After a long wait, One Punch Man Season 3 is finally returning, and the story will pick up where Season 2 left off, thus carrying forward the epic Monster Association arc. The second season introduced new kinds of threats and set up higher stakes for Saitama and the rest of the heroes from the series. However, not every character from Season 2 will make a return to Season 3.

While some One Punch Man characters will return to play new developments within the story, others will be left behind as the focus shifts. Thus, here is a detailed list of 4 significant characters from season 2 who will make a comeback in season, and 4 other characters who will miss out from the narrative of One Punch Man.

8. Mumen Rider (Will Return)

Mumen Rider’s resolve | Credit: J.C. Staff

In One Punch Man Season 2, Mumen Rider served as one of the most earnest and courageous lower-ranked heroes, despite his limited power. He had very few action sequences, but his spirit represented the heart and ideals of the Hero Association. His developments during Season 2 emphasized his moral resolve, often supporting other heroes in battles or during crises, even if he was majorly outmatched in difficult situations.

Season 3’s appearance of Mumen Rider will most likely once again embody the spirit of the underdog hero, as he will now have to face even more dangerous situations as more monstrous threats emerge. The Monster Association arc will push many lower- and mid-ranked heroes into crisis, and Mumen Rider is likely to be the inspiring figure among the smaller heroes.

7. Suiryu (Won’t Return)

Suiryu was a significant character during the Super Fight tournament arc as he was a champion martial artist, winning multiple tournaments. However, when Gouketsu attacked, Suiryu tried to confront him and rejected his offer to join the monsters, but was brutally beaten by the villain. His arc had some of the most dramatic developments, as he went from being one of the biggest champions to being almost brutally killed.

Given how his storyline ended, it is unlikely Suiryu returns in Season 3. The narrative in the previous season has already established that the thrill of the Monster Association arc is far beyond his martial arts limits. There is a possibility that he could be referenced or shown in recovery, but he won’t return as a fighter in the new arc.

6. Sonic (Will Return)

Sonic with his sword and mask | Credit: J.C. Staff

One Punch Man Season 2 featured Sonic as a recurring antagonist/rival to Saitama. Using his speed and ninja techniques, he challenged heroes and occasionally caused trouble. While he didn’t really play a major role in the narrative, his presence always made things interesting. He was more or less used as a plot tool to establish Saitama’s strength as the strongest hero in the world.

For Season 3, Sonic will most likely return, as he is a significant rival character with more to do in the Monster Association arc. He may try to insert himself into the monster vs. hero battles to test his limits. He could also provide twists by targeting Saitama or other heroes to see if he fits in yet or not. His speed and cunning will make him a useful wildcard in the larger conflict.

5. Bakuzan (Won’t Return)

Bakuzan fighting Saitama | Credit: J.C. Staff

Bakuzan’s appearance during the tournament arcs in Season 2 as one of the martial artists who accepted monster cells was a significant development. After being influenced by Gouketsu’s transformations, he became one of the mutated fighters, showcasing how humans with ambition might fall in front of the monster power. His role as a villainous monster in One Punch Man was ended by Saitama, who took him down quite easily.

Thus, Season 3 won’t see Bakuzan making a return in any way. The Monster Association arc focuses more on monster leadership, monster armies, and high-stakes hero battles. Characters like Bakuzan, who were secondary fighters in the tournament arc, are not significant anymore, and thus, their return won’t make sense for the storyline.

4. Superalloy Darkshine (Will Return)

Superalloy Darkshine unleashing | Credit: J.C. Staff

During One Punch Man Season 2, Superalloy Darkshine was part of the S-Class hero ranking and demonstrated his strength and significance. He had serious combat ability as he was able to absorb and return heavy damage to the villains. His role was that of a powerhouse, and he contributed to major fights when necessary, but still, it looked like he did not do much for the story.

In Season 3, Darkshine is expected to return with perhaps even more focus on his inner conflicts and uncanny abilities. His character’s visuals in Season 3 have already been teased in the trailer of the series. He may be more central in battles against the forces of the Monster Association, as he will confront monsters that test both his physical limits and his unprecedented strength.

3. Gouketsu (Won’t Return)

Gouketsu and Bakuzan | Credit: J.C. Staff

Gouketsu was one of the most powerful monsters in Season 2’s tournament arc. He was once a martial artist who accepted monster cells and transformed, thus serving as a boss-level threat. He was the one who distributed monster cells during the tournament, attacked heroes directly, and demonstrated the danger of the monster-human hybrid concept. His development as a villain was dramatic and extremely important in the tournament storyline.

However, as One Punch Man fans may remember, Gouketsu exchanged a few blows with Saitama in the previous season, which resulted in his head being ripped off from his body. This meant that not only was he defeated by the protagonist, but he was also brutally defeated, thus making his return in the third season impossible.

2. King (Will Return)

King is one of the most interesting characters in One Punch Man as he has maintained his mysterious role of being an S-Class hero, but in reality, he is a fraud in terms of power. He served as a major comic relief for the story as he is secretly terrified of fights and avoids danger, but is mistaken by many as the strongest. His presence added humour to the story and thus, he was loved by fans.

For Season 3, King will definitely return, once again posing as a fake legend whose reputation might influence other heroes in a comedic way. He probably won’t take on major combat, but he could participate in the background, as his interactions with Saitama and other heroes may be used to lighten dramatic moments and add comedy to the narrative.

1. Charanko (Won’t Return)

Charanko and Saitama | Credit: J.C. Staff

One Punch Man Season 2 featured Charanko as a minor comedic and supporting character. He was loud, arrogant, and tried to brag about his power in front of Saitama and Genos. Not only that, he even challenged Saitama and Genos about their martial arts training under Bang, but was quickly shut down. However, once he realized what the two main characters were capable of, he took on his role of being the supporting character.

Given his limited role in the previous season and his lack of significance in the bigger conflict and battles, Charanko will most likely not return in Season 3. While he may appear in some scenes as a minor development, he won’t be part of the central storyline focused on the battle between the heroes and monsters. Are there any other One Punch Man characters you think will appear or won’t appear in season 3? Let us know below!

One Punch Man is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire