The summer anime Thunder 3 aired Episode #02 titled “MULTIVERSE” on July 15, 2026. The episode continues the story of the Small 3—Tezuka Pyontarou, Azuma Tsubame, and Ochanomizu Hiroshi—who have been trapped inside a television (another dimension) after Pyontarou’s father accidentally removed the special disc that connected their world to the alternate one. Now they cannot return home, and Pyontarou’s little sister Futaba has been abducted by a giant flying battleship.
※ Spoiler warning: This article contains details from Episode #02.
Stranded in a Parallel World
In the second episode, the trio realizes they are stuck when the portal back to their own world disappears. Online viewers expressed concern with comments like “They can’t go back!” and “Exit closed.” However, the resourceful Hiroshi notices something important: in this dimension, they possess superhuman abilities, much like Superman in his world. Hiroshi demonstrates incredible speed and power, tearing up the road as he runs.
Tsubame tries jumping and achieves a flight-like leap. Pyontarou then unleashes a “Thunderbolt” punch that scorches the ground. Suzushiro Sayumi, who voices Pyontarou, posted on social media about the “tingling” sensation. Fans were amazed: “They’re destroying everything!” and “They’re not even wearing shoes!” Indeed, the Small 3 came from their living room without footwear, yet they are incredibly powerful.
Exploring the Parallel World
Walking through the city, they find a station called Takaosan Station—the same name as in their world. Could their homes also exist here? They try to buy train tickets but their coins are not accepted. So they busk by singing Aimyon’s “Marigold” at the station square. Passersby find it amusing and drop small change, with comments like “Aimyon exists in both worlds!” and “Aimyon is common.”
They board the train and head toward what they believe is their home. On the way, people laugh and film them. Hiroshi and Pyontarou note that while the world looks different, it is fundamentally similar to their own.
Meeting Their Real Selves
At the station near their supposed home, they encounter a girl who looks like their neighbor (nee-chan) playing guitar and singing “Marigold.” Hiroshi realizes this is a multiverse—a parallel world where their counterparts exist. They go to Pyontarou’s house and ring the bell. To their surprise, a real, three-dimensional Pyontarou answers the door.
The Small 3 explain their situation to their respective families, who, despite being shocked, warmly welcome them. Viewers noted: “They accepted it!” and “Everyone has a big heart.” They also observed that even in this world, Futaba is adorable, and the family dog is a bulldog. The real Pyontarou is also named Pyontarou, which amused fans.
At dinner, the real Pyontarou’s family serves grilled salmon. Pyontarou comments on the complex flavor, making everyone laugh.
Aliens Among Us
That night, Pyontarou asks his real self about the flying bus-like objects he has seen since arriving. The real Pyontarou explains that aliens appeared over Earth about five months ago. They are friendly but uncommunicative, and their presence has become normal. However, they sometimes descend into cities, and military equipment has been deployed. Food supplies are dwindling, causing anxiety.
Fans praised Suzushiro Sayumi’s voice acting, noting the difference in pitch between the two Pyontarous: “The real one has a lower voice, it’s great.”
As Pyontarou thinks of his missing sister Futaba, he tears up. Meanwhile, Futaba is in danger: aliens are discussing opening her skull for analysis, with a drill spinning. Viewers worried: “Why do aliens always want to dissect?” and “That hurts! Don’t do it!”
After the broadcast, Akiyama Eri, who voices Hiroshi, tweeted that the new developments were captivating and that the effects on the Small 3 and the dog were cute.
Broadcast and Staff
Thunder 3 airs every Wednesday at 24:45 on Fuji TV’s “+Ultra” and other channels. Streaming is exclusively available worldwide on Netflix.
Staff
| Original | Ikeda Yuuki (Kodansha “Monthly Shonen Magazine”) |
| Chief Director | Seshimo Hiroyuki |
| Director | Ide Keisuke |
| Assistant Director | Sugai Susumu, Ryuu Nari |
| Series Composition / Script | Segou Kouji |
| Character Design (Original) | Onda Naoyuki |
| Animation Character Design | Yamanaka Junko, Moriyama Yuuki |
| Animation Director | Kouji |
| Production Design | Tanaka Naoya, Ferdinand Paturi |
| Modeling Director / Light & Art Director | Katahama Mitsunori |
| Mechanical Design | Hoashi Takehiko |
| Art Director | Kamei Yuusuke, Nakamura Keigo |
| Sound Director | Yamaguchi Takayuki |
| Music | Frederic Chateau, Tateyama Akiaki |
| Opening Theme | Yuuri “Thunderbolt” |
| Ending Theme | Otoha-otoha- “Shururerira” |
| Planning & Production | Slow Curve |
| Animation Production | UNEND |
Cast
| Tezuka Pyontarou | Suzushiro Sayumi |
| Azuma Tsubame | Kawaiida Natsumi |
| Ochanomizu Hiroshi | Akiyama Eri |
| Tezuka Futaba | Mitsubachi Honoka |
| Doku | Sakata Shougo |
| Segami Teiichi | Saka Taito |
| Tashiro Suzuka | Hirose Yuuki |
| Kisaragi Mio | Maekawa Ryouko |
| Sumi Kyouji | Ishitani Haruki |
(C) Ikeda Yuuki / Kodansha / “Thunder 3” Production Committee
