The new Tales of Herding Gods, Episode 23 trailer really only gives you a teeny tiny hint of the epic-ness to come in the latest episode of the fantasy action adventure donghua.
An episode that begins the battle for Jianglong City, as the Yankang Nation forces head into the Daxu with enormous numbers of troops, ships and weaponry.
And, yes, in an effort to take over the city followed by the Daxu lands themselves.
As is most of the Tales of Herding Gods donghua, Episode 23 is created using a gorgeous mix of 2D and 3D animation, and concentrates on Mu’er’s Deaf Grandpa as he paints his attacks on the Yankang Nation.
That means we are treated to stunningly beautiful landscapes, as Deaf Grandpa sets his painted demons on the forces of Yakang.
That isn’t all, however, as after 22 previous episodes, we finally learn about Deaf Grandpa’s background, and his real identity. And, yep, it is quite a surprise.
Episode 23 is just the appetizer for Episode 24’s full-on attack
Watch the Tales of Herding Gods, Episode 23 trailer, and you will see the beginnings of this epic battle, as Deaf Grandpa paints his brush across the sky launching fiery attacks on Yankang’s flying ships, and their troops below.
We also see the City Lord (who is now Granny Si disguised), as he is accused of setting traps for Yankang by their prince (yeah, she’s doing that. And so….?)
But, even though all of Mu’er’s grandparents are in on the attack, once Deaf Grandpa has finished doing his thing, it doesn’t mean Yankang is going to just sit back and take it, as one of their general’s response quickly wipes out Deaf Grandpa’s painted horrors.
Of course, all of this is just the appetizer, as the real battle for Daxu will begin in Episode 24.
With just 26 episodes of the first season to air as well, it is likely the battle with the Yankang Kingdom will take up most of the rest of it.
Tales of Herding Gods, Episode 23 will premiere on the Made by Bilibili – Chinese Animation YouTube channel for its paying subscribers on Tuesday, and then release for everyone else for a free watch on Tuesday, April 1st.
Enjoy the donghua’s latest trailer, and watch the episode as soon as you can as, in my opinion, this is some of the best animation and design this superb Chinese animated series has served up so far.
Animation by: Oh, and that stunning animation is by Sparkly Key Animation Studios
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.