With just one remaining story arc left to adapt from ONE‘s original webcomic, One-Punch Man finds itself at a crucial juncture. The big question is, what lies ahead when the webcomic’s content eventually concludes? Despite the recent introduction of additional original content in the digital manga, the future remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, there’s still a considerable amount of Saitama‘s story waiting to be unveiled, and there’s ample time to explore it. Looking back, fans will remember how the captivating rise and fall of Garou took nearly seven years to unfold. But before delving into discussions about potential endings, it’s essential to take a moment and reflect on the remarkable journey thus far. After carefully considering all the completed chapters of One-Punch Man, encompassing both the webcomic and the manga, we present the top ten arcs, as of the present time.
National Superhero Registry Arc
Though some might label this segment as the first filler arc, it serves a crucial purpose in the story—it marks the commencement of Saitama’s journey towards becoming the world’s top hero, even if the world fails to recognize his true potential. Moreover, it significantly portrays the development and growth of Genos as he strives to fulfill his dreams of becoming a skilled and competent hero.
This part of the story can be aptly described as a “training arc,” where essential aspects of both heroes’ techniques are unveiled and expounded upon. It showcases their progression and improvement, shedding light on the dedication and effort they put into honing their abilities. Ultimately, this arc lays the foundation for the characters’ growth and sets them on the path to face even greater challenges in the future.
House of Evolution Arc
Continuing from the initial arc, this part of the story delves deeper into the intricacies of Saitama’s character, occupation, and position in the world. While it may not possess the typical “page-turning, battle-driven” content that superhero manga fans often seek, it does present a compelling narrative with enough action-packed fights to keep the audience engaged. More importantly, it enriches the development of characters, particularly offering valuable insights into Saitama’s psyche as One-Punch Man.
In this segment, a key addition is the introduction of Saitama’s self-appointed disciple, Genos, whose role in the story’s progression proves to be pivotal. Genos’ earnest determination to become a better superhero serves as a perfect contrast to Saitama’s indifferent attitude towards his immense power. This happy tension between them forms a fundamental element that propels the story forward and creates intriguing dynamics between the characters.
Saitama Introduction Arc
Unlike typical manga, One-Punch Man deviates from the standard introduction arcs due to the uniqueness of Saitama’s story. Unlike traditional superheroes, Saitama is invincible, and this extraordinary characteristic becomes the focal point of the initial arc. Understanding the reason behind his unparalleled power becomes essential in comprehending the narrative that unfolds.
This introductory arc effectively delivers fundamental background information about Saitama’s motives and mindset, while also establishing the world he inhabits in a captivating and entertaining manner. Moreover, it offers a glimpse of the extraordinary potential that lies ahead, a vital ingredient that compels readers to stay engaged and follow the story further.
The Supreme Hero Arc
The webcomic-exclusive arc stands out as one of the best for two compelling reasons. Firstly, after the intense battles and chaos that preceded it, this arc offers readers a welcome breather with a slower yet captivating story that prioritizes character development over action. It allows for a deeper exploration of the characters’ personalities and motivations.
Secondly, this arc unveils the enigmatic persona of Sweet Mask, exposing both his unwavering pride in being a hero and the duplicity he employs to conceal his true nature. This revelation lends credibility to the Neo Heroes’ accusations that the Hero Association is now a corrupt institution, vastly different from its noble origins. Consequently, the arc acts as a vital link leading readers toward the webcomic’s conclusion, setting the stage for the story’s significant turning points and final resolution.
Super Fight Arc
In a superhero battle manga like One-Punch Man, the most anticipated and cherished moments of the story typically revolve around epic fights and thrilling tournaments. Fans have come to expect intense battles, and authors strive to deliver captivating “fight content” to satisfy their audience. This particular arc stands out as the best in showcasing the one-on-one fighting elements of the story, a challenging task given the omnipotence of the protagonist, Saitama. However, it manages to excel by taking a unique approach that goes beyond mere focus on the fights.
The arc’s brilliance lies in its emphasis on the individual fighters—exploring their distinct styles, personalities, and life experiences, which adds depth and complexity to the battles. Rather than being solely centered on the action, the character-driven narrative captivates readers, making the arc all the more engrossing.
Furthermore, this arc introduces a part of society outside the usual “hero and monster” world, offering a glimpse into a fascinating new dimension of the One-Punch Man universe. This expansion of the story’s scope enriches the overall narrative and adds layers of intrigue.
The Super Fight Tournament depicted in this arc is so compelling that it has the potential to be a successful spinoff if ever explored in greater detail. Such a spinoff could delve into the tournament’s history, explore the backstories of various fighters, and provide even more enthralling battles for readers to enjoy. Overall, this arc demonstrates the ability of One-Punch Man to deliver engaging content beyond the conventional superhero battles, making it a standout and beloved part of the series.
Garou Introduction Arc
Just when fans believed that One-Punch Man had reached its peak in terms of supervillains, the story introduces Garou, a character with a self-proclaimed mission to take down as many heroes as possible. While he initially participated in the monsters’ attempt to defeat the Hero Association, his true nature remained obscured amidst the arrival of other formidable villains and the colossal battles they engaged in with Saitama and other heroes. This allowed Garou ample time to hone his abilities and bide his time until the moment he could finally confront the heroes, culminating in an epic showdown with Saitama himself.
Although this arc is relatively short compared to others, it serves as a crucial introduction to Garou’s character and the immense destructive potential he possesses. The story unveils who Garou truly is and sets the stage for the perilous threat he poses to the hero community. This confrontation with Garou promises to be One-Punch Man’s most intense and climactic battle yet.
Psychic Sisters Arc
Effective manga storytelling involves understanding and considering fan interests while crafting a plotline that leads them on a journey they anticipate, only to ultimately bring them to the intended destination set by the author. This particular arc in One-Punch Man adeptly plays on fans’ intense curiosity about the power dynamic between Saitama and Tatsumaki, teasing a potential battle between the two powerhouses. However, the true focus of the arc is on the confrontation between Tatsumaki and her sister Fubuki, and the complexity of their relationship, which goes beyond mere strength.
While fans may initially be drawn in by the prospect of an epic fight, the story cleverly shifts the spotlight to the emotional and personal struggles between Tatsumaki and Fubuki. This exploration of their sisterly bond delves into uncharted territory, revealing previously unseen yet vital aspects of their characters. The arc’s brilliance lies in its ability to surprise readers with unexpected depth and layers of character development.
Amidst the intensity of the Saitama and Tatsumaki battle, the underlying narrative beautifully weaves together these characters’ stories, creating a multifaceted and emotionally resonant experience for the readers. The arc stands as a testament to the manga’s storytelling prowess, showcasing its ability to deliver low-key masterpieces that resonate deeply with the audience.
Monster Association Arc
Indeed, it is a rare treat for manga or comics to have the two most powerful forces of the story confront each other outside of the final saga leading to the ultimate conclusion. However, the Monster Association arc in One-Punch Man defies this convention, providing readers with an exhilarating showdown between Saitama and the fearsome King of Monsters, Orochi. Despite the manga being far from its conclusion, this arc delivers an intense and impactful battle of epic proportions.
The Monster Association arc not only features Saitama’s encounter with Orochi but also showcases all the most powerful heroes unleashing their full potential in thrilling battles. Readers are treated to a visual spectacle as heroes and monsters clash in fierce combat, making it an absolute delight to witness as a reader.
Moreover, this arc offers more than just action-packed battles. It delves into the mystery surrounding the top hero, Blast, and provides insight into the enigmatic overarching villain known as God. As the pieces of the story’s puzzle come together, the intrigue deepens, leaving readers eager to uncover more about the hidden secrets and the ultimate fate of the characters.
Overall, the Monster Association arc stands as one of the most impactful and captivating arcs in the One-Punch Man story. With its dynamic battles, revelations about key characters, and its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats, it exemplifies the series’ ability to deliver high-quality storytelling and entertainment.
Neo Heroes Introduction Arc
The brilliance of this arc lies in the introduction of the Neo Heroes Association, which disrupts the previously established power dynamics between the heroes and the monsters. With this new faction in play, the battle between good and evil takes on a new dimension, as not all heroes operate under the same principles and motivations. The Neo Heroes’ presence allows the monsters to exploit the divisions among the heroes, leading to unexpected successes and challenges for both sides.
The emergence of the Neo Heroes adds a fascinating twist to the narrative, as it raises questions about loyalty and trust among the heroes. Some of the most powerful heroes find themselves contemplating the idea of leaving their old organization for this seemingly more genuine and transparent group. This internal conflict adds depth and complexity to the story, as characters grapple with their allegiances and the future direction they should take.
By introducing the Neo Heroes Association, the manga explores the shades of gray that exist within the hero community, and it showcases the consequences of such divisions on the overarching battle between good and evil. This arc injects a fresh dose of intrigue and uncertainty into the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they witness the shifting power dynamics and the impact it has on the characters they’ve come to love.
Alien Conquerors Arc
This article stands out as one of the most intense and visually spectacular large-scale human versus monster battle royales that One-Punch Man is renowned for. Moreover, it introduces an adversary, Boros, who possesses the gravitas to be considered a genuine challenge by Saitama, at least initially. Boros, a galaxy-trotting menace, shares a common desire with Saitama—to find a worthy opponent who can push their formidable powers to the limit. In their epic clash, Boros meets his match in Saitama and suffers the consequences.
The significance of this arc lies in its portrayal of Saitama’s true power. By saving the world from annihilation and rescuing the Hero Association from certain defeat, Saitama unequivocally demonstrates that he is the most powerful being on Earth, regardless of whether others are willing to acknowledge this fact or not. This momentous event solidifies his standing as an unrivaled force to be reckoned with.
The battle with Boros showcases not only the awe-inspiring action that One-Punch Man is known for but also underscores the core theme of Saitama’s journey—his constant quest for a worthy adversary and the ultimate challenge. This arc is a definitive turning point in the series, cementing Saitama’s position as an unparalleled hero with immeasurable strength.