The highly anticipated third season of One-Punch Man has continued to deliver the escalating conflict of the Monster Association arc, with Episode 11, titled “Top Dragons,” proving to be a pivotal installment that deepens the chaos and tests the limits of the Hero Association’s elite. Released on December 21, 2025, this episode plunges viewers further into the labyrinthine depths of the Monster Association’s headquarters, showcasing a multitude of desperate battles and significant character developments.
As the season, produced by J.C. Staff, progresses, “Top Dragons” amplifies the stakes, forcing S-Class heroes into dire situations against formidable “Dragon-level” threats and setting the stage for even more explosive confrontations to come.
“Top Dragons” Unleashed: A Deep Dive into Episode 11’s Battles
Episode 11, “Top Dragons,” immediately immerses viewers in the intense, multi-front war raging within the Monster Association’s underground lair. The title itself points to the elevated caliber of adversaries the heroes now face, pushing them to their absolute limits.
Atomic Samurai vs. Black Sperm: A Numerical Nightmare
One of the episode’s central conflicts features the formidable S-Class Hero Atomic Samurai locked in a brutal struggle against the Dragon-level monster Black Sperm. This battle proves exceptionally challenging for Atomic Samurai due to Black Sperm’s unique ability to multiply rapidly upon being cut. Every swing of Atomic Samurai’s blade, while powerful, inadvertently creates more versions of his opponent, making it a numerical nightmare for the seasoned hero. The hallway battle emphasizes the sheer overwhelming force of the Monster Association’s top executives.
Zombieman’s Grueling Encounter with Homeless Emperor
Meanwhile, the regenerative S-Class Hero Zombieman finds himself ambushed by another dangerous Dragon-level threat, the Homeless Emperor. This monster possesses the terrifying ability to unleash powerful light energy blasts, putting Zombieman’s incredible regeneration to its ultimate test. This confrontation highlights the diverse and destructive powers of the Monster Association’s ranks, with Zombieman’s persistence being his only weapon against such overwhelming offensive capability. The previous episode, “Immortal Bloodbath,” set up Zombieman’s resilience against a vampire, and his fight with Homeless Emperor continues to explore his limits.
Child Emperor’s Continued Rescue Mission
Amidst the widespread fighting, the young S-Class Hero Child Emperor continues his critical mission of rescuing hostages. After successfully leading Waganma to safety, he discovers yet another child trapped in the basement, prompting him to delve back into the perilous headquarters. His strategic mind and advanced gadgets are crucial as he navigates the dangers, even while receiving status reports from other heroes battling on different fronts.
Puri-Puri Prisoner’s Evolution and Feline Foe
The episode also features Puri-Puri Prisoner, who, while battling a gang of Demon-level monsters, manages to gain new abilities. This segment, described as some of the season’s funniest, culminates in his attempt to fight the temperamental feline monster executive Nyaan, showcasing his unique approach to heroism and personal growth even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Saitama’s Detached Presence and Unfolding Chaos
True to his character, Saitama remains largely unaware of the desperate, high-stakes battles unfolding around him. In Episode 11, he is depicted wandering aimlessly, seemingly out of touch with the gravity of the situation, despite sensing a disturbance earlier. His entry into the scene, though brief, promises a shift in dynamics, yet the immediate focus remains on the struggling S-Class heroes. This contrast between Saitama’s casual demeanor and the life-or-death struggles of others is a hallmark of One-Punch Man, emphasizing his unparalleled strength and the existential boredom it brings him.
The Monster Association Arc: Escalation of Threats
“Top Dragons” pushes the Monster Association arc into a new phase of intensity. The Hero Association’s goal of simply rescuing the hostage Wagama has evolved into a full-scale assault aimed at eliminating every monster within the headquarters. The episode effectively showcases the “escalation in threats,” as more powerful Monster Association enemies come to the forefront, challenging the S-Class heroes and potentially separating stronger heroes from those who are barely surviving. This arc is recognized as the longest in the One-Punch Man manga, spanning nearly 100 chapters, and Season 3 is expected to adapt it entirely.
Animation and Fan Reception
Season 3 of One-Punch Man, animated by J.C. Staff, has faced mixed to negative reviews from audiences, primarily concerning its animation quality. While some moments, particularly Saitama’s brief appearances, might have seen slightly improved animation, overall fan reception has been critical, with many describing it as lower quality compared to previous seasons. This criticism even led to the season’s director, Shinpei Nagai, deactivating social media accounts due to online harassment. Despite these concerns, the narrative continues to unfold, adapting the beloved manga storyline.
Looking Ahead: What Episode 11 Sets Up
Episode 11, “Top Dragons,” serves as a crucial setup for the remainder of Season 3. It not only highlights the immediate threats but also hints at larger confrontations and unresolved mysteries. Unanswered questions surrounding characters like Amai Mask, whose abilities and motives remain unclear, may begin to be addressed as the season approaches its final phase. The episode also subtly foreshadows the significant role the “God” entity will play in future conflicts, adding another layer of anticipation for what’s to come. With the season reportedly consisting of 12 episodes, only one episode remains after “Top Dragons” to conclude the current arc’s animated portion.
Where to Watch One-Punch Man Season 3, Episode 11
One-Punch Man Season 3, Episode 11, “Top Dragons,” premiered on December 21, 2025. Viewers in the United States can stream the episode on Hulu, while those in Canada can find it on Disney+. European and Middle Eastern audiences can watch new episodes on Crunchyroll. New episodes are released weekly on Sundays.
