ONE’s One-Punch Man has enjoyed a good deal of success since the self-published web manga first started publication in 2009. The series would get a remake in 2012, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump with illustrations by Eyeshield 21 mangaka Yusuke Murata. Though One-Punch Man stands as ONE’s most well-known series, Mob Psycho 100 is just as funny while dealing with a completely different setting and characters.
Both series follow a similar blueprint; revolving around unassuming, overpowered leads whose incredible strength is played off for laughs. But that’s not to say that both protagonists are completely identical. In fact, there’s a lot that separates Saitama and Mob. Overpowered abilities aside, the two are written to be very different in their respective series.
The Typical ONE Protagonist
Mob and Saitama share some traits that are indicative of ONE’s writing style, namely how both possess God-like power compared to that of their peers and adversaries. Mob’s incredible psychic abilities and the effortless way he handles seemingly powerful enemies is played off just as it is with Saitama, with both characters serving as a comedic foil to the serious events happening around them.
Like Saitama, Mob doesn’t seem to stand out all that much as a typical main character when not engaged in combat. His plain design gives the sense that he’s fairly unremarkable, and he lacks the presence that characters like Ritsu, Reigen, and Sho have. While Mob Psycho 100’s character designs are typically a little more grounded compared to the eye-grabbing heroes and villains in One-Punch Man, the dynamic is prominent in both series.
The basic premise of One-Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100 is essentially the same. The world, abilities, characters, and their motivations might be different, but both narratives focus on unassuming outsiders who get caught up in the narrative rather than influence it. ONE uses these listless leads as a contrast to the incredible worlds around them, which in turn plays into the bizarre slapstick comedy that both series are known for.
What Makes Mob His Own Character
Mob and Saitama might look the same, and play similar roles in their respective series, but they’re both very different people. The parallels between the two works aside, Mob Psycho 100 stands out as more than just a One-Punch Man clone thanks to Mob’s vastly different characterization throughout the series. Though he’s just as overpowered as Saitama is, the way Mob handles and approaches his abilities is much different.
Saitama is reserved, but more aloof in his daily life than Mob is. The young esper is very meek and socially awkward, showing a lot of insecurity when faced with strangers in everyday situations. Though lesser espers are shown to be much more confident thanks to their abilities, Mob is so detached from that part of himself that he remains unfazed by his exceptional power. Rather than simply coax off of his natural talent, Mob instead looks to improve himself by acknowledging his shortcomings and working on them.
Reigen, Ritsu, the Body Improvement Club and plenty of others contribute to Mob’s growth throughout the series. Many supporting characters are drawn to Mob not due to his incredible strength – though that does play a role at times – but instead because of his kind personality and hardworking nature. It’s the various bonds that Mob makes and develops along his journey that allow for him to develop as a person while also bringing out his best as an esper.
While fans can point to some similarities between One-Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100, and their lead characters, there’s ultimately a good deal that separates the two. ONE took the basic concept of his first work and changed the series dynamic by focusing on a timid, but exceptional main character with plenty of room to grow. Though Mob might not have the presence and comedic effect that Saitama brings to the table, he’s a great character to root for and watch develop throughout his journey.