One of the best things about the One Piece live-action series are the Transponder Snails who will appear throughout the adaptation. Amazingly, Eiichiro Oda got his own special Snail and he's putting it to good use. The manga creator is sending a special message ahead of the show's Netflix premiere.
We already got a glimpse at the Transponder Snails in the One Piece trailer and promotional photos. The cool creatures appear to be a combination of practical effects and puppetry, giving the upcoming show a fantastical yet realistic feel. The creative team behind the series also made sure to create a special Transponder Snail just for Eiichiro Oda and it was presented to him in the best possible way.
Monkey D. Luffy actor Iñaki Godoy recently met with Oda and it was the perfect opportunity for the star to surprise the mangaka. In return, Oda himself had a special message for fans who will be tuning in for the live-action adaptation. Watch it below.
This isn't the first time we've seen the Oda Transponder Snail. It was previously unveiled by the Netflix show's official X (formerly Twitter account). However, we haven't heard the Snail talk until now. Needless to say, we're loving this Oda Snail and hoping it gets some official merchandise in the future.
What are Transponder Snails?
Den Den Mushi, commonly referred to as transponder snails, play a crucial role within the expansive One Piece universe. These remarkable creatures serve as communication tools, akin to telephones and various other devices, but with a unique and intriguing twist. When utilized, transponder snails faithfully replicate not only the speaker's voice but also their facial expressions, ensuring that these subtle cues are transmitted to the intended recipient.
It was already cool seeing Transponder Snails in both the manga and anime, and now we'll get to see them in the live-action adaptation. Needless to say, we can't wait to see them in action in One Piece, which premieres on Netflix on August 31, 2023.