Guardians of the Universe: An Underrated Chinese Anime Gem

Introduction

As the year comes to a close and discussions about the best anime of the year take center stage, one underrated Chinese anime that deserves recognition is Guardians of the Universe. This anime not only embodies the best aspects of the global anime industry but also sheds light on some of the systemic challenges that continue to impede its growth.

in a colorful collage, the Guardians of the Universe Assemble

Developed and produced by Perfect World Animation (完美鲲鹏) Studio in Beijing, China, Guardians of the Universe (宇宙护卫队) follows the adventures of a diverse team, including Storm the Tiger, Rainbow the Rabbit, Flash the Monkey, Meteor the Pig, and Raindrop. Their escapades involve navigating a perilous world and responding to various dangerous events, making them a formidable force akin to Marvel's Avengers or DC's Justice League in their universe.

Guardians of the Universe_Full team

Visual Brilliance and Storytelling

Despite its target audience of tweeners, Guardians of the Universe excels as an anime on multiple fronts. The animation, in particular, sets a new standard for visual excellence in 2023. The attention to detail, such as the lifelike movement of Rainbow's fur, is truly remarkable and deserves recognition. Moreover, the vibrant colors leap off the screen, captivating the audience with their brilliance.

Beyond the animation, the series shines in the realms of storytelling and character development. While the superhero narratives are standard, they are presented in an engaging manner. Each episode features two battles: one against an external threat and the other against internal conflicts within the team. These missions not only showcase the team's unity but also provide insights into the characters' backgrounds and abilities.

The Industry's Oversight and Recognition

The excellence of Guardians of the Universe serves as a testament to the growth and diversification of the global anime community. However, despite its quality, the anime has not received the recognition it truly deserves. This oversight reflects the industry's tendency to prioritize Japanese anime and overlook exceptional productions from other countries, particularly China. The lack of acknowledgment for Guardian of the Universe highlights a significant weakness in the industry's approach to non-Japanese anime, especially from China.

As China's domestic anime industry continues to flourish, it's crucial for the global anime community to embrace and celebrate diverse and well-crafted anime like Guardians of the Universe. The hope is that in the near future, accessing outstanding Chinese anime will be as effortless as enjoying popular Japanese anime like One Piece or Jujutsu Kaisen.