Hey guys! You know we all love One Punch Man, right? But let's be real, a huge part of its awesomeness comes from the absolutely mind-blowing art by Yusuke Murata. Seriously, the guy's a legend! So, I thought it would be super fun to dive into some of the best panels Murata has given us. Get ready to have your eyes blessed!

The Art of Murata

Before we jump into specific panels, can we just take a moment to appreciate Murata's overall skill? His attention to detail is insane. The way he draws action sequences is so dynamic and fluid, it's like watching an anime in still form. And don't even get me started on the character designs – each one is so unique and expressive. You can practically feel their personalities jumping off the page.

Murata's background is also pretty interesting. He started as an assistant to other manga artists and even won an award for his own manga, Eyeshield 21. But it's his work on One Punch Man that has really cemented his place in manga history. He takes ONE's original webcomic, which is, let's say, a little rough around the edges art-wise, and elevates it to something truly spectacular. It's a perfect example of how collaboration can create something amazing.

And it’s not just about flashy visuals; Murata is a master of storytelling too. He knows how to use panel layouts, perspective, and composition to create tension, humor, and emotional impact. You could remove all the dialogue from One Punch Man, and you'd still be able to follow the story perfectly just by looking at the art. That's the sign of a true visual genius.

So, with all that said, let's dive into some specific panels that showcase Murata's brilliance. These are just my personal favorites, of course, and there are tons more where these came from. Feel free to share your own favorite panels in the comments below!

Top Murata Panels

Saitama vs. Boros

Okay, let's kick things off with the fight of all fights: Saitama versus Boros. Honestly, the entire fight sequence is a masterpiece, but there are a few panels that really stand out. One of my absolute favorites is when Boros unleashes his Meteoric Burst form. The sheer energy radiating from his body, the way his muscles are rendered, the intensity in his eyes – it's all just breathtaking. You can feel the raw power emanating from the page.

And then, of course, there's the panel where Saitama finally gets serious and counters Boros' attack. The way Murata draws Saitama's fist connecting with Boros is just chef's kiss. You can see the shockwave rippling through the air, the devastation on Boros' face, and the sheer, unstoppable force of Saitama's punch. It's a perfect example of how Murata can convey so much with just a single image. Like, the amount of detail Murata puts into destruction is insane. Every broken piece of rubble and twisted metal is lovingly rendered.

What makes this fight so compelling in Murata's hands is how it visually represents the disparity in power. Boros is drawn with incredible detail and intensity, showcasing his immense strength and desperation. Saitama, on the other hand, is often drawn with simpler lines, emphasizing his nonchalant attitude and the ease with which he defeats his opponents. This contrast is crucial to the humor and satire of One Punch Man, and Murata nails it perfectly.

Garou vs. Royal Ripper and Bug God

Next up, let's talk about Garou. This dude is a walking, talking highlight reel of awesome panels. But if I had to pick one moment, it would be his fight against Royal Ripper and Bug God. There's one panel in particular where Garou is dodging a flurry of attacks, his body contorted into seemingly impossible positions. The sense of movement and agility is incredible. You can practically see him dancing through the chaos.

And the best thing about Murata's Garou is how he manages to capture both his physical prowess and his inner turmoil. You can see the determination in his eyes, the strain on his muscles, and the conflict in his heart. He's not just a villain; he's a complex character with his own motivations and struggles.

Tatsumaki vs. Psykos

Okay, we can't forget about the ladies! Tatsumaki is a powerhouse, and Murata draws her with such incredible grace and power. One panel that always sticks in my mind is from her fight against Psykos. There's a moment where Tatsumaki is using her psychic powers to twist and contort the environment around her, creating this swirling vortex of destruction. The sheer scale of it is mind-boggling, and the way Murata renders the details of the debris and energy is just phenomenal.

What makes Tatsumaki such a compelling character, visually, is the contrast between her small stature and her immense power. Murata emphasizes this contrast by drawing her with delicate features and flowing hair, but also with a fierce determination in her eyes and a powerful stance. It's a perfect representation of her personality: a tiny package of explosive power.

Atomic Samurai vs. Black Sperm

Now, let’s not leave out the S-Class heroes! Atomic Samurai is a total badass, and his fight against Black Sperm is full of amazing panels. There's one where he's unleashing his Atomic Slash, slicing through multiple clones of Black Sperm in an instant. The speed and precision of his attack are conveyed perfectly, and the way Murata draws the individual slices is just so satisfying.

It's not just about the action, though. Murata also does a great job of capturing Atomic Samurai's personality. He's a stoic and honorable warrior, and Murata portrays this through his facial expressions and body language. You can see the focus and determination in his eyes, and the confidence in his stance. He's a true hero, and Murata makes sure you know it.

Honorable Mentions

• Genos's Explosions: Anytime Genos goes all out with his incineration cannons, it's a visual feast. Murata's explosions are some of the most dynamic and detailed in manga.
• King's Intimidation: The way Murata draws King, with his exaggerated expressions and imposing presence, is pure comedic genius. He's the strongest man alive, according to everyone but Saitama.
• Sweet Mask's Transformations: Sweet Mask is creepy and unsettling, and Murata captures this perfectly with his detailed and disturbing character design.

Murata's Impact on One Punch Man

Murata's art is more than just pretty pictures; it's an integral part of what makes One Punch Man so special. He takes ONE's original story and elevates it to a whole new level, adding depth, emotion, and humor. His dynamic action sequences, expressive character designs, and incredible attention to detail have made him one of the most respected and admired manga artists in the world.

One of the key things Murata brings to One Punch Man is a sense of scale. He makes the battles feel truly epic, with towering monsters, vast landscapes, and devastating explosions. This sense of scale is crucial to the story, as it emphasizes the overwhelming power of Saitama and the absurdity of his situation. He's a hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch, but he's also bored and unfulfilled.

Murata's art also helps to balance the humor and the action in One Punch Man. He knows when to be serious and when to be silly, and he uses his art to enhance both aspects of the story. His comedic timing is impeccable, and he's not afraid to exaggerate expressions and movements for comedic effect. But he also knows how to draw intense and emotional scenes, conveying the struggles and sacrifices of the characters.

In conclusion, Yusuke Murata is a true master of his craft, and his work on One Punch Man is a testament to his talent and dedication. He has elevated ONE's original story to a whole new level, creating a visual masterpiece that is both thrilling and hilarious. So, the next time you're reading One Punch Man, take a moment to appreciate the incredible art and the man behind it. You won't be disappointed!

What are your favorite Murata panels? Let me know in the comments below!