The Speakeasy - Coconut Monkey

Written by Reverse Thieves

The Speakeasy - Drink #003 - Coconut Monkey, Can you feel the One Piece love?
I will mercifully refrain from singing modified lyrics to one of Elton John's contributions to the Lion King soundtrack and merely ask in written form why is there not as much love for One Piece in the U.S. (and most of the English speaking fandom) as there is in Japan. How does the number one shonen franchise in Japan become a third tier property here? We will be looking at One Piece's popularity in Japan, why it is so good, and what we think is holding it back. Let go on a voyage to find the answers to . . . One Piece!

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And now your helpful bartenders at The Speakeasy present your drink:

Coconut Monkey
*1 oz. white rum
*1 oz. apricot brandy
*3/4 oz. coconut cream
*1 1/2 oz. pineapple juice

Shake and strain into a double-cocktail glass filled with crushed ice.

[00:16] Intro: Just in case you wanted to know who we are and what we are about. We also give all the standard contact info as we introduce ourselves.

Including:

• Our Blog: Reverse Thieves
• Our Host Site: Anime 3000
• The Podcast's Website: The Speakeasy
• The Reverse Thieves e-mail: reversethieves@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Alain's Twitter - HisuiRT
• Kate's Twitter - NarutakiRT

[01:50] News: The Fantagraphics Books launch their manga line.

• We look talk about Fantagraphics Books newest manga licenses A Drunken Dream and Wandering Son and what we hope to see from the line.

[07:28] Transition Song: We Are! - Straw Hats Version

[11:41] The Cocktail: Coconut Monkey, Can you feel the One Piece love?

• We ponder about why One Piece is the biggest seller in Japan but comes in third to Naruto and Bleach in the U.S.

[12:50] What makes us think One Piece is popular in Japan but so much less popular in the U.S.:

• One Piece has been breaking sales records in Japan and just got a record print run.
• Toei post huge profits that are in part thanks to One Piece.

[20:29] What we think makes One Piece so good:

• The humor and its ability to switch between drama and comedy.
• The meticulous advanced planning.
• World building and design.
• Colorful cast of characters and especially active female characters.

[43:40] What could be holding back One Piece in English:

• The art style.
• Ratio of comedy to drama.
• Being perceived as more kid friendly.
• Types of powers characters possess.
• The lack of romance.
• 4-Kids version.

[01:03:42] Ending:

• Legend of the Galactic Heroes Review Part 2
• Summer Wars Review
• Mai Mai Miracle Review

Ending song: Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century