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Seriously, can we just take a minute to appreciate the absolute GRAIL STATUS of the original OP-01 Romance Dawn "Blue Bottom" booster box? Forget those white-bottom reprints—this is the true collector's piece, the closest thing the One Piece TCG will ever get to a 1st Edition.
Why the Blue Bottom Matters
It's not just the color, people! It's the whole package that makes this box a certified retirement plan:- The "Pre-Errata" Cards: This is the big one. The very first print run had a bunch of cards with slightly different, and often stronger/less clarified text. The famous example is the original Nami (OP01-016) searcher, which was insanely broken until they printed the corrected versions. Having a box that might contain those original, misprinted/pre-errata cards is the ultimate flex.
- The Rarity: Bandai majorly underestimated the hype for the One Piece TCG launch. The print run for that initial "Blue Bottom" wave was comparatively tiny. They had to scramble to print more (the White Bottoms), meaning the original is just fundamentally scarcer.
- The Price Tag: Look, I'm not saying I can afford one right now (I'd have to sell my boat, maybe my kidney), but the fact that these are consistently selling for well over $2,500 USD is all the evidence you need. It’s an investment, a museum piece, and a trophy all rolled into one.
- The Lore: Owning one of these boxes is like owning a piece of TCG history. It marks the humble (but chaotic) beginnings of a game that exploded globally. It was the start of the whole Romance Dawn adventure for the TCG!
The Reality Check for Buyers
Okay, deep breath. If you're looking to buy one, you need to know the risks:
- Not All Blue is Pre-Errata: This is the most brutal part. The community has figured out there was a second wave of Blue Bottom boxes. While they are still original run and highly collectible, they contain the corrected (errata) cards. There is no external marking to 100% guarantee you have the true pre-errata version without cracking the seal! You're paying a huge premium for a highly educated gamble.
- The Card Text Doesn't Fly: You can't actually play the pre-errata text versions in a tournament—you have to play by the updated, official card text. So, they are purely for collecting/resale.
Final Verdict: If you are purely an investor or a TCG historian, the OP01 Blue Bottom is non-negotiable. If you just want to open packs, please, for the love of the Grand Line, buy a standard reprint box and save yourself about 90% of the cost!
Question for the Crew: If you owned a Blue Bottom box, would you have the courage to CRACK IT OPEN hoping for the pre-errata Nami, or would you keep it sealed for the investment? Let me know your whale fantasies below!
