One Piece, like so many other anime and media, is having its production schedule screwed by COVID-19. Pandemics really do ruin everything.

Robin shocked at the latest delay for "One Piece".
Even Wano is feeling it.

When Pandemics Ruin [Insert Media Here]

As it turns out, not even Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates are immune to the effects of COVID-19. While we all knew that intellectually, it’s only when the production schedule starts slipping does it finally hit us in the gut. That’s what this bit of news is: a gut punch to all the fans of One Piece. Someone needs to put a 50 billion berry bounty on the virus already, if that were at all possible.

COVID-19's bounty poster.
There’s no bounty that’s too high for this little thing.

As for which One Piece media will experience release delays, it’s actually quite a few items. The One Piece manga volume #97, One Piece Magazine Vol. 10, and One Piece by Eiichiro Oda Tiger Color Walk 9 art book will all be delayed. Their original release date was supposed to be September 4, but now it will be moved to September 16. It’s a delay of nearly 2 weeks, which quite frankly sucks.

This isn’t the first time the pandemic has caused problems for One Piece though. Back in April, Shueisha delayed this year’s 21st issue of Weekly Shonen Jump for a week due to concerns about a possible infected individual in the editorial department. And then in May, Shueisha delayed the 2-part prequel manga to the One Piece: Stampede movie for 2 weeks, again due to COVID-19 concerns. Heck, even in May, Oda-sensei himself warned that more delays were coming as his staff reorganize the workplace so that they can all experience the joys of social distancing.

Yeah, I think it’s safe to say that this latest delay won’t be the last one we’ll experiences.

Luffy making a PSA on behalf of the Straw Hat Pirates.
When even the Straw Hat Pirates are making PSAs, you know we’re in trouble.

Conclusion

That blasted COVID-19 pandemic will now delay 3 whole publications for One Piece. I guess looking on the bright side, a nearly 2 week delay isn’t so bad in the grand scheme of things. It could’ve been worse.

At least you’re not Brian.

Source: Anime News Network