People outside this world can never truly grasp the longing that manga fans within it feel.
Since the release of "Captain America" by the American Team, which soared in popularity, many comics artists have followed in its footsteps, creating an endless stream of imitations. Over time, the comic market became distorted—filled with repetitive plots and worn-out templates, leaving truly excellent comics as rare gems.
Some artists attempted to break away from the superhero mold but were met with failure, only to be swallowed by the unforgiving market. As a result, many have withdrawn, choosing the safer path of regurgitating old ideas for financial security.
Amidst this backdrop, readers grew disillusioned with traditional heroes. They yearned for fresh ideas and were eager to embrace new comics that could revive their interest. However, the outcome often fell short. Many so-called "innovations" amounted to nothing more than rebranded versions of old comics, fooling readers with minor changes in names and settings.
For example, two works by the same artist might feature protagonists with similar backstories:
Protagonist A: I discovered I could pass through walls while in New York.
Protagonist B: I found I had fire abilities while in Washington.
Protagonist A: My best friend disappeared.
Protagonist B: My best friend also vanished.
Protagonist A: I was forced into heroism.
Protagonist B: Same here.
Protagonist A: My girlfriend wanted to dance, but I broke my promise.
Protagonist B: I also missed an appointment to watch a movie.
Protagonist A: I never kill criminals, but they always escape from prison.
Protagonist B: I follow the same rule.
Protagonist A: I fought to save the world, and eventually, I died.
Protagonist B: Me too.
Such practices were not uncommon, leading to a market saturated with predictable, recycled content. Readers, exhausted by the sameness, desperately sought something new, yet genuine innovation seemed increasingly elusive.
It was against this backdrop of stagnation that "One Punch Man" emerged. Unlike the well-known artists or recycled templates, this comic, with its unique style and fresh perspective, captured the imagination of fans. Despite the publishing company's name change and the involvement of a young, relatively unknown artist, "One Punch Man" became a beacon of innovation.
The impact was immediate and profound. Fans flocked to bookstores, driven by the comic's fresh take on heroism. It was as if "One Punch Man" was a drug, revitalizing readers' spirits and making previous comics seem bland by comparison.
Marvel Comics, the publisher, experienced unprecedented demand.
"Hello, yes, this is Marvel. What? You need a thousand copies? I'm sorry, we're out of stock too. We're printing more and will notify you as soon as they arrive."
The office buzzed with activity as seven employees and Editor-in-Chief Andy scrambled to handle the influx of orders. The initial print run of 50,000 copies quickly proved inadequate. By afternoon, the company was printing 55,000 copies, a record for its short history.
Andy, thrilled with the comic's success, danced his way to the printing factory, his excitement uncontainable despite the curious glances from passersby.
"Today marks a turning point," Andy thought, his heart racing. "With this kind of demand, hitting 100,000 copies by tomorrow is a given, and 200,000 isn't out of reach."
He knew that such numbers would put "One Punch Man" on par with the industry's titans, like the American Team. The comic had stirred the stagnant market like never before, drawing attention from media outlets and industry insiders.
Meanwhile, Xu Mo, the creator of "One Punch Man," was blissfully unaware of the comic's meteoric rise. After breakfast, he and Jia Li continued working on their project in the study. Xu Mo watched with growing excitement as his fan value skyrocketed.
Fan points, which could be used for various rewards, were accumulating rapidly. This influx was a direct result of the comic's success, reflecting its popularity and the impact it had on readers.
Just then, the phone rang. Xu Mo picked up to hear Uncle Andy's enthusiastic voice on the other end.
"Xu Mo, your comic is a sensation! 'One Punch Man' is topping Twitter ratings and has reached 55,000 copies in print. The industry is calling it a pillar alongside the American Team!"
Xu Mo listened as Andy excitedly shared the news.
"Uncle Andy, stay calm. It's an impressive feat, but remember, 'One Punch Man' is still just a short- to medium-term hit. The real test will be how it holds up over time."
Andy's enthusiasm dimmed slightly, but he understood. Xu Mo's perspective reminded him that while "One Punch Man" was indeed groundbreaking, it was still early days. The true measure of success would come with enduring impact.
"You're right," Andy conceded. "It's a remarkable start, but there's more to come."
Xu Mo knew that while "One Punch Man" was making waves now, its long-term legacy would depend on how it evolved and whether it could withstand future challenges. It was a pioneer in shaking up the industry, but maintaining that momentum would be key.
For now, "One Punch Man" was a phenomenon, and its impact was undeniable. The comic had not only revitalized a stagnant market but had also set the stage for future innovations in the comic industry.