One Piece: Episode of Merry - The Tale of One More Friend
Synopsis
After Brook questions the origin of the Mini Merry name, Usopp and Chopper Tony Tony recall the adventures of the Straw Hat Crew's beloved ship, friend, and crew member—the Going Merry. Usopp abandons the crew for a fight over the Going Merry while Robin Nico leaves with the government's top assassin group, CP9. In order to bring the crew back together, Monkey D. Luffy and the remaining Straw Hats follow Robin to rescue her from the claws of the World Government. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The audience is largely positive, particularly for fans of the original series. Many viewers found the recap of the Enies Lobby arc and the focus on the Going Merry to be emotionally resonant. However, some felt that the special was rushed and didn't do full justice to the source material, with the pacing feeling disjointed at times.
Strengths
- Re-animated old scenes from East Blue arc is great.
- The 'We Are' theme song always hit me in the feels.
- Animation was greatly done.
Weaknesses
- The part with Merry was rushed.
- Feels like the special focuses more on Enies Lobby than the Going Merry.
- Story feels chopped.