Among modern shonen manga, One-Punch Man stands out as a truly unique series. Its main character, Saitama, takes the concept of an overpowered protagonist to an extreme, turning it into the foundation for the series’ combination of humor and action.
What makes this approach work so well is how the story plays with the idea, balancing comedy with intense battles. While One-Punch Man is widely recognized for its humor, the series also delivers some of the most thrilling fight scenes in manga.
King’s reputation as the strongest hero is the ultimate running gag (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)Despite following a character who can end any battle with a single punch, the story remains engaging, largely due to the quality of its storytelling and supporting cast. The heroes play a crucial role in shaping the series’ most exhilarating conflicts, and here are some of the best battles featured throughout the story.
10. King vs. Platinum Sperm
Although this isn’t a traditional battle, it still deserves recognition for its brilliant blend of action and comedy. King, a completely ordinary man, has somehow gained a reputation as the strongest hero, purely by coincidence.
This is so because he repeatedly finds himself in the right place at the right time to receive credit for Saitama’s victories. His legend has grown to such an extent that even monsters fear him, believing him to be an unstoppable force.
When the final evolution of Black Sperm, known as Platinum Sperm, encounters King, the situation takes a humorous turn. Instead of attacking immediately, the monster hesitates, anticipating the supposedly devastating “Ultimate Hellfire Burst Wave Motion Cannon” that King is expected to unleash.
This intense yet hilarious standoff is cut short by Garou’s arrival, but it remains a perfect example of One-Punch Man’s comedic brilliance.
9. Superalloy Darkshine vs. Garou
This fight plays a key role in introducing the concept of “limiter break,” an idea that could explain Saitama’s absurd strength. For Garou, this battle serves as a defining moment, as he is pushed to his limits by the overwhelming power of the S-Class hero Superalloy Darkshine.
Faced with an opponent whose muscular physique seems indestructible, Garou is forced to evolve beyond human limits, triggering his transformation into a true monster. The clash highlights the series’ deeper themes of growth and strength, making it one of the more impactful fights in One-Punch Man.
8. Child Emperor vs. Phoenix Man
Among the many fights in One-Punch Man, this one stands out due to its sheer creativity. It pits Child Emperor, a tactical genius equipped with high-tech weaponry, against Phoenix Man, a monster capable of continuously evolving in response to his opponent’s attacks.
Both combatants possess an impressive array of skills, making this encounter one of the most unpredictable battles in the Monster Association Arc. The constant change in strategy and power keeps the tension high, demonstrating the series’ ability to craft engaging battles beyond simple brute force.
7. Zombieman vs. Vampire (Pureblood)
During the heroes’ raid on the Monster Association headquarters, this particular battle takes a different approach from the usual high-energy showdowns. Rather than relying on flashy moves, it delivers a more brutal and unsettling confrontation.
Zombieman’s defining trait is his virtual immortality—no matter how much damage he takes, he regenerates and keeps fighting. His opponent, Pureblood, is a confident and powerful vampire, but his arrogance proves to be his downfall.
Despite the monstrous speed and strength he wields, he is worn down as Zombieman repeatedly rises after every attack, demonstrating an unrelenting and ruthless method of combat.
6. Bang, Bomb, Genos, King (and Saitama) vs. Elder Centipede
Large-scale team battles are a rare but thrilling part of One-Punch Man, and this one features some of the most powerful heroes uniting against one of the largest and deadliest monsters ever seen. Elder Centipede, a colossal and nearly indestructible creature, poses an overwhelming threat.
Genos, Bang, and Bomb attempt to take it down, but their efforts prove ineffective against the monster’s formidable armor and regenerative abilities. Just when the situation seems dire, King and Saitama arrive.
King, despite his fear, manages to lure the creature toward him, creating the perfect opening for Saitama to step in. With a single Serious Punch, the hero effortlessly obliterates Elder Centipede, marking one of the most visually stunning moments in the manga.
5. Saitama vs. Boros
Many fans consider this to be the standout battle of the series, particularly due to its phenomenal adaptation in the first season of the anime. Boros is the first opponent to push Saitama to engage in a prolonged fight, leading to a visually spectacular showdown.
Despite the alien warlord’s extraordinary abilities—including regeneration and devastating energy attacks—he meets the same fate as every other foe. Saitama remains unfazed throughout the battle, with his final attack reducing Boros to nothing.
This fight, however, gifted fans the iconic moment where Saitama is kicked to the Moon, solidifying its place as one of the most memorable conflicts in One-Punch Man.
4. Garou vs. A/B-Class Heroes
While this fight lacks the cosmic scale of some others, it offers a compelling contrast by focusing more on tactics and martial skills. Rather than energy blasts and superhuman feats, this battle revolves around Garou taking on a group of A and B-class heroes sent to apprehend him.
With none of the combatants possessing supernatural abilities, the fight feels grounded yet intense. Garou’s strategic mind and sheer combat prowess allow him to systematically dismantle his opponents, making this one of the more methodical and gripping battles in the series.
3. Saitama vs. Orochi
Few battles have been as highly anticipated as Saitama’s clash with the leader of the Monster Association. For years, the story built up Monster King Orochi as the ultimate villain, seemingly possessing unparalleled power.
Monsters fear King, but only because they don’t know the truth (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)Orochi unleashes a series of cataclysmic attacks, demonstrating his full strength to eliminate Saitama. Yet, as expected, the hero remains unimpressed. Just as Saitama himself foreshadows, regardless of an opponent’s titles, transformations, or power boosts, they all meet the same end—defeat in a single punch.
2. Tatsumaki, Genos, and Drive Knight vs. Psykos (and Orochi)
As one of the most elaborate and extended battles in the series, this conflict plays out after Psykos merges with Orochi’s remains, transforming into what she believes to be the ultimate life form. With Saitama temporarily out of the picture, the responsibility of stopping her falls on a team of powerful heroes.
Tatsumaki, Genos, and Drive Knight work together to take down Psykos’ massive, city-sized form, making this battle one of the most visually stunning and action-packed encounters in One-Punch Man. The fight showcases some of Yusuke Murata’s most breathtaking artwork, making it a must-read for fans of the series.
1. Saitama vs. Garou
A battle featuring planetary destruction, time travel, reality manipulation, and even some unexpected emotional depth, this clash between Saitama and “Cosmic Fear Mode” Garou has everything a fan could ask for.
More than just a spectacle of power, this fight is the first time Saitama truly becomes serious. Witnessing Genos’ apparent death ignites a rare emotional response in him, leading to one of the most intense and bombastic battles in One-Punch Man.
The fight also strengthens Saitama’s bond with Genos, offering heartfelt moments despite the chaos. With new fights constantly playing out, fans continue to witness incredible moments in One-Punch Man.
The battle between Saitama and Tatsumaki even took an unexpected romantic turn, proving that this series still has many surprises left to offer.