Best 2D Donghua: A Reddit Guide to the World of Chinese Animation
The world of Chinese animation, known as donghua, is exploding with incredible stories and stunning visuals. If you're looking to delve into this captivating world, Reddit is a great place to start. With vibrant communities dedicated to donghua, you can discover hidden gems, get recommendations, and engage in passionate discussions with fellow fans.
Here's a guide to some of the best 2D donghua based on Reddit's recommendations:
Action & Adventure:
- The King's Avatar (全职高手): This beloved series follows a professional gamer who's forced to retire. But with a new virtual reality game, he returns to the world he loves. Redditors rave about the captivating storyline, the relatable characters, and the dynamic action sequences.
- Mo Dao Zu Shi (魔道祖师): Based on the popular novel, this donghua is a blend of fantasy, action, and a compelling LGBTQ+ romance. Fans praise its beautiful animation, engaging characters, and the well-developed world building.
- Hitori no Shita: The Outcast (一人之下): A high school student discovers he has supernatural powers and gets drawn into a world of hidden martial arts and ancient secrets. Redditors love the unique blend of action, supernatural elements, and humor.
Fantasy & Romance:
- The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System (魔道祖师): A fast-paced, hilarious story about a villain who's determined to rewrite his own fate. Redditors appreciate the clever plot twists, lovable characters, and the unique "reverse harem" dynamic.
- Heaven Official's Blessing (天官赐福): A heartwarming tale of two gods who meet and fall in love. Fans praise the stunning animation, the deeply emotional story, and the beautiful depictions of Chinese mythology.
- Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (魔道祖师): Based on the same novel as Mo Dao Zu Shi, this series offers a different perspective on the story, focusing on the protagonist's past and his journey to becoming a powerful cultivator. Redditors adore the darker tone, the complex characters, and the intricate world building.
Slice of Life & Comedy:
- The Daily Life of the Immortal King (妖神记): A hilarious and heartwarming story about a mischievous immortal who's forced to live as a high school student. Redditors love the quirky characters, the relatable humor, and the heartwarming moments.
- Love Like the Galaxy (星汉灿烂): Set during the Han dynasty, this series follows a young woman who defies societal expectations and fights for her own happiness. Fans praise the engaging romance, the strong female lead, and the beautiful visuals.
- The Legend of Qin: The Unification (秦时明月): This long-running series explores the history of the Qin dynasty through the eyes of a group of young warriors. Redditors appreciate the complex characters, the historical context, and the epic scope of the story.
Exploring Donghua on Reddit:
- r/donghua: The main hub for donghua fans, offering discussion threads, news, and recommendations.
- r/ChineseAnimation: Another active community focused on Chinese animation, including both 2D and 3D works.
- r/anime: While primarily focused on anime, many Redditors enjoy donghua and often discuss it within this community.
Remember: Donghua is a constantly evolving landscape. Check out these subreddits and forums to stay up-to-date on new releases and explore the vast world of Chinese animation!