Why ONE PUNCH MAN change STUDIO?

One Punch Man is one of the most beloved anime and manga series of recent years. With its mix of hilarious moments, compelling characters, and stunning animation, it quickly earned a loyal fanbase. However, when Season 2 arrived, fans couldn’t help but notice a drop in animation quality compared to the first season. This led to a wave of criticism and speculation about why such a significant change happened. So, what exactly caused One Punch Man to switch animation studios? Let’s dive in.

Which animation studio animated the first season of One Punch Man?

The first season of One Punch Man was brought to life by Madhouse, a legendary animation studio known for producing some of the highest-quality anime out there. They’ve worked on fan favorites like Death Note, Hunter x Hunter, and Perfect Blue.

Despite their reputation for excellence, the production of Season 1 wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. Shingo Natsume, the director of the first season, had to take some creative measures to deliver such outstanding work. Due to a lack of available animators within Madhouse, Natsume hired a team of freelance animators to work on the series. This unconventional approach resulted in breathtaking action sequences and visual quality that impressed fans and critics alike.

Unfortunately, Madhouse couldn’t commit to producing Season 2 due to scheduling conflicts and budget constraints, which forced the production team to look for a new studio.

Read also: Why ONE PUNCH MAN is so GOOD?

Which animation studio animated the second season of One Punch Man?

The second season of One Punch Man was handed over to J.C. Staff, another respected studio with a solid track record in the anime industry. They’ve worked on popular titles like Food Wars and Toradora!; however, taking on One Punch Man was no small task.

Along with the studio change came another major shake-up: the creative team. Shingo Natsume and many of the animators from Season 1 did not return for the second season. Instead, the responsibility fell to Chikara Sakurai, the new director at J.C. Staff. While Sakurai and his team made an admirable effort, the differences in animation style, pacing, and tone were undeniable.

Why Did the Studios Change Between Seasons?

he main reason for the studio switch boiled down to Shingo Natsume’s availability. After finishing Season 1, Natsume moved on to other projects, and his busy schedule made it impossible for him to continue directing One Punch Man. This caused a ripple effect. The freelance animators Natsume had gathered to produce Season 1 were loyal to him; they essentially said they wouldn’t work on One Punch Man without him.

With Natsume out of the picture, the entire creative team from the first season dissolved. The production committee, facing pressure to continue the series, handed the reins over to J.C. Staff.

Why Was Season 2’s Animation Criticized?

When Season 2 finally premiered, fans immediately noticed the difference in quality. While J.C. Staff is certainly capable of producing great anime, they didn’t quite capture the magic of Season 1. The reasons behind this include:

• Time and Budget Constraints: The production timeline for Season 2 was reportedly rushed, which often leads to inconsistencies in art and animation quality.
• Loss of the Original Team: With Natsume and his freelance animators gone, the second season lacked the creative vision and polish of its predecessor.
• High Expectations: Madhouse’s work on Season 1 set an incredibly high bar. Fans couldn’t help but compare every frame of Season 2 to the crisp, dynamic animation they had grown to love.