The opening chapter of the One-Punch Man manga introduces Saitama, a plain-looking hero who ends the monster Vaccine Man's rampage on A-City with a single blow, only to be left frustrated that yet another fight failed to challenge him.
Summary
The calm of A-City shatters when a colossal detonation levels the district around it. At the heart of the resulting crater stands Vaccine Man, who rises into the air, gathers power, and rains destructive beams onto the streets below, flattening buildings and claiming countless lives. Watching the carnage unfold on a live news broadcast from his apartment, Saitama makes up his mind to put a stop to it.
Key Events
A schoolgirl weeps for her parents near the monster, and Vaccine Man appears to reach out to help her before his hand warps into a savage claw aimed at the child. Saitama snatches her away just in time and carries her clear of danger. When the creature demands to know his name, Saitama answers plainly that he is an ordinary guy doing ordinary hero work. Furious, Vaccine Man launches into a rant about his origins and swells into a far bigger, far nastier form that towers over the hero. Unimpressed, Saitama drives a single punch straight through the monster and kills it. The instant realization that another opponent has fallen to one hit sends him into an exasperated shout.
Notes
Released June 14, 2012, this installment marks the first chapter of the One-Punch Man manga and corresponds to the webcomic's opening chapter. Its events are adapted in Episode 1 of the anime, and Saitama serves as the cover character. Only Vaccine Man and Saitama appear.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Chapter 1, "One Punch," of the One Punch Man manga?
In "One Punch," the opening chapter of One Punch Man, the plain-looking hero Saitama ends the monster Vaccine Man's rampage on A-City with a single blow after saving a weeping schoolgirl from the creature.
Who is Saitama's opponent in One Punch Man Chapter 1?
Saitama's opponent in Chapter 1 is Vaccine Man, a monster who levels A-City with a colossal detonation and rains destructive beams on the streets before Saitama intervenes.
How does Saitama defeat Vaccine Man in Chapter 1?
After Vaccine Man swells into a far bigger, nastier form, Saitama remains unimpressed and drives a single punch straight through the monster, killing it instantly.
Why is Saitama frustrated at the end of "One Punch"?
Saitama reacts with an exasperated shout because yet another opponent, Vaccine Man, has fallen to a single hit, leaving him without the challenging fight he was hoping for.
Which anime episode adapts One Punch Man Chapter 1?
Chapter 1, "One Punch," released June 14, 2012, is adapted into Episode 1 of the One Punch Man anime.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on One Punch? The Dragon Ball Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Dragon Ball anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Toei Animation and Shueisha.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to Bandai Namco, Atari, and other publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Akira Toriyama.
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