One Piece’s Wano Arc began 4 long years ago. Here’s how far anime has come since then

With nearly 200 episodes, the Wano Kuni Arc in One Piece stands out as a narrative gem in the series. Beginning in July 2019, its lengthy run has been characterised by intricate storytelling and significant plot developments. Here are some of the major developments in the anime world since Wano.

Wano Kuni comes to a close

From episodes 892 to 1085, One Piece dives into the enigma of Wano Country, ruled by the not-so-charming duo of Kurozumi Orochi and the heavyweight Yonko, Kaido. This arc is the series' mic drop, neatly tying up loose ends from previous tales.

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Here's a quick recap:

• Zoro snags Oden's sword, Enma, and Big Mom and Kaido decide to team up – a power move that shakes up alliances and egos.
• The World Government yanks the Seven Warlords System, tipping the scales of power in a narrative ballet.

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• Revelations about Rocks D Xebec, Gol D Roger's historic foe, weave an intricate tapestry connecting to three original Emperors.
• Big Mom takes an L from Law and Kid, while Luffy flexes his Gear Five muscles, proving battles in One Piece aren't just about muscles (they're about Looney Tunes moments too)

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• Pluton surfaces in Wano, and the submerged history of the former Wano empire adds layers of intrigue.
• "Laugh Tale" is the cherry on top, confirming Luffy as the cool modern Joy Boy.

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• Kaido and Big Mom get the boot as Pirate Emperors, making way for Luffy's surprise promotion and the odd addition of Buggy.
• The fallout? Bounties skyrocket, and Luffy's mystical mug on a poster gets the Five Elders clutching their pearls. 

The Wano Kuni Arc's last episode aired on November 26, 2023, leaving a lasting impact on the One Piece narrative. 

Since the inception and conclusion of the Wano Kuni Arc in One Piece, several major developments have occurred in the anime genre and community. Here are some notable changes and trends that have spanned the last four years:

• Streaming services dominance

The dominance of streaming services for anime distribution has continued to grow. Platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix have become primary sources for fans to watch and discover new anime series. Simulcasting has become a standard practice, allowing viewers worldwide to access the latest episodes shortly after their original airings in Japan.

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• Globalisation of anime

The anime community has become more globalised, with an increasing number of international fans participating in discussions, events, and conventions. The popularity of anime has surged in Western countries, and more anime are receiving official English translations and dubs.

• Evolution of animation techniques

Advancements in animation techniques and technology have led to visually stunning and intricate anime productions. Studios are incorporating CGI seamlessly, enhancing the overall quality of animation in both TV series and movies.

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• Diversification of genres

Anime has diversified in terms of genres and themes. While action and fantasy series remain popular, there has been an increased focus on genres like slice of life, romance, and psychological thrillers. This diversity caters to a broader audience with varied preferences.

• Increased fan engagement

Social media has played a crucial role in fostering fan communities, allowing enthusiasts to engage in discussions, fan art creation, and other collaborative activities. Hashtags related to ongoing anime trends regularly trend on platforms like Twitter.

• Covid impact on production

The anime industry, like many others, faced challenges due to the Covid pandemic. Delays in production schedules, event cancellations, and changes in release dates became common occurrences. The industry adapted to remote work, and fans exhibited patience as release schedules adjusted.

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• Continued adaptations of popular manga

The trend of adapting popular manga into anime series continues, with many successful franchises gaining animated adaptations and in some cases even concluding them:

Demon Slayer dominates the box office

The release of the Demon Slayer: Mugen Train movie became a monumental moment in anime history. It not only broke box office records in Japan but also gained international acclaim. The success of the movie propelled Demon Slayer to new heights, and fantastic back-to-back second and third seasons solidified its position as a global phenomenon.

Attack on Titan comes to an end

The final season of Hajime Isayama’s acclaimed Attack on Titan had been highly anticipated. As it neared its conclusion, discussions and speculation within the fan community reached a fever pitch. The anime's conclusion brought about intense reactions and discussions, marking a significant moment in the medium.

Jujutsu Kaisen's rise to prominence

Jujutsu Kaisen quickly became a fan-favourite, gaining widespread popularity for its dynamic animation, compelling characters, and engaging storyline. The series has been praised for revitalizing the shonen genre and is expected to continue making waves in the anime community.

My Hero Academia developments

My Hero Academia introduced pivotal story arcs, such as the Paranormal Liberation War Arc, which brought intense battles and character developments. The series' continued success and exploration of complex themes have kept fans eagerly awaiting each new episode.

Chainsaw Man breaks the Internet

The hype around Chainsaw Man had been building for years. The manga's art, story, and characters attracted a large audience. The series is darker than other Shonen Jump series and its unique mix of humor and heartfelt moments propelled it to global success.

One Piece recieves a live-action adaptation

If the world hadn't evolved enough, One Piece recieved the Netflix treatment with its first live-action adaptation and opened to an outstanding critical and commercial success.

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As fans anticipate the upcoming Egghead Arc in One Piece, the legacy of Wano and its characters promises to resonate in the evolving journey of the Straw Hat Pirates.