One Piece fans, we have all seen Zoro take on his ancestor Ryuma and add the “Shusui” to this sword collection. Now, it is time to take a witness Ryuma wield this katana in his prime in One Piece author Eiichiro Oda’s new anime — Monsters 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation.
Where to Watch Oda’s Monsters 103 Anime?
Yes, 21st January is finally here, and the Monsters anime is now available to stream on two of the most popular apps — Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Oda’s official staff account on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed that the anime is now streaming. You can use the links in the tweet below to watch it.
Monsters, for those unaware, is a one-shot manga that Oda wrote at the age of 19 before the serialization of the One Piece manga. The same has now been adapted into a “single” episode with a runtime of 25 minutes by E&H Production.
Monsters 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation Anime: First Impressions
There’s not much to judge when you only get a 25-minute episode, a quick recap for the life of one of Wano’s greatest samurais. This one-shot tells the story of Zoro’s ancestor, Ryuma, who he fought in Episode 362 (or Chapter 467) in the One Piece anime. We also heard about him in the Wano Country arc, where we first learned the story of him slaying the dragon; the same one we see in this anime.
The Monsters 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation anime tells that story. It portrays Ryuma in the same kind and powerful aura as young Zoro. We see him have a loud personality, the animation is as good as you’d expect, and of course, we recognize the Shusui and see its might in the hands of Wano’s best.
Unlike Zoro, Ryuma does not get lost in this short 25-minute episode. But like Zoro, he is shown being thoughtful and compassionate towards those around him. Finally, I know the dragon slaying is not going to have you jumping off your seat as we have Zoro do a lot, a lot more. However, wait until the end for a One Piece easter egg, which connects the two anime together.
Have you watched the Monsters anime? What are your first impressions? The comments section awaits your opinions. Tell us below.
