One Piece Collection 12
Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating: 15
Running Time: 640 Mins/Bonus Material: 60 Mins
Audio: English & Japanese DD 5.1
Release Date: 28/12/2015
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes
For those who need to be reminded, as this is a very long series, Monkey D. Luffy is following in his idol's footsteps, the pirate king Gol D. Roger who had been captured by the World Government. His death brought about the search for the One Piece, where every pirate around the world wanted to obtain it as it promised untold riches and fame, and also the eminent title of Pirate King.
After rumours of her death had travelled far and wide, Olvia, Robin's mother has returned but with the direst of news. As an archaeologist with the Poneglyph Search Team, who set off for Ohara six years back, all 33 members had been killed. Olvia, although her life was spared was captured by the World Government. Finding out she had been to Ohara Island, they set off to that part of the world, putting her comrades and daughter at risk.
This time around, it's Robin's turn to have a collection about her and her long lost mother and it's interesting to see her as a troubled child having to deal with her mother leaving to go on her own quest. She felt as though she had been forgotten about, and that her mother might not have come back - or worse, had been killed. With Sean around to look after her, and with a frame like his, it would be strange if he couldn't, Robin was at least comforted by him with the promise that she may return alive. Another scientist was also on hand to help her as no one else understood her special powers.
The finding of the Poneglyph meant a lot to the search team Olvia was with as it is one of many immense stones shaped like a cube scattered around the world. Think of the Rosetta Stone, but with other arcane hieroglyphics and you would be right. The fact they are rocks isn't what interests the World Government, though, they want them bad as having them means they can revive an ancient weapon that could destroy the world. No matter what they throw at it, their weapons leave no mark and there's no known way of breaking it apart. As far as they can see, it's the perfect thing and their evil desires send them into a frenzy.
Robin revisiting her past and dealing with her future isn't the only issue throughout the episodes. Luffy has to rescue Robin from the clutches of Spandam, Sanji has the pleasure of being saved from death by Nami while Chopper goes crazy (won't give the game away, needless to say it's really funny), and Franky and a new friend get chatting about something that could come in handy!
All in all, this is a rounded and fun collection, much like the last with a nice bit of filler episodes that serve to lighten the mood when it gets a bit teary.
Bonus Material:
Episode 277 Commentary
Episode 287 Commentary
Episode 289 Commentary
Episode 290 Commentary
On The Boat: Behind the Scenes of One Piece with John Swasey
On The Boat: Behind the Scenes of One Piece with Stephanie Young
On The Boat: Behind the Scenes of One Piece with Jonathan Brooks
On The Boat: Behind the Scenes of One Piece with Jason Liebrecht
Text less Songs
U.S. Trailer
Trailers for other anime.
Verdict: One Piece is the perfect pirate adventure with a cast of comical and heartfelt recognisable characters.
