The One-Punch Man manga series is taking an unexpected two-month hiatus, leaving fans reeling just hours before the anticipated release of the next chapter. Series creator Yusuke Murata announced the break on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, apologizing to fans for the delay. The next update for the One-Punch Man manga on Shueisha’s Tonari no Young Jump website is now slated for Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Murata’s Announcement and Fan Reactions
In his announcement, Murata cited “various circumstances” as the reason for the hiatus but did not elaborate further. He asked for fans’ understanding and patience, stating that the manga would return after a period of “super power-up.”
The news has been met with mixed reactions from the One-Punch Man community. Many fans expressed disappointment, particularly given the ongoing rewrites of the Ninja Village arc. Some fans are also worried about the health of the creators, ONE and Yusuke Murata, and hope they will use the time off to rest. Despite the disappointment, many fans showed their support and understanding, acknowledging the demanding nature of manga creation and the potential benefits of a break for the creators.
Reasons Behind the Hiatus: Speculation and Possibilities
While the exact reason for the hiatus remains unconfirmed, several factors could be contributing to the decision.
Yusuke Murata’s Health: There have been past concerns about Yusuke Murata’s health due to the demanding workload and tight deadlines in the manga industry. In 2023, Murata spoke about how difficult it had become to manage his time and that his health had declined since starting work on a new anime series. The physical demands of drawing for extended periods can lead to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and other health issues, which are common among manga artists.
Rewrites and Story Coherence: The One-Punch Man manga has been undergoing extensive rewrites of the Ninja Village arc for several months, leading to confusion among fans about what is considered canon. The hiatus could provide an opportunity for Murata and ONE to solidify the story’s direction, address inconsistencies, and plan the upcoming arc more effectively to avoid further rewrites.
“Adjustments and Preparations”: In a similar situation in June 2024, the One-Punch Man manga went on a two-month break due to Yusuke Murata’s “adjustments and preparations.” A break may allow Murata to refine his techniques, experiment with new artistic approaches, or simply catch up on other commitments.
Impact of Hiatus
The hiatus has several potential implications for the One-Punch Man franchise and its fans:
- Delay in Story Progression: The most immediate impact is the delay in the manga’s storyline. Fans eager to see the aftermath of the Ninja Village arc and the next developments in Saitama’s journey will have to wait until July.
- Opportunity for Reflection and Planning: The break presents an opportunity for the creators to take a step back, assess the current state of the manga, and plan for the future. This could lead to a more cohesive and engaging storyline in the long run.
- Potential Impact on Anime Season 3: While the third season of the One-Punch Man anime is slated for release in October 2025, ONE’s hospitalization due to asthma in late 2024 and the current manga hiatus have raised concerns among fans about potential delays.
The Rewrites: A Source of Fan Frustration
The recent rewrites in the One-Punch Man manga have been a significant point of contention among fans. Artist Yusuke Murata has been redrawing chapters within the Ninja Village arc, making substantial alterations to the storyline. These rewrites have been extensive, leading to confusion and frustration as fans struggle to keep track of what is considered canon.
Murata has explained that he feels redraws are necessary because he often sees things he wants to change in the finished product. However, the scale of the rewrites has led some fans to feel that the story isn’t progressing and that the constant changes are detracting from their enjoyment of the series.
What’s Next for One-Punch Man?
As fans await the manga’s return on July 17, 2025, there’s much speculation about what the future holds for One-Punch Man. Hopefully, the break will give the creators time to rest, recharge, and refine their vision for the series. When One-Punch Man returns, fans can anticipate a more focused and compelling story.
One’s Health Concerns
In late November 2024, ONE, the writer of One-Punch Man, was hospitalized due to asthma, sparking concerns among fans about the potential impact on the franchise. ONE took to X to explain that he had been experiencing a persistent cough and inflammation of the pleura, causing him chest pain. His health concerns have left fans wondering whether the franchise will go on hiatus again. On top of One-Punch Man, he also has Bug Ego and Versus in development.
One-Punch Man Season 3
Despite the manga’s hiatus, the third season of the anime is still expected to premiere in October 2025. The new season is being produced by J.C.Staff, who also animated the second season.
A Look Back at One-Punch Man‘s History
One-Punch Man began as a webcomic created by ONE in 2009. The series quickly gained popularity, and in 2012, Yusuke Murata contacted ONE to propose a digital manga remake. The manga has been serialized on Shueisha’s Tonari no Young Jump website since June 2012.
The One-Punch Man manga has been collected into 33 tankōbon volumes as of April 2025. Viz Media licenses the manga in North America. The anime adaptation’s first season, produced by Madhouse, aired in 2015, followed by a second season by J.C.Staff in 2019.
The One-Punch Man Phenomenon
One-Punch Man has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action, comedy, and superhero satire. The series follows Saitama, a hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch, leading to his existential boredom and search for a worthy opponent.
The manga’s success has spawned a media franchise that includes anime series, video games, and a planned live-action film adaptation. The series has received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling, dynamic characters, and stunning artwork.
