One Punch Man Season 2 is ultimately a victim of the Sequel Disillusionment Effect, where something is perceived as bad because it couldn't possibly compare to the original. The season isn't poor in comparison to a lot of anime out there. In fact, I'd still say it's slightly above average. However, when compared to the literal masterpiece that was the original One Punch Man it fails to meet expectations. Despite this, there are still a lot of issue I found with the sequel.

Firstly, despite One Punch Man literally being the name of the anime Saitama barely shows up, at least compared to the first season. The martial arts tournament was really the only exclusive arc Saitama got outside of basic SOL style scenes. Otherwise, the direction of this season was mainly directed towards the other heroes. Frankly, at times I felt like I was watching some kind of spin off rather than a direct sequel. Which is exactly what this plot line should've been. A side series of how the heroes manage things without Saitama. Instead, viewers expect the same conflict and humor brought from the original series and this delivered none of that. Saitama is reduced to a joker card to defeat the enemy at the last second. And while yes, this was the whole point of the original series; the execution is poor.

Secondly, the animation quality significantly decreased. This is also due in part thanks to the amazing quality and care put into the original anime. By normal anime standards, this season looks about what you'd expect. But this is One Punch Man; an absolutely brilliant anime. Some of the best elements from the original were the contrast between the simplified, silly art styles and the dramatic, painted styles that would quickly switch between each other. Season 2 saw very little of this iconic style.

Finally, I feel it directs itself too heavily into the style of other popular anime. What made One Punch Man special to begin with was its unique, satirical premise and humor. People enjoyed One Punch Man because it was different from other anime. Especially at the time. A lot of these epic fight scenes are definitely cool, but that isn't what made the original anime entertaining. The whole narrative feels much more dramatic, especially compared to the original action-comedy approach of the original run. Which, again, would be amazing in any other anime. But this is One Punch Man. Genos is cool. Bang is cool. I love the side characters. But side characters, and focus on their epic fights, should be reserved for a side SERIES. I watch One Punch Man for Saitama. This whole second season was trying to be something it's not, and that's why it's universally disliked.

If you're really interested in learning more about the One Punch Man universe. This anime is great. But if you want the quirky fun of the original series; you will be severely disappointed. For me, this entire season just felt like filler.