Though still relatively new to the trading card space, One Piece is an absolute juggernaut because of its unparalleled, long-standing IP. Naysayers are quick to argue that when the manga inevitably reaches its conclusion, the TCG will have to close up shop—after all, you can't beat a dead horse. However, the smash-hit success of the live-action series proves the franchise has legs far beyond its original medium. Plus, with the fully revamped anime starting next year, fans old and new will be reliving the Straw Hats' long journal all over again, ensuring a massive influx of fresh eyes on the franchise for decades to come.
Having established that this game has a remarkably long horizon, we must look at the TCG's actual timeline. Not counting specialty sets like premium boosters and extra boosters, One Piece currently boasts 16 core sets. The absolute explosion in the TCG's player and collector base ramped up last year, and it could be argued that it crystallized right around the time OP13: Carrying On His Will was released. This OP13 powerhouse serves as our ultimate checkpoint, marking the moment the game transitioned from standard growth into a massive trading card contender.
Though One Piece certainly had notable reprints before then—such as the wildly popular OP05—the collector and player base was simply not what it is today. We now have promotional powerhouses like the Dodgers Luffy card still ascending in value month over month, pulling sports and pop-culture fans into the hobby. Due to this unprecedented demand, we expect Bandai's print runs for future sets to increase to match it. Think of it simalar to the Pokémon TCG’s transition from the Sun & Moon era to the Sword & Shield era , where massive multiples of cards were printed to try and satisfy a booming global audience.
Bandai seems to have found its stride with these current print waves. Going forward, they will most likely have to increase the print run of newer sets to make sure cards are actually available and collectors can get their hands on products. However, they almost certainly will not want to reprint the oldest sets and destroy the upward momentum and prestige the TCG has built. Re-flooding the market with vintage sets is bad for investor confidence, meaning those early print runs are likely set in stone.
As One Piece grows overall as a global TCG, looking back at those very first beginning sets—namely Romance Dawn , Paramount War , and Pillars of Strength —reveals a shocking reality. While the sealed booster box prices for these first three sets have already increased significantly, what is incredibly interesting is that if we look at the singles market, there is barely any raw stock left in circulation.
Let's look at the hard data. The OP01 Parallel Secret Rare Shanks hovers around $100 for a Near Mint copy, but there are only about 30 available right now on TCGplayer. The OP02 Parallel Super Rare Portgas.D.Ace sits under $100, yet boasts a similarly anemic supply of roughly 32 copies available. Even the OP03 Secret Alt Art Sogeking —who might not be as popular of a character—sells for only around $35, but with only about 34 copies available on the open market. It is completely wild that these foundational hits are already in such drastically low supply.
Now step forward another one to three years; these available listings will most likely drop into the single digits. With ever-increasing overall franchise demand but massive print supplies reserved only for future sets, these previous early sets will become almost modern vintage in this new era. These three cards are just a few examples, but take a look at the other alternate arts, parallels, and secret rarities from the early blocks and you'll see just how much treasure the One Piece TCG still has available for the taking. For more specific market picks and daily TCG-related articles, consider joining tcjournal.io for free.