One-Punch Man’s Creator & Artist Both Have A Favorite Character, & It Isn’t Saitama

One-Punch Man‘s original creator ONE and manga artist Yusuke Murata both share a favorite character from the series, and it happens to be a surprising choice. While both creators expressed their love and admiration for Saitama, the character that actually caught their attention most was a monster from early on in the series: The Deep Sea King.

The Deep Sea King first appears in chapter 23 of the manga and episode 7 of the anime, and proves himself an exceptionally dangerous threat, taking out several heroes of varying ranks before Saitama ultimately shows up and annihilates him with a single punch. The battle with the Deep Sea King happens to include a fan favorite scene of the “licenseless rider,” AKA Mumen Rider, a C-class hero with no noteworthy abilities, standing up to the incredibly powerful monster, even knowing he can’t possibly stop it himself.

The Deep Sea King might otherwise not be particularly memorable to most fans, but Mumen Rider’s bold stand against him embedded the encounter in every fan’s mind.

The Deep Sea King is ONE and Murata’s Favorite Monster

The Deep Sea King Was a Major Threat That Proved Heroes

In an interview conducted alongside the anime’s director Natsume Shingo and scriptwriter Suzuki Tomohiro, as translated and maintained by the One-Punch Man Wiki, ONE stated that, “…My favorite monster is the Deep Sea King. Especially when the Deep Sea King became larger in the story, it was very fun to draw it.” Artist Yusuke Murata has expressed similar sentiments in his online streaming when asked his favorite monster, stating, “[The] Deep Sea King and Boros. They left a deep impression.” Murata didn’t elaborate on why he felt that way, although the two are among One-Punch Man‘s strongest monsters, but ONE’s statement may provide a little insight.

Once the Deep Sea King takes center stage, it offers several heroes, particularly those who haven’t been portrayed as particularly heroic like Sneck, a chance to stand up and prove their hero cred. Even these seemingly questionable figures act suitably heroic when the situation calls for it, fighting the Deep Sea King even though they know they don’t stand a chance. Of course, this reaches its peak with Mumen Rider’s great stand against the monster, refusing to go down despite the powerful attacks which the monster unleashes. Mumen Rider’s stand is the epitome of what it means to be a hero, and the scene instantly endeared the character to the audience.

The Deep Sea King was the first monster to force many heroes to take a stand even though they knew they were in a losing situation, proving themselves worthy of the title of hero. It’s also one of the first situations to feel truly bleak, and without Saitama’s arrival, it would’ve been quite dark indeed. It further marks the moment where Saitama accepts his role as a “bad guy” to avoid making the other heroes look bad, showing a new side of the series’ hero as well. Despite being around for only a short while, the Deep Sea King had a massive impact on One-Punch Man, so it’s no wonder that both Murata and ONE feel he’s worthy of being a favorite.

One-Punch Man

Created by

ONE , Yusuke Murata

First Film

One-Punch Man: Road to Hero

Cast

Makoto Furukawa , Kaito Ishikawa , Max Mittelman , Zach Aguilar , Robbie Daymond , Hikaru Midorikawa , Marieve Herington , Laura Post , Rich Brown

Video Game(s)

One Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows , One-Punch Man: Road to Hero