by The story of Thunder 3 takes a major step forward in Episode 3, “ALIENS,” which aired on July 22, 2026. The latest episode delivers the series’ first major confrontation with the mysterious alien invaders while showcasing the unbelievable strength of Futaba and the Small 3.
Packed with comedy, suspense, and explosive action, Episode 3 has become one of the most talked-about installments of the Summer 2026 anime season. Fans flooded social media with reactions such as “Futaba is too strong!” “They’re so cute!”, and “The story is finally starting to move!”
What Is Thunder 3 About?
Based on the manga by Yuki Ikeda, Thunder 3 was serialized in Kodansha’s Monthly Shonen Magazine beginning in 2022. The manga quickly attracted attention for its unique mix of slice-of-life comedy, science fiction, and superhero action, earning a nomination for the Next Manga Award 2022.
The manga concluded in June 2026, shortly before the anime adaptation premiered.
The story follows Tezuka Pyontaro and his classmates Azuma Tsubame and Ochanomizu Hiroshi, affectionately known as the Small 3. Although they appear to be ordinary children, they possess extraordinary powers that become increasingly important as mysterious alien forces threaten humanity.
At the heart of the story is Pyontaro’s younger sister, Futaba, whose innocent personality hides an astonishing secret.
Episode 3 Recap – “ALIENS”
The episode begins with Futaba being held captive aboard an alien spacecraft.
The extraterrestrials attempt to study her after discovering that none of their scanners can properly analyze her body.
Unable to understand why their technology fails, they decide to perform a more invasive examination using a massive drill.
To their surprise, the drill cannot even scratch Futaba.
No matter how much power they increase, she remains completely unharmed.
The confused aliens can only watch in disbelief as every attack fails.
Viewers quickly took to social media, posting reactions such as:
- “Futaba is invincible!”
- “Not even her hair is damaged!”
- “She’s way too strong!”
- “She’s adorable, but terrifying for the aliens!”
Futaba Escapes with Incredible Strength
Instead of panicking, Futaba calmly walks through the spaceship while calling out for her brother.
Looking for Pyontaro and her mother, she accidentally smashes through a reinforced wall with ease, creating her own escape route.
The aliens immediately flee in fear after witnessing her overwhelming physical strength.
Despite possessing extraordinary abilities, Futaba remains an innocent child who simply wants to find her family.
This contrast between her gentle personality and overwhelming power has quickly made her one of the series’ most beloved characters.
The Small 3 Enter the Battle
While Futaba struggles to escape, the Small 3 continue exploring the strange multiverse.
Hiroshi casually explains that they are so powerful that ordinary people would be shocked if they witnessed their true abilities.
According to him, they have previously survived missile strikes without suffering any injuries.
Although the alternate-world versions of Pyontaro and his friends initially dismiss these claims as jokes, they soon realize the Small 3 are telling the truth.
The Aliens Reveal Their True Nature
Elsewhere in the city, Pyontaro witnesses disturbing scenes that reveal just how much control the aliens have gained.
One memorable moment involves an alien child stealing ice cream from a human family before crying after accidentally dropping it.
The absurd situation perfectly captures the episode’s mix of comedy and social satire.
Fans reacted online with comments including:
- “The aliens are unbelievable.”
- “They’re completely selfish.”
- “Why are they crying after stealing someone else’s food?”
The lighthearted moment quickly shifts into something much darker when heavily armed police officers arrive.
Instead of protecting civilians, the officers point their weapons at innocent people.
One visibly shaken officer quietly questions his own actions, hinting that humanity has already lost control of society.
Small 3 Finally Show Their Real Power
The confrontation reaches its climax when alien soldiers scan the Small 3.
Their energy readings are so incredibly high that the aliens immediately classify them as “dangerous lifeforms.”
Before the invaders can attack, Hiroshi calmly tells Pyontaro:
“Snap your fingers.”
Without hesitation, Pyontaro obeys.
The simple finger snap creates an enormous shockwave that instantly launches multiple aliens across the battlefield.
Fans immediately praised the sequence, posting reactions such as:
- “That was insane!”
- “They’re ridiculously overpowered!”
- “Too strong!”
When the surviving aliens attempt a second attack, their weapons prove completely ineffective.
Pyontaro then grabs several aliens by their legs, swings them through the air, and throws them away with overwhelming force.
The action scene became one of the episode’s biggest highlights.
Humanity’s Last Hope?
Following the battle, one police officer delivers a shocking revelation.
He explains that the Self-Defense Forces have already fallen and that the country has effectively been taken over by the alien invaders.
Realizing the overwhelming situation, the alternate-world Pyontaro looks toward the Small 3 with hope.
He calls them:
This emotional moment signals a major turning point for the series as the larger conflict finally begins to unfold.
Cast Reactions After the Broadcast
Several cast members shared their thoughts following the episode’s premiere.
Sayumi Suzushiro, the voice of Pyontaro, described Episode 3 as a story that leaves viewers with plenty to think about.
Azusa Aoi, who voices Pyontaro’s loyal dog Puusuke, praised the action scenes while expressing concern for Futaba during her dangerous ordeal.
Eri Akiyama, the voice of Hiroshi, encouraged fans to pay close attention to the overwhelming power displayed by the Small 3.
Meanwhile, ending theme artist Otoha commented that the story has finally begun moving toward its larger narrative, raising anticipation for future episodes.
About Thunder 3
Thunder 3 combines science fiction, action, comedy, and superhero storytelling with a unique visual style that blends ordinary daily life and extraordinary battles.
Its balance of humor, emotional family moments, and explosive action has helped the series stand out among Summer 2026’s new anime releases.
With Episode 3 introducing the main alien conflict, the anime appears ready to shift into a much larger-scale adventure.
Broadcast Information
TV Broadcast
- Airs every Wednesday at 12:45 AM (JST)
- Fuji TV +Ultra programming block
- Additional Japanese broadcasters
Streaming
- Netflix – Exclusive worldwide streaming
Main Staff
- Original Manga: Yuki Ikeda (Monthly Shonen Magazine)
- Chief Director: Hiroyuki Seshita
- Director: Keisuke Ide
- Series Composition: Hiroshi Seko
- Animation Production: UNEND
- Music: Frédéric Château & Akihiko Tateyama
Main Cast
- Tezuka Pyontaro — Sayumi Suzushiro
- Azuma Tsubame — Natsumi Kawaida
- Ochanomizu Hiroshi — Eri Akiyama
- Tezuka Futaba — Honoka Mitsubachi
- Doc — Shogo Sakata
- Segami Teiichi — Taito Ban
- Tashiro Ryoka — Yuki Hirose
- Kisaragi Mio — Ryoko Maekawa
- Sumeragi Kyoji — Haruki Ishitani
Looking Ahead to Episode 4
Episode 3 marks the moment when Thunder 3 fully embraces its central conflict, raising the stakes for both the heroes and humanity.
With Futaba’s mysterious abilities now attracting the attention of the aliens and the Small 3 finally revealing the true extent of their powers, the stage is set for even bigger battles in the episodes ahead.
As teased by the cast after the broadcast, Episode 4 promises another major development, making it one of the most highly anticipated installments of the Summer 2026 anime season.
