One-Punch Man Season 3 Will Completely Change How You See This Villain

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This article contains spoilers for Season 3 of One Punch Man.

One area where the One-Punch Man series truly shines is character development. While many characters are initially presented for comic relief or as supplementary figures to enrich the world, they frequently possess complex backstories that elevate them to some of the most multi-dimensional characters in the genre. Garou might be the epitome of this depth.

Aficionados of the “One Punch Man” anime recall the villain being introduced in Season 2 as a formidable and exceptionally skilled combatant, ranking among the most powerful the world had ever known. Yet, hints were also dropped that he was something more than merely an evil man with aspirations for global conquest. The intricacies of his character are slated to be delved into deeper in Season 3 of the anime, so prepare for a fresh perspective on Garou.

Garou Will Be Far Different From A Thematic And Story Standpoint

The Hero Hunter

First Appearance One Punch Man, Episode 13, “Return of the Hero”
Story Arc King Arc

Initially, when fans encountered Garou, he was portrayed as a ruthless and war-hungry antagonist, yearning to conquer every hero belonging to the Hero Association. His motive behind this was gradually unveiled through a brief background story, revealing that he felt compassionate towards monsters who were defeated by the heroes, which led to him being constantly tormented.

In the third season of One Punch Man, known as the Monster Association Arc, it is revealed that Garou’s ultimate goal is to transform into the world’s most formidable evil, aiming for Disaster Level God status. Although this ambition is clearly unethical, Garou seeks to achieve it in order to instill fear in the hearts of wrongdoers, thereby preventing them from exploiting the weak or committing crimes. Consequently, he envisions creating a flawless and tranquil society under his rule.

My name is Garou. It’s me who will ascend to the rank of ‘Disaster Level Deity’ and bring order to this world!

Although it might seem an unconventional approach for such a grand objective, this path significantly enriches Garou’s character development. During the Monster Association Arc, Garou’s strength skyrockets chapter by chapter, yet he remains bound to humanity due to his connection with Tareo, the child he cared for in Season 2. This storyline highlights Garou’s relentless ambition and his determination to achieve these goals, eventually leading him into conflict with Saitama.

By the finale of the arc, Garou reaches a crucial moment in his emotional journey when he uncovers his most powerful form. This development significantly deepens his character, providing an ideal platform for his transformation and potentially his alliance with the heroes. The conclusion of the Monster Association Arc, particularly concerning Garou’s evolution, is captivating and shifts public perception of him dramatically.

Garou Will Also Be Far Different From A Strength Perspective

The Second-Strongest Being

  • Garou eventually becomes the second-strongest being in the entire series.

In Season 2, viewers caught a glimpse of Garou’s astonishing power as he overpowered several S-Class heroes. Nevertheless, towards the end of that season, Garou encountered significant challenges against top-tier heroes like Genos and Bang. However, the Monster Association Arc promises to reveal Garou reaching his peak abilities, ultimately surpassing all other characters in strength, even Saitama, by the series’ conclusion.

Over time, I’ve noticed an intriguing evolution in Garou. Right from the get-go, he honed his innate ability to mimic and refine the combat styles of those he faces, enabling him to engage some of the most formidable heroes and beasts this world has to offer. This process has granted him a plethora of unimaginably potent transformations, propelling his power to levels once deemed impossible by spectators. Gradually, he surpasses every S-Class hero and Dragon Level monster in strength.

In the climactic battle of the storyline, Garou unknowingly taps into a bit of power from the enigmatic entity called God, leading him to reveal his Cosmic Garou form. This transformation makes him the most fearsome adversary the universe has ever encountered thus far, even surpassing Blast, the top-ranked hero in the entire Hero Association. At this juncture, the only individual capable of challenging him was Saitama. For the first time, the series’ comedic premise of an overpowered Saitama takes a more serious turn as he faces a formidable foe.

The battle between Saitama and Cosmic Garou stands out as one of the most epic fights ever depicted in manga history, with the advantage swinging back and forth between them, showcasing their unprecedented determination and effort. In the Monster Association Arc, Garou emerges as the most formidable fighter in One Punch Man, but he also demonstrates a level of depth and complexity that sets him apart as one of the most intriguing characters within the series during this storyline.

One Punch Man can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-08-12 19:43