Note: Spoilers Ahead for One-Punch Man Chapters #196 (JP)
On January 22, 2025, the announcement that One-Punch Man would undergo yet another redraw, restarting the Ninjas Arc, sparked frustration among fans hopeful for narrative progression. However, the release of chapter #196 has shown that this creative direction may ultimately enhance the story, returning to the series’ roots and offering fresh perspectives.
While it is clear that Murata is committed to achieving perfection, the decision to redraw existing chapters has resulted in a narrative that many readers have found confusing. This marks the third iteration of the Ninja Village arc in the manga, a development that has kept fans in a narrative loop for over two years. Critics have voiced concerns over the divergence from ONE’s original webcomic, yet chapter #196 confirms that the motivation behind the redraw was to realign the manga with the original plot, much to the joy of devoted fans.
Flashy Flash’s Backstory Signals a Return to the Webcomic
Enhancements in the Ninja Village Arc
Chapter #196 represents a significant improvement, providing the complete backstory for Flashy Flash and Speed-o’-Sound Sonic for the first time. Unlike previous adaptations that skimmed over crucial details, this rendition closely mirrors chapter #115 of the webcomic, delving deeper into Flash and Sonic’s tumultuous lives in the Ninja Village. Revising former plot elements, such as the exclusion of the demonsterization experimentation and Empty Void’s attack on Hero Association, aligns more closely with the original narrative.
This revision not only features refined art and character design but also employs enhanced visual storytelling techniques, making it easier for readers to navigate the storyline. New comedic scenes restore the lighthearted tone characteristic of the series, previously overshadowed by more intense moments involving God’s direct influence. For example, delightful moments include Blast and Stich visiting Saitama’s cramped apartment or Genos inadvertently altering the living space—both showcasing the series’ humor.
Moreover, the chapter recaptures the charm of the original webcomic by illustrating Saitama’s indifference to Flash’s tragic backstory, as he amusingly shifts his focus to meal prep. This revised edition of chapter #196 stands out as the most effective representation of the Ninjas Arc to date, paralleling the webcomic’s straightforward narrative while introducing only minor alterations, such as the inclusion of Blast, Stich, and Manako.
Increased Emotional Depth for Flashy Flash and Sonic
Flashy Flash’s Backstory Illuminates Previous Events
In earlier versions, Flashy Flash’s backstory stretched merely three pages, offering limited insight into his training and relationship with Sonic, thereby lacking significant emotional depth. The previous iteration of chapter #196 only revealed a brief flashback featuring Sonic’s guidance and a snippet of dialogue from their imminent clash in chapter #197 regarding Sonic’s dreams of reforming the village.
This latest revision, however, faithfully adheres to the webcomic’s narrative, exploring Flash’s psyche and showcasing his bonds with Sonic. The new chapter illustrates how their conversations helped Flash rekindle lost emotions. It reveals that Flash concealed his true strength while enduring the rigors of class 5 training, clarifying he was responsible for the destruction of the village—not Blast—as well as his decision to spare Sonic through poisoned food.
This development shows that while Flash cared for Sonic, he ultimately trusted no one but himself, planning to execute his strategy alone. It also sheds light on prior remarks by Gale Wind and Hellfire Flame, who labeled Flash a “miserable-failed student”in chapter 194. Furthermore, Flash’s admission about Sonic developing a resistance to poison raises intriguing possibilities regarding how he withstood the effects of the monster cell and hints at Flash’s lost aspirations, suggesting he might have found purpose in challenging Saitama instead.
Refining the Adaptation for Greater Clarity
Murata’s Vision for a Clearer Narrative
In this iteration, Blast omits earlier discussions regarding Empty Void’s abilities and intentions, paving the way for potential reexaminations in upcoming redraws. It opens the door for fresh interpretations about Empty Void’s power origin, potentially altering previous narratives that hinged on his absorption of cosmic rays from Garou.
Yusuke Murata’s commitment to these revisions, initially expressed in 2013, reflects an intent to provide a coherent vision and interpretation of the plot. By returning to the webcomic’s original storyline, the manga realigns with ONE’s vision, a decision honored by the fandom. This retrospective methodology is a commendable approach not frequently undertaken in the manga sphere. Despite the controversy surrounding the redraws, One-Punch Man continues to captivate its audience, leaving them eager to see what unfolds next in this epic saga.
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