In the wake of mounting fan backlash over prolonged production timelines and delays in the highly anticipated continuation of the series, the official website for the One-Punch Man anime has delivered a major update. The second cour of One-Punch Man Season 3, officially dubbed Part 2, is set to broadcast in Japan starting in 2027, marking a significant gap from the conclusion of Part 1.
The announcement highlights the progression of the story following the intense showdown in Part 1. That segment wrapped up with protagonist Saitama's decisive battle against the formidable Monster King Orochi, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats for what comes next in the Monster Association arc. To build hype for the upcoming episodes, the team released a special teaser trailer and a striking teaser visual. The visual captures Saitama and the anti-hero Garou facing off directly, a shift from their back-to-back positioning in prior promotional art, strongly suggesting an epic confrontation between the two powerhouses. The teaser footage further teases this clash, offering glimpses of high-stakes action that promises to escalate the series' signature blend of humor and over-the-top battles.
One-Punch Man originated as a webcomic by creator ONE, later reillustrated by Yusuke Murata for publication in Shueisha's Tonari no Young Jump. The story centers on Saitama, an ordinary-looking man who became a hero for fun after rigorous training, gaining the ability to defeat any opponent with a single punch. This overwhelming strength, however, leaves him bored and searching for a worthy challenge amidst a world filled with monsters and villains. The anime adaptation first premiered in 2015 with Season 1 produced by Madhouse, earning acclaim for its fluid animation and satirical take on superhero tropes. Season 2, handled by J.C.STAFF in 2019, continued the narrative but faced criticism for shifts in production quality. Now, One-Punch Man Season 3 returns under J.C.STAFF's banner, aiming to recapture the magic while delving deeper into the manga's expansive arcs.
For this season, the production team includes director Shinpei Nagai, who brings a fresh vision to the series after replacing previous directors. Series composition is managed by Tomohiro Suzuki, ensuring the script stays true to the source material's witty dialogue and escalating conflicts. Character designs are a collaborative effort by Chikashi Kubota, Shinjirou Kuroda, and Ryosuke Shirakawa, preserving the distinctive visual style that makes characters like Saitama's deadpan expression and Garou's ferocious demeanor instantly recognizable. The soundtrack is composed by Makoto Miyazaki, whose work enhances the dramatic punches and comedic beats.
The voice cast reprises their iconic roles, adding continuity to the adaptation. Makoto Furukawa returns as Saitama, delivering the hero's monotone delivery with perfect timing. Hikaru Midorikawa voices Garou, capturing the character's complex evolution from villain to something more nuanced. Other key performers include Kaito Ishikawa as the cyborg disciple Genos, Aoi Yuuki as the esper Tatsumaki, and a supporting ensemble that brings the Hero Association and monster threats to life.
This delay to 2027 for Part 2 underscores the challenges in anime production, including the need for high-quality animation to match the manga's detailed fight sequences. While the wait may test patience, it allows the team to refine the adaptation of Murata's intricate artwork, which has pushed the boundaries of action manga with its dynamic panels and escalating stakes. Fans of the original webcomic and manga will appreciate how Season 3 continues to explore themes of heroism, power, and existential boredom through Saitama's lens, while introducing deeper character developments for figures like Garou, who grapples with his own monstrous tendencies.
As anticipation builds, viewers are encouraged to revisit Part 1, which sets the stage for the impending Saitama-Garou showdown. The series' unique humor—juxtaposing Saitama's effortless victories against increasingly absurd threats—remains a highlight, making One-Punch Man a standout in the action-comedy genre.
Near the end of this update, it's worth noting Crunchyroll's official story description, which encapsulates the essence of the series:
Nothing about Saitama passes the eyeball test when it comes to superheroes, from his lifeless expression to his bald head to his unimpressive physique. However, this average-looking guy has a not-so-average problem—he just can’t seem to find an opponent strong enough to take on!
One-Punch Man Season 3 is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll, where international audiences can catch up on the action-packed episodes leading into the long-awaited Part 2.
