One Punch Man Manga Chapter 1, titled “One Punch” (一撃, Ichigeki), is not just the beginning of a manga—it’s the foundation of a modern pop-culture phenomenon. Released as part of Yusuke Murata’s official manga remake of ONE’s webcomic, this chapter instantly redefined what a superhero story could be: absurdly powerful, brutally honest, and hilariously anti-climactic.
This in-depth 2026 guide breaks down release details, full plot overview, themes, characters, art style, and cultural impact, optimized for readers, fans, and search engines alike. Whether you’re new to the series or revisiting its origins, this article covers everything you need to know about One Punch Man Chapter 1.
Release Information and Publication History
The origins of One Punch Man Chapter 1 trace back to one of the most unusual success stories in manga history.
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Original Webcomic by ONE
The story began as a self-published webcomic created by ONE around 2009. Drawn in a deliberately rough, minimalist style, the webcomic focused on humor, timing, and satire rather than visual polish. Despite its simplicity, it gained massive online popularity due to its unique concept and sharp writing. -
Official Manga Remake by Yusuke Murata
Recognizing the story’s potential, acclaimed artist Yusuke Murata collaborated with ONE to create a fully redrawn, professionally published version.-
First manga chapter release: June 14, 2012
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Platform: Tonari no Young Jump (Shueisha’s online manga magazine)
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Collected Volume: Volume 1, released December 4, 2012 in Japan
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This remake became the definitive version for most readers worldwide, thanks to Murata’s hyper-detailed art, cinematic action, and faithful adaptation of ONE’s original vision.
Chapter 1 Full Plot Overview (Spoiler-Light but Complete)
One Punch Man Chapter 1 opens with immediate chaos—no long exposition, no gentle introduction.
A-City Under Attack
The story begins in A-City, once peaceful, now reduced to rubble after a massive explosion. From the crater emerges Vaccine Man, a bizarre, green-skinned humanoid monster. Declaring himself the “envoy of the Earth,” he claims humanity deserves extinction for polluting and exploiting the planet.
Vaccine Man ascends into the sky and unleashes overwhelming energy blasts, obliterating skyscrapers and killing countless civilians. The scale of destruction is shown in chilling detail, setting a dark, almost apocalyptic tone.
Enter Saitama — The Most Unimpressive Hero
Cut to Z-City, where an ordinary bald man named Saitama sits at home, casually watching the disaster unfold on live television. His reaction? Mild boredom.
Without urgency, panic, or dramatic music, Saitama decides to go outside—mainly because he has nothing better to do.
Heroes Fail, Stakes Rise
Back in A-City, licensed heroes attempt to stop Vaccine Man, only to be defeated effortlessly. The monster powers up into a gigantic, muscular transformation, increasing the tension. Innocent survivors, including a terrified young girl, are moments away from death.
The One Punch
Saitama arrives wearing his now-iconic yellow jumpsuit, red gloves, and white cape. Vaccine Man boasts about his mission and strength. Saitama listens with visible indifference.
The monster attacks.
Saitama dodges.
Saitama punches once.
Vaccine Man is completely annihilated—instant, total destruction.
No struggle. No dramatic final blow. Just one casual punch.
The Ending Note
As debris settles, Saitama stands alone, not triumphant—but frustrated. He mutters that winning every fight in one punch is boring. This final line perfectly establishes the series’ core idea:
What happens when the strongest hero has already reached the end?
Main Characters Introduced in Chapter 1
Saitama
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Appearance: Bald, plain-looking, unassuming
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Personality: Apathetic, honest, quietly heroic
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Power Level: Limitless
Saitama immediately breaks every superhero rule. He doesn’t seek fame, doesn’t monologue, and doesn’t even enjoy victory. His existential boredom becomes the emotional backbone of the series.
Vaccine Man
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Role: First major antagonist
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Symbolism: Environmental backlash, exaggerated villain ideology
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Purpose: To demonstrate Saitama’s overwhelming strength
Vaccine Man is intentionally over-the-top, designed to feel like a final boss—and then instantly erased to subvert expectations.
Civilians and Heroes
Though unnamed, the panicked citizens and defeated heroes establish a world where monsters are real, heroes exist, and danger is constant, laying the groundwork for the Hero Association introduced later.
Themes and Satire Established in Chapter 1
One Punch Man Chapter 1 works because it’s not just action—it’s commentary.
Satire of Superhero Tropes
Traditional stories build tension through struggle. One Punch Man does the opposite:
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No training arc (yet)
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No escalating power levels
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No dramatic final clash
The joke is simple and brilliant: the fight ends before it begins.
Existential Boredom
Saitama’s greatest enemy isn’t monsters—it’s emptiness. His lack of fulfillment questions the idea that power automatically brings happiness.
Heroism Without Recognition
Saitama saves thousands of lives, yet no one cheers. This introduces a recurring theme: true heroism often goes unnoticed.
Art Style and Visual Impact (Murata vs ONE)
Yusuke Murata’s Redraw
Murata’s art elevates Chapter 1 to cinematic levels:
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Highly detailed destruction
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Dynamic paneling
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Expressive facial reactions
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Explosive action sequences
The contrast between Vaccine Man’s terrifying presence and Saitama’s blank expressions enhances the comedy.
Comparison to ONE’s Webcomic
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Webcomic: Rough, minimalist, gag-focused
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Manga: Polished, dramatic, visually intense
Despite the upgrade, Murata preserves ONE’s timing and humor, ensuring the soul of the story remains intact.
Why Chapter 1 Still Matters in 2026
Even more than a decade later, One Punch Man Chapter 1 remains one of the strongest opening chapters in manga history.
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It introduces the premise instantly
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It hooks readers emotionally and comedically
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It subverts genre expectations from page one
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It establishes a world ripe for expansion
In just 19 pages, it delivers action, satire, philosophy, and humor with near-perfect pacing. Many fans still point to Chapter 1 as the reason they fell in love with the series—and why it continues to dominate anime, manga, and pop culture discussions in 2026.
Conclusion
One Punch Man Manga Chapter 1: “One Punch” is a masterclass in storytelling efficiency. It proves that you don’t need long explanations or drawn-out battles to create impact. With a single punch, it demolishes monsters, clichés, and expectations alike.
By introducing Saitama’s limitless power and limitless boredom, this chapter sets the tone for everything that follows—over-the-top action paired with deadpan comedy and surprisingly deep existential themes.
If you want to understand why One Punch Man became a global sensation, Chapter 1 is the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is One Punch Man Chapter 1 about?
It introduces Saitama, a hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch, and explores his boredom with being overwhelmingly powerful.
2. When was One Punch Man Chapter 1 released?
The official manga version was released on June 14, 2012, and later collected in Volume 1.
3. Who created One Punch Man?
The story was created by ONE, with the manga illustrated by Yusuke Murata.
4. Who is the villain in Chapter 1?
The main antagonist is Vaccine Man, a monster claiming to punish humanity for environmental destruction.
5. Why is Chapter 1 so popular?
Because it instantly subverts superhero tropes, combines high-quality art with sharp comedy, and delivers a unique premise in under 20 pages.
