One Punch Man is one of the most iconic anime of the last decade, blending intense action with deadpan comedy through its unbeatable protagonist, Saitama. Fans have waited patiently for the third season after Season 2 ended in 2019, despite its controversial reception. After such a long gap, it was only natural for expectations to be sky high. But instead of returning with a bang, One Punch Man Season 3 is facing early backlash due to an underwhelming appearance at Anime Expo 2025 and the absence of any meaningful updates.
The Anime Expo panel was billed as a major opportunity for the production team to finally restore confidence in the upcoming season. Fans anticipated a proper trailer, a reveal of the director, and maybe even insight into the visual direction of Season 3. But what they got instead was vague confirmation that voice recording had been completed and that the studio, J.C.Staff, was working to mimic Yusuke Murata’s acclaimed manga art. These tidbits could have been encouraging if they had been paired with a real glimpse into the anime’s progress. Instead, they felt like a distraction from the absence of any actual footage or direction.
The disappointment cuts deeper because this was the moment fans had been waiting years for. Since the lackluster production of Season 2, many have been hoping that Season 3 would finally return the series to its former glory. The first season, handled by Madhouse, is still regarded as a masterclass in animation and pacing. Season 2, on the other hand, was widely criticized for its rushed visuals and inconsistent tone. It made fans nervous, but there was always a hope that the third installment would course correct. The recent panel, however, only added fuel to the fear that history may be repeating itself.
One of the most glaring issues remains the lack of a confirmed director. This close to the season’s reported premiere window, not naming a creative lead leaves a major gap in trust. The director sets the tone and vision for a season. Without one, it feels like the series is adrift. Even the teaser trailer released earlier failed to reassure audiences. Instead of building hype, it was dismissed by many as uninspired and bland. There was no standout animation, no iconic moment, just a rushed edit that felt more like a placeholder than a proper return.
Despite all this, there is still a part of the fanbase holding out hope. The source material remains strong, and the arc that Season 3 is expected to adapt is one of the most intense in the series. It features large scale battles, deeper character arcs, and a shift in tone that could elevate the narrative. If done right, it could remind everyone why One Punch Man once ruled anime charts worldwide. But that hope is quickly fading as more time passes with little reassurance that the studio is capable of delivering what fans deserve.
Production missteps can happen, but what makes this situation worse is the complete lack of transparency. Fans are not asking for perfection. They are asking for effort, for vision, and for honesty. With none of that on display, even the most dedicated viewers are starting to disengage.
If One Punch Man wants to avoid another Season 2 level backlash, it needs to show more than vague statements and marketing gloss. A real trailer, a director’s reveal, or a creative discussion around what makes Season 3 special would go a long way in rebuilding trust. Until then, excitement is slowly turning into resignation.
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