How One Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100 Measure Up Against Each Other

Since stepping into the manga scene in 2009, ONE has steadily built a name for himself, with his works gaining increasing recognition. He initially gained traction as a webcomic creator, known for his simplistic drawings that were complemented by engaging storytelling.

Two of his most well-loved series, One-Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100, both received anime adaptations, amassing dedicated fan bases along the way. Despite their differences, fans frequently engage in discussions about which of these two anime stands above the other.

Here are five reasons why Mob Psycho 100 claims the top spot and five reasons why One-Punch Man secures its place as the superior series.

10. Mob Psycho 100: More Refined Animation

ONE’s manga is easily recognizable due to its rough, sketch-like visuals. Rather than being a shortcoming, this distinct style allows animation studios to take creative liberties when adapting their work. The first season of One-Punch Man, animated by Madhouse, showcased incredible battle sequences.

However, Studio Bones, the team behind Mob Psycho 100, elevated things further by using the series as a testing ground for innovative animation techniques. The fluidity, artistic expression, and unique effects in Mob Psycho 100 place its animation at a higher level compared to One-Punch Man.

9. One-Punch Man: Greater Comedic Appeal

One of the biggest draws of One-Punch Man is its comedic brilliance. The show thrives on its exaggerated humor, from Saitama’s unimpressed demeanor to his effortless dismantling of overconfident villains. While Mob Psycho 100 has its fair share of comedic moments, it leans more toward heartfelt themes and serious storytelling.

On the other hand, One-Punch Man keeps the humor running consistently, ensuring each episode delivers laughter. For those seeking an anime that prioritizes humor, One-Punch Man takes the lead.

8. Mob Psycho 100: More Engrossing Characters

Mob Psycho 100 introduces a wide array of intriguing characters with well-developed backstories. The likes of Mob, Reigen, Dimple, Ritsu, Teru, and the Body Improvement Club form a diverse ensemble, each with its own motivations and growth arcs.

Unlike One-Punch Man, which mainly revolves around Saitama and Genos, Mob Psycho 100 provides deeper character development across its cast. This emphasis on character depth adds an emotional layer to the series that One-Punch Man does not fully explore.

7. One-Punch Man: More Electrifying Fight Sequences

Even with Saitama’s ability to defeat opponents in a single punch, One-Punch Man still excels in crafting exhilarating battle scenes. Each villain presents a fresh challenge, keeping every fight unique and engaging.

Since Saitama’s invincibility removes the suspense of who will win, the focus shifts to how he will achieve victory, making every confrontation an entertaining spectacle.

While Mob Psycho 100 also delivers intense action, One-Punch Man ensures a high-energy battle in almost every episode, keeping the excitement levels consistently high.

6. Mob Psycho 100: Less Predictable Storyline

Although One-Punch Man is praised for its thrilling battles, its episodic format often limits the depth of its overarching plot. With its frequent monster-of-the-week structure, the series can sometimes feel repetitive. In contrast, Mob Psycho 100 unfolds a gripping story filled with unexpected turns.

Mob’s overwhelming psychic powers are both a gift and a burden, shaping his struggles and growth. His journey of learning to balance his emotions and abilities provides a compelling narrative that keeps viewers invested.

5. One-Punch Man: A Stronger Embrace of the Shonen Formula

While Mob Psycho 100 blends elements of action, comedy, and slice-of-life, One-Punch Man stays true to the foundations of the shonen genre. The show cleverly plays with common shonen tropes, parodying classic hero archetypes from series like Naruto and My Hero Academia.

Characters such as Lord Boros exaggerate typical shonen villain traits, making the show both an homage and a satire of the genre. This blend of action and humor makes One-Punch Man particularly appealing to fans of traditional shonen anime.

4. Mob Psycho 100: A More Engaging Con-Artist Character

Both series feature characters who rely on deception rather than true strength. In One-Punch Man, King is revered as the most powerful hero, despite having no actual abilities and merely benefiting from fortunate circumstances.

Meanwhile, Mob Psycho 100 introduces Reigen, a self-proclaimed psychic master who lacks real supernatural powers. However, Reigen’s wit and resourcefulness allow him to convincingly maintain his charade.

Whether he’s performing ghost “exorcisms” with massage techniques or talking his way out of tricky situations, he remains an entertaining and charismatic figure. Compared to King, Reigen’s charm makes him a more fascinating con artist.

3. One-Punch Man: More Distinctive Villains

With its fast-paced action, One-Punch Man ensures that its villains leave a lasting impression. From grotesque creatures to seemingly unstoppable extraterrestrial threats, the adversaries in the series are visually striking and uniquely designed.

While Mob Psycho 100 features a mix of supernatural beings and psychics, much of its conflict centers around personal battles and self-growth rather than external threats. One-Punch Man, with its ever-expanding roster of powerful enemies, delivers a thrilling experience filled with formidable foes.

2. Mob Psycho 100: Most Amusing Wig Scene

Although the two series have vastly different narratives, some comedic moments stand out for comparison. One of the funniest instances in Mob Psycho 100 occurs when Teru loses a fight against Mob and ends up bald.

Once full of pride, Teru is forced to wear an absurdly tall blond wig that remains a staple of his look for much of the season. Meanwhile, One-Punch Man has Saitama donning an awkward wig as a disguise during a martial arts tournament.

While both instances are amusing, Teru’s towering, wind-blown wig remains an unforgettable visual gag.

1. One-Punch Man: More Widespread Popularity

Ever since its anime adaptation, Mob Psycho 100 has steadily gained recognition, accumulating a strong fan base and multiple industry awards. However, One-Punch Man continues to dominate in terms of overall popularity.

With its manga ongoing and its impact deeply rooted in anime culture, the series maintains a firm grasp on mainstream recognition. Though Mob Psycho 100 is consistently attracting new viewers, it remains unlikely to surpass One-Punch Man’s far-reaching influence and long-standing fan loyalty.