Following the conclusion of One-Punch Man Season 3’s initial run on December 28, 2025, the official anime account has announced that a second part is slated for release in 2027. This revelation comes amidst a polarizing reception for the first part of Season 3, which drew significant fan and critical discussion regarding its animation quality.
Official Announcement and Anticipated Return
The announcement of One-Punch Man Season 3 Part 2 in 2027 officially confirms the continuation of Saitama’s latest animated adventures. The news was shared shortly after the broadcast of Episode 12, the season finale of the first cour, which premiered on December 28, 2025. This significant gap between parts suggests a strategic decision by the production committee, potentially aiming for an improved animation schedule and quality following feedback on Part 1.
Mixed Reception for Season 3, Part 1
The first part of One-Punch Man Season 3, which aired from October 12 to December 28, 2025, faced considerable scrutiny from audiences and critics alike. Many described the animation as underwhelming, leading to widespread disappointment among fans who had high expectations for the beloved superhero series. Some went as far as to label it the “most disappointing anime of the year” for its perceived low-quality animation and frequent use of still frames. This intense criticism reportedly led to director Shinpei Nagai deactivating his social media accounts due to online harassment. The sixth episode, “Motley Heroes,” even garnered the lowest user episode score for any anime in IMDb’s history, with a 1.4 rating from over 22,000 users as of December 2025.
Production Studio and Hopes for Improvement
J.C.Staff, the studio behind Season 2 and the entirety of Season 3, has been at the center of the animation discussion. The transition from Madhouse (Season 1) to J.C.Staff has been a consistent point of contention for fans, with many noting a perceived decline in visual dynamism. The extended production window for Part 2, stretching into 2027, has sparked hope among the community that the animation team will have ample time to address previous criticisms and deliver a higher-quality product. Unofficial leaks and discussions from reliable sources hinted at a 2027 broadcast, suggesting that this timeframe allows for a more robust production schedule than the six months reportedly allocated for the initial part of Season 3.
What to Expect from One-Punch Man Season 3 Part 2
Season 3 continues to adapt the popular webcomic and manga by ONE and Yusuke Murata, focusing on the ongoing Monster Association arc. The story sees Saitama, alongside his disciple Genos and other Hero Association members, confronting the formidable Monster Association. The finale of Part 1 left heroes in a vicious fight against deadly Dragon-level monsters. Fans are eager to see the progression of this arc, particularly the awakening of Garou, who was taken by the Monster Association. With the announcement of Part 2, the anime community is hopeful for a significant rebound in animation quality that can match the intensity and excitement of the source material. The longer lead time is seen as crucial for animators to “properly cook” and avoid the outsourcing issues reportedly faced in Part 1.
