One Punch Man Season 3 Episode 9: Brave Child – A Glimmer of Hope in a Rocky Season

Let’s be real—One Punch Man Season 3 hasn’t exactly been the hype train we all hoped for. From lazy animation that looked like it was drawn during a lunch break to those weird blue filters that turned every scene into a murky mess, fans have been dragging it left and right. But Episode 9, “Brave Child”? It’s like the studio finally woke up and said, “Wait, we need to try.” For anyone who stuck with S3 through the rough patches, this episode is a breath of fresh air—even if it’s not perfect. Let’s break down why it’s worth talking about.

First, let’s set the scene: the episode dives deep into the Monster Association arc, focusing on Child Emperor’s showdown with Phoenix Man in the lair of the bad guys. And here’s the shocker—Saitama isn’t the star this time. Instead, it’s the tiny genius hero, Child Emperor, who steals the spotlight with his arsenal of gadgets and a giant mech that looks like it stepped straight out of a Power Rangers episode. Fans were quick to note the mech’s nostalgic vibe: one viewer compared it to a classic Megazord, while others shouted out Optimus Prime. Either way, it’s the kind of over-the-top action that makes One Punch Man fun—when it’s done right.

The fight itself is where this episode shines. Takashi Hashimoto, the storyboard artist known for Bleach, took the reins here, and his touch is everywhere. Remember those static, boring fight scenes from earlier episodes? Gone. Instead, the camera moves with the characters—following every punch, laser blast, and mech twist like we’re right in the middle of the chaos. Fans were ecstatic: “The camera was actually following and moving with the characters during a fight?? And it was a mech fight of all things??” one comment read. Hashimoto’s background in mech animation explains why this scene feels so dynamic—he knows how to make giant robots look cool.

Another win? No more blue filters. For weeks, fans complained about the weird tint that made every scene look like it was shot through a fish tank. But Episode 9 dumps that garbage, letting the colors pop. Phoenix Man’s transformation is a perfect example: he goes from a majestic, angel-like figure to a full-on fallen demon, and the lack of filters makes every detail—from his glowing red eyes to his tattered wings—hit harder. “Phoenix Man’s transformation was sick af,” one fan gushed. “Dude went from majestic angel vibes to full-on fallen demon mode after that blast.” It’s the kind of visual flair that reminds you why you fell in love with One Punch Man in the first place.

Child Emperor’s character moments are also a highlight. He’s not just a kid with toys—he’s a hero fighting for his life. When he thinks Flashy Flash (one of the top heroes) is dead, there’s a quick, funny beat that breaks the tension, but things get dark fast when Phoenix Man starts overpowering him. You can feel his desperation as he pulls out every trick in his book—from tiny robots to big guns—to take down the monster. And let’s not forget Saitama’s brief cameo: he dodges a few attacks like they’re nothing (classic Saitama), but fans were split. Some were happy to see him, others ranted: “Decent episode but… this is one punch man Where is all the one punching / saitama damnit.” Fair point, but let’s be honest—Saitama’s whole schtick is being overpowered. Giving other characters time to shine isn’t a bad thing; it’s what makes the world of One Punch Man feel alive.

Of course, no episode is perfect, and “Brave Child” has its flaws. Some fans noticed that the fight was different from the manga—one comment said, “so I decided to check the manga this time and the whole ep is very different from the manga.” Others were disappointed that the studio changed key moments, like Phoenix Man’s penguin form or Saitama’s meeting with Child Emperor. But for many, the improvements in animation and direction were enough to overlook these changes. “Finally a decent episode,” one viewer wrote. “No neon lights good job.”

The episode also sparked a debate about whether S3 is finally turning around. After so many underwhelming episodes, some fans are still skeptical: “It’s slowly getting better, but perhaps it’s already a bit too late,” one comment read. But others are hopeful: “Back to back decent/pretty good episodes (by this season’s standards ofc). Really can’t ask for more than that at this point lol.” It’s a divide that sums up S3 perfectly—fans want to love it, but they’re tired of being let down.

So, is “Brave Child” the episode that saves Season 3? Maybe not. But it’s a sign that the studio is trying to course-correct. The mech fight is fun, the direction is on point, and Phoenix Man’s transformation is a highlight. It’s not as good as the glory days of Season 1 or 2, but it’s a step in the right direction. For anyone who’s been waiting for S3 to get its act together, this episode is worth watching. Just don’t expect Saitama to punch anything—yet.

At the end of the day, “Brave Child” is a reminder of why One Punch Man works: it balances over-the-top action with heart and humor. Even if Season 3 has had its ups and downs, this episode shows that there’s still magic left in the series. Whether you’re here for the mech action, the character moments, or just to see if S3 can finally get it right, “Brave Child” is a must-watch. Let’s hope the next episodes keep this momentum going—we’re all rooting for it.

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