Curious as to who is Blast in One-Punch Man? Here is everything you need to know.
The world of One-Punch Man is built on hierarchy. Heroes and monsters are arranged according to their strength and power. The stronger they are, the higher they score in rankings. Consequently, those with the highest levels are treated like celebrities, if not gods. The current top #1 hero, Blast, is the perfect embodiment of this. Everyone is intrigued by him; even enthralled by just the thought of him. If you’re among the curious crowd, here’s everything you need to know about the current top #1 of the Hero’s Association.
Blast: A Man of Mystery
The Hero Association follows a strict ranking system. The most powerful individuals are categorized as S-Class. In the manga, there are only seventeen (17) S-Class heroes. Out of all those 17 insanely powerful people, Blast holds the top 1 position, making him the most powerful hero in the association (excluding Saitama, of course!).
For so long, the character of Blast has been enshrouded in mystery. Various characters have made mention of his name across the series, but never once did he make an appearance. Even in flashbacks, only his silhouettes are visible.
When was Blast first introduced?
The existence of Blast was first revealed in One-Punch Man Chapter 30, when the S-Class heroes were called and gathered by the Hero Association. Even then, Blast was already nowhere to be seen. However, readers are eventually given hints about his super strength and how greatly the other characters think of him as the series progresses.
Sitch, the Minister Officer of Justice for the Hero Association, once said Blast will only appear if humanity is in peril. Even Tatsumaki, the strongest hero in the S-Class next to Blast, hold him in high regard. Monsters with disaster-level dragon, such as Older Centipede, are also frightened of him.
With all these factors considered, it’s no wonder that many fans are genuinely invested in wanting to know who Blast is.
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Hero Blast Finally Appears
It is not only until the release of Chapter 139 that manga readers are able to see the enigmatic hero Blast in full details. Before that, readers are only given brief teases of his appearance through Tatsumaki’s and Sweet Mask’s memories.
In the said chapter, Saitama, Flashy Flash, and monster Manako was accidentally transported into another dimension. Upon arriving, they heard a voice instructing them to place their hands on the mysterious cube and make a wish. Before they were able to do anything, a black portal appears and from there emerges the hero Blast.
In terms of appearance, Blast personifies the traditional ideal hero. He is tall, muscular, and has spiky hair. Unlike other S-Class heroes, Blast pretty much appears to be… more normal. He is the typical superhero straight out of a film — complete with shoulder pads, armored gloves, and a large cape. He also wears shades and has a scar near his eyes.
Overall, the encounter between Saitama and Blast didn’t last long enough. The Class-S Rank 1 was quick to leave after securing that Saitama and the gang didn’t make a “pact” with the voice, which will later be revealed to be the voice of what they call as “God.” Still, this swift interaction gave manga readers a hint on what’s Blast been doing and why he is always away.
In the said chapter, Blast explains that the cube that Saitama and the gang happen to have touched actually serves as a “transmitter” that distorts space and allows communication with “God.” He then goes to reveal that he is collecting these mysterious cubes that were scattered all over.
What really strikes readers in this chapter is how Blast actually described what he is doing as a kind of “hobby.” This is almost similar to how Saitama often describes himself as “a hero for a hobby.”
Meanwhile, as to his abilities, it is still unclear what type of power Blast possesses. However, based on the recent chapters of the manga, it’s likely that his ability is somewhat related to time and space, as he is seen capable of creating interdimensional portals.
He is also shown to possess incredible speed, besting even the supposed fastest hero Flashy Flash. As to physical strength, Blast is also portrayed far from the ordinary. He can easily lift and spin the cube which made Flashy Flash immobile after his arm got stuck under it.
Even when Garou was bestowed incredible power from “God,” Blast was able to counteract his every move. And when the heated battle between Saitama and Garou happened, Blast (with the help of some other beings that seem to be his companions), was able to alter the direction of the Saitama’s and Garou’s destructive energy away from Earth.
As of now, very little is still known about the famed Top 1 hero. But fans are expecting that Blast will unveil and demonstrate his true powers soon.
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