The highly anticipated first part of One-Punch Man Season 3 officially concluded its 12-episode run on December 28, 2025, with an action-packed finale that saw Saitama confront the Monster King Orochi. While the season delivered on major plot points from the beloved Monster Association arc, its conclusion was immediately followed by the significant announcement that “Part 2” of Season 3 will not arrive until 2027, prompting both anticipation and renewed concerns among fans regarding animation quality and production timelines.
One-Punch Man Season 3 Part 1: Broadcast and Streaming
One-Punch Man Season 3 Part 1 aired from October 12 to December 28, 2025, after a recap special on October 5. The season, produced by J.C. Staff, brought back much of the main cast and staff from the second season, though with Shinpei Nagai taking over as director. Viewers in the United States could stream the season on Hulu, while those in Canada accessed it via Disney+, and European audiences on Crunchyroll.
The Climax of the Monster Association Arc: Finale Highlights
The Season 3 Part 1 finale, which comprised episode 12 of this run, centered on the long-awaited confrontation between Saitama and Monster King Orochi. As expected, Saitama ultimately defeated Orochi with a single, decisive punch, a moment that fans praised as “an ending that’s so One Punch Man.” However, some critics found the scene predictable, suggesting it attempted to force an emotional reaction that felt unearned.
Prior to Saitama’s main event, episode 11 and the finale showcased various S-Class heroes in intense battles within the Monster Association Headquarters. Child Emperor demonstrated his maturity and responsibility by saving Waganma and attempting to rescue Tareo. Atomic Samurai clashed with Black Sperm, and Superalloy Blackluster overcame Bug God. Tatsumaki engaged in a powerful psychic battle with Gyoro-Gyoro, ultimately obliterating the monster.
Saitama’s journey through the Monster Association hideout also provided moments of signature comedic relief, including his interactions with monsters like Pochi (Overgrown Rover), whom he disciplined rather than destroyed, and Nyan, who wisely fled after sensing Saitama’s overwhelming power. The post-credits scene notably showed King maintaining his heroic facade while navigating the dangerous facility.
Mixed Reception and Production Challenges
One-Punch Man Season 3 has faced significant backlash from audiences, primarily due to inconsistent animation quality and pacing issues. The season’s premiere received mixed reviews, described by some as a “dialogue-heavy recap,” and subsequent episodes drew criticism for what fans termed “low-quality animation,” with some even resorting to calling it “One-Frame Man.” This intense scrutiny reportedly led the season’s director, Shinpei Nagai, to deactivate his social media accounts due to online harassment.
Despite the fan concerns, J.C. Staff, the studio behind Season 2 and Part 1 of Season 3, has been confirmed to continue production for Part 2. This decision has been met with caution, as the six-year wait for Season 3 Part 1 did not translate into universal praise for its animation.
Looking Ahead: One-Punch Man Season 3 Part 2 in 2027
Just as Part 1 concluded, Bandai Namco Filmworks announced that Season 3 will continue with a “Part 2,” scheduled to premiere in 2027. This revelation means a roughly two-year wait between the two halves of the same season, a delay that is considered atypically long for anime cours. The extended production window is seen by some as an opportunity for J.C. Staff to address the animation criticisms and deliver a more polished product, especially with the highly anticipated showdown between Saitama and Garou still to come, which many manga readers consider the series’ best fight.
However, fan skepticism remains, with many questioning whether the prolonged wait will truly lead to improved quality, given the precedent of the six-year hiatus before Part 1. A teaser trailer and visual for Part 2 were released, featuring the tagline “Supreme Power vs. Ultimate Fear” and hinting at Garou’s ultimate form. The announcement ensures that the Monster Association Arc will eventually reach its full animated conclusion, keeping the One-Punch Man narrative alive, albeit with considerable patience required from its dedicated fanbase.
