The popular manga series One-Punch Man is facing a wave of criticism as it revisits the Ninja Village arc for the third time. This unusual move by artist Yusuke Murata has sparked frustration among fans who are eager for new story content. The manga, known for its detailed artwork and dynamic fight scenes, has a history of redrawing chapters. While these revisions often enhance the quality of the physical manga volumes, the latest redraw spree is testing the patience of its dedicated fanbase.
The Redraw Controversy
One-Punch Man is unique in that artist Yusuke Murata frequently revises and redraws chapters. These redrawn chapters are released similar to the weekly chapters. This practice is intended to ensure the highest possible quality for the physical manga volumes. However, the frequency of these redraws, particularly for the Ninja Village arc, has become a point of contention.
The latest chapter released on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, was not a new story progression, but a redrawn version of Chapter 193, which was already redrawn once in 2024. This marks the third time that the beginning of the Ninja Village arc has been revisited. Many fans are finding this practice frustrating because it slows down the story’s pace significantly. The news that next week’s chapter will also be a redraw has further fueled fan disappointment, suggesting that the entire arc may be remade for a third time.
A History of Redraws
While redrawing chapters is a common practice for Murata, the scale of revisions to the Ninja Village arc is unprecedented. The Phoenix Man vs. Child Emperor fight, for instance, was heavily revised multiple times. However, the constant redraws of the Ninja Village arc are perceived differently by the fans. Some appreciate the additional details and changes, while others view them as a hindrance to the story’s progression. The possibility of 15 chapters being redrawn in the Ninja Village arc could mean the majority of 2025 will be dedicated to reworking this single arc, just like in 2024.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Backlash
The news of the third redraw for the Ninja Village arc has been met with considerable backlash on social media. Fans express their frustration over the lack of new content and the slow pace of the story’s advancement. The constant redrawing of previous chapters is perceived as a stall tactic, leaving fans in anticipation for new story developments.
The community’s reaction has been largely negative, with many questioning the necessity of the constant revisions. Some fans feel that the redraws have not necessarily improved the story, and they would rather have new chapters that advance the narrative. This situation is further complicated by the fact that the manga is the primary source for the anime adaptation. This means that the anime production may be affected by these constant redraws.
Manga vs. Anime
One-Punch Man has three versions: the original webcomic by ONE, the manga illustrated by Yusuke Murata, and the anime adaptation. The manga is known for its detailed art and is often the basis for the anime. However, there are minor differences between the anime and manga, such as the level of violence. For example, some scenes in the anime are more violent than their manga counterparts. The anime adaptation generally stays true to the manga, with some original scenes or extended fights.
The Monster Association arc, a highly anticipated storyline from the manga, is slated to be adapted in the upcoming season 3 of the anime. However, the manga’s slow pace due to the constant redraws could affect the anime’s production schedule and content.
Impact on the Story and Future
The ongoing redraws of the Ninja Village arc could significantly impact the future of the One-Punch Man series. The manga’s slow pace might lead to delays in the anime adaptation. Additionally, it may cause readers to lose interest due to the lack of new content. While Murata intends to improve the story’s quality, the constant revisions can be a frustrating experience for dedicated fans.
Why the Redraws?
Yusuke Murata has stated that he and ONE were dissatisfied with the initial progression of the Ninja Village arc. The redraws are an attempt to better align the story with their vision. These changes are not minor alterations; they involve significant changes to scenes and the way the story unfolds. The redrawn chapters explore major developments, especially the cosmic-level threat of Empty Void and some unanswered questions.
However, these revisions have shifted the focus from the ninjas to a larger, more cosmic scale, which may not align with all fans’ expectations. While some fans appreciate the expanded story and added depth, others would prefer to see the story move forward with new content.
Anticipation for Season 3
Despite the manga’s challenges, the anticipation for One-Punch Man season 3 remains high. The new season is expected to adapt the Monster Association arc, one of the best story arcs in the manga. Season 3 is expected to feature the S-Class heroes joining together to launch an assault on the monster’s hideout. This could make season 3 one of the best shonen anime arcs ever.
The official trailer for season 3 has teased many important moments. However, the series will likely not be able to adapt the entire arc in just 12 episodes. Given the content, it’s speculated that season 3 will cover approximately 40-45 chapters, similar to the previous seasons. The season is slated to be released in 2025, with many expecting it in the fall.
Conclusion
The ongoing redraws of the Ninja Village arc in One-Punch Man have created a divide among fans. While the intention is to improve the quality of the manga, many find the slow pace and lack of new content frustrating. The redraws have highlighted the challenges in adapting a complex story across different mediums. As fans await season 3, the future of the manga remains uncertain, depending on how these redraws impact the overall narrative and production.
