Saitama was never the only character to outdoS-Class heroesinOne-Punch Man, but the Neo Heroes Arc confirms more reveals of rivals of the Hero Association as the story continues. As the new crime-fighting and monster-slaying collective gains momentum and a following, the latest chapters provide tangible evidence not only of their competence but in some ways their superiority to the current top dogs. InOne-Punch Man, the S-Class heroes continue to be challenged thanks to the latest demonstration of raw strength byRaidenover former S-Class Rank 11 Superalloy Darkshine.
While Raiden was introduced nearly two dozen chapters ago inOne-Punch Man, his talents weren’t given a proper chance to shine until the latest developments in the Neo Heroes Arc. As part of a bid to show the glaring oversights of the Hero Association, the Neo Heroes have been making a show of the recent chapters afterYusuke Murata’s summertime hiatus ended. With the latest chapter, though,the Neo Heroes show their might tangibly as they threaten to overtake the Hero Associationas the public’s favorite defenders inOne-Punch Man.
Raiden of the Neo Heroes Outclasses the Most Physically Fit Hero in One-Punch Man
Superalloy Is Losing Some of His Shine
In the latest chapter ofOne-Punch Manreleased inTonari no Young Jump,Raiden briefly grapples with Superalloy Darkshine, the most physically fit of the Hero Association’s S-Class, and it’s immediately obvious how much stronger he is. Raiden stops the bout, taking pity on Darkshine by saying, “I didn’t mean to scare you,” before stopping, lamenting that his opponent is possibly past his prime. It’s the latest indication of the Neo Heroes' power, alongside Darkshine and other top S-Class heroes like Wild Emperor joining their ranks inOne-Punch Man.
Raiden’s 700-win streak clearly references Raiden Tameemon, one of history’s greatest sumo wrestlers with the greatest top-division win ratio of all time.
Raiden isn’t the only impressive and strong character in the Neo Heroes, as when the resentful Mars Leo and Kokou barge into the leadership meeting, picking a fight with the Neo Heroes leaders, even the new recruit Suiryu makes quick work of them. Another physically imposing presence includes Wavygyaza,whose cyborg modifications verge on the impossible at a 71% ratio, concealing ominous extents of her powers. But for better or worse, withthe Neo Heroes fully entering plain view inOne-Punch Man’scurrent arc, they’re making a strong impression so far.
The Neo Heroes Are the Most Interesting Antagonist Group Yet in One-Punch Man
Addressing the Flaws of the Hero Association for Better or for Worse
While the Neo Heroes are yet to be expanded upon inOne-Punch Man’smanga adaptation, their opposition to the Hero Association breeds natural conflict while other threats like Empty Void loom. This allows the world of the franchise to feel alive and at odds with itself as it decides its collective values, with the Neo Heroes' improved prioritization of its members' safety, charm offensives with social media presence, and pure shows of brute strength. This creates a different, more complicated antagonist plot than a high-concept one involvingEmpty Void, God, and Blast in recent chapters ofOne-Punch Man.
Sorry, Saitama Fans, One-Punch Man Is Better Without Him, And Here Is Why
One-Punch Man is a hilarious experience with Saitama at its helm, but when he steps away, it becomes truly excellent.
The Neo Heroes have provided interesting opportunities, like giving Amaru, aka Child Emperor, a chance to change his image, and others, like Wavygyaza, to embrace their ambition, but sinister elements undercut this noble intent. The Neo Heroes are partially helmed by the founder of the Church of Otherworldly Reincarnation and the Ryumon Gang, suggesting angles of indoctrination and massive corruption in future chapters. The truth will be more complex than simply a convenient, better answer to the Hero Association, andOne-Punch Man’smanga will soon explore this at length.
