UPDATE: The highly anticipated season 3 of One-Punch Man, which debuted on October 12, 2023, is facing intense backlash from fans for its animation quality. After a six-year wait, expectations were sky-high, but the reaction has turned sour, overshadowing the series’ return.
Fans are expressing outrage, particularly over a controversial scene featuring the character Garou. In an infamous moment, Garou slides down a grassy slope without any frame changes, leading viewers to label the animation as “PowerPoint quality.” This has sparked a wave of memes and GIFs circulating across social media, further fueling discontent among the community.
The situation escalated when fans targeted director Shinpei Nagai, questioning his qualifications for the role. In response, Nagai took to social media platform X, defending his experience and credentials. However, the harassment continued, prompting him to shut down his account. In an emotional post, he revealed that the backlash has severely affected his mental health and the overall quality of work being produced by J.C. Staff.
Despite the rocky start, fans are hopeful that upcoming episodes will improve. Episode 3 is set to feature an all-out battle between Garou and two powerful members of the Monster Association, a pivotal moment that could potentially silence the critics. However, the overall sentiment remains tense as many fans call for an end to the harassment of animators, emphasizing that toxic behavior could jeopardize the future of the series.
The animation industry’s challenges are often overlooked, with many animators in Japan facing harsh working conditions, low pay, and demanding schedules. As the community grapples with these issues, it’s crucial for fans to channel their frustrations constructively rather than through harassment.
This situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between fan expectations and the realities of production. As season 3 unfolds, viewers will be watching closely, hoping for improvements while advocating for a more supportive environment for creators.
Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops. Fans are encouraged to share their thoughts responsibly and support the hardworking teams behind their favorite shows.