Directed by Studio Madhouse, “One-Punch Man” emerged as one of the most popular animes of 2015. (Photo : Facebook/One Punch Man)
At a time when the anime industry is full of shows that always look like they are set in a high school and pander to viewers, "One-Punch Man" is a great celebration and subversion of the Shonen genre. Although Shonen is a genre of anime focused on a younger male audience, the world structure and humor of "One-Punch Man" are impressive enough that the film does not confine itself to one demographic.
Originally a webcomic by amateur manga creator ONE and directed by Studio Madhouse, "One-Punch Man" emerged as one of the most popular animes of 2015. The film is set in a modern world; cities in "One-Punch Man" are divided and categorized according to letters, with the story happening in City Z.
The "One-Punch Man" world has the Hero Association hiring and establishing superheros as the main source of fighting crime and passing down justice to handle particular threats, according to The Emory Wheel. Heroes have specific ranks from C-Class to S-Class and number in which case the lower the number; the stronger the hero is in his letter category.
While this standard anime setting may seem to make for standard anime shows, "One-Punch Man" is unique once Saitama, the main protagonist comes in play.
Being the eponymous hero of the series, Saitama can defeat anyone with one punch. The movie has a strong awareness of what it is: a caricature of all Shonen clichés viewers would expect from other animes. Although this factor of the show might viewers off, it is the reason "One-Punch Man" is effective.
In "One-Punch Man" sphere, the power of friendship, the speech of villains gloating about their short-lived success over heroes, and the disillusioning backstories that justify their evil acts are crucial for humor.
The film is reveals how animes create their storyline and characters overly sophisticated so that they are appealing. As a result, "One-Punch Man" sees heroes reacting to such overdramatic storylines in a carefree manner, in the same way viewers watch an anime and reveal all its absurdities.
"One-Punch Man" is effective because of the humor that accompanies the story. In the Shonen genre, the heroes normally overcome extreme odds to defeat their foes, and the moments where the heroes and villains "power-up" to utilize their unique attacks are what make Shonen incidences memorable.
However, Saitama is so physically strong that as opposed to becoming hilarious to see him in action offhandedly punching things, although his enemies are always screaming for blood in a more serious, aggressive tone.
While Saitama knocks out his opponents quickly, the film never really bores because the reactions of other characters to his power are extraordinary and fascinating, especially when he meets an impressive villain.
In other news, it is speculated that "One-Punch Man" season 2 may come out in December this year. Considering some anime adaptations shift from the original manga series storyline, fans are wondering whether the movie creator will closely follow up the events in season 1. Season 2 may see Saitama and the Hero Association taking on a group of monsters.
