp comes across as a grandfather who practices tough love, and the character genuinely seems to care for Luffy, even as he pursues him across the East Blue. He seems to believe his actions are in his grandson’s best interests, as he doesn’t want Luffy to become a pirate and face the consequences of that designation.
The flashbacks in Netflix’s live-action One Piece are more or less true to the anime, as Garp raises Luffy in both versions of the story. However, the Netflix show uses this as a jumping off point for a more complex relationship, while the anime doesn’t do as much with it. Given how heavily One Piece focuses on found family, it’s interesting to see how Luffy and his grandfather handle their familial bonds. This is one of several reasons One Piece‘s Garp changes work for the live-action show.
Why One Piece’s Vice-Admiral Garp Changes Work For Live-Action
In addition to adding another complex and compelling relationship to its adaptation, the live-action One Piece’s Garp changes work well when it comes to world-building and establishing character backstories. It makes sense that Garp is present for Roger’s execution, even if this isn’t the case in the original One Piece. It’s also reasonable that the man who raises Luffy takes an interest in his future — even if it seems a bit over the top to chase him across the East Blue with the rest of the Marines in tow.
The Netflix series’ approach to Garp offers more insight into Luffy’s backstory, and it allows the adaptation to dig into characters who don’t get as much development in the original story. Garp himself receives more attention, as does Koby, whose time with the Marines isn’t as interesting in the anime. Additionally, Garp’s chase throughout One Piece season 1 builds to an emotional finale, hooking viewers who are interested in seeing what unfolds between the vice admiral and his grandson. They won’t be disappointed, as the two come face to face for a confrontation that allows both to express their true feelings to one another.
Garp’s Bigger One Piece Role Could Backfire In Season 2
Although Garp’s larger role in Netflix’s One Piece enhances the live-action series, it could backfire come season 2. The vice admiral threatens to overshadow a character from the anime: Smoker, another Marine who tracks Luffy. Given that Garp does this during season 1, it’s hard to say how the live-action series will handle Smoker. If it leaves his arc as is, it risks feeling repetitive. However, if it changes it too drastically, it may disappoint diehard fans. Fortunately, One Piece season 1 lends itself to more Marine antagonists by increasing its focus on the group. As such, the writers can find a way to include both characters.
