The world of One-Punch Man remains captivated by the unfathomable strength of its central character, Saitama, and the elusive origins of his unparalleled power.
Dr. Genus, the brilliant antagonist from the House of Evolution, introduced an interesting concept regarding Saitama’s strength. He proposed that humans are confined by an inherent barrier, termed the “Limiter”, imposed by God. This barrier restricts human growth, preventing individuals from reaching a realm where purpose and rationale cease to exist. Dr. Genus explained this in Chapter #88 of the manga, elaborating that crossing these limits would classify an individual as a monster.
Saitama, however, appears to have shattered this imposed Limiter. This shows an inhuman aspect of his powers. But does this make him a monster?
Saitama’s personal testimony diverges significantly from this theory. His devised method for becoming a hero was far from life-threatening. His daily routines of push-ups, sit-ups, and running are contrary to the trauma-induced changes of typical monsters.
One-Punch Man: Where did Saitama get his powers from?
Saitama’s enigmatic prowess has puzzled fans since his introduction in the One-Punch Man manga by ONE and Yusuke Murata. The core query surrounding Saitama revolves around the nature of his abilities and their origin.
His label as the “hero for fun” belies his staggering strength. Saitama effortlessly dispatches God-tier villains with a single punch, leaving audiences to speculate about the source of his overwhelming power.
Is he merely the most formidable hero alive, or does his strength stem from something more extraordinary? One prevailing theory posits that Saitama might be the very kind of being he combats — a monster.
According to Genus and Psykos from the Monster Association, pushing one’s limits through near-death experiences can potentially remove the Limiter, resulting in a transformative mental and physical metamorphosis. Monsters, as a result, gain extraordinary abilities and a monstrous appearance.
However, not all aspects of Saitama’s origin can be explained scientifically. Dr. Genus’s theory does not align with Saitama’s mundane existence and ordinary human tendencies. If breaking the Limiter necessitates a rampage, Saitama’s non-violent nature seems incongruous.
Sci-fi luminary Arthur C. Clarke once mused that highly advanced technology might appear as magic. Perhaps Dr. Genus, confronted with Saitama’s incomprehensible strength, misjudged his abilities as a Limiter breach due to an inability to envision a human wielding such power.
