One-Punch Man, Vol. 4

ワンパンマン [One Punch Man] #4

by ONE, Yusuke Murata (Illustrator), John Werry (Translator)

A manga series that packs quite the punch!

Nothing about Saitama passes the eyeball test when it comes to superheroes, from his lifeless expression to his bald head to his unimpressive physique. However, this average-looking guy has a not-so-average problem-he just can't seem to find an opponent strong enough to take on! Saitama is now a certified hero! And with that title comes great responsibility-he's required to perform one heroic deed per week. While Saitama makes the rounds to meet his quota, and incoming threat from outer space is screeching toward Earth...

Genres: Manga, Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Humor, Fiction, Science Fiction

207 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2013

About the author

Manga creator ONE first created One-Punch Man as a web comic, where it quickly went viral, garnering over 10,000,000 hits! Along with One-Punch Man, ONE also writes and draws another series called Mob Psycho 100.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series definitely heading in the right direction for me, as I get more accustomed to the humour and reality it's starting to get pretty interesting. The main issue in this volume is invasions, yes plural, and how the heroes (don't) deal with them. Surely this time Saitama can make his punch count? This volume introduces some pretty interesting characters including Bang and Puri-Puri Prisoner! So many of the heroes names are laugh-out-loud ridiculous :D An easy 7 out of 12, Three Star read, with likely better to come.

2023 read

[Shawna Finnigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I managed to squeeze in one more book before the end of the year. This one was as enjoyable as the other volumes and I really liked the villains/conflicts in this one.

There’s a problematic element to this story though. A canonically gay character is introduced in this volume. The problem? He’s a walking gay predator stereotype and he’s used as comic relief despite the fact that in real life, this stereotype is a major reason why tons of members of the LGBTQ+ community face hatred. I’m hoping that they’ll introduce more LGBTQ+ characters in later volumes so that there’s actual good rep in this series.

[Artemy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I forgot to mention about One-Punch Man is how awesome the action is. This series' battles are outstanding. Forget your western superhero comics with their crammy two, three-page wussy battles — here action is the star of the show. Yusuke Murata draws exceptionally dynamic and creative action sequences, and with tons of jaw-dropping double splash pages to boot. When the real fight happens, it can go on for 10, 20, 30 pages and more, and every page there's some new exciting move or an unexpected turnaround. This volume is an especially good example of that with numerous excellent fight sequences.

I have to mention that this volume introduces a character who, depending on how you look at him, can either be considered done in poor taste with his over the top characterisation and mannerisms, or just outright homophobic. He's a super strong gay hero who ended up in prison because he just can't keep his hands off other men. In prison, he keeps the inmates disciplined through fear of molesting them, and it's heavily implied that he is often forcing himself on new inmates. I can understand that it's comedy and satire and all that, but I still felt uncomfortable with this kind of humour in this kind of book — it's not a Garth Ennis comic, for chrissakes! I hear that the character gets some more depth and development later on, so I will try and ignore that unfortunate portrayal so as not to ruin my enjoyment of the series, but still — uncool.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. Done with these. Not willing to overlook the blatant homophobia.

[Sleepy Boy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's One Punch Man, what's not to love?

[✡Weed Dragon✡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8🐉

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part I enjoyed this volume. I liked the twist in the middle where some of the heroes and townsfolk turn on One Punch Man a little when they think he destroyed their town. "You're bald!!" is an interested insult coming from OPM.

Starting to notice the lack of super women in this gn...

Also not a huge fan of the gag behind Puri Puri Prisoner is that he is gay and also sexually assaults men? I'm just giving it side-eye is all...

On to the next volume!

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still fun as hell. Mr. Baldy Cape Guy will NEVER get the respect he deserves. Who cares if all the most powerful heroes were unable to stop a freaking meteor from destroying the city if this NOBODY comes up from out of nowhere to destroy it and in doing so CAUSES a huge shower of stones to cause collateral damage all over the city?

Yeah, sure, he actually SAVED everyone's lives, but the damage to all that property... HE's A PROPER villain, now. :) Jerks.

No Respect.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este manga para mim é pura diversão e entretenimento (com alguns extras que de vez em quando despoletam algumas boas reflexões pelo caminho). Saitama, o personagem principal é uma criação magnífica. O super herói mais alienado, patético e divertido de sempre 😂. Adoro-o.

Dito isto e em relação a este volume propriamente dito, para mim teve um bocadinho de acção/luta "a mais". Gostaria de ter lido mais história.

Achei muito criativa e original a parte final (Bonus Manga: Prison) e o super herói Puri Puri Prisoner. Gostei bastante desta parte.

De uma forma geral, não gostei tanto quanto de alguns outros volumes já lidos, mas passei um bocadinho de leitura leve, breve e divertido.

No fim a sensação habitual quando leio bds de querer mais e a palavra na cabeça: "já???"... 😳

[Jedi JC Daquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One-Punch Man did it again! It is funny as hell, violent and crazy! The genius in this series is how the authors add outrageously interesting characters in an already fantastic ensemble of heroes and (mostly dead) villains.

Saitama, as we all know it, can beat any man, monster or meteor with only one punch, so what seemingly is a very straightforward story is actually worth following because the series never makes us tired of reading as it gradually reveals to us the makings and happenings in the lettered cities. Elements like the monster threat levels and hero class rankings give us some sort of measure to every hero, arc and villain introduced to us.

Like there's Puri-puri Prisoner. Damn, he came outta nowhere and he is entertaining and interesting as he is strong and feared by other prisoners. Genos is as always, strong and admires his master Saitama to a fault. And there's Bang, which has the aura as the series' sort of King Fu master who is yet to reveal his power.

That is how One-Punch Man interests you to read on. While recoginizing that Saitama is miles away the strongest amongst all of them, it doesn't dim its spotlights on other characters, minor or major.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonic returns! YAY!
Genos ❤️❤️❤️ best boy of the series.
PURI-PURI PRISONER 😩✊🏻🌈🦄💕 LMAO. This greatness!
By the way, the panels in this series look like actual anime stills. GORGEOUS. The shading, the cleanness, the preciseness 💯 The most aesthetically pleasing artwork out there. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[Lashaan Balasingam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It doesn't matter what threat you toss at Saitama, he's most likely going to be disappointed in the competition. However, the story still finds fascinating ways to explore the superhero genre while continuously introducing fascinating new heroes and villains into the mix. Puri-Puri Prisoner noticeably makes an appearance here and his story is quite peculiar; his sexuality is just as big of a threat than his strength and that's hilarious.

I love how this volume explores the ridiculous ranking system even more and highlights the struggle of Saitama to gain the respect of the people he protects.

And the artwork? Still unbelievably clean and detailed. Love how much attention is put into the violence and destruction. I can only imagine what the later volumes will have to offer.

Yours truly,

Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so funny that Saitama come across that seaweed monster unknowingly. Saitama's defeating the seaweed monster only becomes a rumor. He is such a humble person. I just love it.

The funniest part is that Saitama brought home that freaking seaweed and cook it! Yuck. So gross but so hilarious!!!LOL! And Genos saying it helps hair to grow makes it even the funniest of all, LOL!!

Saitama rising up from his level didn't even give him any excitement. Well, knowing he is so strong, he should even expect for more. But I just love him so much!!

I love the zooming out part of the world, it seems hilarious!!!

Also, a meteorite for people to stop? I think the organization is just fucked up. LOL. WTH a meteorite only to be handled by two people since other chicken out. (face palm)

Words of wisdom from random person from city z. " Before dying I at least wanted to be with a girl....." I call that a desperation for end of the world circumstance.

In addition, I love how Genos is so loyal to Saitama. He tries his best to protect his precious Saitama. So brave and sweet!

[La Colección de las Letras · Rating 5 out of 5]

En los dos primeros capítulos la trama gira en torno a la amenaza y las consecuencias de ello. Saitama, a pesar de tener buenas intenciones, no logra conquistar los corazones de los ciudadanos con sus hazanas, pero eso no parece importarle. Personalmente, me ha dado mucha rabia la reacción de los ciudadanos, porque me esperaba que viesen con buenos ojos a Saitama.

Por otra parte, en los otros dos capítulos del tomo se presenta una nueva amenaza que nos da pie a conocer a nuevos héroes, además de que volvemos a ver a Sonic, ese personaje que por mucho que quiera cobrar su venganza contra Saitama siempre le sale mal.

En pocas palabras, es un tomo que anuncia dos amenazas importantes y que no dejan ni respirar a los héroes, dando lugar a algunas batallas épicas, presentación de nuevos héroes y escenas memorables. En mi opinión, lo que más me ha gustado ha sido la aparición de Sonic y del nuevo héroe de clase S en los últimos capítulos.

[Kesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fourth volume we get introduced to a new character Bang, a master of martial arts in the S-class rank 3.
Saitama saved Z city by blocking the fall of a giant meteorite with one punch. Its disaster level Dragon. However, destroyed meteorite fragments have caused widespread damage to the city. Saitama went from Class-C rank 342 to rank 5. The citizens and the Tanktop brothers accuse Saitama of taking credit for the destruction of the meteorite and want Saitama to resign.
Coastal town J is invaded by the seafolks clan. The Deep Sea King appeares. The invasion is raised to disaster level Demon, even greater than Dragon.

[Julie (Let's Read Good Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I was so ho-hum on One-Punch Man at first, but it quickly won me over. It's fun, it's fast, and it's brainless. The art is great. There is finally a storyline. I'm glad the library has these to borrow!

Full review to follow

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

November 2023
Kindle edition
Manga

Ah, pure comedy violence with seemingly no plot yet. One strong arrogant monster after the other getting taken out by one punch, along with part of the city. Genos risking his life, Bang and Saitama stepping in and receiving no appreciation.

[RG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid story telling but I'm loving the art in these. The story can sometimes become a little over the top.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is my home...
so don't...
FALL ON IT!"
- One-Punch Man to a meteor

[Etienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5/5 Again and always. Great action, humor had me perplex and the story a bit too light. Fun and entertaining, but I would like a bit more depth to the main story.

[Divine 💞 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Juwita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wah, lawan kali ini cukup kuat. Tapi Saitama masih menahan kekuatannya. Jadi sekuat apa sih dia. Suka deh ada pahlawan super cewek juga 👍

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saitama bodies giant meteor and everyone fights sentient seafood.

[Ronald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what to do with this attempt at character development.
I don't even remember some of these stories from the anime. Some parts of this story are kind of bad.

[Álvaro Arbonés]

Por alguna razón hemos dejado de valorar la ociosidad. El aburrimiento. Dejar que el tiempo transcurra sin que pase nada, no buscar desesperadamente algo que hacer, haciendo que la vida nos atraviese. Permanecer ocioso tiene su utilidad en el hecho de ser inútil, de ser un ejercicio contemplativo, pues al liberarnos de la necesidad de prestar atención nos permite hacer algo que no podemos hacer en otras circunstancias: dejar que nuestra mente se recree. Sólo cuando no hacemos nada nos permitimos escapar a las simas más profundas de nuestro pensamiento.

En la narrativa el vacío o la repetición tiene sus usos. No todo tiene por qué acabar en un cliffhanger o una revelación. Volver sobre nuestros pasos, dejar sedimentar una idea, es a veces la mejor forma continuar una historia.

Tras tres tomos donde ha predominado el desarrollo de ideas, la presentación de personajes y el constante avance hacia algún otro lugar, ONE se pone contemplativo en este cuarto tomo. No es que no ocurra nada —más al contrario, está plagado de acontecimientos: un meteorito gigante amenaza ciudad Z, la destrucción del mismo hace parecer un villano a Saitama y aquí comienza el arco del rey del mar—, pero todo sigue para ir afincando lo que hasta ahora sólo se intuía. Como Saitama no sólo no es visto como un héroe, sino un peligro público; como la obsesión de Genos con el cyborg que destruyó su pueblo y mató a su familia le lleva a buscar culpables, pero también a ser un héroe como lo es su maestro; incluso Sonic muestra tener cualidades, y un modo de pensar, que trasciende el mero «quiero ser el mejor».

También sigue ahí la presentación de personajes, pero el desarrollo cambia. Toma aire. Se prepara, afianza la imagen, para después ir descomponiéndola, a corto o largo plazo, en forma de desarrollo narrativo. Un tomo de transición, por tanto, pero a veces está bien sentarse para contemplar como el mundo va cobrando sentido delante de nuestros ojos.

[Patrick Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slightly middling entry in this series, "One-Punch Man, Vol 4." contains some fun moments and good set-ups at the end, but it lacks any outrageous battles or spectacularly funny jokes. This volume is mostly a connective volume. It's getting us from one story to the next without providing us much reason to come back to it. This is disappointing. It has nothing, however, on disturbing implications of Puri-Puri Prisoner. That guy is not a hero, and don't let anyone tell differently.

The meteor was sufficient enough to get people talking about One-Punch Man, but this is ultimately just set-up, and it isn't very entertaining. There's still some great action artwork to combat this so-so development. I don't, however, see it lasting in my memory. I'm waiting for the battles with the Deep Sea King to begin which is my favorite villain up until this point. I also cannot get over the creepiness of Puri-Puri Prisoner. He is disturbing and absurdly homophobic, a fact that was certainly apparent in the anime but is incredibly unambiguous in this graphic novel. I'm excited for the next volume, but I'm unimpressed by this one.

[Inaê Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why would they make their only openly gay character a serial sex offender? That was a terrible choice.

[Nuno Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

One-Punch Man narra o dia a dia do homem mais forte do mundo, um herói cómico que subverte o cliché do super-herói comum e apresenta combates incríveis que terminam tão rápido quanto começam. Porém, é a forma como a história é contada o verdadeiro mérito do mangá, através do humor fácil e das histórias caricatas que satirizam as narrativas mais tradicionais. Este quarto volume continua na mesma senda, mas na minha ótica melhorou.

Os volumes anteriores, ainda que mostrassem algum potencial, pareceram-me ter dificuldade em convencer o leitor, quer através das piadas um pouco forçadas, quer através da ação que se tornava redundante e não acrescentava nada à narrativa. Porém, se o protagonista é o grande Ás de trunfo desta série, para mim é a introdução de novas personagens que lhe dá sentido e verdadeiro interesse. E aquelas que entraram neste volume tornaram-no mais interessante que os anteriores.

Neste quarto álbum, Saitama tornou-se finalmente um herói certificado, mas isso não significa muito, porque o seu pupilo, o ciborgue Genos, está mais bem classificado que ele e é mesmo visto com muito mais respeito. A popularidade de Genos ofusca o herói, fazendo com que seja convocado para salvar Z-City de um meteoro. Quem o chama é Bang, um outro herói da Classe S com ar de professor de kung fu, que o alerta para a urgência da situação e para a ameaça que paira sobre a cidade.

Entretanto, Saitama é obrigado a realizar uma ação heróica por semana para preservar a sua posição na Associação de Heróis, e procura cumprir essa meta quando acaba por salvar o dia. Ou, por outras palavras, "salva a cidade" com extrema facilidade. Ainda assim, destruir o meteoro não significa completamente salvar a cidade, porque os fragmentos do meteoro caem por todo o lado e ele é de imediato olhado como o causador da calamidade. Os outros heróis, que se haviam escondido do meteorito, põe a cabeça de fora para lhe apontar o dedo.

Tudo isto mostra que One-Punch Man é tudo menos sobre os feitos hercúleos de um herói. One-Punch Man fala sobre forças e fraquezas, físicas mas sobretudo morais, fala sobre as hipocrisias de comportamento e sobre as idiossincrasias dos homens. Este volume é um excelente exemplo do que a série oferece de melhor, e não só Genos continua a ser, na minha opinião pessoal, a personagem mais bem desenvolvida, como se lhe junta um naipe de personagens cheias de potencial, que espero ver desenvolvidas.

Falo de Sonic, Bang e Puri Puri, personagens com traços únicos que têm tudo para se "alistar" no elenco recorrente da série para a fazer evoluir a um outro patamar. O preconceito, a inveja e a cobardia são exploradas neste volume com mais ênfase, deixando um herói capaz das maiores façanhas sem grandes armas para combater a crueldade do ser humano nas suas moralidades e subterfúgios. Por isso, este quarto volume foi o meu preferido até agora.

http://noticiasdezallar.wordpress.com

[Gözde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kahramanlar Birliğini sevmediğimi kaç kere söyleyebilirim bilmiyorum. Gerçekten işe yaramaz, popüler olma ihtiyacı hisseden bir avuç aptaldan ibaret. Düşününce One Punch Man’i sevmemin tek sebebi Saitama ama nedense devam edesim hiç gelmiyor. Tek istediğim Saitama’nın maceralarını okumak ama bu da imkansız gibi. Saitama’yı aşağılamaya ve toplum içinde küçük düşürmeye çalışan gerzekler nefretlikti. Sonic bence çok çabuk hapisten kaçtı. Bu arada bence keşke 1 ciltte daha çok bölüm olabilseydi.

[Mesho 👾 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This is maybe the funniest one that I have read so far other than volume one. I loved the story about the seafolk and how the heroes turned on him that was also excellent. However the pur pur pursinor was a bit too much even though it was funny but when they introduce the ability he has is to sexually assaults Man that was a major turn off for me but other than that I was still like to read the series.