Understanding the Three Manga Versions of One-Punch Man
Explore the three manga adaptations of One-Punch Man and discover the reasons behind having multiple versions. Determine which version is considered canon and choose the best one to read.
Understanding the Three Manga Versions of One-Punch Man
One-Punch Man, a popular anime series, stands out from others as it has three separate manga adaptations. This article aims to shed light on the reason behind having multiple manga versions and determine which one is considered canon. By exploring the history and structure of each manga, readers can gain a better understanding of the differences and choose the best version to read.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
The Origins of One-Punch Man
The first iteration of One-Punch Man was a webcomic created by ONE in 2009. While the webcomic’s art was initially unrefined, it still managed to attract a small but dedicated audience due to its humor and epic fight scenes. Among its fans was Yusuke Murata, a renowned mangaka famous for his work on Eyeshield 21. Impressed by the webcomic, Murata proposed collaborating with ONE on a manga remake, leading to the version that gained widespread popularity.
( Credit to: Screenrant )
The Yusuke Murata Manga
The Yusuke Murata manga closely follows the webcomic’s story but includes original content and expands upon the Monster Association arc, which was featured in One-Punch Man Season 2. Murata’s exceptional art and scene composition have played a significant role in the manga’s immense success worldwide. This version of the manga offers a visually stunning experience and adds depth to the characters and worldbuilding.
The Alternate Version
Interestingly, the third manga version serves as an alternate take on the story already presented in the Yusuke Murata manga. ONE and Murata occasionally revisit previous chapters, making changes such as adding extra pages or completely reworking the story. These revisions aim to improve fight scenes, align the story with the webcomic or manga’s worldbuilding, and provide a definitive version of the chapter.
Choosing the Best Version
For fans who wish to read only one version of One-Punch Man, it is essential to consider the differences. While all versions cover the same basic story, the webcomic stands out for its superior storytelling despite its less refined art. The manga, although visually stunning, can sometimes drag story arcs due to expansions and rewrites. Additionally, the manga may overcomplicate certain aspects and discard subtleties found in the webcomic. Therefore, the webcomic is often considered the best version to read, with its concise storytelling and well-handled characters.
Comparison with the Anime
The One-Punch Man anime closely follows the Yusuke Murata manga, with minor differences such as original or extended scenes. While the anime includes a few OVAs with original content, it remains faithful to the manga adaptation. As a result, fans can expect a similar experience whether they choose to watch the anime or read the manga.
Conclusion
One-Punch Man’s three manga versions provide different perspectives on the beloved story. While the Yusuke Murata manga offers stunning visuals and expanded worldbuilding, the webcomic stands out for its concise storytelling and well-developed characters. Ultimately, the choice between versions depends on personal preferences. Whether fans opt for the visually appealing manga or the webcomic’s compelling narrative, One-Punch Man continues to captivate audiences across different mediums.
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