Overview
- Episode 9 adapts the first published version of the Child Emperor–Phoenix Man showdown, shifting debate from animation quality to which manga iteration the anime follows.
- Critics say the choice omits redrawn material that foreshadows larger mysteries and adds character moments, including telepathic elements and a scene with Zombieman.
- Reviewers note a visual uptick compared with most of season 3, though assessments of the episode’s engagement vary from reserved praise to describing it as forgettable.
- Some viewers favor the fight-forward approach that lets supporting heroes take the spotlight, while others argue the anime should have blended key beats from both manga versions.
- Commentary continues to cite a compressed schedule and Murata’s frequent redraws as adaptation hurdles, with concerns about Saitama’s minimal screen time and an uncertain runway for the short season.