I. Introduction
If there’s one manga series that has dominated the anime and manga scene for over two decades, that would be “One Piece.” First released in 1997, this epic story following the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide.
With over 90 volumes and counting, however, many readers are often intimidated by the sheer amount of material to consume. If you’re wondering how many volumes of One Piece there are and how far along the series is, this article is for you. We’ll also explore the significance of each milestone volume, the evolving themes and motifs across the series, and what’s next for One Piece in the future.
II. One Piece: With Over 90 Volumes and Counting, How Far Along is the Series Really?
As of 2021, One Piece has released 98 tankobon volumes in Japan, with the latest volume released in June 2021. In English, the series has only reached volume 96 as of August 2021, with new volumes being released monthly.
Each volume of One Piece contains 10-12 chapters, and each chapter usually takes about 15-20 pages. This means that to read the full series so far, you’ll have to go through over 1,200 chapters!
One Piece is divided into different sagas and story arcs, and each volume typically covers a particular arc. For instance, volumes 1-5 introduce us to the world of One Piece and the main characters, while volumes 11-20 follow the adventures of the Straw Hat crew in the Baroque Works arc. Be warned, though, that some arcs span dozens of volumes so that some sagas could take tens of volumes to complete.
III. Why Collecting Every Volume of One Piece is Worth the Investment
If you’re a die-hard fan of One Piece, then collecting every volume is a worthwhile investment. Not only do you get to own a physical copy of the series, but having the entire collection means you can re-read the story at any time and look back on your favorite moments.
Moreover, One Piece has become more than just a manga series – it has become a cultural phenomenon. Collecting the entire series is not only a sign of your fandom but is also a worth-while investment for financial gain. The series has become so popular that some volumes have become rare and very tough to find, making them a valuable commodity in the collector’s market.
IV. Breaking Down the Significance of One Piece’s Milestone Volumes
One Piece has some famous milestone volumes that have significant importance to the series’ story. These volumes are often major turning points in the narrative and usually coincide with significant developments in the series’ theme.
Volume 100, for example, is set to come this year, and fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating its arrival. Typically, milestone volumes such as this contain multiple chapters, special illustrations, and a wealth of extra content that fans eagerly anticipate.
Another milestone volume is volume 50, which marks the halfway point of the series. Volume 50 brings us to the conclusion of the “Water 7” and “Enies Lobby” arcs, which are considered some of the best in the series. It is no surprise that the volume ended up being a fan-favorite with lots of emotional and intense moments.
V. One Piece: A Guide to the Must-Read Volumes for Die-Hard Fans
If you’re a long-time fan of One Piece, you might want to revisit some essential arcs and scenes in the series. Here are some must-read volumes that every fan should have in their collection:
- Volume 1: Romance Dawn – This is where it all started, introducing us to Monkey D. Luffy and his journey to become the Pirate King.
- Volume 24: Eneru’s Great Space Operations – This volume is action-packed, with the Straw Hat Pirates taking on the God of Skypiea, Eneru.
- Volume 56: Thank You – This arc concludes the Marineford War, and one of the most heated and gripping arcs in the series.
- Volume 90: Luffy vs. Kaido – Volume 90 sets up the current story arc, where Luffy and his crew take on the power-hungry pirate, Kaido
VI. How the World of One Piece Has Evolved Across its Volumes
One Piece’s world and characters have changed significantly since the series began. Characters who were initially allies have become enemies, and we’ve been introduced to new characters who have become just as beloved as the original crew.
The series’ growth throughout its volumes is outstanding. The series has taken its readers on a journey throughout the world of One Piece, its different islands, cultures, and history. The narrative’s high-level world-building is the reason why One Piece has such a robust and loyal fanbase.
VII. Exploring the Themes and Motifs Across One Piece’s Volumes
In addition to its world-building, One Piece has developed some recurring themes and motifs that make it so memorable. The quote, “I want to live,” is one of the most significant recurring themes in the series and is repeated throughout its volumes by various characters.
Other themes in the series include dreams and their importance to motivatiing humans, ethics and justice, friendship, and human trafficking, among others.
VIII. What’s Next for One Piece? Predicting Future Volumes and Plot Points
The series is still ongoing, and as of this article’s writing, One Piece has not finished. As fans eagerly await the upcoming volumes, there have been numerous predictions regarding what the future holds for Monkey D. Luffy and his crew.
Without given too much away, fans can expect the series’ ending to be most satisfying and conclusive, as Oda has promised. With the Straw Hat Pirates traveling to Wano while trying to take down Kaido; there is still much more to look forward to in the One Piece world.
IX. Conclusion
With over 90 volumes and counting, One Piece can be an intimidating series if you’re new to the franchise. However, by following the series from its construction, reading essential arcs, and collecting all the volumes, readers will fully embrace One Piece at its finest.
If you’re ready to dive into this awe-inspiring adventure, then we invite you check out some of the volumes we’ve suggested above or any of the other volumes in the collection. You might just find yourself engrossed in an adventure unlike any other.