Chinese animation, or donghua, is gaining extraordinary momentum and may soon rival Japanese studios, continuously unveiling impressive projects characterized by breathtaking visuals. The latest production, The All-devouring Whale: Homecoming, is set to debut on May 1st this year on Bilibili, a popular Chinese video-sharing platform. If the series proves to be a hit, it might later find its way to Crunchyroll with English subtitles for global audiences.
The All-devouring Whale: Homecoming is among numerous adaptations of manhua (Chinese web novels and comics) that are receiving animated treatments this year. Other noteworthy titles include Super Cube and The Lord of the Mysteries, which showcase equally impressive animation techniques, challenging even the dominating forces within the anime landscape, such as Solo Leveling.
Cultivation Meets Monster Taming in The All-devouring Whale: Homecoming
From Beginners to Champions
The cultivation genre holds immense popularity in the realm of manhua, often portraying skilled warriors battling spectral foes amidst majestic landscapes. The All-devouring Whale: Homecoming introduces a unique twist to this genre: instead of traditional weaponry and intricate combat techniques, the protagonists rely on monsters to fight their battles, reminiscent of popular elements from the Pokémon franchise. As they evolve their creatures, the ‘trainers’ elevate both their personal status and that of their sect in competitive arenas, seeking glory and prestige.
The narrative centers on Fan Lingxiao, a gifted cultivator from the Lingxiao Pavilion. During one fierce tournament, Fan Lingxiao finds himself engulfed by his own spirit beast, known as Kun, a formidable whale. After experiencing a reincarnation akin to the isekai trope, he inhabits the body of a less-than-skilled individual named Liu Fengman. Embarking on a quest to uncover the fate of his original sect and the mysteries surrounding his demise, Fan Lingxiao strives to regain his lost status and avenge his wrongs.
Chinese Animation Emerges as a Major Contender in the Industry
The anime industry has encountered significant challenges lately, grappling with labor shortages as many artists face overwhelming workloads. Some studios, struggling to keep up, have had to cancel major projects, despite the soaring popularity of anime titles like Solo Leveling, One Piece, and Dragon Ball: DAIMA.
For example, Studio Pierrot has faced criticism for its scheduling policies after halting multiple anime projects. The weekly episode release model is no longer sustainable for many creators. Meanwhile, Chinese animation is steadily establishing itself with acclaimed series such as Link Click, Heaven’s Official Blessing, Psychic Princess, and The Daily Life of the Immortal King. As 2023 unfolds, donghua continues to rise, challenging traditional anime’s dominance and indicating that China is serious about competing in this vibrant industry.