One-Punch Man: Road to Hero

One-Punch Man: Road to Hero was released in 2015 as an original video animation (OVA) bundled with the tenth volume of the manga series in Japan. Produced by studio Madhouse, the short served as a bridge between the serialized print chapters and the highly anticipated television anime adaptation. It was conceived to introduce viewers to the series' unique blend of deadpan humor and high-stakes superhero action through a narrative set before the official start of the main plot.

The animation was helmed by director Shingo Natsume, who aimed to establish the visual identity that would define the subsequent television series. Character designs by Chikashi Kubota focused on translating Yusuke Murata's intricate manga panels into a fluid, expressive animation style. Upon its debut, the OVA was well-received by fans for maintaining the sharp tonal balance of the source material and for its high-quality production values, effectively building hype for the show's broader broadcast launch.