A long-awaited anime crossover is finally available to stream in North America, as One Piece Episode 590 arrives on Netflix, marking the first time this special episode has been accessible through a major streaming platform in the U.S. The episode, which brings together iconic characters from One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Toriko, was originally aired in Japan in 2013 but had remained elusive for international audiences—until now.
The special one-hour episode, titled “History’s Strongest Collaboration vs. Glutton of the Sea,” is a unique crossover event that pits three of Shonen Jump’s most popular protagonists—Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece), Goku (Dragon Ball), and Toriko (Toriko)—against each other in a fierce competition. The trio participates in the IGO tournament, aiming to secure the legendary Carat meat, which is said to be the most delicious in the world. However, things quickly spiral out of control as the characters’ rivalry intensifies. Alongside the main tournament, Roronoa Zoro, Zebra, and Vegeta engage in their own fierce clashes outside the arena. As the battle rages on, the true purpose of the tournament is revealed to the three heroes.
This episode has been notably absent from international streaming services until Netflix secured its distribution for North American viewers. Prior to this release, while One Piece episodes were available on platforms like Crunchyroll, Episode 590 was notably missing from the series’ U.S. catalog. On Crunchyroll, the One Piece listing jumps directly from Episode 589 to 591, leaving out this key special. Episode 590’s arrival on Netflix is a significant moment for fans of these classic series.
In February 2023, One Piece Episode 590 made its return to English-speaking audiences when Cartoon Network aired it on Adult Swim as part of its Toonami block. Jason DeMarco, co-creator of Toonami and Senior Vice President of Anime & Action at Warner Bros. Discovery, hinted at more anime collaborations, marking this as a pivotal moment for the anime community.
The 2013 crossover is a rare gem that highlights the effort by Toei Animation and Shueisha Inc. to propel Toriko into the limelight. Despite the crossover, Toriko failed to reach the same enduring popularity as its counterparts, One Piece and Dragon Ball, fading into obscurity after a relatively brief anime run. In contrast, One Piece continues its successful run, while Dragon Ball celebrates its 40th anniversary with new content like Dragon Ball Daima, which reimagines Goku’s character in a fantastical adventure.
Fans of One Piece will also be pleased to know that the series continues to evolve, with a remastered version of the Fish-Man Island arc being released as Toei Animation shifts focus to the ongoing Egghead arc. Meanwhile, One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda has paused work on the manga to assist with the second season of the live-action One Piece series on Netflix.
With One Piece continuing its legacy and Dragon Ball still a dominant force in the anime world, this long-forgotten crossover special offers a nostalgic look back at a moment when these three beloved series briefly collided—now available to stream for the first time on Netflix.
Related Topics
The Top 10 Adorable Monster Anime You Need to Watch
Who Is Sato’s Love Interest in Detective Conan?
Who Is Akai Shuichi in Detective Conan?