The superhero genre in anime saw a significant rise in popularity following the launches of One Punch Man and My Hero Academia in 2015 and 2016. These series captivated fans and shifted focus toward superhero-themed anime. However, as we reach 2025, it’s evident that their paths have diverged, with one thriving while the other falters. Let’s delve into the current state of these two iconic series after a decade.
One Punch Man Season 3 Is a Complete Fiasco
Fans anxiously awaited the third season of One Punch Man for six years. While the second season suffered in comparison to its acclaimed predecessor, it was still enjoyable enough to keep viewers wanting more. However, anticipation turned to concern as the lack of information about the production team led to public outcry, prompting the new director to issue an apology.
When Season 3 finally premiered, disappointment set in as the animation quality fell short, particularly with noticeably limited movement making it feel more like a slideshow than a dynamic series. Fans took to social media to voice their frustrations, turning Season 3 into a treasure trove of memes highlighting the poor animation quality.
Regrettably, some extreme fans resorted to harassment of the production staff, causing the director to deactivate his social media account. Many fans speculated that the earlier episodes might focus more on dialogue than action, hoping that the team would save their best material for later. Unfortunately, this was not the case; the anime has struggled to capture the manga’s thrilling fight sequences.
My Hero Academia’s Final Season Thriving on Success
In contrast, My Hero Academia has flourished since its debut in 2015, consistently delivering high-quality content across its seven seasons, with the final season currently airing in 2025. This series never dipped below stellar quality, and the final season is a testament to its potential. Each new episode continues to impress with its animation and storytelling, surpassing expectations.
Fans eagerly anticipate how Studio Bones will conclude this beloved series, and the final battle sequences deliver precisely what they had hoped for—an exemplary adaptation of the source material. Many believe the concluding season will solidify MHA’s legacy as the best, leaving fans optimistic about a grand finale, while OPM fans face a starkly different reality.
IMDb ratings provide a glimpse into how fans are responding. My Hero Academia’s episodes boast ratings of 9 and above, whereas One Punch Man’s third season struggles with scores between 5 and 6, painting a clear picture of the differing reception.
OPM Doesn’t Deserve to Be Treated This Way
It’s disheartening to witness a once-beloved series, which introduced countless fans to anime, descend into chaos. One Punch Man played a significant role in popularizing the genre, yet its third season’s struggles have left many fans feeling betrayed. Some have even turned to the manga, claiming that fan-made animations surpass the official product.
Despite these frustrations, the production staff have mentioned they are doing their best with the available resources. Often, the success or failure of an anime adaptation hinges on the production committee’s budget and timeline. In the case of One Punch Man, Bandai Namco holds the rights, leading fans to express concerns about how the franchise is being managed.
Looking back, it’s clear that the magic of Season 1, which involved a dedicated team of talented individuals, hasn’t been replicated. In contrast, My Hero Academia continues to shine, indicating that with sufficient time and resources, J.C. Staff could also achieve stellar results. However, the likelihood of a studio change remains slim. Let’s hope the production committee recognizes the voices of the fanbase and works to improve the situation.
That encapsulates the contrasting journeys of two celebrated superhero anime as of 2025. As a fan of both One Punch Man and My Hero Academia, I undoubtedly wish for OPM to regain its former glory. What are your thoughts on the current state of One Punch Man? Share in the comments below.
What led to the rise of superhero anime in the last decade? The phenomenal success of shows like My Hero Academia and One Punch Man drew significant attention to the genre, creating a wave of interest and new titles.
Why did One Punch Man Season 3 receive poor ratings? Viewers expressed disappointment with the animation quality and storytelling, leading to consistently low scores compared to its competitors.
What makes My Hero Academia’s final season stand out? The final season excels due to its impressive animation, engaging battles, and strong storytelling, all of which keep fans engaged and eager for each episode.
Is there hope for One Punch Man to improve? While fans remain hopeful, significant changes in production resources and direction would be necessary to restore OPM to its former glory.
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