The ability of hype in anime is usually all-encompassing, dictating what sequence rise and fall in any given launch cycle. For a lot of in October 5, 2015, precisely one 12 months in the past one anime rose above the remaining. Championed by Studio Madhouse, that includes music from anime supergroup JAM Mission and a stellar workers, One-Punch Man was a dominant drive.
One-Punch Man’s popularity defied its absurd premise; in any case, what is the level of a hero so sturdy he can kill nearly something with one punch? In Saitama’s case, he wonders that precise factor as he seeks success, which is what endears viewers to him. One-Punch Man is an distinctive deal with, but different anime steal the shine from Saitama’s bald head.
The Disastrous Lifetime of Saiki Okay
Though One-Punch Man ultimately moved to J.C.Employees, it by no means fairly attained the acclaim in season 2 that similar anime from the studio received. Whereas Saitama laments being so sturdy he cannot discover a worthy opponent, Saiki Okay’s protagonist, Kusuo Saiki, merely needs to stay an unremarkable life. As some might guess, such a life is not for Kusuo.
As a substitute of Saitama’s limiter elimination after mundane energy coaching, The Disastrous Lifetime of Saiki Okay focuses on a psychic protagonist whose immense items usually deliver the difficulty to his doorstep. It is a gut-busting palate-cleanser that deservedly will get really useful so much. With 120 episodes, it is greater than ample as an anime alternative for One-Punch Man.
To Be Hero X
Whereas technically a donghua, or “Chinese language anime”, To Be Hero X calls for any otaku’s consideration with its incredible 2025 debut. The Crunchyroll hit encompasses a mix of full 3D and 2D animation as they seamlessly swap, seemingly to convey the titular Hero X’s talents to change actuality on the snap of a finger.
Past the superhero connection shortly successful over One-Punch Man followers, To Be Hero X laces some fascinating commentary into its plot. Its heroes are commodified, and the extra folks idolize them, the extra highly effective they’ll get. Whereas nowhere close to a 1:1 to One-Punch Man’s premise, it is made the same splash with its first season, with a vibrant future.
Kaiju No. 8
Naoya Matsumoto’s iconic Shonen Soar+ sequence is a wonderful substitute for One-Punch Man, and once more, shares J.C.Employees as an animation studio. Nonetheless, Kaiju No. 8 has been extra according to its high quality, with followers adoring Kafka Hibino’s personable appeal backed by a workforce of lovable Japanese Anti-Kaiju Protection Drive allies.
Kafka, as a substitute of push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and even operating, features unimaginable energy when he unintentionally injests a small kaiju creature, turning into the sequence’ titular creature. The sequence can simply be seen as an homage to One-Punch Man’s heights with Kafka’s hilarious feats of energy. However the sequence earns its distinctions from ONE and Yusuke Murata’s hit.
Kaiju No. 8, as a substitute of that includes a protagonist stricken with ennui within the face of absolute energy, reveals a person seemingly previous his prime, nonetheless greedy at his desires. His new powers make him a attainable menace, however he fights to show at each probability that he is an asset, realizing his pals are sturdy sufficient to again him up.
Kill la Kill
Studio Trigger roared onto the scene with this and Little Witch Academia in its first 12 months. Kill la Kill seems like a pure substitute for One-Punch Man, however that’d be a disservice, because the anime is an unique sequence predating Madhouse’s inaugural season. Kill la Kill, as a substitute of superheroes, injects its edge into the well-worn Magical Lady style.
The anime focuses on Ryuko Matoi as she embarks on a quest for revenge towards her father’s killer. This leads her to the Honnouji Academy, the place she lands at odds with their scholar council and should cooperate with a sentient faculty uniform, “Senketsu”, that grants her the Scissor Blade, able to chopping via the Goku Uniforms defending her adversaries.
The premise alone is bonkers and completely different sufficient to face other than One-Punch Man to not really feel as overt a alternative. The sequence is attribute of the wild fashion and appeal Set off would deliver to later tasks, and is an absolute must-see for followers of subversive action-comedy anime.
Trigun Stampede
Whereas the unique Trigun is totally worthwhile as properly, Trigun Stampede was one other glowing instance of the best that 3D CG anime can bring when completed proper. With Beastars veterans Orange on the helm, Yasuhiro Nightow’s seinen basic will get a brand new, vibrant lease on life. Trigun Stampede shouldn’t be a remake; it is a reimagining, and a wonderful one.
On the heart of Trigun Stampede’s story is Vash the Stampede, the troubled Plant gunslinger with a coronary heart of gold. His pacifism does not appear to suit the brutal post-apocalyptic setting, driving him to unimaginable feats of talent whereas stopping hurt, a subversive heroic trait predating Saitama’s handily. The anime’s attractive, Disney-like fluidity will win over any newcomer simply.
My Hero Academia
A Weekly Shonen Soar sequence comparability was inevitable, however My Hero Academia’s principal hook over One-Punch Man, apart from simply usually having a constantly sturdy run, is its concentrate on evoking a comic book guide really feel. The sequence is an much more good transition for comedian followers inquisitive about anime and manga, due to Kohei Horikoshi’s visionary fashion.
In contrast to Saitama, Izuku Midoriya has a extra sophisticated relationship with powers, or Quirks as they’re known, however the two equally begin out powerless earlier than attaining unimaginable energy. Nonetheless, for One-Punch Man followers, the attention-grabbing comparability is definitely between Saitama and MHA’s All Would possibly, and the way they respectively subvert the picture of an overpowered superhero archetype.
My Hero Academia’s principal benefit over One-Punch Man is the consistency of its high quality, particularly contemplating the latter’s noticeable downhill shift in season 2. It is an early successful instance of how seasonal anime can make a Shonen Jump shine as more than a manga cash cow due to Studio Bones’ distinctive manufacturing.
Devilman Crybaby
This anime supplied a glimpse into the distinctive stylings of Science Saru properly earlier than Dandadan ever grew to become a factor. Based mostly on Go Nagai’s iconic Devilman manga, this sequence is a darkish seinen spin as a substitute of One-Punch Man’s anti-shonen tackle the overpowered protagonist. Akira Fudo’s Devilman is fascinating, and the anime’s new character designs are phenomenal.
Devilman Crybaby and One-Punch Man additionally share spectacular accolades as among the highest-regarded anime of the period. However the Netflix-original streaming hit has a bonus as a well-regarded restricted run. Past superhero fantasy, although, Devilman Crybaby is full of cerebral themes value discussing far after it is over.
Assassination Classroom
Debuting a number of months earlier than One-Punch Man, Lerche’s Assassination Classroom was an acclaimed Shonen Soar gem that endeared followers to Yusei Matsui long before The Elusive Samurai. However Assassination Classroom flips the overpowered protagonist on its head, as a substitute introducing its most iconic hero as a mysterious, tentacled being whose dying will save the world.
The creature is seen as a lethal menace, unable to be contained by typical army would possibly, as a substitute taking over a educating position at Kunugigaoka Junior Excessive College with the specific function of educating the scholars to kill him by the top of the varsity 12 months. Nonetheless, he seems to be a exceptional instructor, incomes a stellar repute for the anime.
Assassination Classroom’s premise is exclusive, and its central creature, dubbed Koro-sensei, is way over meets the attention. His overpowered nature reads equally to Saitama’s, however with the stakes wildly completely different on this story, and a second season that is fairly much less of a downgrade than for One-Punch Man, Assassination Classroom stands by itself deserves.
Mob Psycho 100
There’s not a lot else to say that hasn’t already been acknowledged about Mob Psycho 100 as ONE’s superior anime adaptation. Actually, by many, it is thought of amongst the best anime ever made due to its uplifting nature and stellar animation. However these are generic accolades by themselves.
Mob Psycho 100 follows Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama as he strives to stay a standard life whereas maintaining his psychic powers in examine. Ought to his feelings be too strongly provoked, it might imply catastrophe. Studio Bones faithfully tailored ONE’s manga, and even stored his crude but expressive artwork fashion, making Mob Psycho 100 the uplifting masterpiece One-Punch Man followers deserve.
Frieren: Past Journey’s Finish
Whereas Frieren: Past Journey’s Finish’s vibes would possibly deceive newcomers, it options one of many best overpowered protagonists in all of anime. However in Frieren’s case, her extra edge is her ageless longevity as an elf. Very similar to Saitama, although, Frieren’s items usually include a psychological value; in her case, it was a scarcity of appreciation of life’s ephemeral nature.
Very similar to Saitama, although, Frieren’s items usually include a psychological value; in her case, it was a scarcity of appreciation of life’s ephemeral nature.
Frieren’s lifespan has stretched previous 1000 years, throughout which she has gained significantly extra knowledge than Saitama. Having misplaced who turned out to be clearly the love of her life, Frieren’s journey is to speak with Himmel the Hero past the grave, however in doing so, she takes on apprentices and companions with issues of their very own.
Frieren: Past Journey’s Finish is a Madhouse masterpiece, with season 1 surpassing One-Punch Man’s well-known first outing simply. Frieren’s fights, emotional beats, and engrossing visuals soar, with the anime world rallying behind it as the generation’s greatest hit. It is principally a matter of whether or not One-Punch Man can regain its glory with season 3, to hopefully stand subsequent to Frieren.
