The artwork depicts Monkey D. Luffy, the iconic hero of the One Piece series, in a cheerful and energetic pose, joyfully announcing his birthday to the world. His lively character and free-spirited nature are vividly expressed, reflected in his enthusiastic expression. In the background, a silhouette representing Portgas D. Ace, his older brother, looks on with gentleness, suggesting a symbolic presence and a deep emotional connection even in physical absence. Ace's subtle message, urging others to take care of Luffy, underscores the strong bond between siblings and the central theme of family and friendship in One Piece. This illustration, created by Toshio Furukawa, the voice of Ace in the Japanese version of the anime, is a poignant tribute to Luffy's birthday and the special relationship between the two heartbound brothers.

Portgas D. Ace's Official Voice Actor Artwork Is Both Heartwarming and Tragic

One Piece follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy, a spirited young man with dreams of finding the legendary treasure of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, and becoming the king of all pirates himself. Alongside Luffy stands Portgas D. Ace, a character beloved by the One Piece fandom. Despite being the biological son of Gol D. Roger, Ace was raised by Monkey D. Garp alongside Luffy. Like his brother, Ace consumes a devil fruit, granting him the ability to wield fire in battle. Joining the Whitebeard Pirates as their second-division commander, Ace becomes a pivotal figure in One Piece's "Marineford Arc," where he bravely sacrifices himself to protect Luffy from the ruthless Admiral Akainu. Toshio Furukawa's artwork, featuring Ace's subtle message, hints at the character's tragic fate.

Since its debut in 1997, One Piece has achieved unparalleled success, becoming the best-selling manga of all time with over 523.2 million copies sold worldwide as of February 2024. The anime adaptation by Toei Animation debuted in 1999 and has amassed over 1,000 episodes. Fans from around the world eagerly follow the adventures of Luffy and his Straw Hat pirate crew. To celebrate the series' enduring popularity, Toei recently announced the opening of the first-ever U.S.-based One Piece café in Las Vegas, Nevada. Scheduled to open on May 11, just days after Luffy's birthday, the café offers a vibrant selection of items inspired by the world and characters of One Piece.

ne Piece's Toshio Furukawa as Ace Has Also Starred in Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer & More

Toshio Furukawa's illustrious career spans numerous iconic voice roles, showcasing his versatility and talent. Among his notable credits are Hantengu from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Kai Shiden from Mobile Suit Gundam, Taro Soramame from Dr. Slump and Arale-chan, and Ataru Moroboshi from the original 1981 anime adaptation of Urusei Yatsura (Those Obnoxious Aliens!). However, his portrayal of Piccolo in Toei Animation's Dragon Ball franchise stands out as one of his most iconic roles.

For fans eager to experience the latest chapters of One Piece, VIZ Media provides official English translations. Additionally, the One Piece anime series is readily accessible for streaming on popular platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll, ensuring that fans worldwide can enjoy Luffy's epic adventures on their preferred streaming service.

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