One Punch Man [Season 3 Episode 10]

One Punch Man Season 3 Episode 10: A Glimmer of Hope in the Chaos

Let’s cut to the chase—One Punch Man Season 3 has been a rollercoaster of disappointment for many fans. From lackluster animation to pacing issues, it’s felt like the series lost its spark… until now. Episode 10, titled “Rise from the Ashes,” might not be a masterpiece, but it’s a step in the right direction, and honestly? After the season we’ve had, that’s enough to get hyped about.

First off, let’s talk about the star of the show: Phoenix Man. This guy’s transformation was sick. From his initial majestic, almost angelic form to the fallen demon mode after Child Emperor’s blast, the animation team finally brought their A-game. The fight scenes? They didn’t look like they were drawn during a lunch break (thank goodness). The camera actually moved with the characters, and the mech battle between Child Emperor’s Megazord-like creation and Phoenix Man’s second form was a visual treat. One fan put it best: “Big Bird having evil Captain Falcon as a second form just works.”

Child Emperor, our 10-year-old genius hero, really shone here. His endless arsenal of weapons and quick thinking made the episode engaging—though some fans noted the fight deviated from the manga. “The whole ep is very different from the manga,” one user commented, but honestly? The anime’s take on the battle felt more dynamic. Child Emperor’s trump card, that Power Rangers-esque robot, was a nostalgic nod that hit differently for younger viewers (or anyone who grew up on mecha shows).

And let’s not forget Saitama! After being MIA for most of the season, he finally got a little screen time—dodging attacks like the legend he is. “At least he had a little bit of action finally this episode,” a fan joked, and we’re all here for it. The tease of his eventual showdown with a major villain has us counting down the days.

Now, the bad stuff: pacing and editing. Some transitions felt jarring, and the sound cuts were a bit off. “The editing is so bad,” one user ranted, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a huge improvement from earlier episodes. The blue filter spam that plagued previous installments? Gone. The animation team finally let the colors breathe, and it made all the difference.

Phoenix Man’s character arc was another highlight. His quotes—“Ruling over death means ruling over life. Death is the climax of life. To have the best death, you must honor life”—added depth to a villain who could’ve been just another monster. Even his defeat felt meaningful, a temporary rise from the ashes that left us wanting more.

But let’s be real: this season has set the bar low. Fans are so starved for quality that two decent episodes in a row feel like a miracle. “Back to back decent/pretty good episodes (by this season’s standards ofc). Really can’t ask for more than that at this point,” one user admitted. It’s a sad state of affairs, but Episode 10 proves the series still has potential.

The MVP of the episode? The sound and music team. They’ve been carrying the season, and this time, the visuals finally caught up. The intense score during the fight scenes had viewers on the edge of their seats—“I almost forgot to breathe because it’s so intense,” one fan gushed.

Critics will say it’s too little, too late, but for those of us who stuck around, Episode 10 was a win. It’s not the One Punch Man we fell in love with in Season 1, but it’s a glimmer of hope. As one optimist put it: “The future is always blank. Only your willpower can leave footsteps there.” Here’s hoping the rest of the season follows suit.

In the end, Episode 10 is a reminder that even when a series stumbles, it can rise from the ashes—much like Phoenix Man himself. For now, we’ll take the small victories. Bring on the next episode. We’re ready.

Final Verdict: 7/10 (by Season 3 standards, it’s a 10/10).

— A fan who’s finally excited for One Punch Man again.