Analyzing the Popularity of One Punch Man: Comparing the Impact of ONE's Comic and Murata's Manga

The One Punch Man series started out as a webcomic, but its popularity really took off with the release of the anime adaptation. Due to the long wait times between seasons, fans have turned to the original webcomic for more content. Many people assumed it was a manga, like most anime, but in fact it was created as a webcomic by ONE, with a very different art style from the manga adaptation by artist Yusuke Murata known for his intricate and detailed drawings.

Is One Punch Man more popular because of the manga?

One Punch Man boasts some of the most visually stunning artwork, with the manga community drawing comparisons to the work of Kentaro Miura. This raises the question: is One Punch Man's popularity predominantly due to the manga?

Yes, the popularity of the One Punch Man manga can be attributed to various factors. A compelling storyline and well-developed characters are essential elements in achieving widespread acclaim. ONE, the creator of the original webcomic, has certainly excelled in these aspects.

The comparison is between two different mediums telling the same story, with the manga faithfully adapting the webcomic and rarely including original scenes. The main difference lies in the quality of illustrations. ONE's art style is crude, but appreciated by a portion of the fanbase. On the other hand, Yusuke Murata's illustrations are refined and bring a dynamic quality to the fight scenes on still images that is unmatched.

Utilizing a range of techniques, including blurred lines to give the impression of movement and speed, he showcases an exceptional level of skill. However, what truly stands out is not just the high quality of his artwork, but the unwavering consistency with which he produces it.

Finding a panel with subpar illustration among the nearly 200 chapters he has published so far is incredibly difficult. There are also instances where ONE's illustrations appear to be disproportionate. This can be particularly jarring for manga consumers who are accustomed to titles with high-quality illustrations.

When comparing the manga and webcomic (Image via Shueisha/Yusuke Murata and ONE), the lack of visually pleasing panels can be a significant obstacle for the average reader. It can hinder their enjoyment of a complex plot with plenty of comical scenes, which is why the webcomic is not the first point of contact for someone new to the One Punch Man series.

The popularity of One Punch Man can largely be attributed to the manga adaptation of the original series. However, the original webcomic also offers an enjoyable experience in its own right. With the story significantly advancing in the webcomic, fans have the opportunity to read the source material and stay ahead of the manga readers. Keep an eye out for more anime and manga news as we move further into 2023.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of One Punch Man, I find the analysis of the series' popularity to be insightful and thought-provoking. The comparison between ONE's webcomic and Murata's manga sheds light on the unique qualities that have contributed to the series' success. While the manga's visually stunning artwork has undoubtedly played a significant role in attracting a wider audience, the original webcomic holds its own charm with its crude but expressive art style.

The fact that the manga faithfully adapts the webcomic's storyline, with rare instances of original scenes, highlights the strength of ONE's storytelling. The well-developed characters and compelling plot have resonated with fans, making One Punch Man a beloved franchise. However, it is undeniable that Murata's exceptional illustrations have elevated the series to new heights, providing an unparalleled visual experience that complements the already engaging narrative.