HuluAll eyes are on One Punch Man Season 3 amid the divisive second chapter of the anime, with director Shinpei Nagai clapping back and asking fans to “please stop the harassment.”
The debut season of the anime series – based on One’s webcomic and Yusuke Murata’s manga of the same name – was nothing short of a phenomenon when it first dropped back in 2015, earning praise for its high production value and animation.
Even though a second season was confirmed in 2016, it didn’t see the light of day until 2019. Part of the reason was the production overhaul that went on behind the scenes: Chikara Sakurai replaced Shingo Natsume as director, while J.C.Staff took over from Madhouse.
When Season 2 finally arrived, many viewers were left underwhelmed by what they saw as weaker animation, pacing issues, and a loss of the first season’s spark. After another long wait, similar doubts surround Season 3.
One Punch Man Season 3 director pleads for “harassment” to stop
After the One Punch Man Season 3 trailer arrived last month, the show has been receiving similar criticisms, and Shinpei Nagai has since taken to social media to respond to concerns.
The conversation began when one fan said they “hope that the 3D elements blend in more naturally without the unnatural mixing of 2D and 3D like in the previous season,” and that the “excessive blurring during attacks and static backgrounds will be reduced.”
They also said that “it would be appreciated if sound effects like punch impacts don’t sound like crushing a can or gunshots.”
Nagai replied, “I will make efforts and strive. Thank you for your understanding,” to which the fan said, “Considering all of these factors, I think Season 3 will truly be a great success. However, it might not reach the level of Season 1.”
The director then went into further detail, writing, “No, I think I’ve come with the resolve and determination to carry the work that you all cherish so dearly. It might not please you or could even make you angry. But someone has to take it on.
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“I am determined and ready to do so. It probably won’t measure up to Season 1. But the series is infused with the creators’ tenacity and ingenuity. Please, at the very least, accept that.
“Nowadays, there are many companies flush with funding from big corporations. Much of the talent has been drawn to those places. But as I keep saying, I want to support J.C.Staff, which is working to improve labor conditions and nurture its employees.
“Please stop with the harassment and the persistent questions that I can’t answer due to NDAs. I beg you, please.”
What Shinpei Nagai’s comments mean
HuluWhat his comments imply is that Nagai knows expectations for One Punch Man Season 3 are sky-high and that matching the first season’s quality may be impossible, but he wants fans to recognize the passion and effort behind it.
At the same time, he’s acknowledging that J.C.Staff doesn’t have the same resources or star animators as the bigger studios, and while he supports the studio’s commitment to better working conditions, he can’t go into detail about production limitations due to non-disclosure agreements.
His comments have proven divisive among the fans. Taking to Reddit, one wrote, “Man this does not breed confidence in the project,” and another agreed, “Yeah, forget Season 1. This isn’t even gonna be as good as Season 2.”
But for the most part, One Punch Man fans are sympathizing with the creative team. One said in response to Nagai’s tweet, “I hear that many creators in the harsh working environment of the anime industry are losing time with their families.
Hulu“Amid that, I respect J.C.Staff for improving work styles and valuing their employees, as well as Director Nagai who carries this work on his shoulders. The completion level of Season 1 is high, but I’m also looking forward to the new charms of Season 3. I’m cheering for you!”
Another wrote, “It sounds like a guy at the end of his rope who was handed a project that had as lofty of highs as Season 1’s proverbial ‘dream team’. It’s a damned if he does damned if he doesn’t situation.”
A third agreed, “He’s also not just defending himself, but everyone else who has worked on the season. They may not be able to replicate Season 1, but he’s saying they all did their best.”
One Punch Man Season 3 is due to release on October 5, 2025. Until then, check out how the One Punch Man workout changed one man’s life, the best shonen anime, and the best anime to watch on Crunchyroll.