Fan sentiment sours over One-Punch Man anime's recent seasons
Recent reports indicate growing fan disappointment with the second and third seasons of the 'One-Punch Man' anime. The perceived decline in quality follows a widely praised first season.
The fan reception
Fan sentiment surrounding the One-Punch Man anime has reportedly declined, with many viewers expressing disappointment in the show's second and third seasons. The sentiment suggests a consensus that the adaptation of the manga, itself based on a webcomic by creator ONE, has seen a progressive drop in quality following its initial run. The protagonist Saitama, known for his overwhelming power, is now the face of a franchise whose anime adaptation is perceived by some as having lost its momentum.
The series' first season, which debuted in 2015, earned near-universal acclaim for its dynamic animation and faithful direction. That initial success set a high bar that, according to recent community feedback, subsequent installments have failed to meet. The source of the criticism notes that while the last two of the three seasons were disappointing, there may still be hope for the franchise's future in other media.
Studio animation context
The fan community often points to the change in production studios as a key factor in the anime's perceived decline. The celebrated first season was animated by Madhouse, a studio known for high-budget, critically acclaimed projects like the 2011 series Hunter x Hunter. Responsibility for the animation shifted to J.C.Staff for the second season in 2019.
According to the narrative of fan disappointment, the perceived drop in animation fidelity and pacing continued into the third season, also produced by J.C.Staff. This has solidified a critical view that the series has struggled to recapture the visual energy that defined its initial outing and made it a breakout international hit. While the source material from ONE continues to be popular, its anime counterpart is now viewed through a more critical lens.