One Punch Man Season 3: 4 Characters Returning — And 4 You Won’t See Again

After all the waiting, One Punch Man Season 3 is actually happening, and it is picking up right where Season 2 left off. We are going deeper into the Monster Association arc — the big one Season 2 set up with new threats and higher stakes for Saitama and basically everyone under the Hero Association banner. The catch: not everyone from last season is coming along for the ride. Some faces will matter more as the story shifts, and some got their closure (or, uh, their heads torn off) already.

Where Season 3 is headed

Season 3 continues the Monster Association storyline, which means the spotlight swings to the bigger monster hierarchy, full-scale hero vs. monster clashes, and a lot of pressure on the lower and mid-ranked heroes. That naturally pushes certain characters forward and leaves others on the bench.

Eight Season 2 standouts: who is back, who is not

• Mumen Rider — Will return
  The bicycle-powered moral center of the Hero Association had limited screen time in Season 2, but his whole deal — show up, stand up, even when outmatched — mattered. With the Monster Association crisis putting smaller heroes through the wringer, expect Mumen Rider to be the underdog spirit booster again, facing nastier threats and inspiring the guys who are not S-Class.
• Suiryu — Will not return
  The Super Fight tournament ace went from cocky champion to almost getting obliterated when Gouketsu attacked. He refused the monster-cells pitch, got brutalized for it, and that pretty much closed his arc. Given where the Monster Association plot goes, he is out of his weight class. Maybe a mention or recovery glimpse, but do not count on him fighting in Season 3.
• Speed-o'-Sound Sonic — Will return
  Sonic spent Season 2 as Saitama's self-appointed rival, zipping around with ninja techniques and generally being a chaotic irritant — useful for reminding everyone how absurdly strong Saitama is. In Season 3, he has more room to meddle. He could try crashing hero-versus-monster battles to test his limits, or poke at Saitama and others just to see where he stands. His speed and scheming make him a genuine wildcard.
• Bakuzan — Will not return
  One of the tournament fighters who chowed down on monster cells under Gouketsu's influence, Bakuzan was a walking example of ambition curdling into monstrosity. Saitama erased that problem fast. With the story shifting to monster leadership and large-scale warfare, a secondary tournament bruiser like Bakuzan does not really fit back into the mix.
• Superalloy Darkshine — Will return
  The S-Class tank took heavy hits and gave them back in Season 2, even if he did not dominate the narrative. Season 3 is set up to push him harder — both physically and mentally. He is already teased in the new season's trailer, and the Monster Association battles should put his limits (and his confidence) to a real test.
• Gouketsu — Will not return
  Former martial artist turned monster-cell distributor, Gouketsu was the tournament arc's boss-level threat. Then he met Saitama, exchanged a couple blows, and left the scene headless. That was not a subtle defeat, and it was not the kind you walk off. He is out for good.
• King — Will return
  The funniest running gag in the show: the "strongest" S-Class hero who is secretly terrified and completely powerless. King will be back to bluff his way through tense moments, accidentally motivate people, and let the story breathe with some comedy. Do not expect big fights from him; do expect great reactions.
• Charanko — Will not return
  Loud, overeager, and quickly humbled, Charanko was a small but funny piece of Season 2. Beyond a quick cameo, he does not have a role in the monster war the story is focused on now.

The bottom line

Season 3 doubles down on the Monster Association arc, which means bigger monsters, heavier battles, and more pressure on S-Class powerhouses — while the inspirational grinders and the world-class cowards (hi, King) add texture around the edges. If you are hoping for a tournament rematch tour, this is not that season.

Where to watch

One Punch Man is currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

Think I missed someone who will definitely show up (or definitely will not)? Drop your picks below.