The premiere of One-Punch Man Season 3 on October 12, 2023, has ignited significant backlash among viewers, primarily focused on its animation and production quality. In response to the intense criticism, veteran animator Takashi Hashimoto has publicly addressed the controversy, shedding light on the impact of negative feedback on the production team.
Hashimoto Highlights Impact of Criticism
The discontent surrounding Season 3 reached a peak when Episode 6 was rated as one of the lowest in IMDb history for anime episodes. Hashimoto took to his Bluesky account to express his feelings regarding the overwhelming nature of the criticism coming from international audiences. He noted that the emotional toll on the production staff has been considerable, stating, “The production team probably feels a lot of pain because of it. Everyone shares the same feeling: nobody sets out to make a bad product.”
In his post, Hashimoto emphasized the importance of understanding the creators’ struggles, urging the audience to consider the realities behind the scenes. He remarked, “The more you bully us, the more the staff will disappear. Guaranteed.” This plea underscores the serious implications of online hostility, which can affect not just morale but also the overall creative process.
Responses from Other Creatives
Hashimoto is not the only industry figure responding to the backlash. Director Shinpei Nagai had previously addressed criticisms on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) before ultimately deleting his account. He expressed frustration over the provocative comments directed toward him, indicating that some users were attempting to incite him into violating nondisclosure agreements. “I cannot forgive those who tarnish the staff’s honor or exploit the creators’ struggles for profit through hate,” Nagai wrote, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding such interactions.
As the season continues to release new episodes weekly on platforms including Hulu and Disney+, the ongoing dialogue about animation quality and audience expectations remains critical. The responses from Hashimoto and Nagai reflect broader issues within the anime industry, where the balance between viewer critique and creator mental health is increasingly scrutinized.
The situation encapsulates the challenges faced by creative teams in the digital age, where instantaneous feedback can lead to prolonged negativity. As the One-Punch Man team navigates this tumultuous landscape, it remains to be seen how they will address ongoing concerns while maintaining their artistic vision.