One Piece Final Island Theory: Is the Best Manga of All Time Heading Toward Its Last Arc?

A cryptic statement from the editor has reignited the debate over whether the best manga of all time is finally approaching its endgame.

By MangaBase Editorial ยท Sep 15, 2026

One Piece Final Island Theory: Is the Best Manga of All Time Heading Toward Its Last Arc?

When readers search for the best manga of all time, One Piece still dominates the conversation decades after its debut. The series has survived multiple eras of shonen storytelling, and the latest editorial comment suggesting the Straw Hats are closer to the final island than ever has sent search volume for One Piece manga skyrocketing again.

The theory currently splitting the fanbase is whether the final island itself is the destination or merely a checkpoint. Some argue that Laugh Tale cannot end the story because too many world-government threads remain unresolved. Others believe Eiichiro Oda has quietly moved every chess piece into position and that the last arc has already begun.

For anyone asking "should I read One Piece manga" before the finale, the honest answer is that the window is closing. Once the final arc is officially announced, spoiler culture will make it much harder to avoid major reveals. If it can stick the landing, One Piece has a strong claim to remaining the best manga to read in 2026 and beyond.