After a grueling 6.5-year gap, One Punch Man Season 3 hit Crunchyroll and Hulu today, tackling the hyped Monster Association arc.
Fans hoped for a return to Season 1’s Madhouse glory, but early buzz is grim: the animation feels like a Season 2 rehash, and the opening sequence has sparked outrage for looking like a copy-paste job. Season 1 (2015) was a visual knockout, but Season 2’s switch to J.C. Staff brought clunky fights and rushed pacing that fans still lament.
Now, with J.C. Staff back and Shinpei Nagai directing, Season 3’s premiere has fans on edge. The opening, “Get No Satisfied!” by JAM Project feat. BABYMETAL, mirrors Season 2’s “Uncrowned Greatest Hero” with similar poses, cuts, and muted colors.
“6.5 years for a recycled OP? Saitama deserves better”
One post fumes. Reddit’s r/OnePunchMan is flooded with complaints about “stiff” animation and “S2-level stills” in the premiere.Trailers hinted at trouble mostly static shots, barely any fluid action.
Insiders whisper of a rushed production and tight budget, with animators admitting to “low motivation” under crunch. Director Nagai’s X plea to “stop the harassment” hasn’t helped, hinting at a strained 2D-3D workflow.
| Aspect | Season 2 (2019) Issues | Season 3 (2025) Worries | Fan Hopes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animation | Choppy fights, static-heavy | Stiff trailers, S2-like fluidity | Madhouse-tier action |
| Opening | Energetic but rigid OP | Similar cuts, recycled vibe | Fresh, dynamic visuals |
| Hype | Backlash tanked momentum | Pre-premiere hate, divided fans | Monster Association epicness |
Some fans hold out hope, citing veteran animator Takashi Hashimoto’s involvement and the manga’s killer arc.
The vibe is sour. Will Season 3 redeem the franchise or cement its decline? Tonight’s episode is make-or-break.What’s your take? Is S3 a flop or a comeback?
