Introduction

The perception of Saitama from One Punch Man as one of the strongest characters in anime, despite his limited high-level battles, has sparked numerous discussions. This article explores the influential factors behind this belief, including his character design, narrative context, and cultural impact.

The Concept of Overwhelming Power

A key aspect that resonates with fans is the character of Saitama himself. Designed as a parody of the typical shonen hero, his ability to defeat any opponent with a single punch—often referred to as a "One Punch"—is a stark reminder of the absurdity and humor in power scaling in anime. The notion that he can trivialize even the most formidable opponents contributes to his iconic status.

Defeating Strong Opponents

Contrary to the common misconception, Saitama has indeed faced and defeated many tough foes, including characters comparable to the Star Buster level Boros. His unmitigated victory against Boros, a character renowned for his immense power and regenerative abilities, shines a spotlight on Saitama's commanding strength. This level of dominance is hard to ignore, even if the fight against Boros was not at the peak of his power.

Implied Scaling and Awe-Factor

Narratively, Saitama is often portrayed as the apex of power within his universe. Characters frequently express awe or fear in the face of his capabilities, even if they have not witnessed all of his strength. This creates a sense of unexplored potential, leading to speculation about his performance against even more formidable adversaries.

Lack of Serious Fights and Mystique

Another significant factor is the portrayal of Saitama's character. He is often bored or disinterested in engaging with serious opponents, leading to a sense of mystery and wonder. This lack of engagement in intense battles fuels the imagination, making his potential strength seem potentially limitless.

Cultural Impact

The cultural significance of Saitama extends beyond the series itself. He has become a phenomenon within the anime community, and discussions about power levels often involve hyperbolic comparisons. As a result, his reputation as "the strongest" has become deeply ingrained in his identity, reinforcing the belief that he is one of the most powerful characters in anime.

Challenging the Myth

It's worth noting that some fans argue that Saitama is not the strongest in anime. They point out that his name is tied to his own universe, and he is not the boundless powerhouse some claim him to be. However, a closer look at the Manga Chapters 160-168 reveals an intriguing twist: during a battle with Garou, while under the influence of a powerful Amp from God, Garou becomes Cosmic Fear Garou. This cosmic evolution places Garou above even Boros in terms of power, suggesting that Saitama’s primary nemesis against a similar level is yet to be determined. Furthermore, Cosmic Garou is placed at a level above Star Level, further cementing Saitama's status as a powerhouse.

Conclusion

While Saitama may not have directly fought many characters over the Star Buster level like Boros, the combination of his character design, narrative context, and cultural impact contribute to his enduring reputation as one of the strongest figures in anime. However, it's essential to understand that the strength of Saitama is tailored to his universe, and his portrayal as the ultimate powerhouse is a cultural phenomenon rather than a blanket statement applicable to all anime universes.

References

One Punch Man, Manga Chapters 160-168.