Fans of the One Punch Man animated series have been waiting for years to see Saitama pushed past his limits. It’s been a recurring joke against the Shonen anime style (he finishes his opponent in one punch), but have the writers made the shift into a full on Shonen series? In season 1’s I’m the Strongest, the Molemen dream encounter is the only time Saitama goes all out. Beware of potential spoilers ahead.

In the most recent manga chapter 164, artist Yusuke Murata has created an opponent that is terrifying. Garou now pulsates with cosmic godlike energies. The mutated villain can mimic an opponent’s fighting style, including Saitama’s Serious Punch. Blast shrouded in mystery and ranked as the strong S class hero could do nothing to stop Garous assault. With a galaxy-level threat in front of him, the one-punch man held back again, hoping that Garou would choose his humanity over conquest.

A recurring theme in the series is that despite his insane strength Saitama is always too late in his endeavors. Murata uses this truth to obliterate one of the show’s most beloved characters. Attempting to goad Saitama into releasing his true power, Garou rips out Geno’s core killing him. With the blood of his closest friend soaked in his uniform manga readers can see the transformation. Someone that takes the hero business light hearted is in an intolerable situation.

The often rudimentary drawn character is all business chiseled resolve etched into black and white, structured with a new intimidating aura. Shortly after the murder of Genos Saitama uses a move that demonstrates how much power is locked away (Killer Serious Punch). Blast mentions that the level of energy exerted by the two could shatter the planet down to its core. Maybe even foreshadowing a change of scenery, Blast could send Saitama and Garou to an alternate dimension for an unrestricted bout.

Are you following the Magna religiously, maybe you caught a spoiler, be sure to leave a comment if you think Saitama could finally be in real trouble?