Get ready for more hilarious superhero action! Viz Media has officially acquired the rights to One-Punch Man Season 3, promising the continuation of Saitama’s deadpan adventures across North America, Latin America, and Oceania. Fans are eagerly awaiting the new season, slated for release in October 2025, after a long wait since the second season aired in 2019.
What to Expect from One-Punch Man Season 3
Viz Media’s Acquisition: A Game Changer?
Viz Media’s acquisition includes a broad range of rights, covering theatrical, television, digital, home entertainment, merchandise, and ancillary aspects. While this is exciting news, it also hints at potential changes in how fans can access the series.
Many speculate that One-Punch Man Season 3 might stream on Hulu or Disney+ due to Viz Media’s existing licensing agreements. This could mean a shift away from Crunchyroll, which has been a popular platform for anime fans. However, Viz Media has promised more details on streaming availability soon.
Release Date and Production
One-Punch Man Season 3 is scheduled to premiere in October 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the anime adaptation. J.C. Staff, the studio behind the second season, is returning to animate the third season. While the change from Madhouse (which animated the first season) to J.C. Staff was met with mixed reactions, the studio is determined to meet the high expectations of fans.
Atsushi Fujishiro, a producer at J.C. Staff, mentioned that the studio is working hard to not disappoint fans. The production team includes:
- Series Composition: Tomohiro Suzuki
- Character Design: Chikashi Kubota, Shinjiro Kuroda, Ryosuke Shirakawa
- Music: Makoto Miyazaki
Makoto Furukawa and Hikaru Midorikawa are confirmed to reprise their roles as the voices of Saitama and Garou, respectively.
Storyline: The Monster Association Arc
Season 3 will delve into the Monster Association arc from Yusuke Murata’s manga. This arc features the Hero Association facing off against the Monster Association, a group of powerful monsters aiming to wage war on humanity. The conflict is set in motion when the Monster Association takes a Hero Association executive’s child hostage, prompting the S-Class heroes to plan a rescue mission.
Key storylines to anticipate include:
- The Monster Association’s Ambush: The Monster Association initially proposes co-existence, but their true intention is to incite war between monsters and heroes.
- Garou’s Development: The “hero hunter” Garou continues his quest to become the ultimate monster, aligning himself with the Monster Association.
- Saitama’s Involvement: Despite his incredible strength, Saitama often finds himself sidetracked, but he inevitably steps in to save the day, usually with a single punch.
The season is expected to adapt the manga starting from chapter 86, potentially covering up to chapter 123.
New Characters and Focus
The Monster Association arc introduces several new characters, including powerful monsters like Orochi and Gyoro-Gyoro. The S-Class heroes will also play a more prominent role, showcasing their individual strengths and struggles to work as a team.
Fans might see less of Saitama in this arc as the narrative shifts to accommodate the expanded cast and focus on the conflict between the heroes and monsters.
Why One-Punch Man Remains Popular
One-Punch Man has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of action, comedy, and satire. Several factors contribute to its enduring popularity:
- Subversion of Superhero Tropes: The series cleverly parodies the superhero genre, presenting a protagonist who is already the strongest. This flips the traditional narrative of a hero striving to become stronger.
- Relatable Protagonist: Despite his unmatched power, Saitama struggles with relatable problems like boredom and a lack of recognition.
- Dynamic Storytelling: The series balances intense battles with humorous moments, creating a dynamic and engaging viewing experience.
- Stunning Animation: The manga remake, illustrated by Yusuke Murata, features incredibly detailed and dynamic artwork, enhancing the visual appeal of the series.
Where to Catch Up
While the streaming platform for Season 3 is yet to be confirmed, fans can currently catch up on Seasons 1 and 2 on:
- Hulu (U.S.)
- Netflix (Canada and Latin America)
Digital purchase options are also available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Google Play, Apple TV, Microsoft Movies & TV, and YouTube.
A Long-Awaited Return
One-Punch Man Season 3 is one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2025. With Viz Media’s acquisition and a confirmed release window, fans can look forward to more news and updates in the coming months. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, now is the perfect time to jump into the world of One-Punch Man and experience the thrilling adventures of Saitama and his fellow heroes.
