Season 1 of the popular anime first debuted in October 2015. Having first been produced by Madhouse of Death Note fame, it received critical acclaim with many praising the show's humor and animation to be unparalleled at the time.
Season 2 wouldn't come out for another several years until 2019. However, the anime changed studios in between seasons, with the second installment being worked on by J.C. Staff. Many cite this production switch as the leading cause for the anime's perceived dip in quality.
Not only did Season 2 not review as well as the first, but outlets like IGN called it "mediocre" in execution. While the humor and characters still had some life in them, many felt as if the production quality for the action sequences fell far below the lofty standard that the first season had previously set. Sweeping motions and detailed close-ups had given way to choppy editing and glorified still-shots in a second installment that failed to meet expectations.
Despite this, fan demand for a third season of One-Punch Man is still high, with many hoping that the show could return to its former glory.
The good news? The third season of the anime was announced back in August 2022, meaning that Saitama's return is officially on the horizon. The not-so-good news? There has been little new information since Season 3's unveiling. What's more, the animation studio for the third season has not yet been announced, leaving fans to wonder if Season 3 can recapture the anime's former glory.
