On this first page, you will find a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the new version of One Piece, along with the most up-to-date answers available.
We are very privileged here at AP Forums to have a translator from Funimation posting on these boards, that member's name is Mato. I'd like to point out on behalf of all of us, thank you Mato, for taking the time to answer our many many questions. We are truly appreciative that employees of FUNimation would go the extra mile and get in direct contact with the fans who begged and pleaded for this series to be properly dubbed. We are more than willing to show our support for FUNimation as much as we have shown support for the show itself. Once again, thank you!
PLEASE DON'T ASK FOR CLIPS OF PREVIEWS, WE HAD THEM BUT THEY KEEP GETTING TAKEN OFF OF YOUTUBE.
Frequently Asked Questions:
(note: will be updated)
#1: What will happen with the names, like Trace (Ace) and Zolo (Zoro)? What about the Going Merry?
Answer: FUNimation will be doing their best to be true to the manga being released by Viz, along with some consistency to the previously-dubbed episodes. This means that on the TV version, Zolo will remain Zolo on the TV broadcast, the Going Merry will still be Merry Go, Trace, Chaser, etc. However, the uncut DVD's will be restored to their original names (Zoro, Ace, Smoker, Going Merry, etc.).
#2: Who are the new Voice Actors for the Strawhat Pirates, and will they sound similar to the 4kids VA's?
Answer: The voice casting for the new dub of One Piece will feature all new actors, and none of the main characters will have any accents whatsoever. Here is a list of the VA's playing the Straw Hat Pirates:
Luffy: Colleen Clinkenbeard
Nami: Luci Christian
Zolo (Zoro): Chris Sabat
Usopp: Sonny Strait
Sanji: Eric Vale
Chopper: Brina Palencia
Robin: Stephanie Young
FUNi has stated that there will be no more accents for the Strawhat Crew. However, if an accent truly fits a supporting character, an accent may be implemented fittingly. FUNimation representatives have clearly stated that one of the biggest aspects they are trying to emphasize about this new series is the quality of the voice acting of the Strawhat Pirates.
#3: Will the show retain the original Opening and Ending Songs/Credits?
Answer: Yes and no. Yes in that the original songs from the Japanese version will be there, but they will be dubbed (think Yu-Yu-Hakusho).
#4: What kind of editing can we expect on the TV version?
Answer: The editing will be much, much less than the 4kids version. The FCC does NOT regulate what can air on cable channels, however, Cartoon Network has specifically stated that the consumption of alcohol and the smoking of cigarettes is not permitted. Also, the violence will be toned down to the effect where punches are accompanied by a brief flash, and flesh wounds will show blood but not squirt blood. Sanji will not have a lollipop or a cigarette, they have chosen to go with nothing at all.
#5: What about DVD releases? Will they be the TV version, or uncut?
Answer: Uncut DVD's are on the way. By uncut, they mean completely unedited or altered. All of the violence, blood, and cigarettes can be seen in full glory on DVD's. Due to issues with the DVD distribution rights of the 4kids dub, the Funi DVD's will be released to the public in 13-episode volumes for $49.99, starting at Japanese episode 144, and will be released in a time period ranging from November of this year to February 2008. The TV version will never see a DVD release, ever.
#6: Where is FUNimation starting with their dub? Will it be the beginning?
Answer: FUNimation will begin dubbing for television broadcast where 4kids left off, right at the beginning of the Jaya Arc, episode 144. So far it is not known when they will be able to redub the first 143, although they have claimed that they want to. Viz still owns the distribution rights to those episodes.
#7: Are they using the original musical score from the Japanese version?
Answer: Yes. They will be using the original musical compositions from the original version, as they want to keep the same atmosphere of the original series as they dub it.
#8: Can Mato answer any question about the show?
Answer: No. Mato is contractually bound to not speak on certain things, so do not be surprised if Mato can't answer some of your questions. Mato is a translator, which means that Mato's knowledge of things outside the translating department is limited, but so far Mato has tried to speculate answers for some questions. So don't be offended if you don't get the answer you're looking for. Remember, Mato is on these boards by choice, so please don't heckle or flame Mato.
#9: Will the movies be dubbed for release?
They are currently working on movie 8. Expect it sometime next year.
#10: Who is this "Mato" guy, specifically?
Answer: Mato is a translator that works for FUNimation. He's also responsible for helping with the movement to bring more Earthbound games to the U.S.
#11: What will FUNimation do about the high-definition episodes, from 207 and onward?
Answer: Not known at this time.
#12: What's the word on a UK release of the Uncut One Piece DVD's?
Answer: Nothing yet, unfortunately. Make your voices heard if you want these DVD's released in the UK or any other country!
#13: What about the attacks/names of weapons in the dub?
Answer: The attack names are either remaining the same as they were in the original Japanese version, or changing slightly for translation. Chopper's Point forms will still be referred to as Boost forms, though. Nami's Clima Tact (known as the Weather Forcer in the 4kids dub) will be called the Climate Baton. The attack names are still up in the air for the TV broadcast, however, the Uncut DVD's will retain the original Japanese attack names.
#14: Will FUNimation or Toei or Cartoon Network be gunning down K-F/ADC/Vegapunk/etc. Fansub sites to take down their content?
Answer: Not known at this time. Now is probably a good time to back up your collections of the episodes if you're concerned.
#15: Will the unaired episodes #1-143 be aired on television, ever?
Answer: Not known at this time, One Piece's success being dubbed by FUNi will most likely determine this.
#16: What about swearing? What can we expect and not expect?
Answer: Certain terms like "damn, ass, and bitch" MAY be used. Words like "shit" will be replaced with something like "crap". This is Cartoon Network, after all. The Uncut DVD's, however, will have swearwords where appropriate, minus "shit" and f-bombs. If you're disappointed about the lack of "shit" due to Sanji using it all the time, remember that the real words he uses in Japanese ("kuso" and "chikuso") are very common words used in anime that can mean all sorts of things like "shit", "crap", "damn", and so on, so the words will change as Toei and FUNi see fit.
#17. How far along is FUNi in the dub? How many episodes have they translated?
Answer: They're a ways into the dub, so don't fret.
#18. When will the dub start airing on Cartoon Network?
September 29th, 10PM Eastern, 9PM Central.
i dont care what anyone says, this is totally necessary!
