The anticipation for One-Punch Man Season 3 reached fever pitch. Fans of Yusuke Murata’s stunning artwork and ONE’s clever storytelling had been eagerly awaiting a return to the absurdly heroic world of Saitama. The first two seasons had delivered jaw-dropping fight sequences, perfectly timed humor, and moments that became instant classics. Every trailer sparked endless discussions, and every poster was scrutinized like fine art. When the third season finally arrived, it did not just fail to surpass expectations; it did not even reach them, leaving viewers stunned and questioning how such a beloved series could stumble so dramatically.

Fans could not help but wonder whether the ongoing studio controversy had a hand in One-Punch Man Season 3’s disappointing execution

After a six-year wait, fans finally returned to One-Punch Man with Season 3, which adapts the Monster Association arc. The season is animated by J.C.Staff, marking the second consecutive season under the studio. While anticipation was immense, viewers noticed a sharp difference in animation quality compared to Madhouse’s pristine work in Season 1, which had set a near-impossible standard.

The anime's shift from Madhouse to J.C. Staff arose from scheduling conflicts and production committee decisions. Shingo Natsume and his freelance team were occupied with other projects, and Madhouse rarely produces sequels for financially risky ventures. The production committee, eager to maintain fan momentum, entrusted J.C. Staff with the continuation, though it led to critiques of uneven animation and pacing in both Season 2 and Season 3. Still, the criticism has been much more severe for the latter.

The real reason why One-Punch Man Season 3 is widely considered terrible lies in production mismanagement. The switch from Madhouse, with Shingo Natsume’s freelance dream team, to J.C. Staff, combined with tight deadlines and limited budgets, led to “slideshow” animation, inconsistent art, and poor pacing. Episode 6, titled Motley Heroes, sank to a historic 1.7 out of 10 on IMDb, marking one of the lowest-rated anime episodes ever. Fans flooded social media with frustration, calling the season a stark fall from the original glory.

Tatsuya Nagamine, Director Behind 'One Piece' Film: 'Z' and 'Dragon Ball Super': Broly, Dies at 53

Backlash and fallout have been severe. Director Shinpei Nagai deactivated his social media due to harassment following the backlash due to the third season. Yet, the anime's third season has been defended by veteran animators defended the studio, pointing to production committee pressures and harsh schedules. Fans even launched boycotts against Bandai Namco, denouncing corporate greed over artistic vision. The season became a cautionary spectacle, a reminder that even heroes cannot punch through poor management.

One-Punch Man Season 3 exposes the peril of valuing name recognition over artistry. Production committees chasing quick profits risk creating an epidemic of underwhelming adaptations. Future anime must heed this lesson: invest in talent, allow proper schedules, and maintain transparency. Some fans have also wondered if Netflix carries the season, showing how streaming has become part of the conversation.

Fans should temper frustration with patience. Criticism might encourage fixes in upcoming episodes or enhancements in the Blu-ray release. Successful examples like Demon Slayer and Zom 100 illustrate how careful planning and sufficient time elevate both artistry and reception. For now, the manga continues to offer the high-octane action and storytelling that originally made the series indispensable.

Tatsuya Nagamine, Director Behind 'One Piece' Film: 'Z' and 'Dragon Ball Super': Broly, Dies at 53

What do you think of One-Punch Man season 3? Let us know in the comments!