The storyline is simplicity itself. Really powerful superhero goes around fighting the bad guys who seem to appear at a constant basis. The fun part is that he's so powerful, he really doesn't care. He's doing this for fun. And why should he care when the bad guys he's often fighting (though mildly creative) are a bunch of monologue spouting villains of the week. It's a joy to see them get squished.
The art is better than it should be for a show like this. Great amounts of bright colors, ridiculous looking villi ans and heroes, and fight sequences that so over-the-top they make DBZ look subdued and realistic. But, then again, I suppose that was all rather the point. It's supposed to be silly. Sound effects are worthy of the art quality and give a legit feel to this satire. There are many times where the art will shift from simple to more detailed in order to bring a more serious tone to the scene at hand, only to have it end in silly fashion.
The characters carry the show. From Saitama, Mr. One Punch Man himself, and his deadpan "yeah, bro" attitude towards any threatening situation, to his cyborg disciple Genos who provides the straight-man to compliment Saitama's care-free demeanor, and the grocery list of villains and heroes with hilariously complex backstories and sets of powers who provide the meat of the show. Most of these characters will have you looking at mundane objects differently forever.
The Sub vs. Dub battle is something of a wash. Both casts do a good job in their roles, which are mostly comprised of hammy performances. Makoto Furukawa suits the titular role perfectly with his voice reflecting the boredom that fits the character in Japanese. But, Max Mittelman with his trademark "laid back teenager" voice, does a different but equally decent job in English. A special mention goes to Miyano Mamoru, who has a crucial (but smaller) role as Amai Mask. His voice perfectly suits that character, the same voice who gave Light Yagami in "Death Note" that pretty-boy confidence with a touch of sinister intention, fits equally well in this role and gives a hint of what's to come. So much so, I'm giving the win here to the Japanese cast.
I enjoyed this show in much the same way I enjoyed the film "Deadpool". It's the right show at the right time. With so many super powered Anime shows and superhero films flooding the market even as I write these words, it's a breath of fresh air to watch a show that throws pies in both their faces. If you're like me, and you're tired of overly dramatic Anime and Superhero titles, give this one a watch. At only 12 episodes, it may be one of the most binge-worthy Anime I've seen in a long time. A great time. 9/10. Check it out. Cheers!
