Exploring Oda's Early Works: A Look at Romance Dawn and More

Before One Piece became the legendary manga and anime we know today, Eiichiro Oda had already penned several short stories that showcased his storytelling prowess. Among these was Romance Dawn, a precursor to One Piece that revealed what the series could have been like. In this article, we’ll explore the various short stories in Oda’s collection, his inspiration for a pirate-themed manga, and the fascinating differences between the alternate Romance Dawn and the version we ultimately got.

Overview of Oda’s Early Short Stories

Believe it or not, Oda was just 22 years old when he started One Piece. However, before that, he had already created and released several short stories, some of which even won awards. These stories include:

• A Western-Themed Story – This award-winning tale introduced Oda’s early use of a wanted poster, a concept that would later become integral to One Piece.

• A Hilarious Thief Story – Written simply because Oda wanted to draw a building exploding, this humorous piece follows a thief who has upset a god.

• A Monk’s Journey – A tale about a monk searching for his master.

• A Master Swordsman’s Story – This one was later adapted into a short film on Netflix, featuring early visual inspirations for Zoro and Mihawk.

• Two Versions of Romance Dawn – The earliest iterations of what would become One Piece, with significant differences from the final version.

All of these stories reflect the same creative genius that we love in One Piece today, just with different character roles—thief, monk, swordsman, and so on.

Should You Read Oda’s Early Works?

Image Credit: One Piece Fandom Wiki – Luffy, Romance Dawn V.2 One Piece

If you’re a fan of One Piece, this collection is a must-read. It provides a fascinating glimpse into Oda’s developing style and storytelling, offering insights into what other projects he could have pursued if he hadn’t dedicated decades to One Piece.

When Did Oda Decide to Create a Pirate Manga?

The idea for a pirate-themed manga originated in Oda's middle school years. At the time, he had just begun playing sports and was learning about teamwork, camaraderie, and the importance of friendship. These themes deeply influenced One Piece, shaping the dynamic between Luffy and his crew.

Even in middle school, Oda knew this story was going to be his big shot. He set his sights on Shonen Jump, confident that this was the one that would make it. Now, with over a thousand episodes, a live-action adaptation, and an anime remake, it’s safe to say that Oda’s teenage ambition paid off in ways beyond his wildest dreams.

One Piece Canon vs. the Alternate Romance Dawn

Oda created two versions of Romance Dawn, but he has only released the one that differs significantly from the final One Piece story. Here’s how it varies:

Major Differences in Luffy’s Origins

• The Straw Hat’s Origin: In this version, Luffy’s iconic straw hat doesn’t come from Shanks. Instead, he gets it from his grandfather.

• Luffy’s Grandfather: Unlike One Piece, where Luffy’s grandfather is the Marine hero Garp, this alternate story depicts him as a pirate. The world is divided into “good pirates” (Peacemans) and “bad pirates” (Morganear), with Luffy’s grandfather being one of the former.

• Devil Fruit Acquisition: Instead of accidentally eating the Gum-Gum Fruit from Shanks’ crew, Luffy takes it from his grandfather’s hands, unaware that it’s worth five billion berries.

  
  

Differences in the First Adventure

• Luffy’s First Companion: Instead of meeting Koby, Luffy encounters a girl named Anne, who plays a similar role to One Piece’s Nami.

• The Antagonist: Instead of Alvida, Luffy encounters a pirate named Spiel, who has captured Anne after destroying her village.

• No Marines: The world of this Romance Dawn lacks Marines, making the conflict solely between different factions of pirates.

  
  

These changes make for a fascinating alternate take on One Piece. While it’s an interesting read, it’s hard to imagine the series without the Marine-Pirate dynamic that plays such a crucial role in the final version.

Final Thoughts

Oda’s early works, particularly Romance Dawn, give fans a rare look at what One Piece might have been. While the changes are intriguing, it’s safe to say that the version we got is a masterpiece that wouldn’t be the same without its iconic elements. Still, these alternate takes and short stories show just how much creativity and vision Oda had even in his early years.

For those interested in deep-diving into manga origins, I highly recommend checking out the 10 Origins of Eden Zero Character Names—another deep-cut exploration of the creative process behind beloved manga characters.

Until next time, keep it geeky!