The first season of One-Punch Man was a massive success, featuring thrilling battles, comedic storytelling, and an incredibly unique main character in the anime world. However, the second season has returned with a significant disappointment.
While the first season showcased Saitama as a shining beacon and central focus, the second season shifts its attention to less engaging supporting characters, slowing down the anime’s pace. Furthermore, the renowned animation studio Madhouse has been replaced by JC Staff, leading to a noticeable decline in the overall quality of animation.
As we look forward to the third season, it is essential to reach new heights similar to those achieved in the first season while avoiding the pitfalls encountered in the second season, which requires substantial changes.
5. Focus on Saitama
The main reason many viewers enjoy One-Punch Man is Saitama himself. He serves as an extraordinary subversion of the typical shōnen protagonist mold, often characterized by their struggles and growth through fierce battles. While most main characters are embroiled in intense confrontations, enduring countless injuries along the way, Saitama can end any battle with a single punch.
The first season of One-Punch Man excelled in showcasing Saitama and his heroic exploits. It introduced him to the world through clever writing and fantastic battles. However, in the second season, Saitama takes a backseat, allowing supporting characters like Garou to dominate the narrative.
The core appeal of One-Punch Man lies in Saitama’s absurd, effortless strength. His ability to obliterate foes with a mere punch stands in stark contrast to the typical hero’s journey. This aspect of the narrative must be revisited in the upcoming season to restore Saitama’s central role.
4. Transition from Manga Adaptation
Filler episodes can often be the most disappointing aspects of a series. They typically occur when an anime surpasses its manga source material, forcing a production to create original content to fill the gap. This is particularly challenging for an anime like One-Punch Man.
If season 3 aims to replicate the success of the first season, it must avoid entirely relying on filler. This will be difficult given the sheer volume of chapters that have been published. The manga has over 100 chapters that could potentially be adapted, but it seems that each new season generally adapts around 40 chapters.
3. Enhance Battle Quality
The battles in the second season of One-Punch Man do not match the excellence of those in the first season. In season 1, some of the most memorable moments included Saitama’s battles with Genos and Boros, which were animated exceptionally well, showcasing incredible abilities in vibrant and captivating scenes.
In the second season, the animation quality during pivotal battles has regressed compared to those spectacular moments. For example, when Garou battles against eight heroes simultaneously, the animation fails to deliver the same impact as seen previously. Similarly, when Garou fights Genos, the visuals seem less dynamic and vibrant.
2. Maintain High Audio Quality
Both the first and second seasons of One-Punch Man featured relatively high-quality audio. In the second season, it became particularly noticeable during Garou’s fight against his mentor, Bang.
Bang’s punches resonate with powerful sound effects, and even though it may be challenging to convey the realism of the impact, JC Staff has done well in making the sound of his punches feel as if they echo throughout the arena. The audio adds to the intensity of these battles, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
1. Return to the High Animation Quality of Season One
One of the most significant differences and major issues between the first and second seasons of One-Punch Man is the animation quality. Madhouse elevated the action scenes, making characters appear stunning and vibrant, bringing the world to life through their animation style.
While JC Staff has not completely failed in the second season, they certainly haven’t matched the high standards set by Madhouse in the first season. The battles feel less intense, and the characters appear flatter, resulting in a less engaging viewing experience compared to the exceptional quality expected.
If JC Staff can improve the animation quality for the third season and restore the high standards set by Madhouse in the first season, One-Punch Man is bound to be even better.
