One-Punch Man Season 3 Animation Backlash & Director Exits

Saitama's latest adventures are stirring up a storm, with fans divided over J.C. Staff's animation and the series director making a significant move away from social media amidst the ongoing controversy.

TL;DR: Quick Bites on One-Punch Man Season 3's Stirring Debut

One-Punch Man Season 3's animation is facing heavy fan criticism following its long-awaited premiere on October 12, 2025.
Director Shinpei Nagai has deleted his X (formerly Twitter) account, citing "rage-baiting," mental health impact, and exploitation of creators' struggles.
Episode 3 (or Episode 27 overall) is scheduled to drop on October 26, 2025, and will be available on platforms like Hulu and Crunchyroll.

The Animation Debate: A Deep Dive into Fan Reactions and Criticisms

After a whopping six-year wait (or five-plus years since we last saw Saitama on screen!), One-punch Man Season 3 finally dropped its first episode on October 12, 2025. You'd think fans would be universally hyped, right? Well, not exactly. While the return of our favorite hero-for-fun is exciting, the animation quality, handled by J.C. Staff, has quickly become a major point of contention.

Many viewers felt the new season wasn't living up to the sky-high expectations set by the original Madhouse-animated first season. The second episode, "Monster Traits," even sparked a viral moment with an "infamous scene" showing Garou sliding down a hill to save a child. Fans flocked online to share their disappointment, labeling some sequences as "slideshow" animation, criticizing choppy frames, and finding the action stilted.

While some critics noted that Episode 2 did show improvements over the premiere, offering a better balance of humor and action, the overall sentiment regarding the visuals remains pretty grim. It seems the animation just isn't hitting the mark for a lot of people who cherish the series for its breathtaking fights and comedic timing.

Director Shinpei Nagai's Heartfelt Departure From the Online Fray

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The intensity of the fan backlash unfortunately spilled over, directly impacting the production team. Earlier this week, Season 3's director, Shinpei Nagai, announced he was stepping away from social media entirely, deleting his X (formerly Twitter) account. His departure came with a powerful, emotional message:

“Um, I have some rather unfortunate news. There are a few people among my followers who are pretending to be allies, but are actually engaging in rage-baiting, so I’ve decided to delete my account. Their actions - such as taking my statements out of context, trying to elicit comments that violate NDAs, or turning them into profit - are unacceptable and cannot be overlooked. I’ve always done my best for the fans with the utmost sincerity, but I’ve come to the conclusion that continuing in this environment is untenable for this project. It’s always the genuine fans who end up suffering the most. I cannot forgive those who tarnish the staff’s honor or exploit the struggles of the creators for profit through hate. Therefore, I will also be deleting my account entirely. I will not create any accounts in the future either. I cannot overlook actions that degrade the work itself, so I ask for your understanding. Honestly, this is taking a toll on my mental health, and it only brings negatives to the work, the staff, and the original creators. Such despicable behavior is unforgivable. To the fans who have been truly kind to me, I want to express my gratitude and apologies. It was truly enjoyable.”

Nagai's words highlight the immense pressure and personal toll that online harassment can take on creators, emphasizing his concern for both his mental health and the integrity of the project.

A Fellow Animator Steps Up to Defend the Studio's Efforts

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In the wake of the criticism, a notable figure from the anime industry, Vincent Chansard – an animator known for his work on hits like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen – came to J.C. Staff's defense during a live stream. Chansard pointed out that the issues aren't always solely the animation studio's fault. He suggested that "it's a bit more complex" and often involves the "production committee that is on top of everything."

He underlined the difficult nature of the Japanese anime industry, describing J.C. Staff as "just a studio that's trained to survive." Chansard firmly condemned the harassment targeting animators, reminding everyone that these artists are doing their best under challenging circumstances. It’s a crucial reminder that a lot goes on behind the scenes that fans might not be privy to.

Understanding the Studio Switch: Madhouse vs. J.C. Staff's Legacy

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For those new to the series or wondering why the animation quality is such a hot topic, here's the quick rundown: the first season of One-Punch Man (2015) was animated by the legendary studio Madhouse, delivering visuals that many hailed as "breathtaking." When the show moved to J.C. Staff for Season 2 (2019), fans noticed a definite drop in quality, though it was largely deemed "not unbearable."

Now, with Season 3, the concern is that the quality has dipped even further. Director Shinpei Nagai himself had stated prior to the season's debut that it "would be incomparable to Season 1," while also expressing the "tenacity and ingenuity" of the creators. This honest admission shows the team was aware of the challenges they faced in meeting the incredibly high bar set by the initial season.

What's Happening in One-Punch Man Season 3 So Far?

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Despite the animation controversies, the story of One-Punch Man Season 3 is marching forward, continuing the epic Monster Association arc from the manga. This arc pits the Hero Association against the formidable Monster Association, battling to determine the future of the world. Garou, the hero killer, finds himself fighting both enemies and unexpected allies.

Episode 2, "Monster Traits," picked up after a somewhat slow premiere, offering more of the show's signature blend of humor and action. We saw:

The city divided, with a "Monster Worship Party" protesting and advocating for appeasing monsters.
Garou, in his brooding internal conflict, crosses paths with a bullied young boy and unexpectedly acts as a hero.
Saitama, in classic fashion, loses his wallet and tries to avoid paying his restaurant bill, leading to comical hijinks.
Saitama and Garou have their fated first encounter, with Saitama unknowingly knocking out the hero-killer during a "dine and dash" chase.
The introduction of King the Ripper, an urban legend monster.
Revelations from Gyoro-Gyoro that Lord Orochi was once human and that the plan is to train Garou to become a second Orochi.

The Talented Voice Cast Bringing One-Punch Man Characters to Life

Behind every powerful punch and deadpan remark, there’s a stellar voice cast making these characters iconic:

Saitama: Makoto Furukawa
Genos: Kaito Ishikawa
Fubuki: Saori Hayami
Garou: Hikaru Midorikawa
Tatsumaki: Aoi Yuki
King: Hiroki Yasumoto
Zombieman: Takahiro Sakurai
Flashy Flash: Kosuke Toriumi
Puri-Puri Prisoner: Masaya Onosaka
Sweet Mask: Mamoru Miyano
Orochi: Atsushi Ono
Gyoro Gyoro: Takehito Koyasu

Looking Ahead: One-Punch Man Season 3 Episode 3 Release Details

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The story continues this weekend! Fans eager to see where the Hero Association and Monster Association saga goes next can catch Episode 3 (sometimes referred to as Episode 27, combining all seasons) very soon. This episode is expected to pick up directly from Garou's conflict with King the Ripper and the Monster Association recruits.

Here’s when and where you can tune in:

Release Date: October 26, 2025
Release Times:
- 11:45 a.m. ET
- 8:45 a.m. PT
- 3:45 p.m. GMT
Streaming Platforms:
- Hulu (U.S.)
- Crunchyroll (many international regions, U.K., and other territories)
- Disney+ (Canada)
- Netflix (other territories)
Episode 3 Story: Garou continues his offensive against Chirking and Insect God, but Sludge Jellyfish takes Tareo hostage. Meanwhile, Dr. Kuseno visits Saitama after receiving Genos's distress signal.

The Broader Implications for the Future of the Anime Industry

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The situation surrounding One-Punch Man Season 3 isn't just about one anime; it's a symptom of larger challenges within the anime industry. Limited budgets, tight production schedules, and the pressures of commercialization can sometimes overshadow the creative process, leading to outcomes that don't always meet fan expectations. As Vincent Chansard highlighted, creators and studios often operate under immense stress, trying to "survive" in a demanding environment.

While fans have every right to critique the quality of a beloved series, the personal attacks and harassment that Director Nagai experienced demonstrate the darker side of online fandom. It’s a tough reminder that behind every animated frame are dedicated artists and staff who are working hard, often against considerable odds. The hope is that One-Punch Man Season 3 can still find its groove and deliver an engaging story, allowing fans to enjoy the ride while recognizing the complex realities of anime production.

Frequently Asked Questions About One-Punch Man Season 3

When does One-Punch Man Season 3 Episode 3 come out?

Episode 3 of One-Punch Man Season 3 is scheduled to be released on October 26, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. ET / 8:45 a.m. PT / 3:45 p.m. GMT.
Where can I stream One-Punch Man Season 3?

In the U.S., you can stream One-Punch Man Season 3 on Hulu. Internationally, it's available on Crunchyroll in many regions, Disney+ in Canada, and Netflix in other territories.
What's the main storyline for Season 3?

Season 3 continues the Monster Association arc from the manga, featuring the escalating conflict between the Hero Association and the Monster Association, with Garou playing a central role as the hero killer caught between various factions.
Who is animating One-Punch Man Season 3?

One-Punch Man Season 3 is animated by J.C. Staff, the same studio that handled Season 2. The first season was animated by Madhouse.