‘Super Cube’: The Chinese donghua challenging the anime industry
A new debate on global animation.
The rise of donghua, Chinese animation, has fueled discussions about originality in the global animation industry. At the center of this debate is ‘Super Cube’, a visually stunning sci-fi action series praised for its fluid fight sequences and high production quality.
However, while many admire its technical excellence, others criticize it for mimicking the style of renowned Japanese animators, particularly Yutaka Nakamura (‘Cowboy Bebop,’ ‘Space Dandy,’ ‘One Punch Man’). This raises the question—is China simply imitating Japanese animation, or is this backlash rooted in resistance to China’s growing presence in the industry?
‘Super Cube’: a high-speed visual spectacle
Adapted from a popular sci-fi manga, ‘Super Cube’ follows Wang Xiaoxiu, a young man who gains extraordinary abilities from a mysterious extraterrestrial artifact shaped like a cube.
Much like ‘Solo Leveling,’ the protagonist levels up as he faces increasingly powerful opponents. The cube itself provides stats and rankings, guiding him through battles in a way reminiscent of video game mechanics.
Its appeal comes from:
- Brutal, fluid fight sequences that rival contemporary anime.
- A mature production quality that puts Chinese animation on the radar.
- A fast-paced, binge-worthy rhythm that makes viewers keep watching.
Despite similarities with ‘Solo Leveling,’ its relentless action and polished animation make it a compelling watch.
The controversy in Japan: inspiration or imitation?
Despite global acclaim, ‘Super Cube’ has faced harsh criticism in Japan, particularly from Kenichiro Aoki, an animator known for his work on ‘One Punch Man.’
Aoki commented:
“It’s an incredible animation, but it doesn’t fully engage me. Maybe the direction isn’t polished enough. If everything moves at the same pace and intensity, it feels like things happen too fast to process. And please, stop copying the same framing, movements, and expressions from a certain super animator. It’s a shame.”
This critique suggests that while ‘Super Cube’ is technically impressive, it lacks originality in its direction.
- The animation style closely resembles Yutaka Nakamura’s signature techniques.
- Some Japanese critics say it borrows from anime aesthetics without innovating.
- Others argue that while visually striking, it lacks emotional depth.
China’s response: the fine line between inspiration and copying
Chinese animators and fans have defended ‘Super Cube’, emphasizing the years of effort invested in its production. They argue that:
- Inspiration is a natural part of artistic evolution.
- China’s animation industry is forging its own identity through hard work and dedication.
- The Japanese animation industry should see donghua as part of the global scene, not just imitation.
Just as there is an audience for ‘Demon Slayer’ and ‘Solo Leveling,’ there is also a growing fanbase for ‘Super Cube.’
The rise of donghua: a new player in global animation
The controversy surrounding ‘Super Cube’ is part of a larger shift in the animation landscape. Donghua is rapidly evolving, challenging the dominance of Japanese anime with high-quality productions and ambitious storytelling.
Other Chinese series, such as ‘Link Click’ and ‘Tubi Hiro X,’ showcase the diverse talent emerging from China. Even Japanese companies like Aniplex are investing in Chinese productions, acknowledging the changing industry dynamics.
While ‘Super Cube’ may not be an undisputed masterpiece, its impact on the animation conversation is undeniable. As donghua continues to grow, it will play an increasingly important role in the global market.
You can watch ‘Super Cube’ in the US on iQIYI, which offers the series with English subtitles. Another option is Aniwave, where you can stream it in English sub and dub.
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