Among the many heroes and villains introduced in One-Punch Man, few leave as lasting an impression as Garou, the central antagonist of Season 2. Declaring himself the “human monster,” he embarks on a relentless campaign against superheroes, defeating them brutally to bring about a foretold monster apocalypse.
While his ambitions come to a screeching halt when he encounters Saitama, Garou stands apart from his heroic adversary in one crucial way: his character is far more layered and complex. This distinction makes him one of the most engaging figures in the series, and there are clear reasons why.
The human monster who challenges the meaning of justice (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)The Tragic Backstory
Flashbacks throughout Season 2 reveal that Garou’s childhood was marked by misery, as he endured constant teasing and bullying from his classmates.
Watching superheroes triumph over monsters on television, the young Garou couldn’t help but empathize with the monsters, seeing his own experiences reflected in their defeats.
His suffering at the hands of popular children led him to view superheroes as symbols of those who tormented him, reinforcing his growing resentment. Determined to reshape the system that had treated him unfairly, he enrolled in a martial arts school, where his natural talent quickly made him a standout student.
However, once he believed he had reached the peak of his abilities, he turned against his mentors and fellow students. His ultimate goal, one he had nurtured since childhood, was to seek out and destroy superheroes as a means of avenging the monsters who had always been cast as villains.
The Challenge
While Garou demonstrates exceptional combat prowess, proving himself superior to many of the heroes he faces, victory never comes easily. On multiple occasions, he finds himself teetering on the edge of defeat, if not losing entirely.
His extensive martial arts training grants him remarkable speed, raw power, and unparalleled hand-to-hand combat skills. However, despite these advantages, he remains human. Unlike true monsters, he does not possess supernatural abilities or the durability to withstand prolonged battles.
Rather than overpowering his opponents through sheer strength, Garou often relies on his intelligence and adaptability to survive encounters where he is outmatched.
His battle with Watchdog Man is a prime example of this, as Garou is swiftly defeated due to his inability to anticipate his opponent’s erratic and unpredictable fighting style. Though formidable, his humanity remains a crucial limitation in his pursuit of dominance.
The Conflicted Mission
Despite reveling in his battles against heroes and taking visible satisfaction in their defeats, Garou’s character is far more intricate than that of a typical villain. One of the most striking aspects of Season 2 is his unexpected bond with Tareo, a young boy who also experiences bullying.
Over time, Garou forms a genuine attachment to Tareo, displaying moments of surprising kindness. When Tareo finds himself in danger during an attack, Garou instinctively steps in to protect him, demonstrating that his sense of justice is not as twisted as it first appears.
Even though he grew up sympathizing with monsters, Garou initially rejects an invitation from the Monster Association, choosing to follow his path instead of aligning with them. His choices, motivations, and personal code make him far more than just another antagonist.
He is deeply fleshed out, emotionally complex, and unwavering in his commitment to his cause, making him one of the most compelling characters One-Punch Man has to offer.