4Kids Ent. has announced it has added anime series ONE PIECE to its FOX BOX lineup for this fall. ONE PIECE, from Toei Animation Co. Ltd., is one of the most popular children's animated series in Japan and took 4Kids a year of negotiating to secure the rights.
Originating as a manga by creator Eiichiro Oda in 1997, the story follows a young boy who is determined to become the king of the pirates. The property has spawned five theatrical releases, eight videogames and in excess of $1 billion in retail sales since 1999, including products from more than 70 licensees. ONE PIECE's visibility in the U.S. began with its serialization in SHONEN JUMP magazine and four graphic novels from Viz LLC.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
