Funimation’s newest One Piece set takes us to the penultimate event before the 2 year gap and reunion of the Straw Hat crew. Following the tragic death of Ace, Luffy becomes a distraught and emotional wreck, and it’s up to new friends and familiar faces to cheer up the now crewless Captain.

One Piece is an 1996 shounen anime series, it is produced by Toei Animation and licensed by Funimation. It is currently available on DVD in English.

Luffy distraught over Ace.

After literally 5 years, Funimation’s One Piece dub is finally hitting the last bit of One Piece’s first half before the 2 year time skip, with the death of Ace and separation of the Straw Hat Pirates. Scattered across the seas, Luffy and his friends go through emotional trauma, and physical exhaustion before reuniting once more.

Luffy recovering from battle.

THE GOOD: In what’s considered Part I of the One Piece franchise, the Straw Hat pirates have been separated, stranded, and both emotionally and physically damaged. Following the devastating death of Portgas D. Ace; Monkey D. Luffy’s brother, everyone attempt to both cope and move on in their own way, all except Luffy who’s having a tough time accepting his brother’s demise. Meanwhile, the White Beard Pirates deal with two losses themselves, the aforementioned Ace, and their Captain White Beard.

Damage done.

THE BAD: Due to it being down time from a major arc, this arc is a little laxed on the action mainly focusing on the individual emotions of the Straw Hats.

With war comes sacrifice.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: While one of the more emotional driven One Piece arcs, Post War gives fans a look into the Straw Hats’ humanity, and following a forced separation and recent heartache it does so quite well. It was interesting seeing the Straw Hat crew members doing their own things for once and provided some fresh narrative. Otaku Dome gives One Piece Season 8, Voyage 5 an 80 of 100.