One-Punch Man is currently in the process of producing its third season of the anime, which signifies a pivotal moment for the future of the series. One-Punch Man has become one of the most influential anime adaptations in recent years.
It started as a webcomic created by ONE, which was later adapted into a full-fledged manga illustrated by Yusuke Murata. From there, it eventually received its first official anime adaptation from Madhouse, airing a single season in 2015. After that, it remained dormant for several years.
The first season of One-Punch Man was highly acclaimed, regarded as one of the best anime series of its time. This was largely due to its exceptional production quality, as the staff behind this installment demonstrated incredible talent across various aspects. From action sequences to comedy, One-Punch Man consistently delivered an engaging experience from start to finish, leaving viewers eager to see what could unfold in the future.
Afterwards, the second season was released, and now this anime is in a more turbulent state as fans await what will come in the third installment.
What Happened with One-Punch Man?
One-Punch Man Season 2 premiered in 2019, and fans experienced something entirely different from what they had anticipated. The second season was handled by a completely new studio, with a new production team behind it. JC Staff took over the continuation of One-Punch Man, which posed a significant challenge.
The second season of One-Punch Man faced criticism for its initial promotional materials, especially when compared to the first season. Although the final product was ultimately more refined, with significant improvements made before its release, it was evident that the production team behind it could not replicate the quality established by the first season.
One-Punch Man Season 2 kicked off the Human Monster Saga. Unlike the Hero Association Saga, which allowed fans to get acquainted with Saitama and the other heroes, the Human Monster Saga introduced a new character – the hero hunter Garou.
This new saga follows Garou as he challenges various heroes, growing stronger with each encounter. Ultimately, it culminates in the emergence of the Monster Association.
This implies that the second season focused less on Saitama, although he was still the central character, the reduced emphasis on him left viewers feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
What can One-Punch Man Season 3 do differently?
One-Punch Man Season 3 will begin its storyline right in the middle of the Monster Association arc. Overall, the Human Monster Saga spans 140 chapters, with the battles involving the Monster Association taking up two-thirds of its content. The final episodes of Season 2 reached up to chapter 85, meaning that there may not be much content beyond this saga for the upcoming season.
A series of continuous battles will serve as a major attraction for the third season. While Saitama may not have as many on-screen appearances, there will be plenty of battles between the S-Class heroes and the most formidable monsters.
However, the core issue remains that JC Staff will once again take the helm of One-Punch Man after the upcoming third season, but the production team has yet to be confirmed.
One-Punch Man Season 3 has officially been confirmed to be in production since 2022, but the studio has not revealed who will be directing it.
One-Punch Man Season 3 will be a test of success or failure for the future of the series. As long as it is better than the second season, the new episodes of One-Punch Man are likely to become a hit.
However, if for any reason this third season fails to meet critical expectations or falls short of the best-case scenarios, One-Punch Man may not be viewed in the same light as before.
