Fei Ren Zai is the latest digital sensation from the Chinese mainland, reimagining deities and mythic creatures as part of our everyday hustle. Since its debut, the webcomic has racked up 30 billion reads and 2 million print copies sold, while the animated adaptation has soared past 5 billion views across streaming platforms.
Ancient Myths, Modern Beats
Set in a sprawling metropolis where gods queue for coffee and legendary spirits swipe into nightclubs, Fei Ren Zai seamlessly blends folklore with city vibes. Air draws on classic legends to explore themes like identity and community, resonating with young digital natives everywhere.
Behind the Panels
Creator Xu Manxin aka Air shares insights into the creative journey:
- Digital first: The comic launched on mobile apps, tapping into the growing webcomic market across G20 nations.
- Print edition: Two million copies sold in physical bookstores show a hunger for print in the digital age.
- Animated spin-off: Built for binge-watching, the series balances fast-paced action with humor, fueling 5 billion plus views.
Why It Matters
For entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, Fei Ren Zai highlights a booming webcomic economy and the power of cross-media storytelling. Thought leaders point to its sustainable fan engagement model, while pop culture fans can track global cosplay trends inspired by its characters.
The Global Fan Base
From SĂŁo Paulo to Seoul, communities on social platforms are translating key chapters, creating fan art, and organizing virtual meetups. The phenomenon underscores how digital culture dissolves borders, inviting everyone to co-create the mythic universe.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a startup founder, or a student of folklore, Fei Ren Zai is a case study in blending tradition with innovation on a global scale.
Reference(s):
Viral Chinese comic brings mythological beings into modern society
cgtn.com
