Everything you experience when watching this show matters. The smallest details are called back hundreds of episodes later, and characters (even the minor ones) have properly fleshed out stories that make you feel attached to them. Everything connects, and the fact that the show is ongoing, even after all these years, makes the show intriguing even for newcomers because 'no one knows the conclusion', and therefore there are certain things that can't be spoiled even by long time watchers.
There is absolutely some of the best character development in all of anime in the first few arcs of the show (the East Blue Saga) that sets the stage for later arcs while also creating an unbreakable bond between the viewer and the main cast. Once everyone is fully (or I should say mostly) developed, the plot and world-building really start to kick in.
Prior to viewing, I would chastise One Piece for being so drawn out... I mean, if they can find the treasure in an hour-and-a-half in Pirates of the Caribbean, what the hell is taking Monkey D. Luffy so long??? But the one fact a friend told me that finally convinced me to watch One Piece, and one which you Reader might take to heart as well, is this:
One Piece is not a show just about "finding the treasure."
It is a show with incredible thought given to its characters and incredible care given to its world-building. If you are searching for a long-running show that you can really sink your teeth into, or just want a slow drip, shounen, experience, One Piece might just be the treasure you are looking for!
