Unlike many shonen battle manga, One-Punch Man presents a protagonist whose strength surpasses even the most formidable characters in the genre.
However, creator ONE suggests that what truly defines the series isn’t Saitama’s overwhelming power but rather how he interacts with his surroundings.
His perspective, rather than just his abilities, plays a crucial role in shaping the story’s humor and appeal. At the heart of One-Punch Man is Saitama, an unremarkable individual on the surface who happens to possess unimaginable strength.
Chaos and destruction mean little when there’s a sale to catch (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)Though his power serves as the foundation for the series and drives much of its comedic moments, his perception of the world truly brings out the humor.
Whether he’s panicking over missing a supermarket discount or losing his mind over an elusive mosquito, his reactions make him just as memorable as his strength does.
Saitama’s immense power contrasts with how he experiences the world, and this juxtaposition is where much of the comedy emerges.
The Series’ Humor Comes from Saitama’s Worldview
In a 2015 interview included in the databook One-Punch Man: Hero Encyclopedia, translated and shared by fan blog OPM City Z, ONE addressed what sets One-Punch Man apart from other shonen titles.
While he acknowledged that the original concept revolved around Saitama’s strength, he explained that what truly makes the series unique is the comedic contrast between drama and humor. Instead of relying on specific story beats to create this dynamic, he built it into the world itself.
The setting is one of chaos and destruction, plagued by constant monster attacks, yet Saitama’s presence downplays the severity of it all. ONE described this contrast as the defining aspect that makes the story compelling.
Looking at the series as a whole, this perspective remains accurate. The world in One-Punch Man is perpetually under siege, with frequent monster invasions leading to destruction and loss of life. Saitama, however, remains largely unaffected.
He resides in an abandoned city, yet he never treats it as a hardship—if anything, he views it as a financial advantage since there’s no rent to pay.
His priorities often seem trivial, focusing on everyday concerns like grocery store discounts, which appear absurd compared to the dire situations surrounding him.
Without his indifferent attitude, the story would lean far more into its dystopian elements, losing much of its comedic appeal. Saitama, in many ways, embodies the classic fish-out-of-water character trope, fixating on mundane issues while the world crumbles around him.
His immense strength allows him to live this way, but even without it, his outlook on life would likely remain unchanged. His personality, rather than just his power, makes him distinct from other heroes in the genre.
One-Punch Man thrives on the stark contrast between Saitama’s relaxed demeanor and the apocalyptic world he inhabits, effectively concealing how bleak the setting truly is.