One-Punch Man Season 3 Episode 7: Finally, The Punching Starts (And It’s Worth The Wait)

If you’ve been glued to your phone scrolling through anime TikTok or refreshing MyAnimeList forums lately, you know the energy around One-Punch Man Season 3 has been… mixed. For six episodes straight, we’ve sat through Monster Association strategy rants, hero team huddles that felt like endless Zoom calls, and enough character intros to make you wonder if you accidentally clicked on a slice-of-life series instead of the action-packed show we all love. But let’s cut to the chase: Episode 7 finally stops the talking and starts the punching—and fans are losing their minds over it.

Let’s rewind for a sec. The first half of Season 3 had a lot of people rolling their eyes. On forums like MyAnimeList, users were posting things like, “When is Saitama gonna do something other than buy groceries?” or “I swear, if this episode has another meeting, I’m switching to Demon Slayer.” And honestly? Can you blame them? The Monster Association Arc is supposed to be the big one—the arc where heroes and monsters clash in epic battles that shake the city. But up until Episode 7, it felt like we were stuck in a pre-fight pep talk that never ended.

But Episode7 hits play on the chaos we’ve been craving. J.C.Staff (the studio behind this season) finally lets loose with the animation: think fluid punch sequences, monster designs that make you go “whoa,” and Saitama’s signature deadpan expression as he takes down baddies like they’re flies. One moment that’s been blowing up on social media is when Saitama goes toe-to-toe with a giant monster that looks like a cross between a lizard and a tank. The camera zooms in on his face—bored, as always—and then boom: one punch, and the monster is gone. Fans are calling it “classic Saitama” and “the moment we’ve been waiting for since Season 3 started.”

What makes this episode so satisfying is how it balances action with the show’s iconic humor. Even in the middle of a fight, Saitama is still Saitama. At one point, he pauses mid-battle to ask a monster if it knows where to get good ramen. The monster just stares at him like he’s crazy—then gets punched into next week. It’s that perfect mix of over-the-top action and silly jokes that made us fall in love with One-Punch Man in the first place.

Another thing fans are raving about is the shift in pacing. After six episodes of slow build-up, Episode7 moves at a breakneck speed. There’s no time to catch your breath: one minute, we’re watching Genos (Saitama’s robot sidekick) blast a monster with his laser arm; the next, we’re seeing Tatsumaki (the telekinetic hero) throw buildings like they’re frisbees. It’s exactly the kind of chaos that makes you want to rewind and watch the fight scenes again (and again, and again).

But wait—let’s not forget the context here. The slow build-up wasn’t for nothing. Those strategy meetings and character intros set the stage for Episode7’s payoff. When the monsters attack, you know exactly who’s who and why the heroes are fighting so hard. For example, when King (the “strongest hero” who’s actually just a lucky guy) steps up—even if he’s shaking in his boots—you understand why the other heroes look up to him. It’s that combination of heart and humor that makes One-Punch Man stand out from other action anime.

Of course, not everyone is 100% happy. Some fans on Reddit complained that the animation in certain scenes wasn’t as crisp as Season1 (we see you, J.C.Staff—step up your game!). But let’s be real: when Saitama lands that final punch in Episode7, all those small gripes fly out the window. This episode is a love letter to the fans who stuck around through the slow parts. It’s a reminder of why One-Punch Man is still one of the most popular anime series out there—because it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it still delivers the kind of action that makes you jump out of your seat.

So, if you’ve been putting off watching Season3 because you heard it was slow—now’s the time to dive back in. Episode7 is the turning point, the moment where the season finally finds its groove. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who’s been waiting since 2019 for new episodes or a casual viewer who just wants to see some cool fights, this episode has something for everyone.

And let’s not forget: the Monster Association Arc is just getting started. If Episode7 is this good, imagine what’s coming next. Saitama vs. the Monster King? Genos vs. a monster that’s actually a challenge? We can’t wait to see it. For now, though, let’s just enjoy the fact that the punching has finally started—and it was worth every minute of the wait.

Final Verdict: 8/10. The slow build-up was frustrating, but Episode7’s action and humor make it all worth it. Go watch it—your inner anime fan will thank you.
(Psst: If you want to join the conversation, check out the MyAnimeList forum for Episode7—fans are still buzzing about that final punch!)
*This review is based on fan discussions and episode details from trusted anime sources.*