Yes, One Piece Stampede is considered canon within the expansive universe of One Piece.
Understanding One Piece Canon
In the world of One Piece, "canon" refers to events, characters, and storylines that are officially part of the main narrative created by Eiichiro Oda, the series' author. This typically includes the manga and its direct anime adaptation. Most One Piece movies, while popular and entertaining, are usually standalone stories that do not directly affect the manga's plot and are thus considered non-canon. They often feature original characters and settings that exist outside the established timeline.
Canon Status of One Piece Stampede
One Piece Stampede stands out as one of the select few movies that are recognized as canon. Out of the many One Piece films released, only a handful are given this distinction due to their direct involvement from Eiichiro Oda in their production, story, or character designs, ensuring they align with the main storyline.
Specifically, One Piece Stampede is among four movies widely regarded as canon. These films offer a more integrated experience with the ongoing saga, often providing insights or character moments that complement the main series without contradicting it.
The One Piece movies considered canon are:
- One Piece Film: Strong World
- One Piece Film: Z
- One Piece Film: Gold
- One Piece Stampede
These movies are notable for featuring plots and character concepts developed or overseen by Oda himself, making them more significant additions to the lore for dedicated fans.
Why Certain Movies Are Canon
The canon status of these movies often stems from Eiichiro Oda's direct participation beyond just lending his name to the production. This involvement can include:
- Story Conception: Oda might provide the overarching plot or key narrative points.
- Character Design: New characters introduced in these movies often have designs created by Oda.
- Supervision: Oda actively oversees the movie's development to ensure it fits within the established One Piece world and does not contradict future manga events.
For instance, One Piece Stampede was released to celebrate the anime's 20th anniversary, featuring a grand pirate festival that brought together many familiar faces from the series, emphasizing its celebratory and significant nature within the franchise.
Summary of Canon One Piece Movies
To clarify the distinction, here's a quick overview:
| Movie Title | Canon Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One Piece Film: Strong World | Yes | First film to have Oda's direct involvement in story and character design. |
| One Piece Film: Z | Yes | Focuses on a powerful former Marine admiral, with character designs and a backstory from Oda. |
| One Piece Film: Gold | Yes | Features a unique villain and setting with Oda's direct supervision. |
| One Piece Stampede | Yes | Released for the 20th anniversary, with Oda's input on plot and character inclusion. |
| All Other One Piece Movies | No | Generally considered standalone stories that don't impact the main manga continuity. |
By being one of these select few, One Piece Stampede offers fans a unique, officially sanctioned extension of the One Piece story, providing a grand adventure that aligns with the spirit and lore of the main series.
