At first glance, the title of this show suggested a story about a boxer who knocks out opponents with a single punch. That assumption wasn’t far from the truth. The protagonist possesses such overwhelming strength that he can eliminate massive extraterrestrial creatures with just one blow.
His greatest struggle isn’t defeating enemies—it’s battling boredom. Each episode follows a pattern where other heroes fight desperately against a powerful monster, only for him to step in and effortlessly finish the job with a single strike.
The weight of invincibility—Saitama’s lonely path as an unmatched warrior (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)The fight is over in an instant, almost as if he shares the same omnipotence—and perhaps boredom—as the writer of the story.
Saitama’s Challenges
Because of his unmatched strength, Saitama—the titular One Punch Man—ends up resembling a deity who inevitably arrives at the last moment to save the day. Ironically, despite being the central character, he often remains on the sidelines.
The series places more emphasis on the journeys of other heroes, who, though limited in power, demonstrate resilience and perseverance, inspiring audiences even in their defeats. One of the most memorable heroes, in my view, was the cyclist, who, despite lacking superhuman abilities, never gave up.
Unlike many other heroes, Saitama has no desire for recognition and steps in only when absolutely necessary.
The Hero Ranking System
Another compelling aspect of the series is its structured hero organization, reminiscent of groups seen in The Boys, Avengers, and Naruto. Heroes are ranked in various classes, and threats are categorized by severity, providing a clear sense of hierarchy.
B-class heroes strive to reach A-class, while A-class fighters push themselves to achieve S-class status by proving their worth through increasingly difficult missions.
A world where power alone doesn’t determine a hero’s worth (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)The struggle for recognition within the rankings is similar to what’s seen in The Boys, yet regardless of class, every hero displays courage, making sacrifices to protect the city and its inhabitants. While these ranks dictate an apparent pecking order, those distinctions fade when a massive threat emerges, particularly at the Dragon or God level.
Even though Saitama has the ability to defeat any opponent with a single punch, he deliberately stays in the background, allowing others to take the spotlight and ensuring they don’t become reliant on him to handle every crisis.
The Future of One Punch Man and Its Uncertain Path
Comedy plays a major role in this series and is skillfully woven into the story. Some of the best humorous moments arise from conversations between Saitama and Genos, his eager apprentice, as well as his interactions with King, a hero who has befriended him.
The way these dialogues are crafted adds a natural comedic touch that enhances the show’s appeal. Much like The Boys and Cobra Kai (at least up until its second season), the future of One Punch Man remains uncertain. Cobra Kai reached new heights with its third season, which turned out to be its best yet.
Hopefully, The Boys and One Punch Man will follow the same trajectory, delivering an even better experience as they continue. Fingers crossed.