May 2, 2020
Re-watching the first season of One Punch Man, I am reminded of the two elements that endeared the show to me. How the show blends action with humor while sending up superhero/fighting shows and the titular character, himself.
Of the first, One Punch Man confidently yet lovingly jibes at action oriented shows which climax with grossly overpowered characters settling scores and hitting plot points by means of city-devastating combat. It does this in spite of telegraphing the end of every major threat our hero faces. It is the ‘how’ as Shakespeare would say, lies the rub. So each episode a new kaiju with a ridiculously
...
over the top backstory emerges to terrorize the beleaguered inhabitants of cities A to Z and the multi-tiered heroes who stand to defend them. And in each episode of it’s excellent first season through the introduction of colorful supporting characters, scenery chewing monologuing, petty squabbling, laugh out loud gags, and occasionally genuine moments of heroism from the most unlikeliest of places, we get to the final confrontation where each seemingly unstoppable horror must square off against Saitama.
Which brings us to the second reason why I love this show. The character of Saitama and his attitude. Having achieved ‘God mode’ through his own training, Saitama is now a ‘hero for fun’ (later for profit) who could easily turn to racketeering and villainy or go out of his way seeking fortune and glory, but remains pretty content just doing his own thing and helping out where he can. Despite this, he has certain foibles, including jealousy, sensitivity about his um…scalp, and occasionally about not getting as much fan-mail as his roommate. However, when the chips are truly down, Saitama remains classy, eschews the limelight and fights to protect his friends and the greater good, rather than for his own selfish reasons. By the end of the first season, we like Genos his faithful apprentice, understand that there’s more to the world’s strongest hero than just his strength.
Finally, I am indebted with this show with making me fall back in love with the medium of anime. What Cowboy Bebop and Stand Alone Complex could not do, Saitama did. Hooked me back to this astonishing medium. 10/10. Masterpiece.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
