Skypiea, often regarded as one of the most controversial arcs in One Piece, has divided fans for years. To skip or not to skip?

With the original manga being published in 1997 and the anime starting in 1999, One Piece is one of the most beloved and long-running anime of all time. With over a thousand episodes, fans have been able to join the adventure of a young pirate and his ragtag bunch of crew for decades.

However, with any anime, there are bound to be some points of contention among fans. One such point is whether to skip or not skip the Skypiea arc. While it introduces the concept of Sky Islands and explores themes of history and consequences, its relevance to the overarching story is debated..

About the Skypiea Arc

One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young and ambitious pirate to find the legendary treasure known as One Piece and become the Pirate King. Luffy gains the ability to stretch his body like rubber after eating the Gum-Gum Devil Fruit. Devil Fruit is a type of fruit that grants special powers but takes away the ability to swim. Throughout the series, Luffy assembles a diverse and loyal crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, which includes members like swordsman Zoro, weapons master Usopp, navigator Nami, chef Sanji, and a reindeer doctor named Chopper. The Straw Hat Pirate explores the dangerous seas of the Grand Line, encountering powerful foes, making new friends, and uncovering the mysteries of the world and different lands, including SkypieaThe Sky Island Saga (also known as the “Skypiea Saga”) is the third saga of the One Piece manga and anime, spanning from episodes 136 to 195.

Within this saga, the Goat Island Arc introduces an uncharted island inhabited by goats and an old man named Zenny, while the Ruluka Island Arc follows the crew’s encounter with a dictator obsessed with building the Rainbow Tower and their venture into the mysterious Rainbow Mist. The Jaya Arc, the first canonical arc of the Sky Island Saga, unfolds on Jaya Island, introducing characters like Blackbeard and Bellamy and setting the stage for the New Age of pirates. Notably, the Skypiea Arc, running from episodes 153 to 195, spans 43 episodes and picks up after the Jaya Arc, featuring Luffy and his crew as they explore Skypiea, an island in the sky, and face off against the lightning-wielding “God” Eneru.

Why Some Fans Hate Skypiea

Some One Piece fans express a dislike for the Skypiea arc and suggest skipping it due to a lack of connection to the main storyline. Critics argue that the events and characters introduced in the arc don’t contribute significantly to the overall narrative. The hatred for Skypiea is further amplified by the popularity of the subsequent arc, Water 7 Arc which sees the death of the beloved Going Merry and the addition of Franky into The Straw Hat Pirates. Skypiea, focusing on world-building and lore rather than intense action, may not offer the same level of excitement for viewers seeking more dynamic and plot-driven elements in the series.

Why Skypiea Shouldn’t Be Skipped

However, like all canon arcs, is important to the overall story. Skypiea introduces the concept of Sky Islands, expanding the One Piece world beyond the seas. It dives into the history of these celestial islands, providing world-building and contributing to the lore of the series. Additionally, the arc goes more in depth regarding the Poneglyphs, ancient inscriptions with historical significance. Also, characters like Conis and Pagaya play roles in subsequent arcs. Conis, in particular, maintains ties with the Straw Hat Pirates, showcasing how interactions in one arc can have consequences and connections throughout the series. Lastly, the confrontation with Eneru, who poses as a god with powerful lightning-based abilities, demonstrates the crew’s ability to face formidable foes. This encounter sets the stage for future challenges and reinforces the idea that the Straw Hat Pirates are willing to confront even god-like adversaries for the sake of justice and their dreams.

In the vast world of One Piece, the decision to skip the Skypiea arc hinges on personal preferences and the value one places on the depth it brings to the series’ overall lore. Skypiea contributes to the expansive world-building, reveals crucial elements tied to the series’ mysteries, and provides character development moments that resonate throughout the series. By skipping entire arcs, one risks overlooking important elements that might prove crucial in the Straw Hat Pirates’ journey through the Grand Line. The seas are a profound experience for Luffy and his crew, and experiencing every arc becomes a shared odyssey for fans and none should be dismissed entirely.

One Piece is available to stream on Netflix & Prime Video.