One Piece Animator Defends One-Punch Man Studio Amid Season 3 Animation Backlash: ‘It’s More Complex’

The highly anticipated release of One-Punch Man Season 3 has been met with significant backlash from fans who claim the animation quality is “lackluster” and a drastic downgrade from the series’ renowned Season 1. The fan frustration has largely been directed at the production studio, J.C. Staff, which also handled the divisive Season 2.

However, one of the most prominent animators in the industry, Vincent Chansard, known for his spectacular work on One Piece (including the iconic Gear 5 debut) and other major anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, has publicly defended J.C. Staff, urging fans to look beyond the animation studio and acknowledge the deeper issues within the Japanese animation industry.

The Animator’s Defense: Blame the Committee, Not the Studio

During a YouTube livestream, Chansard addressed the controversy head-on, offering a rare look behind the scenes of a notoriously difficult industry:

“I think a lot of people blame J.C. Staff, but it’s a bit more complex. Sometimes, it’s not about the animation studio; sometimes it’s about the production committee that is on top of everything.”

Chansard clarified that J.C. Staff is often a victim of the brutal industry environment, calling them “a studio that’s trained to survive.” The animator’s comments suggest that the core problem lies not in the animators’ skill or dedication, but with the Production Committees—the groups of companies (publishers, advertisers, and financiers) who control the budget, timeline, and ultimately, the creative parameters of the project.

• The Core Issue: A studio like J.C. Staff may be forced to take on ambitious, high-action projects like One-Punch Man with insufficient budgets and extremely compressed schedules set by the committee.
• Industry Conditions: Chansard emphasized the “very difficult” nature of the Japanese animation industry, which is plagued by overwork, understaffing, and tight deadlines.
• Fan Harassment: He also acknowledged the overwhelming pressure from global fans, condemning the online harassment directed at animators and the Season 3 director, Shinpei Nagai, which only exacerbates the problem.

The History of the One-Punch Man Animation Debate

The animation quality of One-Punch Man has been a contentious topic since the series’ inception:

• Season 1 (Madhouse, 2015): Widely hailed as an animation masterpiece, the first season featured a “dream team” of top-tier freelance animators, including Shingo Natsume as director, creating a high-water mark for the industry.
• Season 2 & 3 (J.C. Staff, 2019 & 2025): When J.C. Staff took over, fans immediately noted a drop in fluid, kinetic action. The six-year wait for Season 3 had raised expectations for a return to form, but the premiere episode was quickly criticized for its use of “still frames” and lack of fluidity in action sequences.

A Plea for Understanding

Chansard’s defense echoes the sentiment of Season 3 director, Shinpei Nagai, who previously pleaded with fans to manage their expectations and stop the online harassment, admitting the season “probably won’t measure up to Season 1.”

The veteran One Piece animator’s perspective shines a light on the complex economic reality of anime production. By shifting the focus away from the visible artists to the invisible hands of the production committee, Chansard attempts to re-frame the conversation, advocating for empathy and a more informed critique of an industry that often prioritizes rapid output over sustainable, high-quality production.