Hey everyone! Remember me, Yu? Today, I’m bursting with excitement to share some news about a brand new Chinese anime that’s been on my radar – The Chronologist (formerly known as Huangli Shi).
Fans of Chinese BL (Boys’ Love) anime have been eagerly waiting for this one since 2019, and after a year of anticipation, Tencent finally dropped it on their platform in May 2020! But before we dive into the story, let’s rewind a bit.
From Novel to Screen: The Chronologist’s Journey
The Chronologist actually started its life as a novel series titled Secret Archives of Unscientific Materialism by the talented author Shitou Yang. In 2018, it was renamed Huangli Shi, which translates to “Chinese Almanac Master.” While the novel might have a different title, the anime adaptation brings us The Chronologist, a name that perfectly captures the essence of the story.
What is a Huangli Shi, and Why Should You Care?
The Chronologist steps into the fascinating world of Fangshi – individuals who, according to legend, possess the power to manipulate the effects of seasonal events and festivals, essentially becoming masters of fortune. Here’s where our protagonist, Xiao Nanzhu, enters the scene.
This unemployed young man inherits a rather peculiar family tradition – the role of a Fangshi! Inspired by his childhood friend, Xiao Nanzhu reluctantly takes on this generational responsibility. But let’s be honest, wouldn’t you rather just hit that “call the authorities” button in such a situation? Well, that’s exactly what Xiao Nanzhu wants too!
A Sneak Peek at the Story: Laughter, Mystery, and a Touch of Romance
The synopsis might paint a picture of Xiao Nanzhu desperately trying to avoid his destiny, but there’s more to The Chronologist than meets the eye. We also meet Chu Xi, who seems to take this whole Fangshi business quite seriously. Their contrasting personalities promise an interesting dynamic, filled with humor and, perhaps, a hint of something more.
The trailer, released just a few days before the premiere, hints that The Chronologist won’t be all action and mystery. We can expect a healthy dose of drama, and for all you BL fans out there, some heartwarming romance!
Here’s the thing: The Chronologist isn’t afraid to wear its influences on its sleeve. If you’ve watched (and loved) the phenomenal Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation), you might find some familiar ground here. Both are BL stories handled with care by the talented folks at B.CMay Pictures, who excel at weaving compelling narratives without overshadowing the core themes with heavy-handed romance.
Where to Watch The Chronologist and Dive Deeper
So, you’re hooked and itching to watch The Chronologist? Tencent Video has you covered! This platform seems to be on a roll, adding The Chronologist to its impressive Spring 2020 lineup alongside other fantastic donghua (Chinese animation) like All Saints Street and Tales of Demons & Gods Season 4.
But wait, there’s more! To quench your thirst for Chinese anime, I’ve compiled a handy list of the Top 20 Chinese Anime to Add to Your Watchlist in 2020 – check it out for some hidden gems!
This is just the beginning of The Chronologist’s journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us. With its unique blend of humor, mystery, and romance, it promises to be a captivating watch. So, are you ready to step into the world of Fangshi and witness the adventures of Xiao Nanzhu and Chu Xi?
Last Updated on May 29, 2024 by Yu Alexius
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