A drastic alteration to the conclusion of the latest One-Punch Man chapter has significantly impacted the direction of the story, introducing a major transformation for Garou and incorporating the mysterious entity known as “God” into the conflict.
This revision has the potential to present the first genuine challenge for Saitama, whose unmatched strength has remained uncontested throughout the series.
The battle that defied expectations now has a new ending (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)Yusuke Murata frequently revises entire chapters of the series between their initial digital publication in Tonari no Young Jump and their release in printed volumes. Typically, these modifications are limited to artistic enhancements, while the core storyline crafted by One remains unchanged.
The modern iteration of One-Punch Man serves as a reimagining of One’s original webcomic, with Murata’s illustrations bringing the story to life. While the overarching plot largely follows the same trajectory, occasional adjustments and additional subplots have been introduced along the way.
However, the changes made to chapter 164 mark a dramatic departure from this usual approach. A completely revised version of the chapter was released a week after its original publication, implementing major alterations that create a noticeable divergence from the webcomic’s narrative.
Garou’s Battle Against Saitama Takes an Unexpected Turn
The first version of chapter 164 showcased the climactic stage of the battle between Garou and Saitama. As Garou continued his monstrous transformation, he unleashed devastating attacks capable of warping the very structure of Earth itself.
Despite these overwhelming blows, Saitama remained as indifferent as ever, completely unfazed by his opponent’s raw power. The confrontation concluded with Saitama persuading—or perhaps forcing—Garou to sit down and engage in a conversation.
A major shift occurs in the revised version. This time, after being struck by Saitama, Garou is approached by the enigmatic being known as “God,” who disguises itself as his former master, Bang. Assuming this familiar form, God lures Garou into accepting its power, triggering his transformation into “Awakened Garou Cosmic Fear Mode.”
Once empowered by this newfound strength, Garou resumes his battle against Saitama, setting the stage for an entirely different outcome.
A New Connection Between Garou and God
This revision introduces a fundamental change in Garou’s storyline. In the original webcomic, his battle against Saitama concluded with the realization that, despite his efforts, he would never truly become a monster.
By contrast, the new version intertwines Garou’s fate with God, a sinister entity known for tempting individuals with power for unknown reasons. Previous events have already hinted at the danger of such an offer—when Homeless Emperor was stripped of his granted abilities, his life was instantly taken.
From webcomic to manga—Garou’s evolution takes an unexpected path (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)This ominous fate could just as easily befall Garou. Earlier in the manga, it was suggested that the intense gravitational distortions caused by Saitama and Garou’s battle weakened the containment seal restraining God.
The updated chapter confirms this theory, visually depicting the colossal feet of God emerging from what appear to be dimensional rifts. This revelation solidifies the connection between the ongoing battle and the larger, more ominous forces at play in the story.
Implications for One-Punch Man’s Future Storyline
By intertwining Garou’s evolution into “ultimate evil” with God’s overarching schemes, the revised chapter strengthens the connection between two major storylines within the manga.
This development not only propels the plot forward but may also uncover some of the series’ biggest unanswered questions. Chief among them are the true nature of God’s existence and the precise role played by the S-Class Rank 1 hero, Blast, along with his mysterious team.
Fans were undoubtedly taken aback by these sweeping changes, leaving them eager to see how Garou’s new form, bolstered by God’s power, will measure up against Saitama. The question now lingers—will this transformation finally provide the long-awaited challenge that Saitama has been searching for?