One-Punch Man Season 3 Episode 2: Monster Traits – A Slow Burn With Hidden Charm

If you’re a die-hard One-Punch Man fan, you’ve probably been scrolling through TikTok or Reddit lately, seeing hot takes about Season 3’s animation quality or lack of Saitama screen time. Episode 2: Monster Traits doesn’t fix all those complaints, but it does something unexpected—it gives us a closer look at the characters we love (and love to hate) without relying on non-stop explosions. Let’s break it down, no cap.

First off, the episode opens with a chaos bomb: City Z is ambushed by a horde of monsters, all swarming heroes from every direction. A-class and lower-ranked heroes are throwing down on the ground—punching, kicking, and using whatever gadgets they have—while the creepy eye monster Gyorogyoro watches from above like he’s judging their performance. This scene sets the tone: this season isn’t just about Saitama punching things into dust; it’s about the everyday heroes who don’t have infinite power. For younger viewers who’ve ever felt like the little guy in a big world, this part hits different—it shows that even heroes without super strength can make a difference (even if they’re getting their butts kicked a little).

Then there’s Garou, our favorite wolf-masked “hero hunter” who’s been causing trouble since Season 2. Episode 2 gives us a peek into his messy, complicated side: he does a classic dine-and-dash at a restaurant (deadass, who hasn’t wanted to do that when they’re broke? Don’t actually do it, though) and gets chased by none other than Saitama. This scene is pure comedy gold—Saitama’s deadpan expression while running after Garou is so relatable (like when your friend owes you $5 and tries to bolt). Fans on forums have been raving about this moment: one user said, “Garou’s dine-and-dash chase is the funniest thing I’ve seen all season—Saitama’s lack of energy while chasing him is iconic.” It’s small, human moments like this that make the episode feel alive, not just a bunch of fight scenes strung together.

But let’s get real—some fans are salty. Rotten Tomatoes reviews call Season 3’s animation “lazy and undercooked,” and Episode 2 isn’t immune to that. The fight scenes aren’t as flashy as Season 1’s, and Saitama is only in a few minutes of the episode. If you’re here just for the one-punch moments, you might leave disappointed. But if you’re into character depth, this episode is a win. Garou isn’t just a villain—he’s a guy who hates the hero system’s hypocrisy (like how some heroes are famous for being pretty instead of being good). A review from ButWhyTho says Episode 2 “displays Garou’s complicated character,” and that’s spot-on. He’s not evil—he’s just angry at a system that doesn’t work, which is something a lot of young people can relate to (we’ve all been mad at rules that don’t make sense, right?).

Another highlight: the tension between heroes and monsters. Episode 2 doesn’t just paint monsters as evil—you get a sense that there’s more to their attack than just “destroy the city.” Gyorogyoro’s quiet observation from above hints at a bigger plan, which keeps you hooked even if there’s no big battle. For younger viewers who love mystery, this is a great setup—you’ll be asking, “Why are the monsters attacking? What’s Gyorogyoro’s endgame?” long after the episode ends.

Is Episode 2 perfect? No. The animation could be sharper, and Saitama’s screen time is way too short (we need more of his deadpan jokes!). But it’s a slow burn that pays off if you give it a chance. Fans on MyAnimeList had mixed feelings: one user said, “It’s slowly getting better, but maybe it’s already a bit ‘too late’,” while another gushed, “I found it quite exciting—Garou’s character is so interesting.” At the end of the day, it’s all about what you’re looking for: if you want non-stop action, skip to the next episode. If you want to get to know the characters better and see the story build up, Episode 2 is worth your time.

Final verdict: Episode 2 is a 6/10. It’s not the best One-Punch Man episode ever, but it’s a solid addition to Season 3. The dine-and-dash chase scene is meme-worthy, Garou’s character development is cool, and the monster ambush sets up a bigger story. Plus, it’s a reminder that One-Punch Man isn’t just about Saitama—it’s about the whole world of heroes and monsters. So grab your snacks, sit back, and give Episode 2 a chance. Who knows—you might end up liking the slow burn more than the big punches.

And hey, if nothing else, that dine-and-dash scene is definitely going to be a TikTok sound soon. Don’t miss out on the meme potential. 😉