China’s Interest in Anime Grows: One Crunchyroll Gem Demonstrates Industry Readiness for Expansion

China’s Interest in Anime Grows: One Crunchyroll Gem Demonstrates Industry Readiness for Expansion

The rising availability of donghuas on popular streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, complete with multiple dubbing options, demonstrates the animation industry’s readiness to engage global audiences. While donghuas have predominantly focused on mythology and grand adventures, a remarkable sequel released during the Crunchyroll winter season of 2025 stands out as a hidden treasure that outshines many anime titles. It deserves a much broader audience.

In a recent interview with AFP News, Masao Maruyama, co-founder of Madhouse Studio and the driving force behind MAPPA and Studio M2, highlighted that China is on a trajectory to surpass Japan in the animation sector, fueled by a surge of innovative projects. This is evident in Crunchyroll’s lineup, especially with “Link Click,”which features one of the most original and compelling narratives seen in years.

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Premiering in 2021, “Link Click”is a sci-fi thriller donghua currently in its third season on Crunchyroll. It has proven that donghuas can deliver **expertly crafted narratives set in contemporary settings**. Sadly, many viewers overlook it because it is not classified as an anime, alongside misconceptions linking it to the Boys’ Love (BL) genre. The plot revolves around two friends endowed with a remarkable ability: they can revisit the past through photographs, a skill they use to gather information crucial to their present or to understand historical events better.

This unique premise introduces a plethora of engaging conflicts linked to time travel, including paradoxes and temporal loops that fans of the genre will find captivating. What sets “Link Click”apart is not just its episodic storytelling but how its **intricate mysteries and unexpected twists elevate the narrative**. It skillfully navigates the complexities and repercussions of time travel while weaving in elements of suspense through intriguing investigation plots surrounding murder cases.

Cheng Xiaoshi, Lu Guang and Qiao Ling from Link Click

With **breathtaking animation, adrenaline-pumping action sequences, and a captivating soundtrack available in both English and Japanese**, “Link Click”has garnered significant acclaim. Its first season even ranked within the top 50 all-time on MyAnimeList, boasting a stellar score of 8.73, surpassing celebrated titles like “Violet Evergarden”and the critically acclaimed 2024 film “Look Back.”Both seasons of the show are readily accessible on Crunchyroll and Prime Video, allowing new viewers ample time to catch up before diving into the ongoing “Bridon Arc”of Season 3, which is released weekly.

One of “Link Click’s”strongest attractions is its relatable characters and their emotionally charged arcs that resonate deeply with viewers. The bond shared by Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang is profound, showcasing various aspects of human relationships. Furthermore, with “Bridon Arc”delving into the butterfly effect, it’s a must-watch for fans of intricate storylines like “Steins;Gate.””Link Click”is poised to gain even more traction and recognition, shaping up to be one of the standout releases of Crunchyroll’s winter 2025 season.

Source: AFP News, MyAnimeList.

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