One-Punch Man: Season 01 (2023) TV Series Explained

 

One-Punch Man: Season 01 (2023) TV Series Explained

Episode 01: The Strongest Man

In a city under attack by the monstrous Vaccine Man, a young girl is about to meet her end when a bald hero named Saitama intervenes. With a single punch, he obliterates Vaccine Man, saving the girl and the city. Reflecting on the events that led him to become a hero, Saitama recalls a moment three years earlier. After saving a boy with a cleft chin from Crablante, Saitama was inspired to become a hero himself. However, he soon realized that his incredible strength made all his battles too easy, leaving him unsatisfied. Despite this, he continued his hero work, defeating formidable opponents like the Brain and Brawn Brothers, one of whom was a mutated giant. One night, Saitama had a vivid dream about a subterranean race invading the Earth's surface, posing a genuine challenge to him. This dream reignited a passion for battle that he had been missing for years. Excited by the prospect of a real challenge, Saitama eagerly awaited the subterranean invasion. However, when the real Subterranean race emerged, Saitama was disappointed to find that they were extremely weak. Despite their large numbers, they were no match for him. Saitama swiftly defeated their leader, causing the rest of the subterraneans to retreat in fear. As he stood victorious, Saitama couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. Despite his longing for a real challenge, it seemed that he was destined to remain the most powerful being on Earth, with no one capable of providing him with a true battle.

Episode 02: The Lone Cyborg

In the bustling city, a cyborg named Genos is on the hunt for a mutant known as Mosquito Girl. Her blood-sucking mosquito swarm threatens the lives of everyone in the city. Genos engages in a fierce battle with Mosquito Girl, but she proves to be a formidable opponent. In a desperate move, Genos is on the verge of activating his self-destruct mechanism to stop her. Just as things seem dire for Genos, a bald hero named Saitama appears out of nowhere and effortlessly defeats Mosquito Girl with a single punch. Genos is awestruck by Saitama's incredible power and recounts his own tragic past to him. A mad cyborg destroyed Genos's hometown and killed his family, leading him to seek revenge by becoming a hero. Despite Genos's rather dull explanation of his past, Saitama agrees to take him under his wing as his apprentice. With Genos by his side, Saitama continues his hero work, hoping to find more exciting battles. However, their peace is short-lived as mutants from the House of Evolution, led by Dr. Kuseno, target Saitama. They try to capture him, but Saitama effortlessly defeats them all, with only Armored Gorilla surviving the encounter. In exchange for his life, Armored Gorilla agrees to provide the heroes with answers to their questions. As Saitama and Genos stand victorious, they realize that their journey as heroes is just beginning, and many more challenges lie ahead.

Episode 03: The Obsessive Scientist

Armored Gorilla recounts the story of Doctor Genus, the mastermind behind the House of Evolution, an organization dedicated to scientific experimentation and evolution. Dr. Genus is determined to study Saitama's extraordinary power in order to replicate it for himself. Saitama and Genos arrive at the House of Evolution's base, where they confront Dr. Genus and his creations. To stop them, Dr. Genus releases his strongest creation: the formidable Carnage Kabuto. In a fierce battle, Carnage Kabuto effortlessly defeats Genos, leaving Saitama eager to face him. However, Kabuto cowers in fear upon sensing Saitama's limitless power. Confused by Kabuto's reaction, Saitama finally reveals the secret to his strength: a simple and mundane workout regimen. This revelation shocks both Genos and Dr. Genus. Enraged by Saitama's nonchalant attitude, Kabuto transforms into his berserk form and attacks with renewed ferocity. However, in a moment of clarity, Kabuto inadvertently triggers Saitama's realization that he missed out on a big supermarket sale. Seizing the opportunity, Saitama swiftly delivers a fatal blow to Kabuto, defeating him effortlessly. With Kabuto defeated, Saitama and Genos rush off to the sale, leaving Dr. Genus to contemplate the futility of his research. Faced with Saitama's unimaginable power and the simplicity of his secret, Dr. Genus abandons his quest to replicate it, realizing that true strength cannot be obtained through scientific experimentation alone.

Episode 04: The Modern Ninja

In the city, the hard-headed criminal Hammerhead forms the Paradisers terrorist cell. They demand free goods for the unemployed, targeting local business magnate Zeniru using stolen enhancement suits. Though they easily defeat the bicycle hero Mumen Rider, their plans are thwarted when Zeniru's hired ninja, Speed-o'-Sound Sonic, intervenes. Sonic swiftly takes out Hammerhead's men, forcing Hammerhead to flee after surviving a kunai stab to the back of his head. As Hammerhead tries to escape, he runs into Saitama, who clarifies his lack of association with the Paradisers despite their shared baldness. Saitama easily defeats Hammerhead by destroying his suit but lets him live and run away. However, Saitama's troubles aren't over yet. Sonic, mistaking Saitama for one of the Paradisers, attacks him. In the ensuing battle, Sonic is defeated after accidentally planting his crotch on Saitama's fist. He retreats, declaring Saitama his eternal rival. That night, as Hammerhead turns over a new leaf after his near-death experience, Saitama sulks over his lack of recognition as a hero. Genos suggests they join the Hero Association, seeing it as an opportunity for Saitama to gain the recognition he deserves.

Episode 05: The Ultimate Master

Saitama and Genos successfully pass the exam for the Hero Association. However, while Genos achieves a remarkable placement in S-Class, Saitama ends up in C-Class due to his lackluster performance in the non-physical sections, despite breaking every record in the physical portion of the exam. During an orientation seminar led by Snakebite Snek, Saitama's lack of interest annoys the instructor. Snek attempts to put Saitama in his place by challenging him, but he is swiftly defeated, humbled by Saitama's overwhelming strength. Following the seminar, Genos, eager to test his new upgrades, asks Saitama for a serious sparring match. Saitama agrees, and although he initially humors Genos, he quickly outclasses him. Before delivering a finishing blow, Saitama stops and calmly suggests they grab some food together. Meanwhile, A-Class Hero Amai Mask meets with Genos to deliver a welcome gift and a stern warning to take his responsibilities seriously. Despite the warning, Genos remains determined to prove himself. As Genos moves in with Saitama, much to the latter's chagrin, their dynamic as hero and apprentice begins to take shape, with Saitama reluctantly taking on the role of mentor to the earnest Genos.

Episode 06: The Terrifying City

Saitama struggles to come up with ideas for mentoring Genos. However, when he learns that C-Class heroes get dropped off the registry after a week of inactivity, he rushes off to find a villain to fight. Meanwhile, Sonic demands to settle their alleged rivalry, but Saitama refuses. Their altercation catches the attention of Tank-Top Tiger, who reproaches Saitama for his antics. Tank-Top Tiger tries to steal credit for dealing with Sonic, but Sonic attacks him for interfering, reigniting his desire to fight Saitama. Sonic starts causing mayhem to force Saitama to fight him. Saitama eventually notices and swiftly knocks Sonic out with a tap on the back, much to Sonic's embarrassment. Later that day, rumors of a monster skulking around the desolate Z-City reach the Hero Association. They send A-Class heroes Golden Ball and Spring Mustachio to investigate. However, they are quickly taken out by the monster Kombu Infinity. While it is assumed that Kombu Infinity is the rumored monster, it is revealed that the creature was actually attracted to Z-City by the rumors as well. Saitama arrives and kills the monster effortlessly, using its remains to make kombu soup. Sometime later, Genos informs Saitama that he is ranked 6th in popularity despite being in 17th place within the S-Class. This greatly annoys Saitama, who becomes envious of his disciple's popularity.

Episode 07: The Ultimate Disciple

In the bustling city of Z-City, scientists and astronomers are on high alert as they observe a meteorite suddenly changing its trajectory, heading straight towards the city. With the threat looming, all S-Class heroes are deployed to intercept the meteorite. However, only two heroes arrive on the scene: Genos and an aged S-Class hero named Bang. Bang informs Genos that the meteor evacuation protocols have begun and advises him to clear out. Bang himself cannot leave the city due to personal reasons. Before he can formally introduce himself, Genos decides to leave, realizing it's too late to evacuate the city. As Genos contemplates the impending disaster, another S-Class hero, Metal Knight, arrives to test a weapon against the meteorite. Metal Knight shows no interest in working together with Genos, preferring to handle the situation alone. However, his attempt fails, and the meteor continues its path of destruction. With time running out, Genos decides to take action. Utilizing his own prototype weapon, he confronts the meteor, hoping to stop it in its tracks. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Genos's weapon fails to halt the meteor's descent. Just when all hope seems lost, Saitama, also known as One Punch Man, appears on the scene. With a single punch, he destroys the meteor, causing it to shatter into several smaller meteorites. Although the city is still damaged, Saitama's intervention ensures that there are zero casualties. The next day, Saitama learns that his rank has jumped from 342nd to 5th within the Hero Association. Unfazed by his newfound fame, he sets out to look for more crises to deal with. However, not everyone is pleased with Saitama's rise to fame. Tanktop Tiger accuses Saitama of stealing credit for destroying the meteor, leading to a confrontation between them. Tanktop Tiger calls his brother, Tanktop Black Hole, and together they rally a mob against Saitama, blaming him for the destruction of the city. Undeterred, Saitama effortlessly defeats Tanktop Tiger and Tanktop Black Hole. He then turns his attention to the angry mob, who demand his resignation. In a powerful display, Saitama addresses the crowd, clarifying that he does not need their appreciation for his work. His words leave a lasting impression on Genos, who watches from the sidelines. In a post-credits scene, unseen citizens discuss Saitama's victory over the meteor, unaware of the ominous creatures gathering under the sea, hinting at future challenges for the heroes of City Z.

Episode 08: The Deep Sea King

As humanity faces an open declaration of war from the Seafolk Tribe, chaos erupts in City J. On his way home, Saitama encounters an octopus-like monster from the Seafolk Tribe and easily dispatches it with a single punch. Late to the scene, Mumen Rider arrives to find the creature already defeated, surrounded by amazed onlookers discussing Saitama's incredible power. Intrigued, Mumen Rider looks up Saitama on the internet, discovering mixed opinions about the mysterious hero. Meanwhile, at the coast, several large Seafolk monsters emerge from the sea, posing a grave threat to City J. Class A hero Stinger, ranked 11th, steps forward to challenge them with his powerful Bamboo Shoot weapon. As Saitama watches a news report about Stinger's valiant battle against the Seafolk, he realizes the severity of the situation. Determined to help, Saitama, accompanied by Genos and Mumen Rider, sets off to confront the Seafolk threat. Genos splits off from Saitama to scout ahead, while various other heroes attempt to confront the Seafolk, including Lightning Max, Puri-Puri Prisoner, and Sonic, who isn't officially a hero but still engages in the battle. Sonic manages to hold his own against the Seafolk, but when the rain begins to fall, the Seafolk leader, Deep Sea King, unleashes his true form, forcing Sonic to retreat—albeit without his clothes. Meanwhile, as Saitama and Mumen Rider make their way to the scene, Saitama gets distracted when he sees Sonic running naked. Mumen Rider receives a call from the Hero Association headquarters, urging him to confront Deep Sea King, who has broken into an emergency shelter and is dispatching the heroes stationed there. Saitama, now alone, returns to find a discarded cell phone. Realizing the severity of the situation, he turns serious and contacts the Hero Association, informing them that he's on his way to confront Deep Sea King. With his unparalleled power and determination, Saitama is prepared to face this new threat head-on.

Episode 09: Unyielding Justice

As the battle with the Deep Sea King intensifies, Genos takes the lead, engaging the monster in combat. Initially, Genos seems to have the upper hand, but the Deep Sea King swiftly turns the tables, ripping off one of Genos's arms. Despite his injuries, Genos bravely instructs the civilians to flee, putting himself in harm's way to shield a child from a glob of acid spewed by the Deep Sea King. Just as Genos is badly damaged and on the brink of defeat, Mumen Rider arrives on the scene. Determined to protect the innocent civilians, Mumen Rider confronts the Deep Sea King, but he is quickly overpowered and brutally beaten. Just when all seems lost, Saitama arrives in the nick of time. With a nonchalant attitude, Saitama exchanges a few words with the Deep Sea King before swiftly defeating him with a single punch. As the rain ceases and the civilians cheer, Saitama's victory earns him widespread praise. However, instead of basking in his triumph, Saitama takes a humble approach. When one of the civilians begins to badmouth the other heroes, Saitama downplays his victory to restore the people's faith in the other heroes, even if it means sacrificing his own public image. In the aftermath of the battle, Saitama and Genos receive fan mail. While Saitama only receives one hate mail, he also receives a heartfelt thank-you letter. Additionally, they receive a notification from the Hero Association, promoting Saitama to the 101st Rank, B-Class. Later, as Saitama makes his way home, he encounters Mumen Rider in a roadside oden shop. Mumen Rider reveals that he sent the thank-you letter and insists on paying for Saitama's dinner, showing his gratitude and respect for the humble hero. In a post-credits scene, a fortune teller named Madame Shibabawa warns an official from the Hero Association that "the Earth is doomed," hinting at future challenges and threats that lie ahead for humanity.

Episode 10: Unparalleled Peril

The tranquility of the city is shattered when the Ancient King of the Terror Lizard Clan emerges, threatening chaos and destruction. However, before it can wreak havoc, it is effortlessly destroyed by Tatsumaki, one of the most powerful heroes. Meanwhile, at Bang's dojo, Saitama and Genos listen as Bang recounts the story of his former best student, Garou, who went rogue and defeated all of his other top students. Suddenly, a Hero Association member arrives, informing them of an emergency and calling all S-Class heroes to a meeting. At the Hero Association headquarters, Saitama meets the other S-Class heroes, including the arrogant Atomic Samurai, as well as Puri-Puri Prisoner, Metal Bat, Tanktop Master, Flashy Flash, Watchdog Man, Superalloy Darkshine, Pig God, Drive Knight, Zombieman, King, and Child Emperor. The only absentees are Metal Knight and Blast. Sitch, a staff member of the association, begins the meeting by delivering grave news: the great seer, Madame Shibabawa, has died while predicting the future. Her final note, stating "The Earth is in trouble," has left the heroes shocked and disbelieving. Sitch warns them to prepare for a major threat within the next six months. As tension fills the room, the headquarters is suddenly attacked by the Skyfolk, led by Sky King. However, before they can cause any harm, they are swiftly slain by Melzalgald, a member of an alien mercenary group known as the Dark Matter Thieves. The Dark Matter Thieves' spaceship appears and begins its invasion, wiping out City A and causing massive casualties. In the midst of the chaos, Melzalgald prepares to kill civilians, but he is intercepted by Iaian, a student of Atomic Samurai. However, Iaian proves to be no match for Melzalgald, losing his left arm in the process. Atomic Samurai arrives just in time to save him, joined by Metal Bat, Bang, and Puri-Puri Prisoner. Meanwhile, the other S-Class heroes strategize on how to bring down the alien ship. Genos notices that Saitama has already infiltrated the ship and is single-handedly taking down a large number of aliens. As Saitama continues his onslaught, he encounters and swiftly dispatches Goribas, a seemingly powerful alien. However, as he presses on, he comes face to face with Boros, the leader of the Dark Matter Thieves, seated on his throne, ready to confront the intruder head-on.

Episode 11: The Dominator of the Universe

As the battle rages on, Geryuganshoop expresses his frustration over Groribas' defeat, realizing that he and Melzargard are the only elite fighters left alive. He informs Boros that the ship has been badly damaged by the human intruder, but Boros reassures him, telling him not to fear. Meanwhile, Puri Puri Prisoner's efforts to defeat Melzargard prove futile as the alien simply regenerates, sending one of his heads to contact the ship. However, Metal Bat intercepts the flying head, smashing it down before it can escape. Seeing an opportunity, Atomic Samurai, Puri Puri Prisoner, and Bang join forces to attack Melzargard together. However, Melzargard communicates telepathically with Geryuganshoop, requesting a cleansing bombardment. While Melzargard is distracted, Metal Bat discovers a marble within one of Melzargard’s heads and crushes it, destroying the head. Geryuganshoop, attempting to direct Saitama out of the ship, encounters the intruder. Displaying incredible telepathic powers, Geryuganshoop confronts Saitama, but Saitama nonchalantly throws a pebble at him, killing him instantly. With Metal Bat's method, more heads are destroyed, prompting a shell bombardment. However, Tatsumaki intervenes, stopping the missiles in mid-air and firing them back at the ship with full force. On the ground, Mumen Rider aids a victim of the alien attack, while Stinger and Lightning Max arrive to lend their assistance. Bang manages to find another marble and crushes it. Enraged, Melzargard slaps the ground, causing a shockwave that sends Bang flying, leaving him unconscious and clinging to a building. With only one head remaining, Melzargard threatens Atomic Samurai. In response, Atomic Samurai unleashes his ultimate technique, determined to defeat the alien threat. Meanwhile, Saitama finally comes face to face with Boros, the leader of the Dark Matter Thieves. Boros recognizes Saitama as Earth's strongest warrior and reveals that he came to Earth because of a prophecy to find his ideal opponent. Saitama delivers a powerful punch to Boros, but to his surprise, the attack merely destroys the alien's armor, designed to suppress his full power. As the battle intensifies, Saitama realizes that Boros may be the opponent he has been searching for—a challenge worthy of his strength.

Episode 12: The Strongest Hero

The battle between Saitama and Boros reaches its climax as they exchange powerful blows, causing significant damage to the spaceship. As Boros intensifies his attacks, he manages to kick Saitama all the way to the moon. While Saitama is on the moon, Mumen Rider, Stinger, and Lightning Max heroically rescue the last survivors from City A. On the ground, Tanktop Master throws a piece of rubble at the ship, prompting Tatsumaki to replicate his attack with dozens of pieces, further damaging the vessel. Meanwhile, Bang, who has recovered from his injuries, destroys the final marble, effectively killing Melzargard. Just as Saitama returns from the moon, he crashes the ship back to Earth. Boros, reaching his limit, unleashes an energy attack capable of destroying a planet. In response, Saitama delivers a "Serious Punch," overwhelming Boros and bringing an end to their epic battle. As Saitama emerges victorious, Boros admits that he was not even close to Saitama's strength and dies, acknowledging Saitama as the superior fighter. After the intense battle, Drive Knight warns Genos that Metal Knight is their enemy. Amai Mask appears and blames the S-Class heroes for the destruction of City A. Metal Knight arrives, expressing his intention to salvage parts of the ship. Meanwhile, Superalloy Darkshine discovers alien survivors, but Amai Mask promptly executes them. As Saitama emerges from the ship, Tornado verbally abuses him, believing that Saitama had stolen her fight. Genos, however, tells her to shut up and calls her a brat. This provokes Tornado to attack Genos, smashing him into a nearby rock. She then threatens to kill Saitama, but Bang intervenes, scolding her for her actions. Metal Knight salvages parts from the ship, which are used to rebuild the Hero Association headquarters on the remains of City A. Both A-Class and S-Class heroes are invited to reside there, creating a new base of operations. In a post-credits scene, Saitama effortlessly destroys Pluton: King of the Underworld with a single punch, much to his irritation. The scene hints at more challenges awaiting Saitama in the future.

Categories: TV Series Explained