One-Punch Man

The absurdity of Saitama's existence makes this manga truly special. While other heroes train tirelessly with unimaginable hardships to become stronger, Saitama claims his absurdly simple workout regimen—100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10km run every day for two years—is how he obtained his unstoppable strength. This absurdly basic training routine is hilarious, and it perfectly defines Saitama’s humorously indifferent personality. Additionally, almost nobody knows about Saitama’s true power except his close allies. Most heroes and civilians remain clueless, adding comedic tension and misunderstandings throughout the manga. Exactly how Saitama became so overwhelmingly powerful remains a central, intriguing mystery of the story, serving as an ongoing source of curiosity and humor. I strongly recommend reading to uncover these clever foreshadowings. As a funny side note: there was actually a YouTuber who replicated Saitama’s workout regimen every day for two years, and he indeed ended up with an incredibly impressive physique!

May 23, 2025

One-Punch Man follows the story of Saitama, a hero who fights monsters purely as a hobby, defeating every enemy with literally just one punch. At first glance, the protagonist seems incredibly ordinary, even unimpressive—with a completely bald head and a decidedly unheroic appearance. But this seemingly plain character can obliterate any villain in a single blow. After hearing this, you might ask, "Is this manga actually interesting?" And I wouldn’t blame you for thinking that. But that's only because you haven't read it yet. Typically, manga stories attract readers with clear-cut themes like justice, hard work, friendship, and victory. Yet One-Punch Man completely sidesteps the traditional narrative of perseverance and struggle—at least for the protagonist. Ironically, if Saitama had to struggle or exert real effort, this manga would lose its unique charm entirely. The primary reason the manga is so entertaining lies precisely in this concept: defeating every powerful enemy with ease. Watching a hero possess unmatched, overwhelming strength offers an incredibly satisfying experience. But don't misunderstand: while Saitama himself never struggles, his allies definitely do. Characters like Genos, who later becomes his disciple, endure extreme hardships, near-death battles, and intense training sessions. Time after time, Genos is pushed to the brink, only for Saitama to casually step in and resolve the fight effortlessly with one punch. This dynamic showcases the villains’ power and the supporting characters’ earnest efforts, only to have all tension amusingly defused in an instant, providing readers with both comic relief and a refreshing sense of triumph. This feeling of invincibility is often used in popular isekai manga, providing a thrilling, aspirational fantasy for readers. One-Punch Man employs this effectively, creating a quick, satisfying narrative pace. Just try reading without thinking too deeply. You’ll soon see why One-Punch Man is irresistible.

May 23, 2025