One Punch Man Animation Director Criticizes Super Cube Animation

The animation director of One Punch Man, Kenichiro Aoki, caused a stir by criticizing the animation of Super Cube, a new Chinese anime. The criticism came shortly after the airing of episode 7, which impressed many fans due to the fluidity and intensity of an almost four-minute action scene. However, Aoki expressed disappointment with the artistic direction of the segment.

One Punch Man Animation Director Criticizes Super Cube Animation, Comparing it to Yutapon and Stirring Controversy Among Fans

Aoki posted on Twitter: “It’s great animation, but I don’t feel involved. Even with good pacing and tension, everything feels like it passes without impact. Also, stop repeating layouts and movements of certain super animators.”

Although he didn’t name names, many identified the criticism as being directed at nian41, the animator responsible for the scene, whose style is reminiscent of the famous Yutaka Nakamura (known as Yutapon), a master of impactful scenes as seen in Cowboy Bebop.

Below, you can check out the scene in question, which gained a lot of attention on social media:

The comment divided the anime community. Some fans support Aoki’s critical view, pointing out that the scene, while visually striking, is frantic and lacks emotional weight. Others accuse him of hypocrisy, recalling the criticism of the second season of One Punch Man, in which Aoki participated and received mixed reception.

Some commented:

• “So, will One Punch Man 3 be better than Super Cube?”
• “He’s 19, is this a harsh message for a guy who will be one of the best talents in the future? Of course, he’ll take inspiration while young, this seems like envy.”
• “You’re crying because a 19-year-old animator kicked your ass.”
• “Better than your work.”
• “The audacity to say this after One Punch Man 2.”
• “One Punch Man will have better animation direction, right?”

The backlash brought debates back to the forefront about originality, inspiration, and the role of animation direction in action scenes. For some, following in the footsteps of masters like Yutapon is a tribute. For others, it’s a lack of creative identity.

Super Cube is officially streamed by iQIYI and its YouTube channel. The first episode is available for free, but the subsequent episodes require a subscription.

With a storyline centered on Wang Xiaoxiu, a young man who gains cosmic powers from a “Superpowered Cube,” the anime has gained attention for its premise and technical quality, becoming one of the standout titles of the spring 2025 season.

via Você Sabia Anime