Warning: This review contains full spoilers for One-Punch Man Season 3, Episode 2, titled “Monster Traits.”
Last week’s premiere of One-Punch Man Season 3 was, let’s be honest, a bit of a talk-fest. Both heroes and villains were stuck indoors, delivering loads of exposition. It felt like a slow burn, not quite the explosive comeback fans were hoping for. But with the groundwork laid, Episode 2, “Monster Traits,” finally serves up a more substantial and satisfying experience.
(Image: Garou enjoying a meal.)
The city finds itself in a precarious state, deeply divided amidst a growing monster threat. Not all citizens stand with the heroes; in fact, a “Monster Worship Party” has emerged, parading signs that declare “Obey the monsters” and “Cooperate with the monsters.” Their rather unsettling solution involves offering regular sacrifices to placate these monstrous entities – a twisted form of “portion control,” if you will.
Enter Garou, whose internal struggle is making him surprisingly endearing. He’s clearly unimpressed and frustrated by the protestors’ servile attempts to appease their oppressors. If humanity is already bowing down, how can he possibly make a truly significant impact as a villain?
However, serious impact can wait. Channeling a bit of Kazuma Kiryu from the Yakuza series, Garou momentarily sets aside potential street brawls for a much-needed meal. He settles into a restaurant, indulging in a hearty steak, then another, followed by a salad and a drink. Apparently, hunting heroes builds quite the appetite!
Saitama’s expressions are utterly wild in this episode, and it truly feels like J.C.Staff has rediscovered the core appeal of the series’ characters.
Meanwhile, Saitama is also out for a meal, only to discover his wallet is missing. Did he forget it at the grocery store? No idea. Calling his friends is no use; they’re all broke. This moment delivers classic One-Punch Man comedic gold, as our hero grapples with the absurdity of his situation, desperately trying to avoid resorting to less-than-heroic methods to settle his bill.
Saitama exhibits some of his most delightfully unhinged expressions in this installment, and it genuinely feels like J.C.Staff has finally tapped back into the unique charm of the series’ cast. Everyone is busy with internal monologues, forgetting their immediate objectives, and comically crossing paths at the worst possible times. It’s a riot!
(Image: Saitama in action, doing what he does best.)
With his stomach full after a successful dine-and-dash, Garou finally remembers his mission: deliver a hero’s head to the Monster Association to solidify his leadership. Yet, in a twist of fate, he ends up playing the unexpected hero for a bullied boy he’s encountered before. Meanwhile, Saitama, equally determined to assert his own brand of heroism, unknowingly confronts Garou over the restaurant bill. A single, characteristic punch takes Garou out of commission. These delightful shenanigans perfectly capture the essence of One-Punch Man, masterfully blending epic hero battles and sprawling organizations with the relatable absurdities of everyday life in Japan, showcasing their humorous interactions and inevitable clashes.
But enough fooling around; the stakes are quickly raised. The enigmatic urban legend, King the Ripper, makes his dramatic appearance, immediately recognized by Garou’s young companion. King the Ripper’s unsettling charm comes from his ghostly, yet insincere, apologies punctuating every sentence. And lo and behold, the animation budget seems to have arrived for this scene! This playful shift in production tempo, now two episodes deep, creates a charmingly meta effect. It’s as if the show is winking at its audience, acknowledging what we’ve been waiting for and where to really focus its visual prowess – a brilliant meta gag that echoes the humor of shows like adultswim’s Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and one that perfectly suits One-Punch Man’s comedic style.
(Image: The battle is about to begin.)
The episode culminates with significant revelations, delivered dramatically by Gyoro-Gyoro from his imposing throne. We learn that, much like Garou, Lord Orochi was once human, a creation of Gyoro-Gyoro himself. The grand scheme is now clear: train Garou to become a new Orochi. King the Ripper is to be Garou’s ultimate trial, challenging him to eliminate the young boy he just protected. This order ignites a fierce clash of personal philosophies, leading to the season’s first truly substantial fight sequence, replete with flashy close-ups and dynamic particle effects. The battle begins, and then, the credits roll.
After a somewhat awkward and sluggish beginning, One-Punch Man Season 3 is finally hitting its stride. It simply needed a bit more substance and action to truly come alive.
Now we’re truly seeing the potential of this season. The overarching narrative begins to solidify in “Monster Traits,” delivering a potent mix of classic One-Punch Man action and laugh-out-loud comedy that effortlessly propels the story forward from one exciting plot point to the next.