One-Punch Man vol. 29

The monstrosity that was the fusion of Psychos and Orochi looks to have finally been defeated by Terrible Tornado, and that means the end of the Monster Organization.  Right?  Wrong!  As we’ve seen for quite a while now, that organization has a VERY deep bench of talent.  So even if its leader has been taken out, the likes of President Ugly, Homeless Emperor, Black Spermatozoon, and GUMS are ready to step up to take out the Hero Organization.  At the perfect time no less as Tornado is running on fumes after giving it her all for the past few volumes.  Yet there are still plenty of heroes willing and able to continue the fight.  This includes Saitama, Flashy Flash and their (un)willing partner Oculette who have two significant encounters here:  With a box promising them great power, and with the legendary hero – Blast!

By all rights I should’ve liked this volume less than I actually did.  It’s a transitional entry in the ongoing conflict with the Monster Organization that doesn’t give the indication this arc is anywhere close to wrapping up.  The conflict is just transitioning into a new phase here.  Yet ONE and Yusuke Murata do find interesting angles to pursue here as even if the top-tier talent is slowly being whittled down, the second-stringers still have lots to give.  Never count out Silverfang!

We also get some unexpectedly emotional moments between Tornado and her sister Blizzard, shining some light on their relationship and showing just how far the latter has come as a character.  Effort is also made to rehabilitate Superalloy Blackluster as a proper hero, even if he’s still going to be just a really dark-skinned Japanese man for the rest of the series.  Then there’s the stuff involving Blast, which is basically just an extended cameo, but still manages to portend an even greater threat.  So there’s still plenty of stuff to get invested in here (including how tomboy fans will find a new favorite in this volume) even as this particular saga never seems like it’s going to end.