Anime Fans Fume Over Usopp's Whitewashing in New One Piece Art

Fans of the long-running series One Piece are expressing disappointment over the recent concept art revealing a new design for the character Usopp in the upcoming Netflix remake. Many are angered by the noticeable alteration in Usopp's skin tone, which appears lighter than both his original depiction and the aesthetic used in previous adaptations. This trend of what fans are labeling as "whitewashing" is not new to the series, but the latest preview has reignited discussions about representation in anime. Critics passionately point out that while other characters manage to retain their original designs, Usopp's transformation continues to be contentious, considering clues about his ethnicity revealed by creator Eiichiro Oda. The team behind the remake is praised for their efforts to incorporate 3D mapping for world-building, yet they face backlash for not correcting the perceived design flaws concerning Usopp's character.

The controversy revolves around the ongoing trend of whitewashing in adaptations, where Usopp's skin tone has progressively become lighter over time, contradicting his original design and heritage as noted by the creator, Eiichiro Oda. Fans are particularly upset as this change overlooks the character's African descent, leading to concerns about representation in media.

One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, is a beloved anime and manga series that follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in search of the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. The series, which began serialization in 1997, explores themes of friendship, freedom, and the struggles against oppression, contributing to its immense popularity worldwide. Netflix and Wit Studio are working on a live-action adaptation of One Piece, aiming to capture both its adventurous spirit and deeper sociopolitical themes.