Review: One-Punch Man

Anime: One-Punch Man

Genre: Action, Parody, Superhero

Age Rating: Good for all

Studio: Madhouse, J.C.Staff

Music: Makoto Miyazaki

Author: One

Dub/Sub: Subs

Ecchi Level: Non-existant

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If you know One-Punch Man, you know that it was hyped to hell and back before some of us even knew what it was. Now, I'm not one to buy into hype, but regardless, I had to see what the hell the deal was with this anime anyway. So I watched it.

And fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck was it good. It's a parody on superhero anime and comics, where in a world filled with monsters and human experimentation, there is an organization of super heroes that tries to counter all threats to humanity. Each hero is given a rank based on their capabilities in fighting crime.

Our hero is a bald man by the name of Saitama who lives in a small apartment by himself in a section of the city that has long been abandoned due to the overabundance of monsters. The story starts off with Vaccine Man, a Piccolo-looking baddy born from the pollution of the Earth, wreaking havoc and destroying buildings, and in steps Saitama to save the day.

First thing's first. I HAVE to talk about the goddamn animation on this series. It was magical. Seriously. If my animation meter went past ten, it'd probably have a 15 at the lowest. This combat has got to be some of the best anime combat I've ever witnessed with my own two eyes. It seriously makes you eager for the next big battle... at least... one that doesn't end in one punch...

The story itself isn't anything special. It's about OPM Saitama growing as a hero and trying to get his name out there. In one of his battles, he ends up meeting Genos, an entirely cybernetic human that has the ability to incinerate his enemies with jets from the palms of his hands. Unfortunately for poor Genos, he's still new to combat, and as such ends up getting his body destroyed more often than not.

Even so, the pairing between these two was awesome. Genos is the scrub who is always trying to prove himself, and Saitama is the man who is bored because nobody can give him a challenge. It makes for hilariously comical situations.

But despite its parodying nature, this series can have some dark moments as well. Whether it's other heroes trying to make our hero look bad by turning the people against him, or an entire crowd of people at the mercy of a monster that seemingly can't be stopped. It'll definitely have you at the edge of your seat a couple times. Honestly, this is one of the funniest anime I've watched in a long while.

And the music. The muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuusic! Ugh! It honestly makes sense that two different studios put this out considering the amount of talent and amazing work that went into this series. The music changes from episode to episode and battle to battle. In one battle, you'll hear heart pumping rock. In the next, they'll drop the beat with some electronic techno, bordering on dubstep. And in the next, you'll hear sinister piano playing as a villain terrorizes citizens. The soundtrack of this series is masterfully pulled off and deserves an award for how amazing it is.

Seriously, if you haven't seen the first season of this series, you're missing out on a big part of anime culture. So don't be one of those hipsters that thinks it's too cool to like.

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TLDR: It's an awesome parody of superhero shows and comics. It deserves your watch for the battle animation alone. That's not even counting the hilarious story, the memorable characters, and the intense action-packed battles. I'd have to say that this anime ranks up there with the greats, and is truly going to be a part of anime history for a long time.

RatingsAnimation: 10/10Music: 10/10Story: 6/10Comedy: 10/10Overall Rating: 10/10

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Spoiler talk below! if you do not wish to have anything spoiled, do not read any further!

Best Girl: Terrible Tornado Tatsumaki. Because what's not to love about a bratty psychic with enough power to crush you and your planet with her mind?

Honestly, as soon as I saw the battle with the subterraneans (in his dream) I know I was in for a hell of a ride as far as battle animation goes. I was seriously hooked on the visuals of this anime, and if you aren't, then there's something wrong with you.

Also, the other heroes in the story were just icing on the cake. If I had to pick one, I'd say Metal Bat is my favorite (aside from Tornado of course). I can't help but love characters with pompadours and angry attitudes. Plus, he hits stuff with a bat, which is awesome given the amazing animation int he show.

That being said, I do have a bit of an issue with them pushing the "Saitama takes the fall for other heroes" narrative. Twice in the show he was portrayed to either be a cheater, or to have taken credit from other heroes. Here's hoping the next seasons gets him a few fans of his own.