A recently shared fan animation of Garou’s confrontation with Gyoro Gyoro has sparked widespread discussion among One-Punch Man fans, with many believing it better captures the intensity and menace of the original manga than the official Season 3 adaptation. The viral clip, created by YouTuber @markReymer, appeared online just hours after the release of Season 3 Episode 5 in November 2025, leading to direct comparisons of the same scene. This has intensified ongoing conversations about the animation quality in the current season, which has been a point of concern for a segment of the fanbase since its premiere.
Garou’s Critical Moment in Episode 5
The official fifth episode of One-Punch Man Season 3 features a key scene where the Hero Hunter, Garou, battles the mysterious monster Gyoro Gyoro. After helping the child Tareo escape the Monster Association’s base, Garou is confronted by Gyoro Gyoro, who is impressed with his fighting potential and tries to recruit him. Garou refuses, boldly declaring himself a genius. The monster then uses telekinetic powers to immobilize Garou, who manages to break free and counter the attack, even discovering his opponent’s weakness in the process.
The encounter includes a specific moment where Garou jumps back and menacingly perches on a piece of rubble, preparing to begin his hunt. In the anime, this particular shot of Garou’s “hunting pose” was met with disappointment by some viewers, who felt the lighting and execution failed to make the character look as threatening as intended.
Viral Fan Clip Captures the Menace
The fan-created animation by @markReymer offers a different interpretation of the same sequence. The 50-second clip, which adapts the Garou versus Gyoro Gyoro fight, has been praised for its crisp animation and superior color correction. The video uses only background music and no dialogue, yet many fans argue it more effectively conveys the tension and danger of the scene.
Most notably, the fan animation gives Garou a far more intimidating presence during his hunting pose, with lighting and shadow that enhance his menacing aura. The artwork and movement in the short clip have been described as a glimpse of what the fight could have looked like with more robust production values, leading some fans to express a preference for the fan-made version over the official release.
Season 3’s Ongoing Animation Discussion
This is not the first time One-Punch Man Season 3 has faced scrutiny over its animation. Earlier episodes have been criticized for relying on still frames and having limited character movement. One particular scene in Episode 2, which showed Garou sliding down a hill with very little body movement, became a subject of online discussion.
Reviewers have noted that while some episodes, like Episode 3 featuring Garou’s fight with Royal Ripper and Bug God, showed slight improvements, the overall animation has remained a step below the high standards set by the show’s first season. The general sentiment among critical fans is that the action sequences, which are a central draw of One-Punch Man, have not consistently met expectations for a series known for its dynamic fights.
The People Behind the Animation
The director of Season 3, Shinpei Nagai, has publicly addressed fan concerns. On social media, he acknowledged that the production quality might not please everyone and admitted it might not measure up to Season 1. He stated his determination to see the project through, emphasizing that the anime is infused with the creators’ tenacity and ingenuity and asking fans to accept their dedicated effort.
Industry professionals have also commented on the complex situation. Vincent Chansard, an animator who has worked on series like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, explained in an interview that blame should not fall solely on studio J.C. Staff. He noted that production committees above the studios often make final decisions about resources and schedules, and the animators and directors are left to work within those constraints.
Fan Reactions and Future Expectations
The response from the community has been divided. While many fans have expressed disappointment with the official animation, others caution against overwhelming negativity, stressing the difficult conditions animators face in the industry. The fan animation by @markReymer has become a focal point in this debate, serving as an example of how key scenes might have been handled.
Despite the criticisms, some viewers remain hopeful that the studio will deliver higher-quality animation for the most crucial battles still to come in the Monster Association arc, particularly the eventual showdown between Saitama and Garou. For now, the fan animation continues to circulate online, demonstrating the passion of the One-Punch Man community and its high standards for the adaptation.
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