Facebook
Reddit
Email
There are a couple of characters like Atomic Samurai who got sidelined in One-Punch Man. Let’s talk about eight of them.
One-Punch Man is full of powerful heroes, horrifying villains, and some of the most stunning battle sequences in all of anime. Yet for each of those explosive moments involving Saitama or Garou, there are a handful of characters that fall by the wayside, put on the back burner despite their potential.
Now one of the biggest such examples in that case is Atomic Samurai, an S-Class Rank Three hero who is a master class swordsman. Though initially presented as a force to be reckoned with, his presence in the story has been somewhat shocking in their constricted screen time and role. And he’s not the only one.
These characters, like Atomic Samurai, got sidelined and never quite got the spotlight like some others in the show. Let’s take a look at 8 characters like Atomic Samurai who got sidelined in One-Punch Man.
1. Child Emperor
As one of the smartest heroes in the Hero Association, Child Emperor had all the tools to be a breakout star. He’s a boy genius with high-tech gadgets, strategic thinking, and a sense of justice far beyond his years. During the Monster Association arc, he did get a fair share of action. While his battle against Eyesight was not so interesting (as he had to be saved), his encounter with Phoenix Man was quite tense. He even had to use Brave Giant, his ace weapon, to defeat this monster.
However, despite his early reputation, Child Emperor was pushed to the background once the major players like Saitama, Tatsumaki, and Garou took center stage. Post-Monster Association, his role shrinks considerably. He leaves the Hero Association and joins the Neo Heroes, a more progressive hero group. He also changes his name to Wild Emperor. There is an entirely different plot for when he made these decisions, but he does not get enough attention in general.
Given how unique his character is, a literal child holding his own among top heroes, it’s disappointing that he hasn’t had more development. Like Atomic Samurai, his early potential feels underutilized.
2. Tanktop Master
Tanktop Master is often portrayed as the “strong guy who gets beaten up to show how powerful the villain is.” With the feats he had in the anime, Tanktop Master is definitely one of the most physically strong men on the planet. Introduced with considerable muscle and confidence, this S-Class hero served as a grounded fighter, representing raw power over flashy techniques.
Instead, he’s become a punching bag, often among the first to fall in big battles. In his fight against Garou, he succumbed to a complete defeat and was sent to the hospital with critical injuries, but he managed to drive Garou into a corner. In the battle against Fuhrer Ugly and Gums, he helped save some injured heroes. However, he was overpowered and also had to be rescued. Whether it’s against Garou or members of the Monster Association, Tanktop Master is usually outclassed and injured without making much of an impact.
Despite his loyalty, heart, and leadership over the Tanktop Army, he’s never been given a moment to truly shine. His repeated beatdowns turn him into comic relief rather than a legitimate threat. He’s another example of characters like Atomic Samurai who got sidelined.
3. Zombieman
Zombieman is one of the most intriguing heroes in One Punch Man. With regenerative abilities that let him keep fighting no matter the damage, he stands apart from most other heroes. And in a world filled with so much fighting and violence, it is a good ability to have. His black-like aesthetic and cold personality add a layer of mystery that many fans love.
He has had two major fights in the show so far. One against Pureblood, a vampire, at the Monsters Association Headquarters, which was a very tough battle, but he won. The second was against Homeless Emperor, one of the Monster Association’s executives. Zombieman was completely outclassed in this fight, “dying” several times without managing to injure Homeless Emperor considerably. The fight ended when Tatsumaki and the other heroes appeared on the surface. After this, he sort of fades into the background.
Like Atomic Samurai, Zombieman had all the makings of a fan-favourite character but remains stuck in the background.
4. Superalloy Darkshine
Superalloy Darkshine is built like a tank and was hyped as one of the strongest S-Class heroes. His shimmering muscles and near-invulnerability made him a visually striking addition to the Hero Association. Initially, he’s presented as a confident fighter, someone even Garou would struggle with.
As a child, Darkshine was not confident in himself. But after years of weight training and victories as a fighter, he became more and more confident. However, during his clash with Garou, we see cracks in his armor. Not just physically but emotionally. He loses confidence and begins questioning his worth. He realized in the fight that he had never entered a battle he thought he would lose. An encounter with Golden Sperm broke him down further, as there was someone who was bulkier and shinier than him. After this encounter, he retired from hero work and became a training instructor and sparring partner.
While this character arc could have evolved into something meaningful, the story largely drops him after the Monster Association arc. He doesn’t get redemption or development post-defeat, leaving fans wanting more. Superalloy had both power and a somewhat relatable personality to offer. Instead, he joined the ranks of characters like Atomic Samurai, who got sidelined.
5. Drive Knight
Drive Knight is surrounded by mystery. His distrust of Metal Knight without tangible evidence, his shapeshifting arsenal, and his minimal appearances all point to a much bigger role in the story. Fans speculated that he would either be a major hero or a secret villain, especially given his secretive nature.
It was stated that he had never lost a fight, and this makes his character more appealing. In his fight against Nyan, he showed some of his Tactical Transformations like Chariot and Knight, and it was fun to see. However, Drive Knight’s screen time has been extremely limited. He was absent during many major battles and only pops in for quick moments that never fully clarify his motives or alignments.
Despite being a cyborg like Genos and potentially involved in deeper conspiracies within the Hero Association, he hasn’t been given the narrative room to evolve. He’s still shrouded in mystery, which is exciting but frustrating, given how long the tease has lasted. Another case of a promising character placed on the shelf for too long.
6. Flashy Flash
With speed that rivals even Sonic and a sleek design, Flashy Flash was introduced as one of the coolest S-Class heroes in One Punch Man. His agility, swordsmanship, and confidence made his early appearances stand out. Although he is a little prideful, fans still love him. As someone who could keep up with top-tier threats, a lot was expected from him by viewers.
He does have a few solid fights, like his battle against Gale Wind and Hellfire Flame, where he defeated them. Another memorable one was him and Speed-o’-Sound Sonic vs. Heavenly Ninja Party, where seeing two speed-centric fighters made it all the more interesting. But outside of that, he’s largely left out of key moments when the story changed gears. His rivalry with Speed-o’-Sound Sonic was never fully explored. His background as a sad child from the Ninja Village who kills everyone in his village was a way to give him a more interesting backstory.
For someone who could play a major part in both the action and the lore, Flashy Flash hasn’t received the attention he deserves. Like Atomic Samurai, he’s flashy but forgotten when the story shifts to more central characters.
7. Metal Bat
Metal Bat is one of the most loved S-Class heroes, and with good reason. His “fight harder the more damaged he is” ability is unique and fun, giving him a punk-rock, underdog energy that fans adore. His short temper, loyalty to his sister, and fearless attitude made him stand out during the Monster Association arc.
He also held his own against powerful foes like Elder Centipede and Senior Centipede. One of his more highlight moments was when he stopped an inch away from cracking Garou’s skull when Zenko, his sister, showed up mid-fight. But once those fights ended, Metal Bat practically vanished from the main story. He didn’t participate in the later battles. After the Monster Association arc, similar to Child Emperor, he leaves the Hero Association and joins the Neo Heroes. Though he was undercover as a bodyguard to Sekinngar, another undercover agent.
Considering how popular he is and how much raw potential his ability has, Metal Bat absolutely qualifies as one of the characters like Atomic Samurai who got sidelined. A comeback arc would be welcome, but we’re still waiting.
8. Watchdog Man
Let’s be honest: Watchdog Man is an enigma wrapped in a fluffy suit. He’s arguably one of the strongest S-Class heroes, having defeated multiple threats solo while protecting his city. However, what makes him intriguing is the total absence of knowledge regarding his history, abilities, or even character.
Garou, who considered him among his most formidable opponents, hinted that despite his appearance, he is lethal. Yet, outside of brief scenes, Watchdog Man is hardly ever involved in major conflicts or group efforts. As the defender of Q-City, it is understandable that he remains there, but the threat of monsters is everywhere. Waiting till they come to your doorstep does not sound like a very solid plan. But with his strength, it might be.
Fans have been eager to learn more about him for years, but the manga and anime treat him as a side gag. Even Atomic Samurai, who’s relatively underused, has more screen time and lines. Watchdog Man’s untapped potential is one of the greatest teases in the series.
Conclusion
One of the strengths of One Punch Man is its massive, diverse cast. But that’s also one of its biggest weaknesses. With Saitama being overwhelmingly powerful, many characters often get shoved aside, leaving their arcs incomplete or forgotten entirely.
From Atomic Samurai to Watchdog Man, these sidelined heroes have enough charisma, strength, and backstory to carry entire episodes or even spin-offs. Unfortunately, they’re often used for brief moments and then tossed back into the shadows.
Fans can only hope that future seasons or manga arcs give these characters the justice they deserve. After all, in a world where one punch can end it all, the most enjoyable part is still the fight, and more fighters mean more enjoyment.
Looking For More?
Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!