'One Punch Man' season 2 release date: Amai Mask to turn from hero to villain and face Saitama

Viz Media

Yusuke Murata, the man who brought One Punch Man to anime, expressed his awareness of the fans' exasperated anticipation for the next installment of the much-awaited anime series and is working to release the next season as soon as possible. Season 1 ended on December 2015 where viewers witnessed the defeat of the villain Lord Boros in his fight with Saitama.

Lord Boros' ability to regenerate enabled him to battle Saitama without being completely obliterated in a single punch, which is Saitama's trademark when he is facing an opponent he seriously wanted to eradicate. Even though he received the infamous 'consecutive normal punches', Lord Boros still survived which led to speculations of him returning back in season 2 with a stronger physique that could pose a challenge for Saitama.

Episode 1 for season 2 is entitled "The Strongest Hero" and is reportedly picking off where it ended. Fans could see the return of Lord Boros challenging, yet again, the undefeated hero, Saitama. This season could bring an end to the villain as with the villains before him who faced Saitama who didn't see another light of day.

Viewers may have to wait for an arc of the villain Garou, dubbed as the "Human Monster" who can pose a challenge to Saitama, as season 2 may cater first to the ex-hero-turn-villain Amai Mask, who is a Class A Rank 1 Hero. Since season 2 provides a lot of villains, the production will just try to introduce Garou for the second season and fully produced an arc for the season after that.

Season 1 teased Amai Mask's personality hinting that there might have been a dark side behind the handsome physique and the role model attitude. In season 2, he will take revenge for the destruction of the city and will fight alongside heroes of the Hero Association. But along the way, his dark personality will surface and will become a new villain that Saitama have to face.

This match is also a much-anticipated scene for fans since Saitama is always pitted against characters to know who is stronger and who can outlast him in a battle. Since Amai Mask is hinted in season 1 as a strong hero who believes in his capabilities even though he is not in the Class S category of heroes, the match between him and Saitama is inevitable.

One Punch Man is rumored to be released on December 2016.