One-Punch Man episode 4 and some musings

Another solid episode that was entertaining. The usual aspects of comedy (with one top-notch moment in this episode) and action are present while we are introduced to two major characters and some form of progression in Saitama's career. Both aspects are good with stand-out moments appearing every now and then. This week's villain being someone that is evil in the most childish manner who eventually gets scared straight by the end.

The first of these two is LICENSE-LESS RIDER, whose main traits are shown in this episode and as a person who has read the source material, I can say that he is a hero of great calibre in one particular aspect (I will not say what it is until the corresponding episode shows up). His appearance in the episode sums up his character rather well. The other character is Speed-o'-Sound Sonic (at least that is what the wiki is calling him and from here on out, he will be referred to as Sonic the Ninja for the convenience of hedgehog fans), a ninja with the ability to break the sound barrier as part of his usual fighting style. The anime manages to showcase how much of a genuine threat he is to normal opponents with a scene that showcases his effectiveness in combat before establishing his actual role as Saitama's ineffectual rival. It portrays him as a skilled mercenary who makes bad decisions and often pays as a result of that in the most hilarious of ways.

Rather than gush about this like previous episodes, I would like to point out the flaws of this week's episode. Firstly, the action was not as intense as previous ones. I attribute this lack of intensity from how quickly Sonic the Ninja took out his opponents whereby the odd censorship with blood splatter and the speed lessened the impact of the fight. The second fight's lack of intensity is something I can attribute to the whole setting up of Sonic the Ninja's main role so I can give that a pass. The second problem I found was a drop in animation when it came to Saitama's brief fight with Sonic which on one hand, made sense as it establishes Sonic as an ineffectual rival of Saitama that the latter never takes seriously. On the other hand, it is rather jarring when compared to the earlier fights. I did not have too much issue with it but it can turn off some viewers or readers. The third flaw is the lack of events ongoing whereby there is not much story or over-arcing events taking place. Watching this episode made me realise how short the show felt at times with the show ending a little too quickly. It can be argued though that the reason for this is a result of attempting to adapt the source material to a large extent (though some parts may be cut out in the process for flow, redundancy or due to lack of effort) whereby a meticulously chosen amount of manga chapters will be adapted rather than having either too many or too little. From the way the show is going and from my own knowledge of the series, it appears that One-Punch Man is adapting just enough chapters to reach one particular arc as its concluding arc (which will be a real spectacle IF Madhouse can capture the essence of that arc). While this is not a completely bad approach to adaptation, it can lead to a lack of events to maintain investment which other stories compensate by having a large number of 'grand' events of low quality in terms of narrative and closure (see the many generic shows that pop out of the ground). 

This episode is probably the first warning light for some viewers but for me, it is a reminder to not expect too much. It still has most of the positives from earlier episodes with some flaws being more evident this time but it does not detract from the entertainment provided and still left me satisfied but readily cautioned. Overall, I can give it the episode a recommendation but will also add a disclaimer to remind people to not expect too much from it.





In other news, Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition is coming out tomorrow. I'll be getting it for free. HUZZAH!!! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
And Halo 5 is out apparently with rumours suggesting that the story will be disappointing and certain characters have their known characteristics derailed (not saying which characters) in jarring and predictable manners. To find out more, look for a rant somewhere on the Internet. I will not be entering that mosh pit any time soon. 
Fallout 4's next month and I will try to look at the game when I have the time and spare change. Also, I finished Thief Gold and boy, it was a great ride from start to finish.