What’s funny is that the meme has exploded online and is being shared even by people who aren’t into One Piece. Though even if you’re a fan of the show, it’s hard to explain the meaning behind it. After all, it doesn’t make much sense even within the context of the show itself. In case you haven’t seen it yet, here’s an example of the meme (at least a safe for work version of it):
Basically, the meme features either Whitebeard or Patrick Fabian saying, “The One Piece is Real” followed by a snippet from Kanye West’s song, “Dark Fantasy”. In case you need a refresher, “The One Piece is Real” is an iconic line said by the legendary pirate Whitebeard during the Marineford arc. This is considered by fans to be one of the most memorable moments in the series. So, how did the meme begin? According to the sleuths over at Know Your Meme, it began with a TikTok back in July of Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks screaming Whitebeard’s signature line in a high-pitched chipmunk voice. Following this, another TikTok was shared, this time featuring Patrick Fabian, the actor who plays Howard Hamlin from Better Call Saul who also says Whitebeard’s signature line, again followed by “Dark Fantasy”. From there, fans have begun spreading various versions of it online, with some being edited with NSFW images from another One Piece meme.
Since it began, the meme has sparked lots of reactions from fans, with many funny responses even if it doesn’t make much sense. It even appeared in events that are totally unrelated to anime. So, what does it mean exactly? Well, like a lot of memes today, there’s no real logical reason the “One Piece is Real” meme spread like wildfire. A possibility is that the contrast between the dramatic line and the unexpected song, coupled with the popularity of Better Call Saul (which recently ended on a high note), was the perfect storm for making this meme a hit.
There’s also the fact that One Piece is enjoying a continued level of interest. Aside from One Piece Film: Red releasing soon in the US, series creator Eiichiro Oda also confirmed recently that the manga is beginning its final saga. Netflix is also readying its live-action adaptation that recently wrapped up its production.
