The director of One-Punch Man Season 3 has permanently deleted his social media account after facing intense online harassment. Shinpei Nagai left the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that the constant criticism and actions of some users were negatively affecting his mental health and the production environment.
What Happened
Shinpei Nagai announced his decision to leave social media in a final post before deactivating his account. In his message, he specifically called out “rage-baiting” behavior from some followers who he said were pretending to be allies.
He wrote that these individuals were “taking my statements out of context, trying to elicit comments that violate NDAs, or turning them into profit.” Nagai expressed that such actions were unacceptable and could not be overlooked.
“I’ve always done my best for the fans with utmost sincerity, but I’ve come to the conclusion that continuing in this environment is untenable for this project,” Nagai stated in his final message. He confirmed he would not create any new social media accounts in the future.
The Backstory Behind the Criticism
The harassment stemmed from widespread fan disappointment with the animation quality in One-Punch Man Season 3. The series, which returned on October 12 after a six-year wait between seasons, has been produced by animation studio J.C. Staff, the same studio that handled Season 2.
The current season has drawn criticism for what fans describe as “PowerPoint-level” animation, with particular scenes like Garou sliding down a hill being mocked online for their “slideshow-style” execution. Many fans compared the visuals unfavorably to the first season, which was animated by Studio Madhouse and widely praised for its stunning visuals and fluid fight scenes.
This isn’t the first time Nagai has addressed concerns about the new season. Before the season aired, he had already tried to manage expectations, acknowledging that it “probably won’t measure up to Season 1” but asking fans to accept that the anime was “infused with the creators’ tenacity and ingenuity.”
The Impact on the Director and Production
In his final social media post, Nagai was clear about the personal toll the harassment had taken. He stated that the situation was “taking a toll on my mental health” and that it “only brings negatives to the work, the staff, and the original creators.”
The director isn’t the only one speaking out about the challenging production circumstances. Veteran animator Vincent Chansard, known for his work on One Piece, defended J.C. Staff, suggesting the issues might be more systemic. He noted that “sometimes it’s not about the animation studio; sometimes it’s about the production committee that is on top of everything,” describing J.C. Staff as “a studio that’s trained to survive” despite tough conditions in Japan’s animation industry.
Many industry observers point out that animators in Japan are often overworked and underpaid, and that harassment from fans can further harm morale and future production quality rather than lead to improvements.
How Fans Are Reacting
The news of Nagai’s departure from social media has generated mixed reactions across platforms. While some fans continue to criticize the animation quality, many have expressed support for the director and condemned the harassment.
On social media discussions, some fans acknowledged the difficult circumstances, with one noting: “The director shouldn’t be blamed here. He was just doing his job with a very limited amount of time.” Others pointed to broader issues in anime production, suggesting that “it all comes down to the committee who is responsible for allocating a budget for this season.”
Some supporters highlighted the need for more respectful engagement, with one fan commenting: “I can understand being frustrated if your favorite series doesn’t get a good adaptation. But I don’t understand why people have to take it out on the staff.”
The Bigger Picture in Anime
This incident highlights ongoing tensions in anime production between creator well-being and fan expectations. The situation echoes other instances where anime creators have faced online harassment over creative decisions or perceived drops in quality.
The first season of One-Punch Man set a remarkably high standard for animation when it debuted in 2015, making subsequent seasons challenging for any studio to follow. The shift from Madhouse to J.C. Staff for Seasons 2 and 3 inevitably led to comparisons, given the different styles and resources of the two studios.
Industry experts stress that animation quality depends on numerous factors beyond any single director’s control, including production schedules, budget constraints, and management decisions by production committees.
As of now, One-Punch Man Season 3 continues to release new episodes, with the first three episodes available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The series continues to follow Saitama and the Hero Association as they confront the threat of the Monster Association.
Also Read: One Punch Man Season 3 Episode 3 Release Details and Major Plot Preview
