Chinese fantasy action adventure anime Tales of Herding Gods‘ official Weibo account has released the original character designs and 3D models for the donghua’s “Sun Guardian” Yan Jingjing.
The designs feature the Sun Guardian in both her child human form, and as the almost-deity she has been forced to be by the other Sun Herders.
She, of course, first appeared in Episode 24 of the animated series as the Sun Ship appeared and drove the Yankang Nation forces out of the wasteland.
Yan Jingjing was responsible for powering that Sun Ship and using it to protect the Daxu. Something that upset Qin Mu’er when he saw her, as he realized her entire body was slowly being consumed by the ship, and that she would eventually die.
Just like her father before her died.
Her character designs and 3D models show off the intricacies of design by animation studio Sparkly Key, both as we see the molten lava of the ship working its way up her legs and torso, and as her god-form as the Sun Guardian.
The Sun Guardian’s costume in particularly is beautifully done, as it immediately gives you an idea of the immense power Yan Jingjing controls.
Along with the official designs, the donghua’s official Weibo account also commented:
A petite and seemingly delicate girl—yet as the Sun-Keeper, she transforms into a towering 900-foot golden “True God.”
This contrast is absolutely captivating!
And then reminded viewers, the Tales of Herding Gods dongua airs new episodes every Sunday at 11:00 AM (Beijing time) with no breaks.
Meanwhile, Episode 25 premiered yesterday via Bilibili, with the producer’s ‘Made by Bilibili’ YouTube channel currently streaming up to Episode 24 for VIP subscribers and with Episode 25 on its way tomorrow, and up to Episode 23 for non-subscribers, with Episode 24 also hitting tomorrow.
Tales of Herding Gods details
The Chinese donghua was initially scheduled for a total of 26 episodes for its first season, but that was recently changed to a “year long adventure” by Sparkly Key Animation and producer Bilibili, which was obviously welcome news for many Tales of Herding Gods‘ fans.
Not a shock, however, as with its popularity being absolutely massive since it premiered on October 27th, 2024, the animated series has already earned more than 3 million followers on Bilibili alone, and over 300 million views so far.
Now watch the trailer for Episode 24, and remind yourself just how spectacular Yan Jingjing looked when she first appeared. Because, man, those designs are spectacular.