The groundbreaking comic series Fei Ren Zai: Legends Among Us has taken Asia's cultural scene by storm, amassing over 30 billion online reads and 5 billion views for its animated adaptation. Created by artist Xu Manxin (known as Air), the story reimagines Chinese deities and mythological beings navigating contemporary challenges—from office jobs to social media—in a parallel universe that resonates with modern audiences.
Xu, who drew inspiration from classical texts like Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), describes the project as a 'bridge between generations.' Fei Ren Zai features deities such as the Dragon King managing a tech startup and the Moon Goddess hosting livestreams, blending humor with cultural preservation. 'Mythology isn’t just history—it’s alive in our daily struggles and dreams,' Xu told KhabarAsia.
The comic’s success highlights growing global interest in Asia’s creative industries, with analysts noting its potential to drive cross-cultural engagement. Its animated adaptation, streaming on platforms like Tencent Video, has further amplified its reach, particularly among younger audiences.
For investors, the series underscores opportunities in China’s $30 billion digital content market. Meanwhile, diaspora communities praise its nostalgic yet innovative take on heritage. As Xu prepares a spin-off exploring Uygur folklore, Fei Ren Zai continues to redefine how traditional stories thrive in a digital age.
