Donghua: 2D shows that rival top anime
AnimeUnlisted
It might have been true only a couple years ago that donghua often have derivative artwork and stories that seem too closely inspired by their Japanese counterparts. But the quality has seen meteoric rise, and this isn't necessarily true anymore. Most donghua are still 3D CGI, and this isn't as bad as it first sounds, but it does take getting used to coming from anime. However, excellent 2D samples exist. The following are donghua that I think rival many of the top anime.
Please note that I am well aware that there are other 2D donghua that some people might greatly enjoy, but this list includes the franchises that *I* consider top tier by plot first, and artwork and animation second. There are donghua like Tian Guan Ci Fu (Heaven's Official Blessing) that are widely loved, but I don't think the plot is quite up to par.
Please note that I am well aware that there are other 2D donghua that some people might greatly enjoy, but this list includes the franchises that *I* consider top tier by plot first, and artwork and animation second. There are donghua like Tian Guan Ci Fu (Heaven's Official Blessing) that are widely loved, but I don't think the plot is quite up to par.
ONA, 2020,
52 eps
Me:-
Author:7
This is a cultivation epic that focuses on the training aspect a bit more than the others, leading to a show that's half comedic slice of life and half action. The protagonist has a somewhat annoying cowardly personality, but it's uniquely his. The action sequences are well directed.
ONA, 2021,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
The protagonist awakens powers where he gains points for pissing people off. Spare Me, Great Lord! is a good mix of punny humor and feels. There is great chemistry between him and his orphan sister (no romantic sis-con development here!). The action is so-so, but taken together the execution is good.
ONA, 2017,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Perhaps getting trapped in a video game is more dramatic, none of the MMORPG anime take full advantage of that premise anyways. Here is a long-time competitive MMORPG player known as a brilliant tactician fired because he refuses to sell out on commercials. He gathers new friends to form a team for next year's championships. Think what if Shiroe from Log Horizon creates a top guild in real life and does not spend all his time babysitting.
ONA, 2018,
15 eps
Me:-
Author:7
The protagonist tries to reconstruct the events from his past life to solve a mystery. Great characters and plot, deeply moving back story that doesn't dwell in pity. Excellent graphics and fight scenes.
ONA, 2021,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Emotionally moving side stories, time travel science fiction, and a murder mystery all rolled up into one, probably the closest anime to Link Click is Erased. But then again, they're not really the same.
ONA, 2020,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Like Natsume's Book of Fiends, but better, with more mature and humanistic stories.
