English Dub Review: One Punch Man “Monster Traits”

Overview

On his way to hunt heroes, Garou dines and dashes at a restaurant, but is chased by Saitama…


Our Take

Picking up from the previous episode, the focus shifts towards the newly introduced antagonist, Garou, as he navigates chaotic encounters and moments of surprising humanity. His interactions, from comedic misadventures to unexpectedly sincere exchanges, highlight the tension between the image he projects and the brutal and ambitious monster he instinctively is.

At the same time, the episode emphasizes quieter beats and dialogue-driven scenes, shifting the spotlight toward character dynamics rather than spectacle. Garou’s exchanges with civilians and monsters alike give a clearer sense of his internal conflict. At the same time, the interplay between Saitama and Fubuki adds levity and reinforces their odd but entertaining dynamic.

Overall, this episode lays firm narrative groundwork while centering the personalities of Garou, Saitama, and the wider cast, exploring themes of identity, morality, and motive through humor and character-driven moments as the story inches toward its first major confrontation. Even though the animation quality leaves more to be desired, there is still plenty to look forward to as the season moves into its next phase and hopefully improves somewhere down the line…