One Punch Man director Shinpei Nagai recently made some comments regarding the upcoming third season amidst a firestorm of online criticism that might have some fans worried. Fans of the series have taken to the internet to voice concerns over the quality of season 3, despite not a single episode having aired yet.
Fans began vocalizing their concerns following the release of a brief teaser for the upcoming season. The trailer caused many to criticize the animation and overall quality of One Punch Man season 3, with some already deeming it a failure. Nagai recently took to X to comment on the development of the latest season, and while some might be happy for the director’s candor, others are worried by his comments.
One Punch Man Director's Comments Have Some Worried About Season 3
Nagai’s comments come as part of a thread started by the director, updating fans and saying that he only had “4 layouts left” and that there wouldn’t be any “schedule delays, as expected." A fan then responded by listing some things they hoped to see improve from season 2, including the animation and sound effects. After a short back-and-forth, Nagai responded with a fairly transparent message regarding season 3’s development.
No, I think I've come with the resolve and determination to carry the work that you all cherish so dearly. It might not please you or could even make you angry. But someone has to take it on. I am determined and ready to do so. It probably won't measure up to Season 1. But the anime is infused with the creators' tenacity and ingenuity. Please, at the very least, accept that.
Nowadays, there are many companies flush with funding from big corporations. Much of the talent has been drawn to those places. But as I keep saying, I want to support JC Staff, which is working to improve labor conditions and nurture its employees. Please stop with the harassment and the persistent questions that I can't answer due to NDAs. I beg you, please.
The biggest takeaway here for many is going to be the unfavorable comparison to season 1. However, there are some other things in Nagai’s message that might be cause for concern. Nagai’s comments seem to hint at bigger companies making fostering/acquiring talent difficult for studios like J.C.Staff. There’s no telling if this had any effect on season 3 of One Punch Man, and Nagai stressing that he can’t say much due to NDAs likely means we’ll never know for sure. But the fact that it’s gotten to the point where he’s had to ask fans to stop harassing and constantly questioning decisions concerning the anime is heartbreaking.
As much as some might find reason to be concerned in Nagai’s message, there’s plenty in there that should have fans hopeful for season 3. J.C.Staff looks to have been hard at work with the development of this latest season, and Nagai genuinely seems to be making an effort to put out something that will do the source material justice.
One Punch Man started strong, with its first season being a major hit with critics and fans. Madhouse did an amazing job of adapting the manga, and fans came to expect the anime to be of a certain quality. Production of season 2 was handed over to J.C.Staff, and fans took issue with the anime’s pacing, animation, sound design, and virtually everything else. With the new season 3 teaser seemingly showing some of the same issues that plagued season 2, any hype surrounding the upcoming season is dying off quickly.
Nagai’s efforts to temper fan expectations by unfavorably comparing season 3 to season 1 might not be the best PR move, but the director and staff genuinely seem to have put their all into improving upon what many saw as a weaker second season. For now, fans can only wait until October to see if Nagai and J.C.Staff can deliver something worth getting excited about.
Source: X
