English Dub Review: One-Punch Man “The Human Monster”

 

Overview (Spoilers Below)
At the meeting between the criminals and the Hero Association, a man named Garo steps into the already tense discussion. Claiming to side with the monsters who are destroying the city, Garo turns the entire room’s occupants into a literal sea of blood. Leaving only the head of the association alive, Garo exits the facilities.

Over by Saitama’s place, Genos picks up on a fast-moving target. With Saitama busy playing video games, Genos takes it on himself to find the culprit. It turns out that the culprit is none other than Speed-O’-Sound Sonic, here to finish the score between himself and Saitama.
Later on, Hellish Blizzard and her pose of goons show up at Saitama’s door. Hellish Blizzard offers Saitama the opportunity to join her group so that they may both rise the ranks together. Saitama declines, causing Blizzard to retaliate.

During their battle, Saitama teaches Blizzard a thing or two about being a true hero. He states that heroes are meant to take on the bringers of evil, and not focus on rank or strength.

Ultimately, Saitama and Blizzard’s battle crosses paths with Genos and Sonic’s battle, in a literal blast of fire. Genos and Sonic continue their fierce fight, while Saitama and Blizzard watch as on-lookers. Genos wishes to end the battle with a massive blast, but Saitama steps in and stops Sonic instead.

Back at Saitama’s place, Hellish Blizzard states her motives behind her attack against Saitama earlier. It turns out that she is the younger sister of Class S Rank 2 hero Tornado. Due to Tornado always beating her throughout their lives together, Hellish Blizzard ultimately believes that she cannot advance and become the number one hero. She wishes to group together with other strong heroes so that they can advance through the ranks together, ultimately being closer to achieving her dream.

After this confrontation, King stumbles upon Saitama’s place. Blizzard notices how despite their difference in rank, the two of them act in a friendly manner. Blizzard ultimately wishes to be a part of that lifestyle, one without rivalry but with companionship.

Meanwhile, back at Hero Association HQ, the head of the association fails to convince the other board members regarding the potential danger Garo possesses. In a dark alley, Garo knocks out another Class A-ranked hero, wishing for there to be a challenger who can take on a monster-ranked hero.

Our Take
Well, this was certainly another doozy of an episode. Alongside an abundance of humorous moments (mainly thanks to Saitama), the latest chapter in One-Punch Man Season Two had some interesting topics brought up throughout.

One interesting thing of note is that so far, it seems that each episode introduces two sets of characters. One of which is the main focus, whereas the other mysteriously appears and gets the spotlight in the following episode. I can’t remember if the first season achieved this tactic, but it is a bit enticing here. The introduction of a mysterious character towards the end of an episode is nothing new, but I’d be lying if it didn’t keep myself in suspense. The way the show melds the unknown characters with a foreboding score breathes some new light into this trope. My mind rushes through with thoughts on these character’s backstories and motives, leaving me all the more excited for the next installment. It may be a familiar trope, but it still revs me up with anticipation.

I was pretty surprised at how quick Hellish Blizzard’s motives and backstory were revealed. I wasn’t expecting it to drop until much later in the season, perhaps sprinkled throughout rather than all at once. Despite this, she’s definitely a complex character.

She has a major superiority complex, caused by a rough past at the hands of her older sister. Hellish Blizzard strives to be great, only for a greater force to show up and take the top spot. She ultimately wants to prove her worth, and not be behind the shadow of her sister. She’s an interesting take on how we as humans tend to focus on the top spot rather than doing the best we can. Many strive to be number one, doing their best to achieve said status. Ultimately though, if gone unchecked, it can lead one down a path of anxiety and depression. The constant struggles to be the best push down on them, causing them to think their inferior. Hellish Blizzard acts the way she does because she feels inferior to everyone around her, and has to have a false sense of superiority in order to cope.

Saitama’s message to Hellish Blizzard largely ties into this. Saitama, literally the most powerful being on Earth, if not the whole galaxy, doesn’t care if he’s considered numero uno. He just wants to serve justice upon the evildoers of society. He’s not chained towards statistical rankings, he knows his worth and does his best in each scenario. Clearly, it’s a message to society that one does not have to be the best to be of worth. Rather, worthiness is achieved by being the best person they can be.

On a lighter note, Genos and Sonic’s battle did seem to be a bit on the shorter side. It would have been interesting to see more of their battle to end all battles. However, considering the immense amount of focus on Hellish Blizzard’s motives and character flaw, I think it was a smart move to not have their battle be the main center of attention during the episode.

Of course, one cannot review this episode without talking about the elephant in the room: Garo. He is an especially intriguing specimen. He claims to not be on the side of humanity at all, but rather the side of monster-kind. There’s not much else to go on right now, but it gets my gears spinning on why this character sides with the demonic monsters rather than his own kind. I’m enticed to see how Garo will develop throughout the season.

While not being quite as strong as the season opener, this episode certainly has its merits. It may not be the most entertaining on a surface level, but it certainly is an eye-opener to an aspect of our society. That said, this episode still has the humor, action, and suspense that we’ve all come to love about the show. Putting together the sum of all its parts, this edition of One-Punch Man still continues to excite me regarding the season’s future.