With the success of the Chinese donghua Heaven Official’s Blessing on Crunchyroll, it appears the Japanese-owned streaming platform may be realizing donghua series do sell.
After all, they have just announced Mo Dao Zu Shi, Seasons 1 and 2 will be premiering on Crunchyroll later on today.
The Boys’ Love donghua will be streaming on Crunchyroll as The Master of Diabolism, and not as The Founder of Diabolism as it is usually known.
Oddly, however, Season 3 has not been mentioned as streaming there as well. At least for now.
For those without a Crunchyroll subscription, Seasons 1, 2 and 3 are also streaming via Tencent’s WeTV platform — with all 35 episodes available to watch for VIP subscribers.
Viki is also streaming the full three season series in many regions.
What is Mo Dao Zu Shi aka The Master of Diabolism?
The Chinese donghua is another animated series from the pen of popular danmei author Mo Xiang Tong Xiu — the same author who also wrote the Heaven Official’s Blessing and The Scum Villain’s Self-Saving System series of books.
The novel series it is based on, titled Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (buy here via Seven Seas Entertainment), has also spawned a life action series, The Untamed, with all 50 episodes also streaming on WeTV.
Both the Mo Dao Zu Shi donghua and the live action series tell the same brilliant love story:
It revolves around Wei Wuxian, a brilliant but controversial cultivator who was once known for his unorthodox methods using demonic arts.
After being betrayed and killed, he is resurrected 13 years later in the body of a man, Mo Xuanyu, who sacrifices himself to get back at his abusive family.
Meanwhile, Wei Wuxian’s former best friend, Lan Wangji, is now one of the most revered cultivators of his time. Once the two reunite, together, they begin to unravel mysteries from their past, confront lingering enemies, and explore the deep bond between them.
A bond that, of course, eventually evolves into a complex romantic relationship.
The narrative alternates between the present, where Wei Wuxian navigates the world with a new identity, and flashbacks that reveal the events leading up to his death.
Themes include redemption, the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of one’s actions. The story is known for its intricate world-building, character development, and a superb blend of action, mystery, and romance.
Of course, this being a Chinese donghua don’t expect kisses or sex scenes, as anything like that between people of the same sex is prohibited in China.
That being said, the romance between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in the donghua is more than obvious.
Look out for the first two seasons of Mo Dao Zu Shi (aka The Master of Diabolism) on Crunchyroll later on today (3:30 p.m. PT), where it will be available everywhere except Japan, Korea, Mainland China and Russian-speaking territories.
Or head to WeTV if you want to be able to watch the full series.
Entertainment journalist covering Japanese and Chinese anime industry for a decade.
Favorite donghua — World of Immortals, A Will Eternal, The Demon Hunter, Perfect World, Battle Through the Heavens, Fabulous Beasts, Spy x Sect, Soul Land, Tales of Herding Gods, Heaven Officials’ Blessing, Qi Refining for 3000 Years.