Mob Psycho 100 is what happens when One Punch Man’s creator takes his premise seriously. Instead of comedy about overpowered heroes, it’s drama about a psychic boy learning that power isn’t what matters. It’s genuinely one of anime’s best coming-of-age stories—and consistently underrated.
The Premise
Shigeo Kageyama (“Mob”) has immense psychic powers but all he wants is to be normal. He works part-time for a con artist “exorcist” and tries to improve himself through exercise rather than supernatural ability. His emotional suppression creates dangerous power buildups.
Why It Works
Power as Problem
Most anime celebrate power. Mob Psycho treats it as obstacle to normal life. Mob’s abilities isolate him, attract danger, and can’t help with what actually matters: making friends, getting fit, talking to his crush.
Genuine Character Growth
Mob starts socially stunted and emotionally repressed. By series end, he’s learned to express feelings, value relationships, and accept himself. This growth is gradual, earns setbacks, and feels real.
Reigen
Mob’s boss, a complete fraud, becomes an unexpected heart of the series. His genuine care for Mob despite exploiting him creates complex relationship that avoids simple morality.
Animation
Studio Bones unleashed experimental animation that became the series’ identity. Fights flow like psychedelic art installations. The loose style serves emotional storytelling rather than just looking cool.
Season 3 Excellence
The final season’s animation during Mob’s emotional peak is anime at its finest—visual representation of psychological state that communicates what dialogue can’t.
Verdict
10/10 – Mob Psycho 100 is a complete, satisfying story about becoming a better person through effort rather than power. It’s funny, emotional, and visually stunning. The underrated masterpiece deserves more recognition alongside its flashier peers.