The Unexpected Boom of Hand-Drawn Animation: China's 'Nobody' Defies Expectations

2025-09-04
The Unexpected Boom of Hand-Drawn Animation:  China's 'Nobody' Defies Expectations

Hand-drawn animation is experiencing a surprising resurgence, with films like Japan's 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle' and China's 'Nobody' achieving massive box office success, outperforming some Hollywood CG animation blockbusters. This contrasts sharply with the late 1990s prediction of hand-drawn animation's demise. While the rise of CG animation threatened to overshadow traditional methods, 'Nobody'—a low-budget hand-drawn film—demonstrates the enduring power of compelling storytelling and artistic style, proving that great stories can transcend technological advancements.