Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has transcended the boundaries of manga, capturing the hearts of fans around the globe. Regarded as the greatest manga series of our time, its journey to the top was anything but easy. With heavyweights like Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk dominating the scene, Oda had a monumental challenge ahead. So, what’s the secret behind Oda’s unparalleled success with One Piece? In a recent interview with Shonen Jump, he shared valuable insights that reveal his unique approach.
Oda Didn’t Want One Piece to Be a Battle Shonen Manga

During a pivotal point in Oda’s career, legendary titles like Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk concluded, creating a significant gap in the shonen landscape. While this offered a great opportunity for emerging artists, it was also daunting, especially with manga readership declining. Imagine the pressure similar to that faced by creators of modern hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia.
In his interview, Oda expressed that his foremost goal at that time was to avoid creating a battle shonen series that would be directly compared to Dragon Ball. He remarked, “If you start a battle manga, readers expect it to be the next Dragon Ball.” This realization humbled him, making him rethink his approach entirely.
Faced with examples of battle series getting canceled, Oda clearly understood that directly competing with Dragon Ball would be a mistake. Instead, he shifted his focus, creating One Piece as an adventure-driven story, which he believes is a core reason why the series continues to thrive today.
Nonetheless, One Piece is not without its epic battles. Longtime fans can attest to the excitement of intense confrontations. However, the series truly thrives on the spirit of adventure. Oda noted that while young boys have always loved battles, the essence of his work diverges from just that. It’s fascinating to think that Oda’s favorite mangaka, Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, indirectly shaped One Piece’s evolution.
Oda’s Endless Admiration for Akira Toriyama

If you believe that Oda’s aim was to outdo Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, think again. Oda has openly expressed his admiration for Toriyama, considering himself an avid fan. He realized that surpassing his idol’s work was unrealistic, but the influence of Dragon Ball helped catalyze the rise of One Piece.
The existence of Toriyama sensei is greater to me than anything else – Oda
Oda revealed that his desire to join Shonen Jump stemmed from wanting to work alongside Toriyama. He explained, “The reason I submitted to Shonen Jump’s newcomer award was purely because I wanted to go to the place where Akira Toriyama was.”
Toriyama’s influence extended beyond narrative choices; it shaped Oda’s artistic style. He reflected, “I had never seen anyone who could draw so well, and I was captivated at first sight.” Oda recognized that while many artists inspired him later, Toriyama’s impact remains unparalleled.
It’s hard for fans to imagine Oda’s feelings upon hearing the news of Toriyama’s passing. In many ways, One Piece and its success echo the admiration Oda has for his mentor. What are your thoughts on how Dragon Ball influenced One Piece? Feel free to share your insights below.
What elements make One Piece stand out among other manga? One Piece distinguishes itself through its rich world-building, character diversity, and adventure-driven narrative that appeals to all age groups.
How has Eiichiro Oda’s approach impacted the shonen genre? Oda’s focus on adventure over battles has redefined expectations for shonen manga, encouraging new titles to explore unique storytelling angles.
Is it possible for another manga to achieve One Piece’s level of success? While challenging, the ever-evolving manga landscape may allow for new series to reach similarly iconic heights in the future.
What lessons can writers learn from Oda’s journey with One Piece? Aspiring writers can draw inspiration from Oda’s willingness to innovate and redefine genres, focusing on personal passion and storytelling over competition.
In conclusion, the journey of One Piece is a testament to creativity and resilience. As the series continues to captivate audiences, it invites readers to explore the depths of its adventures. For more engaging content like this, keep following Moyens I/O at https://www.moyens.net.