Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Director: Shingo Natsume (Season 1), Chikara Sakurai (Season 2)
Total Episodes: 24 episodes (2 seasons) + 12 OVAs
Studio: Madhouse (Season 1), J.C. Staff (Season 2)
Genres: Action, Comedy, Superhero, Parody, Sci-Fi
“One Punch Man”, adapted from the webcomic by ONE and its manga illustrated by Yusuke Murata, is a wildly entertaining and genre-subverting superhero anime. The first season aired in 2015, and its debut was met with widespread acclaim, thanks to its incredible animation, razor-sharp humor, and unconventional protagonist. The series deftly balances action-packed battles with a satirical take on the superhero genre, turning the typical power fantasy on its head.
Story & Setting
The premise of “One Punch Man” is simple but brilliantly executed. The story follows Saitama, an unremarkable, bald man who, after rigorous (yet laughably basic) training, becomes the strongest hero in the world. So strong, in fact, that he can defeat any enemy with a single punch, no matter how powerful or menacing the villain. While this might sound like a power fantasy on the surface, the series is actually a parody of such tropes, focusing more on Saitama’s existential boredom and his struggle to find meaning in a world where every fight ends almost immediately.
Saitama is a self-proclaimed hero for fun, and though he possesses god-like strength, he’s constantly overlooked by the Hero Association, a bureaucratic organization that ranks heroes based on their popularity and achievements. Despite saving the world time and again, Saitama remains a low-ranking hero, while flashier and more conventionally heroic figures gain fame and recognition.
The world of “One Punch Man” is filled with bizarre monsters, cyborgs, and superpowered humans. The setting is a chaotic, city-sized playground for battles of epic proportions, where monstrous creatures regularly wreak havoc, and heroes come to save the day. The series manages to balance world-threatening crises with absurd humor, making even the most over-the-top fights feel light-hearted and enjoyable.
Characters
While Saitama is the obvious focal point, “One Punch Man” boasts a colorful cast of characters, each with unique abilities and distinct personalities that play off the show’s satirical tone.
Saitama: As the protagonist, Saitama’s character is a brilliant subversion of the typical shounen hero. His incredible strength leaves him emotionally detached and perpetually bored, as no challenge is ever big enough to excite him. While other heroes struggle for survival in their battles, Saitama is more concerned about mundane issues, like grocery sales. His deadpan humor and nonchalant attitude are a refreshing contrast to the overblown melodrama of traditional action heroes.
Genos: Saitama’s cyborg disciple, Genos, is an overpowered hero in his own right. Driven by a desire for vengeance against a mysterious villain who destroyed his hometown, Genos takes himself very seriously, often providing melodramatic exposition about his upgrades and missions. His idolization of Saitama and his relentless dedication to improving himself create a humorous dynamic between the two, as Genos takes every situation with deadly seriousness while Saitama remains indifferent.
Mumen Rider: A fan-favorite character, Mumen Rider is a low-ranking hero with no superpowers, relying solely on his bicycle and sheer determination. Despite being hopelessly outmatched in almost every fight, Mumen Rider’s courage and unrelenting spirit earn him the respect of both heroes and fans alike. He represents the heart of traditional heroism, standing in stark contrast to Saitama’s effortless power.
Speed-o’-Sound Sonic: Sonic is a ninja assassin who becomes obsessed with defeating Saitama after being effortlessly bested in battle. His overconfidence and relentless pursuit of Saitama provide a lot of the comedic tension, as he continuously underestimates the extent of Saitama’s power.
Other Heroes and Villains: The Hero Association is packed with eccentric characters, from the incredibly strong but egotistical Tornado and the boisterous martial artist Bang to the charismatic yet clueless King, who is mistakenly believed to be the strongest hero. The villains, too, range from ridiculous to genuinely menacing, such as the monstrous Boros, who provides one of the most epic battles in the series.
Animation & Art
One of the standout features of “One Punch Man” is its jaw-dropping animation, particularly in Season 1, which was produced by Madhouse. The fluidity of the fight scenes, combined with the detailed and dynamic art direction, elevates the anime to a visual spectacle. The action sequences, while often ending in a single punch from Saitama, are masterfully animated with intricate choreography, explosive effects, and impeccable timing that enhances both the tension and comedic beats.
Notable scenes, such as Saitama’s battle against Boros in the finale of Season 1, are some of the most visually stunning moments in modern anime, blending intense action with awe-inspiring animation. The contrast between Saitama’s plain, cartoonish design and the incredibly detailed backgrounds and enemies only serves to heighten the absurdity of his effortless victories.
However, Season 2, produced by J.C. Staff, saw a noticeable decline in animation quality, much to the disappointment of many fans. While still competent, the second season lacks the same polish, fluidity, and dynamic energy that made Season 1’s animation so exceptional.
Soundtrack & Music
The music of “One Punch Man” is as over-the-top and epic as the battles themselves. The opening theme of Season 1, “The Hero!! Set Fire to the Furious Fist” by JAM Project, is a bombastic anthem that perfectly captures the tone of the series—heroic, intense, and wildly fun. The song is memorable for its powerful vocals and fast-paced energy, setting the stage for the chaos and humor that follow.
The soundtrack, composed by Makoto Miyazaki, features a mix of high-energy battle tracks, epic orchestral pieces, and more light-hearted, quirky tunes that complement the series’ varied tone. From the dramatic, larger-than-life soundscapes during fight scenes to the humorous background music for Saitama’s day-to-day life, the score enhances both the action and comedy of the show.
Themes & Social Commentary
While “One Punch Man” is a comedy at heart, it also offers insightful commentary on heroism, power, and the search for meaning in life.
The Futility of Power: Saitama’s overwhelming strength leads to an existential crisis. Having reached the pinnacle of power, he finds no satisfaction in his victories, as no opponent can offer him a real challenge. His story touches on themes of ennui and the idea that true fulfillment doesn’t come from physical power alone. Saitama’s desire for a worthy adversary is a poignant contrast to the other heroes’ constant struggles to survive, highlighting the emptiness that can accompany ultimate success.
Satire of Hero Culture: The show also pokes fun at the hero culture seen in many anime and superhero stories. The Hero Association is portrayed as a bureaucratic, popularity-driven organization that cares more about public perception than actual heroism. Many of the top-ranking heroes are motivated by fame and status rather than the desire to protect others, creating a sharp satire of the commercialization of heroism.
The Nature of Heroism: Despite its parody elements, “One Punch Man” also explores the nature of true heroism. Characters like Mumen Rider, who fight despite having no real chance of victory, embody the ideals of bravery and selflessness. Saitama himself, while indifferent to fame, continues to protect people simply because he feels it’s the right thing to do. The series suggests that heroism is about more than power; it’s about the willingness to help others, even in the face of impossible odds.
Criticism
The most significant criticism of “One Punch Man” centers around the drop in animation quality between Seasons 1 and 2. While the story and humor remain consistent, many fans were disappointed by the less polished animation and weaker fight choreography in Season 2, which lacked the visual brilliance that made Season 1 so memorable.
Additionally, some viewers may find the premise repetitive. Since Saitama can defeat any opponent with a single punch, the outcome of most fights is predictable. However, the series manages to keep things fresh with its humor, character interactions, and subversion of expectations.
Final Thoughts
“One Punch Man” is a brilliantly fun and subversive take on the superhero genre, offering incredible action, sharp comedy, and a surprisingly deep exploration of power and heroism. While its second season may not live up to the lofty standards set by the first, the series remains a must-watch for fans of action-packed, genre-defying anime. Saitama’s journey, both hilarious and existential, offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a hero, making “One Punch Man” a standout in the anime world.
