I just realized that this weekend was full of drama for the anime Once Piece.  Funimation (the North American distributor of One Piece) partnered with Toei Animation were planning to release streaming “simulcast” episodes online with English subs. Apparently Funimation’s security was breached and somehow someone was able to access and release the video for episode 403 before it even aired in Japan. In recoil Funimation has canceled (at least temporarily) simulcast of One Piece on its official site, Hulu, and Joost. Funimation is probably in deep trouble, and I don’t think its a good step in the still new development of legally streaming anime.  I’m sure alot of One Piece fans are mad at least.

Funimation’s Official Statement:

As anime fans know, FUNimation Entertainment and Toei Animation had planned for the first ever online simulcast of the One Piece tonight at 9:00 pm CDT., just one hour after its premiere on Japan’s Fuji Television. Unfortunately, in the last 24 hours we have determined that the FUNimation servers were compromised, even though we employ strict security standards. An unknown individual accessed and posted episode 403 online and as a direct result of this illegal act, all U.S. and Canadian fans will be deprived of access to this great anime series for the immediate future. We will make every effort to locate and prosecute the perpetrator(s) to the fullest extent of the law and will provide updates regarding this most serious matter.

Source: ANN

I’ve never actually watched One Piece… or rather all I ever saw was the dubbed opening and an episode about a gay balarina and decided it was awful (though my friends beg to differ.)

*Shivers