New Gods: Yang Jian

New Gods: Yang Jian was released in 2022 as the second installment in Light Chaser Animation's New Gods series, following 2021's New Gods: Nezha Reborn. The film is a reimagining of the classic Chinese mythology found in the Ming dynasty novel Investiture of the Gods, shifting the setting to a steampunk-inspired, futuristic world that juxtaposes traditional folklore with advanced mechanical aesthetics. It was produced by Light Chaser Animation, a Beijing-based studio that has become a major player in China's growing domestic animation industry, aiming to modernize legendary figures for contemporary audiences.

Directed by Zhao Ji, the film utilizes a sophisticated blend of 3D animation to create its distinct visual identity, particularly in its depiction of the deity Yang Jian as a weary bounty hunter. The design team focused on blending classical motifs with high-concept sci-fi architecture, an approach that drew praise for its visual ambition and technical fidelity. While critical reception acknowledged the technical mastery of its action sequences and the inventive world-building, some reviewers noted a tension between the film's complex narrative structure and its heavy reliance on spectacle, though it remains a significant touchstone for modern Chinese feature-length animation.