One-Punch Man presents rivalries against Saitama as more than just battles—they serve as meaningful avenues for character growth, as seen with Speed-o’-Sound Sonic. With the release of newly redrawn chapters by Yusuke Murata, Sonic continues to prove himself as a formidable warrior, stepping up in the latest installments.
As the discussion expands, fans may soon witness the full extent of Sonic’s evolution within One-Punch Man. Sonic’s progression isn’t entirely unexpected, considering his connection to Flashy Flash and their shared upbringing in the Ninja Village, a background explored in the Ninjas Arc.
From ninja warrior to antihero, Sonic’s evolution takes center stage (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)However, what stands out even more is Sonic’s dedicated training to rival Saitama’s strength, positioning him at a level comparable to an S-Class hero like Flash and even their village’s ominous founder.
Previously known only as “that man” and the originator of the Ninja Village, Empty Void presents a grave danger. Yet, despite his connection to the powers of God, Sonic appears capable of resisting his influence within One-Punch Man.
The confrontation between Saitama and Garou in One-Punch Man left a lasting impact, setting the stage for the series’ next formidable villain.
Sonic Uses His Rivalry with Saitama for Good
The latest redrawn chapter spanning One-Punch Man chapters #198-199 places Speed-o’-Sound Sonic and Flashy Flash in a direct clash with the sinister Empty Void. With his deceptive abilities, the villain swiftly deceives Sonic into interacting with God’s enigmatic cubes—an ominous power that even Saitama might not be immune to.
However, as revealed in the original version of chapter #200, Sonic experiences a vision of the moment he ingested a monster cell back in chapter #76. Unshaken, he refuses to succumb to temptation, determined to challenge Flash with his natural abilities and inch closer to Saitama’s level.
Monster Cells function as viral entities that transform humans into monsters, amplifying their abilities at the cost of their humanity. Typically consumed raw, Sonic’s decision to prepare his as a gourmet dish inadvertently nullified its effects.
The upcoming redrawn chapter, scheduled for release on June 12, 2024, is expected to further develop Sonic’s motivations, aligning with his increasingly nuanced portrayal in Murata’s latest works.
His unwavering resolve enables him to break free from the illusion with remarkable ease, unlike Flash, whom he rescues from a similar trance by drawing first blood against Void—an achievement even Flash could not manage.
These developments cement Sonic’s arc as one akin to Vegeta’s, positioning him as an antihero rather than merely another rival to Saitama in One-Punch Man.
Sonic is No Longer the Butt of the Joke in One-Punch Man
Resisting temptation, Sonic defies God’s influence with sheer willpower (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)As highlighted before, the redrawn chapters of One-Punch Man redefine the context of the Ninjas Arc, particularly by elevating Sonic to a more equal footing with Flash. Rather than being a lesser ninja overshadowed by Flash’s S-Class status, Sonic emerges as a tenacious warrior capable of matching his former comrade’s prowess.
His ability to resist Void’s manipulations reinforces this development while staying consistent with his character—far removed from his earlier misstep of consuming a monster cell and suffering humiliating consequences.
Reaching Saitama’s strength remains unlikely for Sonic, given that no character has yet rivaled the hero’s overwhelming power—not even Garou. However, Sonic’s determination to improve mirrors the importance of King’s intelligence and Genos’ steadfast loyalty, qualities that have endeared both characters to the audience.
The extent of Sonic’s potential in One-Punch Man remains uncertain, but with his battle against an unprecedented evil underway, all eyes are now fixed on his next move.