One-Punch Man Season 3's Big Controversy Isn't Animation-Related

The Controversy Surrounding One-Punch Man Season 3 Episode 9

One-Punch Man season 3 has once again sparked heated debates among fans, particularly after the release of episode 9. Unlike previous episodes that faced criticism for poor animation quality, this time the controversy stems from the choice of which version of a key fight was adapted into the anime.

Different Versions of the Same Story

Fans who are familiar with the manga may find this confusing, but it's a known fact that several chapters of One-Punch Man exist in different versions. The artist, Yusuke Murata, often redraws chapters before they are published in volume. As a pioneer of digital manga, he takes advantage of the medium's flexibility, sometimes adding colored or animated spreads, and other times completely redrawing sections of the story.

One notable example is the fight between S-Class hero Child Emperor and Phoenix Man, one of the strongest members of the Monster Association. There are two versions of this fight available online, with differences not only in character design and paneling but also in the fight's progression.

The first version, used in the anime, shows Child Emperor facing Phoenix Man alone and defeating him in a continuous battle. The second version, however, includes the involvement of Saitama, with more pauses in the action that allow for story developments concerning Child Emperor and the Monster Association. It also teases a future arc.

Fan Reactions to the Chosen Version

Many fans are upset that the anime chose the first version of the fight, as it lacks important story beats. This version doesn't include Phoenix Man using his "Phoenix Space" to communicate telepathically with Child Emperor, which hints at the mysterious being behind the monsters, God. It also omits crucial character development for Child Emperor, which is highlighted in the redrawn version through a conversation with fellow hero Zombieman.

Moreover, the decision to exclude Saitama, despite his popularity, is seen as a missed opportunity. Although he has limited screen time, he is still the protagonist of the series.

Differing Opinions on the Fight Adaptation

Not everyone agrees with this perspective. Some fans believe the first version has longer and more intense fight sequences, allowing Child Emperor to shine by winning the battle solely through his skills and resources. Others suggest that the anime could have combined both versions of the fight, incorporating the best elements from each.

For instance, in the redrawn version, Phoenix Man survives, enabling him to appear later in the story and have a meaningful conversation with Child Emperor. This sets up the future Neo Heroes arc, which many fans are eager to see.

Broader Issues with the Anime Adaptation

Beyond the choice of the fight version, episode 9 continues to face criticism for the overall quality of the animation. The rushed production is evident, with important details from the manga being skipped. For example, when Child Emperor's attack, "Millennium Emperor Nova," pierces the ground and blasts into the sky, the manga shows the Moon with a crater left by Saitama in season 1. This is an important hint about the future appearance of God, the mysterious big villain of the series who might be imprisoned in a satellite. The anime, however, completely omits the Moon from that shot.

Challenges in Adapting One-Punch Man

Yusuke Murata’s tendency to redraw chapters makes One-Punch Man a challenging manga to adapt, especially for an anime with a rushed production schedule. Episodes are seemingly made just two weeks before airing, making it unrealistic to expect a third and improved version of the fight.

With an expected episode count of 12 for season 3, fans are increasingly worried that One-Punch Man could end abruptly and never return unless a full reboot is greenlit. This uncertainty adds to the frustration among fans, who are eager for a faithful and high-quality adaptation of the beloved series.