'One Punch Man' season 2 release date, spoilers, news: new season to follow Yusuke Murata's manga?

Screenshot of Saitama from the official "One Punch Man" digest trailer.YouTube/VizMedia

The anime adaptation of "One Punch Man" has been taken from the original manga series. However, season 2 is said to introduce some minor alterations in the story, and this may also include a defeat for hero Saitama.

The first season of "One Punch Man" aired last year, and it was taken directly from the original manga adaptation by mangaka ONE. However, there is also an altered, graphically improved version of the "One Punch Man" manga, penned by Yuusuke Murata.

Speculations suggest that for season 2, creative studio Madhouse, who also came out with season 1, may choose to take events from the second interpretation of "One Punch Man." The version by Murata, aside from doing vast drawing improvements, has also introduced minor alterations not present in ONE's version. Accordingly, the new events are likely to make it to the anime adaptation for season 2.

Rumor has it that the on-going series by Murata will introduce a pivotal point in the story – a defeat for main hero Saitama. Reportedly, although the Caped Baldy ends his fights with just one punch, most of his colleagues in the Hero Association, as well as the hero fans, do not believe in him. It is likely that Saitama will pretend to lose, just to show citizens that his membership to the Hero Association is genuine.

Meanwhile, although there will be subtle alterations in the story, it is expected that the bulk of "One Punch Man" season 2 will still be taken from ONE, at least story-wise. This means that it is likely that Saitama will be fighting with a group from the Hero Association against the top fighters in the Monster Association, and he will also be instrumental in defeating Garou, the Human Monster.

As to when fans can expect the continuation of the anime adaptation, it is said that "One Punch Man" season 2 will premiere sometime next year.