One Piece Prequel Anime “Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation” Sets Official Release Date

The highly anticipated One Piece prequel, “Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation,” is set to premiere on Netflix on January 21, 2024, marking an exciting development for fans eager to delve into the history of Zoro’s ancestor, Shimotsuki Ryuma.

Originally a one-shot story published in 1994 in Weekly Shonen Jump, “Monsters” unfolds its narrative long before Luffy embarks on his iconic journey to find the One Piece. Netflix has undertaken the task of adapting this intriguing tale into a 25-minute OVA, offering a glimpse into the ancient past of Wano, the land of samurai grappling with the recurrent threat of dragons.

The storyline of “Monsters” revolves around Shimotsuki Ryuma, a formidable swordsman from Wano, and promises to unveil significant aspects of his life and adventures predating Luffy’s pursuit of becoming the Pirate King. While Ryuma had a brief appearance during One Piece’s Thriller Bark arc, where Zoro faced his zombified remains to reclaim the legendary samurai’s katana, the new anime adaptation aims to provide a more in-depth exploration of his character.

Scheduled for release on January 21, 2024, “Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation” is poised to unravel mysteries surrounding Ryuma’s past and his rise to legendary status. With ties to Wano’s history, the anime might also reveal connections to overarching One Piece storylines, including the enigmatic Void Century and the Ancient Weapons, adding layers of intrigue for fans of the beloved series.