Once a massive name in the anime world, One Punch Man still enjoys a dedicated fanbase, despite facing multiple challenges in recent years. However, the series, particularly its manga, is currently in the midst of a major issue that has left many fans feeling frustrated.
One Punch Man Manga Redraws the Same Arc Again
On January 22, 2025, fans eagerly opened the latest chapter of One Punch Man, only to discover that it wasn’t a new story progression, but rather a redraw of the same arc. Specifically, it’s the third time the Ninja Village Arc (Chapter 193) has been redrawn. For many readers, this marks a troubling pattern.
This isn’t the first time this arc has been redone. In fact, the manga has been stuck in a cycle of redraws, with the same content being revisited multiple times. This has led to a significant slowdown in the progression of the story, frustrating fans who have been eagerly awaiting new developments. The arc has now been redrawn three times, causing a sense of stagnation in the manga’s narrative.
A Stale Storyline: No Progress Since 2023
The One Punch Man manga has not moved beyond the Ninja Village Arc since 2023, leaving fans stuck in the same narrative loop for over a year and a half. As of now, it appears the manga will remain in this arc for at least another year, with the upcoming chapter also confirmed to be another redraw. This delay has left many fans wondering when the story will finally advance.
Yusuke Murata, the illustrator behind the manga, even hinted at this continuing trend on his X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming that the next chapter will also focus on the same material.
What Does This Mean for One Punch Man’s Future?
The constant redraws are raising serious concerns about the future of One Punch Man. While changes to the artwork and paneling are expected, there have also been instances where the story itself has been altered, adding to the feeling that the creators are experimenting with their fanbase rather than progressing the plot.
This issue follows the lackluster reception of One Punch Man Season 2, which failed to live up to the high standards set by its first season. The combination of stagnating manga content and a disappointing anime season has raised doubts about the franchise’s future.
Manga sales, too, have not been as strong as in the past, adding to the uncertainty. Fans are holding out hope that once the Ninja Village Arc is finally finished, the next chapter of One Punch Man will bring fresh excitement to the series and win back the enthusiasm of its audience.
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