Netflix’s One Piece-linked anime prequel has already arrived—but the January release date belongs to 2024. Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation premiered on Netflix on January 21, 2024. The one-episode anime special adapts Eiichiro Oda’s earlier MONSTERS one-shot and follows the legendary samurai Ryuma, rather than introducing another Luffy-led adventure.
Netflix’s One Piece-linked anime prequel has already arrived—but the January release date belongs to 2024. Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation premiered on Netflix on January 21, 2024. The one-episode anime special adapts Eiichiro Oda’s earlier MONSTERS one-shot and follows the legendary samurai Ryuma, rather than introducing another Luffy-led adventure.
What is Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation?
Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation is an anime adaptation of MONSTERS, a short manga story Oda created before One Piece became his signature serialized series. Netflix classifies the title as a 2024 anime, and its format is best understood as a standalone special or one-episode adaptation—not the beginning of a new long-running One Piece prequel series.
The story centers on Ryuma, a samurai whose journey brings him into a crisis involving a destructive dragon and a young waitress whose hometown has been devastated. That premise gives the special the scale and mythic atmosphere associated with One Piece, while keeping the narrative focused on one compact adventure.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- Fight curses and be in the action - Satoru Gojo is a special grade sorcerer who has inherited both the Limitless and Six Eyes, and he is the eccentric but very talented teacher at Tokyo Jujutsu High. Satoru Gojo is recognized as the strongest sorcerer in the world and took Itadori in as a student, to monitor him as the Vessel of Sukuna, and to also train him to become one of the most powerful sorcerers if he can control Sukuna
- Manga Inspired Packaging - Each Anime Heroes line has manga inspired packaging and beautiful artwork on the front featuring the characters you know and love
- Endless Play - Each figure come with 2 sets of interchangeable hands, character specific accessories, and 20 plus points of articulation to pose and play in endless ways
- Impressive Likeness - Each figure comes with detailed sculpt and true to show features that Anime Heroes action figures are known for
- Collect them all - Bandai Namco Toys and Collectibles America has a line up of the most iconic Jujutsu Kaisen characters in the Anime Heroes Action Figure line. Perfect for you to show off your fandom and collect your favorite characters
When did the One Piece prequel anime release?
Netflix’s original announcement placed Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation in January 2024. The anime became available on January 21, 2024.
That date is now historical, so reports describing the title as “set to release in January” need updating. Readers looking for the special should search for its full title on Netflix rather than wait for a future January launch. Netflix’s catalog currently lists the anime, although streaming libraries can change by country and over time. Check the Netflix listing for your region before assuming availability.
How is it connected to One Piece?
The connection comes primarily through Ryuma and the shared mythology surrounding him. In One Piece, Ryuma is remembered as a legendary swordsman from Wano and as a figure associated with slaying a dragon. The earlier MONSTERS story provides a version of that dragon-slaying legend, which is why the anime is often described as a One Piece-linked prequel or companion story.
That description needs some qualification. This is not a conventional flashback arc featuring Luffy, Zoro, Nami, or the rest of the Straw Hat crew. It is Ryuma’s standalone story, adapted from an older Oda one-shot. Its relationship to One Piece is best understood through character history, ideas, and mythology rather than through a direct continuation of the main anime’s plot.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Is this a new One Piece series?
No. Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation is a short anime special. Netflix’s announcement supports describing it as an adaptation of Oda’s earlier manga work, not as a new multi-episode One Piece season or an ongoing prequel series.
Rank #2
- Fight curses and be in the action - Gojo is back! This time the blind fold is coming off and he’s letting his hair down. As the strongest sorcerer in the world, Gojo has access to Hollow Purple, which is a remarkably powerful secret technique that was achieved by awakening the true power of the Limitless during his rematch against Toji Fushiguro. It launches imaginary mass, which can deal destructive damage to any target
- Manga Inspired packaging – Each Anime Heroes line has manga inspired packaging and beautiful artwork on the front featuring the characters you know and love
- Endless Play - Each figure comes with 2 sets of interchangeable hands, character specific accessories, and 20+ points of articulation to pose and play in endless ways
- Collect them all - Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America has a lineup of the most iconic Jujutsu Kaisen characters in the Anime Heroes Action Figure line. Perfect for you to show off your fandom and collect your favorite characters
- Impressive likeness – Each figure comes with detailed sculpt and true to show features that Anime Heroes action figures are known for
That makes it a relatively compact entry point for viewers who are curious about Ryuma or Oda’s early storytelling. However, viewers should not expect a replacement for the main One Piece anime or a new storyline following the Straw Hats.
Where can you watch Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation?
Netflix is the primary streaming platform identified for the anime. Its official title page lists the special and provides its available audio and subtitle information. The page lists Japanese original audio along with several dubbed and subtitled language options, though the precise selection can vary by territory.
Availability is not necessarily identical worldwide. Netflix catalogs differ by region, and licensing arrangements can change, so use the Netflix catalog for your country as the final check. Do not assume that a listing in one market guarantees access in another.
Cast and production
The anime was produced by E&H. Netflix lists the principal cast as:
- Yoshimasa Hosoya
- Kana Hanazawa
- Hiroki Touchi
The available production information establishes the studio, principal cast, premise, and language options. It does not by itself establish a reliable judgment about animation quality, audience response, or whether the special is better than the main One Piece anime. Those are matters for separately sourced reviews rather than facts implied by the release announcement.
Rank #3
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED - This Death Note Light Figure is officially licensed merchandise and makes a great gift for fans of Death Note
- CUSTOM DESIGN - This Death Note Figure features Light holding a scythe
- RECOMMENDED AGES - This Death Note Light Figure is suitable for ages 14+
- HIGH QUALITY - This Death Note Light Figure is made out of high quality PVC material
- GIFT - This Death Note Light Figure makes a great Birthday, Christmas, Anniversary, Father's Day, Mother's Day Gift. It is a perfect gift for any occasion
Can you read the original MONSTERS manga?
Yes. VIZ offers the original MONSTERS one-shot through its official Shonen Jump platform. Reading the source story is the clearest way to compare Oda’s early short-form work with the Netflix adaptation.
For a physical English-language follow-up, VIZ’s Wanted! Eiichiro Oda Before One Piece collects Oda’s early works in a 208-page manga volume released on November 12, 2024. It is relevant context for MONSTERS and Oda’s development as a creator, but it should not be confused with a DVD, Blu-ray, or print version of the Netflix anime itself.
Recommended Free Tools
If you want to read Oda’s original short-story material, VIZ’s Wanted! Eiichiro Oda Before One Piece collects his early works in a physical English edition.
What should One Piece fans know before watching?
- It is short: This is a standalone anime special rather than a full season.
- Ryuma is the focus: The story follows the samurai associated with one of One Piece’s important legends.
- It is not a Straw Hat story: The special does not center on Luffy’s crew.
- The connection is mythological: The dragon-slaying material and Ryuma link the story to One Piece.
- The source predates One Piece: MONSTERS shows Oda working with ideas that later became connected to his larger fictional world.
- Regional access may differ: Netflix remains the key platform reference, but catalog availability should be checked locally.
The corrected release story
The most accurate way to describe this title now is: Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation is a One Piece-linked anime special based on Eiichiro Oda’s earlier MONSTERS one-shot, and it premiered on Netflix on January 21, 2024.
In other words, the anime is no longer “set to release in January.” The important question for viewers is whether it is currently available in their Netflix region—and whether they want to follow the special with Oda’s original short-story collection.
Rank #4
- Naruto Uzumaki, as seen in "NARUTO: Shippuden," rejoins S.H.Figuarts with all new joint technology
- [Set Contents] Main Body, Three left and four right optional hands, Four optional expressions, Kunai, "Rasengan" effect, Crossed arm parts
- Stands approximately 5.5" tall
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed product
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the One Piece prequel anime been released?
No. The January release date was January 21, 2024. The anime has already premiered, although its current Netflix availability can vary by region.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Is Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation a full One Piece series?
It is a standalone, one-episode anime special based on Oda’s earlier MONSTERS one-shot. It is not a new long-running One Piece season.
How is Monsters connected to One Piece?
The story follows the samurai Ryuma and connects to One Piece mythology through his legend and a dragon-slaying story. It does not center on Luffy or the Straw Hat crew.
Where can I watch Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation?
Netflix is the primary streaming platform identified for the special. Check Netflix in your country because catalog availability and language options may differ by territory.
Can I read the manga that inspired the anime?
VIZ offers the original MONSTERS one-shot digitally through Shonen Jump. VIZ also publishes Wanted! Eiichiro Oda Before One Piece, a physical collection of Oda’s early works.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation premiered on Netflix on January 21, 2024. It is a standalone adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s pre-One Piece one-shot about Ryuma, connected to the wider franchise through shared mythology rather than a new Luffy adventure. Netflix is the primary place to check for streaming access, while VIZ’s Wanted! Eiichiro Oda Before One Piece is the most relevant physical reading follow-up.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
