LogFAQs > #963981710

Nah. On a conceptual level, I do like to sort of follow the story and developments through secondary exposure--I'll occasionally skim a wiki page or two, maybe hop in on a discussion topic about the latest chapters.

Every time I try to watch or read it, though, I end up quitting right after Alabasta--which isn't what it sounds like. I absolutely love the Alabasta arc. Crocodile is an amazing villain. But it's long, it's grueling, it's detailed, it's intense, it's creative--and its finale is awesome. Which is a mixed bag of great and awful things.

The big thing is, when the arc is over, it's over, and then we move on to another location, only to start the whole process over again. I don't have the stamina to put up with arc after arc of formulaic buildup into a climax where the heroes win and the island is freed from tyranny. It all plays out relatively the same--the details are different, but let's be honest.

Reach new island -> Meet locals -> Find out the island is ruled by a corrupt/evil government/dictator -> spend the next 50 episodes introducing side characters, having sob story flashbacks, and building up to a final battle with the bad guy -> Win -> Repeat

I acknowledge that some of the arcs play out differently, but...most of them are just...that.