Anime and Donghua in 2020: A Year of Growth and Innovation
2020 was a pivotal year for both anime and donghua (Chinese animation). While the global pandemic presented challenges, it also served as a catalyst for innovation and growth within both industries. Here's a look at some key trends and highlights:
Anime: Reaching New Heights
2020 saw a surge in anime popularity worldwide. Streaming services like Netflix and Crunchyroll expanded their anime libraries, making it easier than ever for viewers to access a wide range of titles.
Some of the most popular anime of 2020 include:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - This action-packed series about a young boy who becomes a demon slayer to save his sister captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a global phenomenon.
- Jujutsu Kaisen - This dark fantasy series about a high school student who learns about cursed spirits quickly gained a loyal fanbase.
- Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World (Season 2) - The second season of this popular isekai anime continued to explore the complex world and characters, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
Beyond these popular hits, 2020 also saw the emergence of new trends in anime:
- Increased focus on LGBTQ+ representation: Anime like The Ancient Magus' Bride and Fruits Basket (2019) featured complex and nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters, contributing to greater inclusivity in the genre.
- Experimentation with animation styles: Anime like Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! and Tower of God showcased unique animation styles that pushed boundaries and challenged traditional conventions.
Donghua: A Rising Star
Donghua continued its impressive growth in 2020. Domestically, platforms like Bilibili and Tencent Video saw a dramatic increase in viewers, while international audiences were introduced to a wealth of new and exciting titles.
Some notable donghua releases of 2020 include:
- The King's Avatar - This popular e-sports series about a legendary gamer captivated audiences with its immersive storylines and exciting action sequences.
- Scissor Seven - This irreverent action-comedy series about a bumbling assassin gained a devoted following for its quirky humor and stunning animation.
- Hitori no Shita: The Outcast - This martial arts series based on the popular webcomic attracted viewers with its intricate plot and well-developed characters.
2020 marked a turning point for donghua in terms of production quality and storytelling. Many new releases featured stunning animation, complex narratives, and memorable characters, proving that donghua is a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
The Future of Anime and Donghua
The future for both anime and donghua looks incredibly bright. With a dedicated fanbase and increasing investment in production, both industries are poised to continue their growth and innovation. 2020 demonstrated the power of these mediums to captivate audiences around the world, and we can expect even more exciting stories and animation in the years to come.