The Santa Monica Pier was awash with a mesmerizing display of light and technology on Thursday night, as a fleet of 500 drones took to the night sky in celebration of the highly anticipated premiere of Netflix's live-action adaptation of the beloved Japanese manga, "One Piece."

Executed by the renowned drone performance troupe, Pixis Drones, who boast an illustrious track record spanning over three decades of global entertainment events, the aerial exhibition was the star-studded prologue to the official launch event. Held at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, attendees of this grand affair were treated to an exclusive engagement with Pacific Park, featuring an array of thrilling games, delectable cuisine, and exhilarating rides.

The festivities mark the commencement of Netflix's worldwide extravaganza – a series of 10 fan-centric gatherings – heralding the forthcoming release of their live-action rendition of "One Piece." Commencing at the Santa Monica Pier on this momentous August 24th evening, these celebrations are slated to unfold across the globe. In homage to the story's protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, aficionados are encouraged to sport the distinctive straw hats synonymous with Luffy and his intrepid crew.

Translating the cherished Japanese manga and anime into live-action, Netflix's "One Piece" production is set to debut on August 31, exclusively on the streaming platform. Charting the escapades of Monkey D. Luffy – portrayed by the talented Iñaki Godoy – the series embarks on the young pirate captain's relentless pursuit of the fabled One Piece treasure. The supporting cast includes Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, Emily Rudd as Nami, Jacob Romero as Usopp, and Taz Skylar as Sanji.

Eiichiro Oda's masterwork, "One Piece," an entrancing Japanese manga, first serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump on July 22, 1997, has burgeoned into a cultural phenomenon. Comprising 106 tankōbon volumes as of July 2023, the narrative chronicles the odyssey of Monkey D. Luffy, who acquires elasticity akin to rubber post-consuming a Devil Fruit. Endowed with this supernatural ability, Luffy embarks on an epic voyage in pursuit of the enigmatic One Piece, an artifact that promises dominion over the high seas as the Pirate King.

Throughout his journey, Luffy assembles a disparate crew of seafarers, christening them the Straw Hat Pirates. Comprising individuals such as Roronoa Zoro, Nami the skilled navigator, Usopp the sharpshooter, the culinary virtuoso Sanji, the ingenious cyborg shipwright Franky, and the musically inclined skeleton musician Brook, this formidable crew confronts an array of perils, from rival pirates to Machiavellian governmental forces, all vying for the coveted One Piece treasure.

Evidencing its universal appeal, "One Piece" stands as one of the world's most sought-after manga series, boasting a staggering circulation of over 490 million copies worldwide. Its resonance transcends the pages, extending to an animated series, feature films, and video games. Distinguished by an array of accolades, including the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Kodansha Manga Award, "One Piece" undeniably takes its place as an iconic and critically acclaimed cultural touchstone.