The much-anticipated third season of the critically acclaimed series Invincible has premiered on Prime Video, much to the excitement of fans. As with prior seasons, this installment continues the journey of Mark Grayson while seamlessly integrating numerous cameos and nods to other well-loved superhero comics, providing an enjoyable experience for genre enthusiasts. Among these numerous references, one notable allusion is made to the iconic Japanese superhero franchise, One Punch Man.
Invincible’s Connection to One Punch Man
Season 3 Premiere Features Its Own Caped Baldy Hero
In the first episode of the new season, titled “You’re Not Laughing Now, ”the heroes find themselves in peril as Doc Seismic captures them, using his unique ability to monitor vibrations across Earth. When Darkwing II arrives to rescue his comrades alongside his ReAnimen, viewers are treated to a brief yet delightful scene that showcases the powers of a hero reminiscent of Saitama from One Punch Man.
This parody, affectionately labeled Two-Punch Man, has made sporadic appearances throughout Invincible since season one’s third episode. Visually, he bears a striking resemblance to Saitama—with his signature bald head and unremarkable gaze. The homage extends to his costume, which features inverted colors; he wears a red outfit with a yellow cape and black gloves, opposed to Saitama’s typical yellow attire, white cape, and red gloves.
Invincible’s creator, Robert Kirkman, humorously clarified that the character’s name is indeed Two-Punch Man. This season’s premiere reinforces the authenticity of this moniker, especially highlighted during a moment in which he dispatches a foe known as a Magmanite with just two punches—an homage to Saitama’s fighting style. In a playful twist, the second punch serves merely as a comedic touch, cementing the parody further. While Two-Punch Man’s ability to fly sets him apart from Saitama, this alteration likely serves to avoid potential copyright complications.
The Expanding Influence of One Punch Man
Transformative Cultural Impact Over Time
The influence of One Punch Man extends beyond animation, being referenced across diverse mediums. One example is the character The Walloper in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, who embodies the essence of a bald monk defeating foes with a single punch. Additionally, Borderlands 3 introduces an enemy known simply as One Punch. In Marvel’s All-New Inhumans comic #5, a character closely resembling Saitama also makes an appearance.
Moreover, One Punch Man has left its mark on various anime series. For instance, the protagonist’s training regimen appears in the daily quests of Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling, while Mob Psycho 100, also created by ONE, features a scene where Saitama’s image is used as a screensaver by Reigen, along with a parody manga present within the story. The Easter egg in Invincible serves as a clear indication of One Punch Man’s impact and status as a beloved superhero narrative in pop culture.
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