Luffy Gear 5 vs Awakened Zoan Lucci: Epic Round 2 Anime Fight Was Spectacular!

The fight between Luffy in Gear 5 and Awakened Lucci was something else. I remember watching it and being blown away by the animation. The way they animated Luffy’s rubbery movements and Lucci’s powerful strikes was just incredible. It was a real visual treat, and it made the fight feel so much more intense.

Can’t Get Enough Of Looney Tunes Luffy

An anime-style illustration of a person with short, white hair, laughing heartily. They are wearing a light pink top and white pants with a purple sash. The background is a dynamic blend of red and white, suggesting movement or energy. The overall style is vibrant and expressive.
Image from GameRant.
A stylized anime illustration of a character with exaggerated features, including long limbs and a wide grin, leaping through the air against a backdrop of a sunset sky. The character has white, curly hair and is wearing loose, light-colored clothing with a purple sash. A straw hat is visible behind them. The overall style is dynamic and expressive.
Image from ScreenRant.

Okay, so Gear 5 Luffy’s animation? Seriously impressive. I mean, I’ve been watching anime since high school – I’m in my mid-thirties now – and that was next-level stuff. The way they handled the rubbery physics, the crazy stretches and contortions… it totally channeled that classic cartoon energy, you know? Like, Bugs Bunny meets Goku, with a dash of Disney thrown in for good measure. His expressions were fantastic, too – big eyes, goofy grins, the whole nine yards. It was perfectly over-the-top without being cheesy.

A vibrant, stylized anime illustration of a character with exaggerated features, including a large, open mouth and long tongue, flying through a kaleidoscopic, abstract background of swirling colors and shapes. The character has white, spiky hair and appears to be wearing minimal clothing. The overall style is surreal and energetic.
Image from ScreenRant.

The animation itself was just so smooth and dynamic. It wasn’t just about the crazy poses; the way they flowed together was amazing. It felt like they really understood how to make those exaggerated movements look both powerful and playful at the same time. It was a really smart blend of styles, and it totally worked. Definitely one of the best animated fight sequences I’ve seen in a long time.

Awakened Zoan Lucci Goes Beast Mode

A dynamic anime-style illustration depicting a fierce battle scene. A powerful, leopard-like character with a furious expression is shown mid-attack, their body partially transformed, striking another character who is falling to the ground, seemingly injured. The background is bright white, emphasizing the intensity of the action and the characters' movements. Dark, smoky effects surround the characters, adding to the dramatic atmosphere.
Image from ScreenRant.
A close-up, intense anime-style illustration of a large, fierce, anthropomorphic jaguar-like creature. The creature is predominantly yellow and orange with dark markings, and its expression is menacing, with bared fangs and narrowed eyes. Dark, purplish-black energy or smoke swirls around its body, enhancing its intimidating presence. The background is a blurred yellow-orange, suggesting motion or heat.
Image from Comicbook.

Lucci’s awakened form was terrifying.  He was faster and stronger than ever before, his attacks brutal and devastating.  But what struck me was his movement.  CP9’s signature “Shave” (Soru) technique was all about instantaneous bursts of speed, a series of rapid-fire movements.  Yet, Lucci’s speed in his awakened form was different.  It wasn’t a series of steps; it was a continuous, almost animalistic flow of motion. He moved with the fluid grace of a predator, a blur of motion that made his attacks even more unpredictable and deadly.  I wondered why he abandoned the precise, controlled movements of Shave in favor of this more primal, powerful speed.

A dynamic anime-style illustration depicting a confrontation between two characters. One character, shirtless and muscular, with dark hair, stands in a defensive stance. The other character, with white hair and wearing loose white clothing with a purple sash, is mid-leap, appearing to be in the midst of an attack. The background is dark and indistinct, focusing attention on the characters and the tension of the scene. Energy or motion lines suggest movement and power.
Image from GameRant.

The fight was a brutal back-and-forth, a relentless exchange of devastating blows showcasing the raw power of both awakened forms.  While Lucci’s enhanced speed and strength made him a formidable opponent, it was clear that even in his awakened state, he was ultimately outmatched by Gear 5 Luffy.  His new, animalistic fighting style, a stark contrast to his precise CP9 techniques, was impressive, but it couldn’t overcome the sheer overwhelming power and versatility of Luffy’s transformation.  The fight, though intense, never felt truly even; Luffy’s dominance was evident despite Lucci’s best efforts.

Missing The Old Toei Animation Art Style

An anime-style illustration showing a tense confrontation. A smaller character with spiky black hair and a straw hat, reminiscent of Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece, is facing a much larger, muscular humanoid character with jaguar-like markings and features. The larger character looms over the smaller one, creating a sense of impending action. Dust or smoke surrounds the base of the characters, adding to the dramatic effect.
Enies Lobby Arc, Episode 309, Titled “Feelings Put Into Fists! Luffy’s Full-Power Gatling”. Image from CBR.

Looking back, the older One Piece animation style had a certain charm, almost like a children’s storybook brought to life. It felt grounded and relatable, perhaps because that was the target demographic back then—and many of us long-time fans were children when we first started watching. The detailed character designs and subtle expressions were lovely, adding a layer of depth that resonated with us. But times change, and the series needs to adapt to keep up with the tastes of a new generation of viewers. The older, more simplistic style, while nostalgic, might not have the same appeal for younger audiences used to the more dynamic and high-octane animation styles prevalent today.

This shift in animation style isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also a reflection of how the series is evolving to keep up with newer generations. Today’s audience is accustomed to high-energy visuals and fast-paced action, and the new style delivers exactly that. It captures the imagination of younger fans who are just diving into One Piece while also appealing to those of us who have been around for years, reminding us of why we fell in love with the series in the first place. While I appreciate the nostalgia of the old animation, I can see how this modern approach has become necessary to attract and engage a broader audience, keeping One Piece relevant and exciting in an ever-evolving anime landscape.

The Strawhat Pirates Will Set Sail Once Again This April 2025

A vibrant anime-style illustration of a dynamic battle scene. Two characters are locked in combat, with bright pink energy beams connecting them. One character has leopard-like markings and is in a running pose, while the other appears to be smaller and lighter in color. The background features a fantastical cityscape with dome-like structures, creating a surreal and energetic atmosphere. The overall style is highly stylized and action-packed.
Image from ScreenRant.

The Gear 5 Luffy vs. Awakened Lucci fight was definitely a highlight of the Egghead Arc. It was a visual spectacle, showcasing the incredible artistry and dedication of the animators. Seeing Luffy’s Gear 5 in action, with that wild, rubbery energy, was pretty cool. And Lucci, even in defeat, was a formidable opponent. His awakened form was a terrifying display of power and speed. The fight was a great showcase of both their journeys and their rivalry. It was a reminder of how much they’ve both grown and how much power they both possess. It’s a moment I’ll definitely remember, a highlight in the long and epic saga of One Piece. It’s more than just a great fight; it’s a piece of anime history.

And speaking of epic, the wait for the return of One Piece is almost over! After a six-month hiatus, the anime is set to return in April 2025! The creators have taken this time to recharge and revamp the production, promising a return to the Egghead Arc with even more stunning visuals and exciting action. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us, and I’m sure the return of One Piece will be one of the biggest anime events of 2025! Get ready to set sail again, fellow fans, because the adventure continues!

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