Few TV series manage to deliver the perfect mix of action and humor as effortlessly as One Punch Man. With its absurd yet engaging fight sequences, dry humor, and a surprisingly relatable protagonist, this anime is nearly impossible to stop watching once you start.
With the release of One Punch Man Season 2 on Hulu this month, there’s no better opportunity to look into this show, which has quickly earned a place among the most beloved animes of the past decade.
A hero so powerful, even his hair couldn’t keep up (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)A Hero Who Trains for Fun
Adapted from the manga of the same name, One Punch Man revolves around Saitama, an ordinary man who one day decides to become a hero purely for his own amusement. He follows an intense yet straightforward training regimen—100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10-kilometer run every single day.
Over time, his strength reaches unparalleled levels, leaving him bald, seemingly indestructible, and capable of eliminating any opponent with just a single punch.
An Unconventional Hero with Everyday Problems
The premise may sound ridiculous, and his origin story might be the most simplistic of any hero, but that only adds to the charm of One Punch Man. Despite possessing immense strength, Saitama remains an average guy who faces everyday struggles, including routine grocery shopping.
His unassuming nature and relatability contribute greatly to the humor of the series.
A Stark Contrast Between Saitama and Other Characters
While Saitama maintains an easygoing attitude, the individuals he encounters tend to embody exaggerated anime archetypes—whether allies or adversaries, they are often hyper-focused on their goals and possess deeply intricate backstories.
Because of his plain appearance and lack of self-importance, he is frequently underestimated. His heroic feats are often overlooked or misinterpreted by the public. Although Saitama claims to be unbothered by his lack of recognition, it’s evident that he does get mildly annoyed when other heroes receive more admiration than he does.
A Wild Array of Villains
The adversaries in One Punch Man are nothing short of creative and diverse, coming from different backgrounds and wielding unique strengths and weaknesses. However, it doesn’t take long to realize that none of them pose a real challenge to Saitama.
While their attacks may endanger the city’s residents, these battles primarily serve as a backdrop to Saitama’s personal goal: climbing the ranks of the local hero association.
Humor Enhanced by Brilliant Animation
The comedy in One Punch Man is top-tier, and the animation plays a crucial role in amplifying the humor. Saitama is often depicted as an unimpressive, almost cartoonishly simple figure—until the moment demands a more dramatic move, turning him into an intimidating force purely for comedic effect.
Beyond its satirical take on common anime tropes, One Punch Man also celebrates what makes the medium great. It fully embraces over-the-top battles and exaggerated personalities while maintaining its own distinct style of entertainment.
What to Expect from Season 2
Based on the first episode, Season 2 appears to deliver the same level of humor and action-packed sequences that made the first season so popular.
For those looking to catch up, Season 1 is available on both Netflix and Hulu. However, new episodes will be exclusively released on Hulu for now.