Legendary Animator Responds to Intensifying Backlash Against ONE-PUNCH MAN Season 3
The rollout of One-Punch Man Season 3 has ignited a wave of frustration among longtime fans, because new season has fallen way short in animation quality and overall execution.
As the criticism has escalated across social platforms, legendary animator Takashi Hashimoto has spoken publicly about the backlash, offering a sincere and pointed defense of the people behind the show.
Season 3 premiered on October 12 and continues to release weekly on Hulu and Disney+. Despite the excitement around Saitama’s return, conversation quickly shifted as viewers expressed disappointment in the show’s visual presentation.
Episode 6 drew especially sharp reactions and is now ranked as one of the lowest rated anime episodes on IMDb.
The growing negativity eventually reached Hashimoto, whose long career and respected influence in the industry make his comments noteworthy.
Taking to Bluesky, Hashimoto explained that the volume and tone of the reactions coming from abroad have been difficult for the staff to weather. He described the pushback as “overwhelming” and highlighted how deeply it affects the artists involved.
He wrote: “The production team probably feels a lot of pain because of it. Everyone shares the same feeling: nobody sets out to make a bad product. Yet, we get criticized for the smallest details. Where is our motivation supposed to go?”
Hashimoto also reminded fans that harsh public commentary has real impact on the people who dedicate themselves to the craft.
“Please, think about the creators behind the screen. We aren’t doing this as volunteers; this is everyone’s job. The more you bully us, the more the staff will disappear. Guaranteed.”
His comments underline concerns that constant online hostility could push talent away from the industry entirely.
Hashimoto isn’t the only one who has responded. Director Shinpei Nagai attempted to address messages on X before ultimately deleting his account. He claimed he was being baited by users urging him to breach nondisclosure rules and expressed frustration over how creators were being treated.
Nagai stated, “I cannot forgive those who tarnish the staff’s honor or exploit the creators’ struggles for profit through hate.”
The conversation around One-Punch Man Season 3 continues to evolve with each episode, and fans are watching closely to see whether the production finds its footing.
I get that real people are working one the show, but I can’t wrap my brain around how the animation quality devolved from something awesome and incredible, into what its become. That’s wild to me! There has to be something going on behind the scenes that no one is talking about.
For now, new episodes of One-Punch Man drop weekly, and the reaction to the rest of the season will likely determine how the series moves forward.