One-Punch Man is a parody anime that borders on ridiculous sometimes, but the power scaling and the world building in the anime is incredible. The story follows Saitama and Genos and is essentially a parody of modern-day Shōnen anime that makes fun of the tropes that we often see in Shōnen.
But One-Punch Man grew beyond that, and despite never taking itself too seriously, it became a seriously fun anime. Every character in the anime has their own backstory, even one-off monsters for Saitama to kill with one punch. Each of these characters contributes to the rich world of the series, creating a story that is unironically epic.
10
Sage Centipede
Essentially, The Final Boss Of The Centipede Monsters
Sage Centipede is the apex predator of the centipede monster lineage and perhaps one of the largest monsters to ever grace the series. Its sheer size makes entire landscapes seem insignificant, and its destructive capabilities border on apocalyptic. Before Sage Centipede’s awakening, the junior, senior, and Elder centipedes showed up and were each defeated easily chapters apart.
However, unlike its predecessors like the Elder Centipede, Sage Centipede represents an evolutionary leap in terms of abilities, size, and strength. Sage Centipede is not just a monster but a challenge that surfaced only to fight Saitama and is shown to even reach space somehow.
9
Evil Natural Water
One Of The Few Monsters That Has Survived Saitama’s Punches
Evil Natural Water is one of the most unique and unsettling monsters in the series. Unlike traditional monsters with physical forms, it is a sentient mass of water that absorbs the entire ocean and becomes a Dragon Level threat.
Its very nature makes conventional physical attacks almost useless, as it has no true body to damage. Remarkably, Evil Natural Water is among the few monsters to survive a serious punch from Saitama. Though it was still defeated with one punch, it had to be a serious punch.
8
Psychos And Orochi
An Unholy Combination Of Characters
The fusion of Psychos and Orochi, the Monster King, is perhaps the strongest villain in the monster association arc. Individually, both characters were forces to be reckoned with: Psychos was capable of leveling cities and Orochi possessed physical strength that made him the monster king.
Together, they become a nearly godlike entity, amplifying each other’s abilities. This unholy combination presents one of the most challenging battles for the heroes, as it pushes even the most powerful individuals, such as Tatsumaki, to their absolute limits.
7
Tatsumaki
The Greatest Esper In The World
Tatsumaki is the greatest esper in the world, and her telekinetic powers are unrivaled, enabling her to manipulate objects ranging from rubble to entire city blocks. Beyond her immense strength, Tatsumaki’s precision is equally impressive. She can crush enemies with pinpoint accuracy or shield her allies with incredible barriers.
Despite her seemingly arrogant demeanor, she harbors a deep sense of responsibility and care for her younger sister, Fubuki, though Fubuki isn’t even close to Tatsumaki’s strength. Tatsumaki’s presence in the series highlights what it truly means to wield power responsibly while remaining fierce.
6
Boros
The Dominator Of The Universe
Boros is one of the most iconic antagonists in the series. Hailing from a distant planet, he is a conqueror who has destroyed countless worlds in search of a worthy opponent.
Even though Saitama ultimately overwhelms him with ease in an epic fight, Boros earns his respect, standing out as a foe who ultimately survives the regular punches that Saitama throws at him. Boros’s yearning for a challenge is relatable to Saitama’s as well, making him a symbol of the existential struggles that come with ultimate power, and the closest person to feel what Saitama feels on a daily basis.
5
Blast
The Top Ranked S-Class Hero
Blast is the ultimate S-Class hero whose reputation precedes him at every turn. His position as the top-ranked hero is because of his immense strength and strategic brilliance, operating on a level that few can even comprehend. Despite his rank, he is a mysterious figure, rarely appearing in public or engaging in battles that others could handle.
This has only added to his mystique, leaving fans speculating about the true extent of his abilities. His encounters with cosmic-level threats suggest that he operates on a different plane, dealing with dangers that could annihilate the planet.
4
Empty Void
The Leader Of The Ninja Village
Empty Void is the leader of the Ninja Village, an organization renowned for producing some of the deadliest warriors in the world. While little is known about Empty Void’s origins, his leadership has cemented the Ninja Village as a breeding ground for elite assassins like that of one of the most iconic characters in the series, Speed-o’-Sound Sonic.
Empty Void’s strength is not just in his combat prowess but also in his influence, training an entire generation of ninjas to be almost unstoppable. He isn’t in enough chapters, but we can speculate him to be incredibly powerful.
3
Garou
The Hero Killer Amplified By God
Garou is a complex character, representing the blurred line between heroism and villainy. Starting as a prodigy martial artist under Bang, he eventually rejects societal norms and declares war on the hero system itself. Garou sees heroes as hypocrites who uphold an unjust system, and his mission to expose their flaws leads to his nickname, the Hero Hunter.
When granted divine powers by God and becoming a monster, Garou transcends human limitations, transforming into an avatar of destruction capable of challenging even Saitama. His character arc is incredibly entertaining as well, making him one of the most compelling characters in the series.
2
God
The Ultimate Villain Of The Anime
God is the terrifying entity in the series, a being whose influence transcends mortal comprehension. Unlike traditional villains, God does not directly engage in battles but operates as a manipulative force. His method involves granting power to those desperate or ambitious enough to accept its offer.
The glimpses of God’s influence reveal a being that thrives on chaos. Whether it’s amplifying Garou’s strength or influencing events through subtler means, God’s presence feels omnipresent and oppressive. As the series progresses, God seems to be positioning himself as the ultimate threat, not just to heroes, but to Saitama as well.
1
Saitama
One Punch Is All It’s Ever Gonna Take
Saitama is the very definition of invincibility. His unparalleled strength allows him to defeat any opponent with a single punch, making him the most powerful character in the series by an absurd margin.
However, Saitama’s strength is both a blessing and a curse. While it enables him to protect others effortlessly, it also leaves him perpetually bored. Saitama’s role in the series is more than just that of an unbeatable hero. He’s a critique of traditional hero narratives, proving that ultimate power isn’t the solution to life’s deeper questions. Nobody has or will ever defeat him, by the looks of things.
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