Warning: Contains spoilers for chapters One-Punch Man #196 and #197 (JP)
Summary
Speed-o'-Sonic's character development shines in the latest redrawn chapters of One-Punch Man, stepping out of Flashy Flash's shadow. Saitama is the only shounen main character who can shine without appearing in his own series, due to his influence on the rest of the cast. In contrast to the original manga, Sonic now takes on the role and impresses Flash in redrawn chapters, signaling a positive change in his personality.
While saitama Definitely the poster character for Man one punch, it's hard to call him an absolute protagonist, considering how many times he takes a backseat to his own story, leaving the spotlight on other members of the cast. No other character in One-Punch Man received changes as significant as Speed-o'-Sound Sonic in the latest redrawn chapters. Instead of becoming Saitama's long-term rival, Sonic continued to rise and even step out of Flashy Flash's shadow as an increasingly important character in One-Punch Man.
Speed-o'-Sound Sonic was first introduced in One-Punch Man as an imposing assassin character but quickly became the subject of many jokes as the series continued. One particularly memorable instance includes him being tempted to become a monster, even willing to eat a monster cell by cooking it first, but with disappointing results.
However, with new, newly redrawn content spanning the events of Chapter One-Punch Man #196 and #197, Sonic has more than just powers; he is a show stealer when combined with the Flash. This highlights an important quality of One-Punch Man. Saitama is often absent from the story, which gives the author time and space to develop other characters.. In contrast, other films have had difficulty developing their supporting cast, which often attracts criticism from fans.
The redrawn One Punch Man chapters show a reversal of the roles of the main characters
Even without Saitama, the series moves forward thanks to the development of other characters
In the latest redrawn chapters of One-Punch Man's Ninja Arc, chapters #196-197, Sonic is on a higher level than Flash in terms of skill and confidence. This is a significant development for his character, especially after previous character redraws doubled his growth rate, fueled by his rivalry with Saitama. It can also signal more excellent contributions, such as when redrawn chapters inevitably encounter Sonic and Flash up with Empty Void when he appears in Chapters #198-200.
Key moments in the latest One-Punch Man chapters include Sonic actively taking charge despite Flash being an established S-Class Hero. They can stand their ground and easily fight their ninja opponents, and Sonic even impressed Flash with his moxie. In the final part, Sonic smugly states that Flash is not useless and that Sonic will happily accept him as his right-hand man after taking over the village. Sonic has come a long way, especially considering how the initial exchange went.
Flash is superior to Sonic in the original One-Punch Man Manga
The original chapters depict a bubbling sound trying to keep up with the flash
In contrast to the redrawn chapters, original chapter #196 of One-Punch Man depicts Sonic as defensive and not wanting to be protected by Flash. In Chapter #197, Sonic witnesses Flash's breakneck speed and angrily deals with the difference in their abilities while easily expressing his frustration. To add salt to the wound, Flash even patronizes Sonic by saying “Don't worry, you'll get better.” declares, turning off Sonic in the last panel of the chapter.
This contrast is a great example of the extensive contextualization that Murata's One-Punch Man has recently undergone. It also highlights one of the most unique qualities of this successful series. While saitama is definitely an iconic character and one of the main reasons for Man one punchhis success, the real story is rarely about him. This gives the writers the opportunity to develop even minor characters like Sonic, thereby bringing more depth and nuance to the series.