Side characters in One Punch Man deserve their moment to shine (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)

Underrated Side Characters in One Punch Man Who Deserve More Spotlight

A universe packed with strength, but only one true powerhouse.

For those who enjoy battle shōnen, One Punch Man presents a unique take on the genre. The One Punch Man universe introduces a wide array of formidable characters, each of whom commands attention and should not be underestimated. It is a world filled with powerful individuals.

Instead of the typical story following a young protagonist on a journey to form friendships and grow stronger, this series features an older main character who prefers solitude and has already achieved an unmatched level of strength—possibly making him the most powerful figure in the entire universe of the series.

One Punch Man flips the battle shōnen formula on its head (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)

Side Characters Who Add Depth to the Story

While the protagonist remains the focal point, many supporting characters bring their own distinct personalities and goals to the story. Each one stands out due to their ambitions, quirks, and unique abilities.

The first two seasons only scratched the surface of what these individuals have to offer, with some receiving minimal screen time. However, with a new season on the horizon, there is hope that more of these characters will step into the spotlight.

6. King

Holding the title of S-Class Rank 5, King is considered one of the strongest heroes—at least according to official rankings. In truth, he lacks the ability to defend himself, even against minor threats.

His reputation as a powerhouse is built entirely on coincidence, as he happened to be nearby whenever Saitama defeated powerful enemies, leading the public to mistakenly attribute those victories to him. Despite his lack of combat skills, King remains one of the most underrated characters in the series.

His dynamic with Saitama is one of the best aspects of their interactions, as the two share a passion for video games and have an easygoing friendship. More importantly, King seems to be one of the few people who genuinely understands Saitama’s struggles.

His pragmatic advice serves as a valuable counterbalance to Saitama’s aloof nature. Hopefully, future episodes will grant him more screen time to showcase his unique contributions to the series.

5. Mumen Rider

Strength and appearance do not define Mumen Rider, but his dedication to heroism is undeniable. Throughout the series, he has repeatedly proven that his commitment to justice outweighs his lack of physical ability. He does not possess any supernatural abilities or high-tech weapons, yet he refuses to back down when innocent lives are at stake.

Beyond his courageous actions, Mumen Rider’s personality makes him an endearing figure. His humble nature allows him to form strong connections with other heroes, including Saitama. If future arcs grant him more exposure, fans may finally uncover the story behind his unwavering dedication and what drives him to put his life on the line despite his limitations.

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4. Genos

When Genos was introduced early in the series, his striking design and backstory instantly captured attention. Witnessing Saitama’s overwhelming strength pushed him to seek mentorship under the bald hero, despite Saitama’s initial reluctance to take on a disciple.

His persistence eventually paid off, and he has remained by Saitama’s side ever since. Though their relationship lacks the structure of a traditional master-student dynamic, the bond between Genos and Saitama is undeniable.

Will the next season finally give supporting heroes their due (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)

They may not always express it openly, but both are willing to put themselves at risk to protect each other. It would be thrilling to see Genos evolve further, possibly unlocking new abilities that allow him to take on opponents without relying on Saitama’s intervention.

3. Sonic

Believing himself to be Saitama’s rival, Sonic is a highly skilled ninja who constantly seeks a fight with the bald hero. Unfortunately for him, this rivalry is completely one-sided, as Saitama does not view him as a legitimate threat.

Despite this, Sonic has displayed impressive combat abilities, enough to capture the interest of the Monster Association, which saw potential in recruiting him. Sonic’s presence in the upcoming seasons needs to be expanded; otherwise, his relevance in the series could diminish. His potential as both an adversary and possible ally to Saitama makes him a compelling character.

Whether he eventually joins forces with the hero or continues striving to surpass him, his story would benefit from additional development, possibly through improved abilities that allow him to challenge stronger foes.

Raw power is not the only factor that determines a character’s strength. Many of One Punch Man’s most formidable figures rely on intellect and strategy to outmaneuver their opponents.

2. Blast

As the highest-ranked hero, Blast should, in theory, be a central figure in the series. However, his appearances have been scarce, leaving much of his character shrouded in mystery. Fans have yet to witness his abilities in action, making it impossible to determine his full potential or what kind of person he truly is.

With each season raising the stakes, it seems inevitable that Blast will step into the spotlight. His arrival could finally answer one of the biggest questions in the series—whether he is capable of defeating Saitama.

1. Fubuki

Tatsumaki’s younger sister, Fubuki, may not possess the overwhelming power of her sibling, but she is a force in her own right. While Tatsumaki holds the title of the second-strongest hero in the organization, Fubuki remains in B-Class.

However, what she lacks in raw strength, she makes up for with leadership skills, as seen in her ability to maintain control over the Blizzard Group. Even though she is not one of the most powerful characters in One Punch Man, Fubuki brings other strengths to the table. She has a strong sense of responsibility, often putting herself in harm’s way to protect others.

Unlike her sister, she exhibits a level-headedness that resonates with fans. It would be exciting to see her play a larger role in the story moving forward, possibly showcasing new abilities or finding ways to rise through the ranks.