Rate the FUNimation Voice Cast!

[Kitsune Inferno]

To hopefully bring some liveliness to this practically dead sub-forum (we're almost through the second month of the FUN Piece drought [fourth for those who didn't buy the DVD set]), so I thought about making a thread where you rate the voices of the FUNimation dub. Please, justify your reasons and don't say "they all are 0!" or "they all 2000 out of 10".

Colleen Clinkenbeard as Luffy: I gotta say, I didn't like her at first, but she grew on me and can really convey Luffy's "Luffiness" pretty well. However, some lines sound plain awkward ("I slept so great!") Overall, CC gets a 8.

Christopher R. Sabat as Zoro: Same as Luffy above, I didn't like him early on (obviously, it was deep) but in the DVD release, he almost nails Zoro. I give him a 7 because he still sounds deep to me.

Luci Christian as Nami: First, Nami's voice actress really seemed to play conservatively, she was good but not stand-out good. However, in the later portion of the DVD release and in Movie 8, Luci really comes into Nami, I believe more so than her seiyuu. 10.

Sonny Strait as Usopp: Really good, he does Usopp well. He really shines because of how well he performs Usopp, but he doesn't really nail the serious or high-pitched Usopp (UA Sogeking, anyone?) I give him a solid 9.

Eric Vale as Sanji: I'm really unsure about Sanji. I haven't heard enough to be too judgmental. He's mediocre in Jaya, decent in Skypiea, but quite good in Unlimited Adventure. The second DVD set will help me decide on what to give Sanji, but as it stands, Eric gets a flat 6.

Brina Palencia as Chopper: Remember how everyone assumed Chopper would be the stand out voice of One Piece? Well, they were right, but unfortunately in a bad way. She started strong, but in Skypiea she really started to taper off. She rebounded a bit in UA when she's serious, but god the constant screaming gets incredibly annoying. Until the screaming cuts down, Brina gets a 4.

Stephanie Young as Robin: Really, I like Robin, except for her OOC moments throughout Skypiea. Her voice really fits, it's sultry but at the same time, she sounds intelligent, which is what describes Robin. Stephanie recieves an 8 from me.

**>! Patrick Seitz as Franky: To me Patrick is the reverse Brina. He doesn't fit Franky at all, but he still sounds okay. It's not the same SUPPPAAA~! Franky we all know and love, but still it's not TOO bad. I'll give him a 6.

Laurie Steele as Alvida: While I'm not keen on her Slim voice (or the one or two lines we heard back in Jaya), I think as Fat Alvida, Laurie fits the bill nicely. I like the way she says "Coby", but she still sounds somewhat hickish. I give her a decent 8.

Mike McFarland as Buggy: I know I'll be flamed flashily for this, but Mike as Buggy is epic. I can see the voice being hard to do, but Mike fit the bill nicely. Mike gets a 9.

Kent Williams as Kuro: Anyone remember the 4kids voice? Yeah… Kent does quite an excellent job as Kuro. Not much else to say really, but 9.

I'll post more later. So, everybody, post your own ratings!**

[Chastity-Autumn]

Colleen Clinkenbeard as Luffy: I actually really love Luffy's voice, I think Colleen captures his personality really, really well. I give her a 10.

Christopher R. Sabat as Zoro: I loved this voice as soon as I heard it, and it was absolutely spot on in the DVD. I honestly think this voice is perfect for Zoro, I don't think it's too deep at all. I give it a 10.

Luci Christian as Nami: Very Nami like indeed and it suits her to the bone. It just sounds like a voice a cheeky and persuasive girl would have! I give her a 10.

Sonny Strait as Usopp: This voice actually made me respect Usopp a lot more. This voice is just utterly perfect for him; the high tones for when he's scared are spot on, and I personally like Sogeking's voice in UA. 10

Eric Vale as Sanji: We'll obviously hear more of Sanji in the next set, which I'm really looking foward to. I personally love this voice, I thought it sounded really awesome, although the high pitched, flirty tone took some getting used to. I also love how he sounds when he shouts. For now I'll give him 8 but this is most likely will be subject to change when second voyage comes out. I know people think the voice wasn't really on top form for the TV broadcasts, but, I think there will be a huge improvement in the DVD release.

Brina Palencia as Chopper: It's okay, she does really well as chopper, although she gets ear piercingly high pitched at times. 6. I'm just glad he doesn't sound like Amy from Sonic X anymore.

Stephanie Young as Robin: This voice is sophisaticated and sexy, just as Robin's voice should be. I love it! 10.

! Patrick Seitz as Franky: I wasn't too keen on Franky's voice to begin with, but it actually really grew on me, especially at the end when he was crying while saying, "Look, he's got little friends!" (or something like that) I'm giving it a 7.

Laurie Steele as Alvida: I think Alvida's voice is great! The voice especially fits her fat self, but I'm not too keen on her slim voice- it just doesn't suit her. The fat Alvida voice i'll give a 10.

Mike McFarland as Buggy: Come on, now, this voice was freakin' perfect! This voice suited Buggy in everyway! The snorts and all! A definite 10!

Kent Williams as Kuro: This voice is great. Like Kitsune Inferno said, this absolutely trumps the god awful 4Kids voice. I'll also give it a 9.

[HokageLuffy]

Colleen Clinkenbeard as Luffy: I thought it was ok at first, then it grew on me through Jaya and Skypiea, and then I saw Movie 8. When she screamed at the end when Luffy defeated Crocodile, she was amazing. 8.

Christopher R. Sabat as Zoro: In my opinion, he sounds a bit flat and boring. Some of the lines in the dvd boxset we're a bit weird (I remember when he said 'No' in one of the previews, it sounded weird) but overall hes quite good. 8.

Luci Christian as Nami: Wow! Wow! She is amazing as Nami. Even in early Jaya when she said something like 'THAT WOULD BE YOUR DECISION, CAPTAIN' I thought she was amazing. 10.

Sonny Strait as Usopp: Again, Wow! He really does do Usopp well. He sounds similar to the Japanese Usopp in my opinion. However, the only problem I have is how sometimes his voice slips too close to 4kids Usopp (Especially on the DVD when he says somthing like "Hi Pepper, Onion, you seen carrot around?") 9.

Eric Vale as Sanji: I really like Mr. Vale as Sanji. However, as people have said, we won't really get to hear him properley until Second Voyage. However, I think he did well on UA and movie 8. 8.

Brina Palencia as Chopper: Shes a bit too high. However, she gets Chopper's emotional side spot on. 7.

Stephanie Young as Robin: We haven't really heard much Robin yet, and probably won't for a while. However, I think Mrs. Young is very good at voicing Robin and sounds very similar to the Japanese voice actor. 9.

[DesertSpada]

Colleen Clinkenbeard as Luffy: Well, this person is doing a good job, but it still seems a little off to me. When Clinkebbeard speaks normally, everything is fine. However, when she starts to scream such as in battle…it sounds kind of strained at times. In UA, it was pretty good, but when she does the Gatling Gun she sounds kind of weird. 7

Christopher R. Sabat as Zoro: While I'll admit that it is a bit deep, I think he does a good job. I think that Sabat is really getting into doing Zoro, but it just might take a little bit. In UA he was perfect. He pronounced everything perfectly and did an excellent job. 9

Luci Christian as Nami: Perfect. What can I say? Luci does wonders with this. She doesn't sound so weird like the 4kids crap. She really brings Nami into character and fully brings it out. I'm glad she's doing Nami. 10

Sonny Strait as Usopp: Well, Sonny does a good job with Usopp. He sounds pretty good. Sometimes he does sound like he lost his voice though. It needs some work, which I'm not worried about. I'm sure he'll be able to deliver those lines as well as the Japanese actor. 7

Eric Vale as Sanji: My goodness, I think Vale does an awesome job. It's a good example on how the Eng. voice actor doesn't have to sound exactly like the Original to sound good. From what I've heard of him, I am very pleased. 10

Brina Palencia as Chopper: Well, I think she is trying hard but it's just the screaming that gets me. Otherwise, it's OK. Hopefully she will continue to get better with it, which I'm sure she will. 7

Stephanie Young as Robin: Great Robin! I really like her. She does a good job of giving us Robin's character. We won't hear her for a while, but I can't wait until then! 10

Kent Williams as Kuro: Oh man, Williams sounds great. Kuro was my favorite character until Crocodile came around, so it was great to hear his voice actor. He really does a good job and I can't wait until we get the next season so we can hear the rest of his performance! 9

John Swasey as Sir Crocodile: Well, Crocodile is my favorite character, but his actor….seems really weird. Mind you, in UA that cutscene showing him talking to Luffy was great. However, when he appeared in-game his voice was very different. Now, when I watched the movie he still sounded really weird. Almost like Swasey had not found the voice he wanted to use for Crocodile...or, it just sounded strained. 6

J. Michael Tatum as Enel: My goodness, it's perfect. Tatum really does a good job and absolutely owns the character. At least, from UA and the few times we heard him in in the series. I'm excited for the future of him and really hope that we can hear him more on TV. 10

Oh, sorry, that's from the game. Still though, I was very impressed with the voices of Kaku and Lucci.

[Silver R. Bolt]

Colleen Clinkenbeard as Luffy: What's there to say? Luffy is the good old generic main character, and he has a voice that fits that. I like Colleen alot, her Luffy is very good, which it was slightly more unique, 7.

Christopher R. Sabat as Zoro: I didn't like Sabat's Zoro too muchin the beginning, but it wasn't like 4kids' Zoro fitted Zoro. But as time grew on, he's probably my favorite Funi voice, 9.

Luci Christian as Nami: Her voice is nothing special, but then again Nami never had or needed a distinct voice, so Luci is doing her job well, 8.

Sonny Strait as Usopp: A little too Krillin still, but atleast it fits him. I really like his almost dead due to being beat'n up voice. He does lack some seriousness though, oh and SogeKing's voice is awesome, 8.

Eric Vale as Sanji: I'm not sure what Funi is trying to do with this guy, maybe they trying to do a complete 180 from 4kids and took the wrong turn, he needs to sound alot more mature, atleast his Love Cook voice is perfect, 6.

Brina Palencia as Chopper: We heard, "Whats a Sacrafice?" and WE KNEW IT WAS GOING TO GREAT! No doubt on our minds. She's doing fine, but needs to man up when in Chopper's heavy point, 7.

Stephanie Young as Robin: Robin's got a great voice, and I really liked the new spin on her character. She's the idea Robin, 9.

**>! Patrick Seitz as Franky: When I heard his voice I was pissed, due to them not even romotely try and capture his original voice. Due to his voice being the first I heard in Japanese frist, I really wanted it. Seitz grew on me though, I want to hear more of him, 8.

Laurie Steele as Alvida: Since Jaya is probably going to be redubed for DVD, I'm only basing this off the First Voyage. As Fat Alvida she's awesome, I wonder if she can sex up her voice, 7.

Mike McFarland as Buggy: My favorite voice, though I don't really care too much for that "Flashy"(ITS SO AWKWARD) shit, 9.

Kent Williams as Kuro: 4kids did a great job for his voice, which is sad due to Funi trying to dub this like a comic book like cartoon(Cronies!), and 4kids captured the perfect comic book villain voice. There really isn't anything that stands out for Williams take. 6.**

[Kitsune Inferno]

I'll add some more.

Sean Hennigan as Gold Roger: Maybe it's just me, but he makes Roger sound too old. Overall, it's good. But Sean gets a 5.

Brandon Potter as Shanks: Nice. At one point, I mistook him for Steve Blum! (Even though he's a California VA) My one problem is when he gets high-pitched or panicky ("Oh no! I let that guy take him! What are we gonna do?" or "I'll save you, Buggy!"), he sounds particularly strained. Overall, Brandon gets an 8.

John Burgmeiser as Lucky Roux: Really didn't hear enough, but it sounded okay. I'll give him a 7 though until I hear more.

Scott Freeman as Yasopp: Like Lucky, I need to hear more, but its pretty good. I'll give him a 8.

Sean Hennigan as Ben Beckmann: Personal favorite voice of the Shanks underlings. While it does sound aged, I think it fits Beckmann a lot. 9.

Gwendolyn Lau as Makino: Thought it fit quite well. I'll give her a 9.

Kyle Hebert as Higuma: I liked it, didn't know it was Kyle till perusing Wikipedia. Not much else to say, so I'll say 9.

Leah Clark as Coby: It was alright, but I thought it was annoying, but maybe it's just 'cause Coby is annoying. So… 7 sounds fair.

Kate Oxley as Rika: Liked it, certainly better than Amy Rose. >_< God, Lisa, get some vocal range… Sorry, lost my train of thought. 9.

Troy Baker as Helmeppo: Perfect fit! Made me laugh a lot, so a 10 is in order, couldn't find a better fit.

Brett Weaver as Morgan: Is it just me, or does Morgan sound like Plankton? Anyways, it was pretty good, but a few pitch issues. A solid 8.

Aaron Dismuke as Young Zoro: Well I THINK this is only his game voice. (I think Episode 2 credits someone else as YZ, but I don't remember hearing a line from the episode in question) Anyways, I really disliked it. Sounded too much like Ion or Al. 5

Monica Rial as Kuina: From the few lines we heard, it is LIGHTYEARS ahead of her 4Shame voice. 9

Chuck Huber as Mohji: I like this one a lot, kinda pitchy at times, but definitely likable. Chuck gets an 8.

Greg Ayres as Cabaji: Remember how much he sucked in 144? Well, the proof is in the pudding that improvements can be made and Greg is an example of that. Cabaji was incredible in the DVDs, so a 9 is in order.

Cristopher Bevins as Chouchou: Just including this because I despise his Japanese voice. Lightyears ahead of it. 10, even though its just a dog -_-

Mark Stoddard as Boodle: Incredibly good! Made Boodle actually likable to me. 10.

Carrie Savage as Kaya: Pretty good, but not much to say. 9.

Kenny Green as Jango: Not Kazuki Yao, but an excellent substitute no less. I might actually like him better than Yao! 10!

Jerry Jewell as Merry: Fitting. Very Merry-like, 9.

John Gremillion as Mihawk: Spot. Freaking. On. I absolutely love Mihawk's voice, or what we've heard of it. 10.

Chris Rager as Arlong: I see it as a middle road between 4Shame and the original, it is good but a bit off. 7 nonetheless.

More later, I'm pooped

[Silver R. Bolt]

I always thought Strait voiced Morgan's son haha.

[Kitsune Inferno]

Nah, the credits list Troy Baker.

I'll add more from Movie 8, just watched it today.

[Ao Kiji]

It seems like a lot of ppl doing this havent seen the dvds yet. So I'll give it a shot.

Colleen Clinkenbeard as Luffy:
Colleen voice was really up and down throughout the tv broadcast. I always felt she could pull off the woman-that-sounds-exactly-like-a-preteen-boy voice well because of her Beet days but sometimes she just missed the mark or had a really tough time doing a young male voice that didnt sound raspy or gruff. Even in the initial episodes on the dvd, it sounds much better and the acting and comprehension of Luffy's personality is really strong but it just sounds too deep and gravely. By episode four when she has to do young Luffy, somehow she just nails it completely. From that point on she pulls of the voice with a pure, genuine innocent sound that fits Luffy nearly perfectly. Once she locked in the voice the emotions she conveys during scenes become a lot stronger, too. Luffy sounds slightly different from his Japanese counterpart but it's largely because his voice sounds VERY Japanese in that version. The dub is english and Luffy now has a more "american preteen" sound which fits the same feel well. Luffy comes across the same way he does in the Japanese version overall, I guess my only complaint would be that she doesnt scream or sound as loud as rambunctuos as the Japanese counterpart,but towards the end of the dvd, she starts to nail that aspect of the character too. Her Gum Gum Gatling scream was actually slightly better than Takani's which is saying alot. It took her a long time but once she gets the voice tone right, everything starts to come together and slowly she gets a better and better understanding of Luffy;s character and how she should play him. It's not perfect and as distinctive as the seiyuu but it's an amazing Luffy that looks to get better and better as she gets more confidence. A little more quirk and volume in her delivery and she;ll be the best Luffy possible from the Funi camp. I give her a strong 8.

Roronoa Zoro:
I will just say this right away, a 10. Like most people are saying, he was one of the weakest sounding and his OOC dialogue in the broadcast version didnt help any. Immediately from seeing his appearance in the dvd episodes, you notice a huge improvement. Just that people can finally accept him as Zoro and let the ghost of Marc Diraison's Zoro from the 4kids dub go is a testament to how well he's come into this role. He worked hard according to the commentary to get a hold on the voice and check the gruffness and it works well. Add that to his veteran voice actor delivery and he's the strongest of the cast by a mile now. I actually get excited whenever Zoro has a lot of dialogue in the dub because it sounds perfect. He sounds identical to the voice actor and the delivery is perfect. He's the best actor possible to play Zoro. 10.

Nami:
She has the distinction of being perfect for this role from the beginning. Luci playing this role was the SOLE choice I had no doubts about after hearing her Asuna in Negima. She's one of maybe two dub actresses who I consistanly prefer over the seiyuu and actually sounds…cuter than the Japanese counterpart? She's amazing at sounding tough without coming across unsympathetic and cold and being able to sound moody and angry but also sweet and sympathetic in the same role. Maybe the only dubbie who is slightly better than the Japanese counterpart. It's too bad Nami is the least favorite Strawhat so most people won't appreciate this anyway. She gets a 10.
Also her fights with Luffy are awesome and really funny thanks to her!

Usopp:
Usopp has the distinction of dropping in quality a bit from broadcast to dub. His tone early on was very close to the Japanese because his Krillen voice is just naturally a close fit to the way Keppei plays Usopp in the japanese version. His strength is really his range and all the funny screams and sounds he can make that fit Usopp perfectly. However, some of his dilevery, particularly in the boasting or sad scenes sound a little too silly and lack genuine feeling. It's like he's still in comedy relief mode and it hurts the scenes just a little bit. He still needs a little work knowing when to blubber wildly and when to weep seriously as Usopp. The tone is perfect but the acting or just the understanding of the character still needs a little more work. Regardless he is a vet and it comes through as he is delivering a solid Usopp. He probably loses a point because he doesnt have a ton to work with yet as Usopp isn't that interesting or cool a character in his intro arc anyway. He gets a 7.

Buggy:
The tone is pretty friggin close. It's near perfect and so is the delivery. McFarland really is the perfect choice for this. he only loses a point shy of perfection because he didnt stress the funny moments where Buggy's sounding tough, then he loses his temper and his voice cracks and sound whiney nearly as much as I would've liked. He does it a couple of times and it sounds great when he does but in the japanese version it was really common in Buggy's delivery. He does an exceptional job with hitting the tone, sounding intimidating and goofy at times. Even slight dialogue changes worked fine and like Zoro he's a vet and just knew how to make even ackwards lines sound great and natural. A 9.

Kuro
Kuro gets a solid 8. And the only thing that kept him from a nine is he's just an actor that Funi uses a ton and the 4kids version actually sounded very cool and distinctive. However, you can see why Funi chose him. His acting is amazing, the delivery sounds so natural and the voice does fit this kind of deadly smart character once you accept his voice as Kuro and stop associating him with the dozen or so other Funi dub characters he's played. I'm really interested to hear his acting during the fight scenes. Maybe it'll raise the score a half point or something depending on how it turned out.

With the exception of the little girl who gave Zoro the riceball and Shank's crewmembers, all the extras have been pretty perfect. At times they sounded more fitting than the main cast (during the broadcast version it happened occasionally). Cant really comment on the others until they're introduced on the dvds, since it's not fair.

I will say right now Sanji is by far the weakest sounding of the main cast. It really is gonna be a make or break thing for a lot of people whether or not Vale put in the same work and listened to fan complaints as much as Sabat did. I'm really hoping to buy the second set and hear a totally revamped voice for Sanji.