The anime community is buzzing with excitement as the long-awaited return of “One Punch Man” for its third season is finally confirmed. Fans have been eagerly anticipating this news since the second season concluded in July 2019. The first season, a masterpiece of animation by Madhouse, set a high bar, and while the second season may not have soared to the same heights, its 12 episodes left viewers craving more.
What We Know About Season 3 So Far
The Official Announcement
In August 2022, the official One-Punch Man Twitter account revealed that season three was in the pipeline. Accompanying this announcement was a striking new visual from Chikashi Kubota, the character designer for the anime’s first two seasons.
Release Date Speculations
While an exact release date remains elusive, speculations point towards an early to late 2024 premiere. Fans are also expecting the English dubbed version to follow shortly after the initial release. With the upcoming Jump Festa 2023, there is hope for more detailed updates on the progress of the third season.
The Production Mystery
One of the biggest questions surrounding the new season is which studio will take on the production role. Madhouse, the creators behind the critically acclaimed first season, handed over the reins to JC Staff for the second. Fans are eagerly speculating, with studios like Bones being a popular choice amongst the community.
It's been 461 days since One punch man Season 3 was announced !#OnePunchMan pic.twitter.com/pHeMUCiMIi
— Mithun (@MithunKaikaisen) November 21, 2023
The Returning Cast: Who Will We See in Season 3?
Although the official cast list for the new season hasn’t been revealed, it’s expected that the core characters will return. This includes:
- Saitama, voiced by Makoto Furukawa in Japanese and Mittelman in English.
- Genos, brought to life by Kaito Ishikawa and Zach Aguilar.
- The intriguing Garou, with Hikaru Midorikawa and Greg Chun voicing the character.
- Other notable characters like King, Fubuki, Tatsumaki, and Bang, each with their respective Japanese and English voice actors.
Season 3 Plot Expectations: Continuing the Monster Association Arc
The third season of “One Punch Man” is anticipated to pick up from where the second season left off, continuing the Monster Association arc from ONE and Yusuke Murata’s manga. This arc, the longest in the series, began in 2017 and concluded in 2021. Fans can look forward to more intense battles, the transformation of Garou into the monster villain, and the invasion of the Hero Association.
Eagerly Awaiting the Trailer
As of now, there is no trailer for the upcoming season. However, fans remain on high alert for any teasers that might give a glimpse into what Season 3 holds.
Where to Watch Previous Seasons
For those looking to catch up or revisit the series, both seasons of “One Punch Man” are available on Crunchyroll globally, and Netflix offers the show in specific regions.
Conclusion: High Hopes for One Punch Man’s Latest Season
The excitement surrounding “One Punch Man” Season 3 is palpable. With a blend of returning beloved characters, the continuation of a thrilling arc, and the mystery of the new production studio, this upcoming season promises to be a significant event in the anime world. Fans worldwide are counting down the days, eager to see Saitama’s latest adventures.