The leaked raw scans of One Punch Man chapter 198 have sparked controversy within the fandom due to its brevity. Written by ONE and illustrated by Yusuke Murata, the 11-page chapter has received criticism from some fans. It is important to note that the series has historically had an irregular publication schedule. Despite its short length, the chapter primarily delves into Flashy Flash and Sonic's confrontation with the Tenin, a highly anticipated event following the previous chapter.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for One Punch Man chapter 198.
One Punch Man chapter 198 shows more of Sonic and Flashy Flash's battle with the Tenin
The latest installment of the series contains a dramatic twist, as Sonic turns on the Tenin and allies with Flashy Flash in a surprising cliffhanger. However, One Punch Man chapter 198 delves deeper into their conflict, shedding light on their history and abilities.
The recent chapters have delved deeper into the backstory and training of both Flash and Sonic, shedding light on their motivations to challenge the ninja village system. ONE and Murata have also explored the friendship and connection between the two ninjas.
However, many Sonic fans may find it disappointing that he was easily defeated by the Tenin, with Flashy Flash doing most of the work in the battle. This outcome doesn't align with fans' expectations of Sonic growing stronger throughout the series.
The image above shows Flashy Flash and Sonic (Image via Shueisha).
Additionally, there have been inquiries about the brief length of this chapter, causing some surprise within the fandom. Chapter 198 of One Punch Man is not the first in the series to contain fewer pages than usual. However, given the current challenges faced by writers and artists in the manga industry, there were valid concerns for Yusuke Murata.
The detailed artwork that Murata is known for is likely the main reason behind the delays and short chapters in the One Punch Man manga. Readers are familiar with the artist's dedication to creating visually stunning pages, which can result in an uneven publication schedule. Chapter 198 mainly focuses on Flashy Flash and Sonic's battle against the Tenin, providing insight into their friendship and bond without significantly advancing the story.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan of One Punch Man, I have mixed feelings about chapter 198. While the brief showdown between Sonic and Flashy Flash against the Tenin was visually stunning, I couldn't help but feel disappointed by its brevity. The chapter left me wanting more, especially considering the long wait between chapters. However, I understand that the irregular publication schedule is due to the detailed artwork that Yusuke Murata is known for, and I appreciate his dedication to creating visually stunning pages.
The twist of Sonic turning on the Tenin and allying with Flashy Flash was a surprise, but I found it somewhat predictable. I would have preferred to see Sonic hold his own against the Tenin, showcasing his growth and strength. Additionally, the chapter didn't provide much insight into the Tenin's character or motivations, which left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, while I enjoyed the visuals and the camaraderie between Sonic and Flashy Flash, I hope future chapters will offer more substantial content and character development.