One-Punch Man’s latest season has sparked greater disappointment than excitement among fans, creating a sense that the series has drifted far away from its original debut ten years ago. It’s become impossible to ignore the series’ current reception from fans, with many sharing more criticisms than praise, prompting the question as to what went wrong.
Upon its initial release, One-Punch Man thrilled viewers, generating excitement and buzz among audiences. Now, the series has fallen far from its former glory, standing out for its squandered potential that many fans have become dissatisfied and frustrated with. However, there is one thing that could still save the franchise.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Has Fallen Far Below Expectations
Since the premiere of the third season, One-Punch Man has been suffering from low ratings, and fans have become increasingly frustrated with inconsistent quality and animation that feels unfinished or even static. Viewers have pointed out extended stretches of still imagery and abrupt transitions that break audience immersion, creating a large fracture in the series’ legacy.
The latest season has been filled with moments meant to convey impact, speed, or general movement that have appeared constrained or stifled in ways that pull attention away from the storyline. From sudden background changes to stiff, choppy character movements to limited choreography, the series has consistently delivered episodes with less-than-stellar visual quality.
Many fans have compared the current season to the previous two, taking to social media to share side-by-side comparisons of when the anime had crisp, deliberate animation and bold direction. Season 3’s presentation doesn’t hold up to previous installments, leaving many viewers feeling the series strayed far too far from its initial strengths.
The drop in quality is reflected in more than just fan discussions and comparisons, as it is reflected in the series’ ratings as well. On IMDb, One-Punch Man season 3 scores an average of 3.3, with reactions ranging from disappointment to sympathy for the production team, especially when considering the demanding schedules and workloads of animators.
One-Punch Man’s First Season Took the World by Storm in 2015
When One-Punch Man first started airing in 2015, the reaction from fans was far different from what’s being seen today. The series delivered a level of visual artistry that stood out among anime, and its subversion of superhero and shōnen tropes created an experience that felt fresh and exciting.
Paired with the series’ signature absurd comedy and moments of genuine emotion and seriousness, One-Punch Man was cementing itself as a breakout hit that many believed would go on to influence generations of fans and creators. With its fluid animation, thrilling fight choreography, and strong direction, the series appeared to have a bright future.
Saitama himself, as a hero so powerful that victory brought unprecedented levels of boredom rather than triumph or pride, gave the series an identity unlike anything else at the time. His deadpan reactions and unconventional priorities were the perfect contrast to the more serious side cast and dramatic struggles happening around him.
Through its unusual approach to shōnen superhero action, One-Punch Man resonated with millions of viewers worldwide. Season 1 brought the series critical acclaim, with ratings averaging around 8.8, proving its early run was a thrilling success. However, that success also created new, higher expectations that the next two seasons didn’t live up to.
Only a Full Reboot Can Save One-Punch Man Now
One-Punch Man’s downward trend in reception began with the second season and has only grown far more pronounced with the third season. Due to the steep drop in ratings and poor animation quality, many believe that the gap between the anime and expectation has grown beyond repair, regardless of what the rest of the season may look like.
As viewers turn to the manga or reflect on the unforgettable impression the first season left, the contrast is even harder to ignore. Fans of the series know that the original creator, ONE, excels at storytelling, and the manga adaptation adds stunning visual choices, creating a storyline that remains both engaging and visually appealing.
Rebuilding the series from the ground up could restore trust in the anime and allow it to live up to its full potential.
To give One-Punch Man the recognition it deserves, a complete remake of the series would be in order. In restarting the series from scratch, a remake could deliver on fans’ expectations and cater to those who feel disheartened by its current adaptation by allowing the story to reestablish its tone, pacing, and animation quality.
Other series have demonstrated what a second chance could accomplish, with the 2019 adaptation of Fruits Basket standing out as a stellar example. Even Bleach had recently been revitalized through Thousand-Year Blood War. Rebuilding the series from the ground up could restore trust in the anime and allow it to live up to its full potential.
A Remake Could Rebuild One-Punch Man’s Legacy
A ground-up remake would give One-Punch Man a rare chance to reset its trajectory and reconnect with the audience that began to drift away. Many viewers who once looked forward to the series and new seasons have stepped back as the quality wavered, yet interest in the series never fully disappeared. A renewed adaptation could draw these viewers back.
Many longtime fans know of ONE’s other series, Mob Psycho 100, which stands out as one of the best anime ever made. Mob Psycho 100 proves not only the storytelling capabilities and potential that One-Punch Man is packed with, but also that the series truly deserves far more than a floundering production.
One-Punch Man has the potential for greater success, but as it currently stands in the industry, it serves as a reminder of how a beloved series can lose momentum. The original material boasts the scale, humor, and heart to rival some of the best and most respected anime, and a remake could allow it to reclaim that position.
A remake of the series would restore confidence in the series and give viewers the high-quality adaptation they have long awaited. It would reintroduce Saitama and his story to the world and allow the franchise to finally reach and potentially exceed fan expectations. With a second chance, One-Punch Man could still rise to become one of the best modern anime.
- Release Date
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October 5, 2015
- Network
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YouTube, TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC
- Directors
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Shinichiro Ushijima, Makoto Sokuza, Nobuhiro Muto, Ryoh Ando, Shuuji Miyazaki, Youhei Suzuki, Miyuki Ishida, Katsushi Sakurabi, Hideki Okamoto, Yoshio Suzuki, Hiroyuki Okuno, Riki Fukushima, Shigeki Awai
- Writers
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Tatsuro Inamoto
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Makoto Furukawa
Saitama (voice)
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Kaito Ishikawa
Genos (voice)
