After waiting six long years, One Punch Man has finally returned with Season 3, but the comeback didn’t meet fan expectations. Episode 1 has sparked major disappointment among viewers due to its underwhelming animation quality and lack of fight scenes — something fans were eagerly looking forward to after such a long gap.
Many expected the series to start off with high-energy battles and stunning visuals, but instead, the premiere took a slower, more dialogue-heavy approach. This led to frustration across social media, with fans expressing concerns about the overall direction of the new season.
Still, hope isn’t lost — the upcoming episodes are expected to dive deeper into the Monster Association Arc, which could bring back the intense action and animation quality One Punch Man is known for.
After six years of anticipation, the hype remains — but fans are waiting to see if the rest of Season 3 can truly deliver the punch they’ve been missing.
Animation Controversy: The Biggest Disappointment
One of the major reasons fans are unhappy is the animation quality. The first two seasons were handled by different studios — with Madhouse delivering stunning visuals in Season 1, and J.C. Staff taking over for Season 2 (which many felt was a downgrade).
For Season 3, fans were hoping for a return to Madhouse or another high-tier studio like MAPPA or Ufotable. But when previews revealed inconsistent animation and lackluster fight choreography, social media erupted in frustration.
Many fans commented that the visuals “don’t capture the power and intensity” of the manga’s legendary fight scenes. Considering One Punch Man’s reputation for jaw-dropping action, this was a major letdown.
Storyline and Highlights
Despite the criticism, One Punch Man Season 3 still offers plenty to enjoy. The Monster Association Arc is one of the most important storylines in the series — packed with emotional growth, new heroes, and brutal battles.
Key highlights include:
- Garou’s transformation and his ongoing struggle between hero and monster.
- Saitama’s growing detachment, exploring the loneliness of ultimate power.
- Epic fights involving the S-Class heroes like Tatsumaki, Atomic Samurai, and Flashy Flash.
- The beginning of a larger, darker arc that sets the stage for Saitama’s next big challenge.
So, while the visuals may not impress everyone, the storyline remains a strong point that keeps fans hooked.
Final Thoughts
One Punch Man Season 3 marks the long-awaited return of an anime legend — but the reaction is far from what fans hoped for. After a six-year break, many expected flawless animation and production quality. Instead, what they got was a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and disappointment.
Still, for true fans of Saitama’s world, the new season is worth watching. The storytelling, humor, and deep character arcs keep the spirit of One Punch Man alive — even if the visuals don’t fully live up to the hype.
Only time will tell whether the series can bounce back and deliver the punch fans have been waiting for.
