overview
Dōtei finds Waganma and confronts Phoenix Man using the ultimate weapon to protect him.
our view
Carrying on from the previous episode, this installment finally sees a noticeable increase in ambition and execution. With storyboarding and mechanical direction by Takashi Hashimoto, known for his work on Bleach, the episode’s action sequences feel more dynamic than usual, with camera movement, choreography, and effects giving the battles a real sense of weight and scale. Dou Tei’s mechanical weapons and problem-solving abilities shine in his battle with Phoenix Man, whose costume-based powers and relentless resurrection powers add stakes and creativity to the conflict. While some previous episodes felt recycled or uneven, this episode shows the potential for animation and direction if handled with care.
The rest of the proceedings also balance that chaos with subtle character moments. While the ingenuity and courage of Dou Tei takes center stage, supported by Zombie Man and his other allies, the revived Phoenix Man brings both tension and humor. Attractive character designs, inventive combat setups, and an engaging combination of strategies complement the high-energy combat, albeit with occasional abrupt transitions and minor inconsistencies.
Overall, this episode manages to get fans of the series back excited. Even without the focus on Saitama, this one was great for its engaging action, smart use of support heroes, and inventive combat dynamics that kept the story interesting. It’s too early to predict how the rest of the season will pan out, but this episode sets a promising tone and reminds viewers why One-Punch Man remains so compelling even at the best of its creative strengths.
