When a hit like “One Punch Man” returns, expectations are high. The disappointment of the fans is currently all the greater, as they have now even given the series a new negative record. We summarize.
Below standard level
For many viewers, good animation quality is not one of the deciding factors and only adds value to a strong anime. After all, today’s standard level that most modern anime productions achieve is completely sufficient – one might think.
Works that are derided in fan circles as “The End Before the Beginning” and “One Frame Man” have this year alone made it impressively clear that you have to offer real animation – i.e. fluid movement sequences – to achieve this. The latter title in particular is currently a topic of conversation.
It’s actually called “One Punch Man” and is one of the big and popular manga brands whose animated sequel fans have waited more than six years for – just to see colorful still images.
New negative record
The current ratings clearly reflect the dissatisfaction with the third season, which has been broadcast since October 12, 2025. On MyAnimeList it still has a score of 4.72 out of 10 points, but on IMDb the rating is absolutely devastating with only 3.75 out of 10 points.
The sixth episode entitled “Motley Heroes” currently marks the lowest score of all anime episodes on the platform with just 1.4 points. The immediately following seventh episode (“Counterstrike”) was hardly better received and fell to a catastrophic 2.3 points shortly after its release.
The two “One Punch Man” episodes have thus beaten the previous negative record of the last episode of the second season of “The Promised Neverland”, which was long considered the worst anime episode ever with 2.8 points.
Animator comments
The collapse of such a popular franchise naturally causes enormous frustration among fans, which they unfortunately take out on the members of the production team in ways that are not always correct. After director Shinpei Nagai completely withdrew from social networks a few weeks ago for this reason, animator Takashi Hashimoto has now spoken out:
»As far as “One Punch Man” is concerned, the criticism from all sides – or rather, especially from fans abroad who watch the title illegally – is overwhelming. I think the production team is probably deeply disappointed. We all share the same opinion: no one wants to make a bad product.«
The experienced animator, who has previously worked on popular titles such as “Your Name” and was responsible for the mecha design of the third episode of the third season of “One Punch Man”, appealed to the audience:
“If it’s called ‘crap’ or ‘slideshow,’ then so be it. But we worked hard until the last moment, so please think about the creators behind the images. We don’t do this as volunteers – it’s our job. The more you bully us, the more employees will disappear. I guarantee it.”