The Legend of Hei

The Legend of Hei, a 2019 feature film directed by MTJJ and produced by Beijing HMCH Anime, serves as a prequel to the popular web series The Legend of Luo Xiaohei. The production emerged from the success of the original independent flash animation series, which garnered a dedicated following for its unique world-building and character-driven narrative. The film was created to provide a deeper exploration of the protagonist Hei's origins, blending traditional 2D animation techniques with fluid, high-energy action sequences that define the studio's stylistic approach.

The design of the film maintains the aesthetic established in the web series, characterized by a clean, minimalist character style contrasted against lush, meticulously detailed environmental backgrounds. MTJJ, who also created the original web series, aimed to expand the franchise's emotional scope while retaining its signature balance of humor and melancholy. Upon its release, the film was widely praised by critics and audiences for its technical artistry, particularly its innovative choreography and the thematic depth of its narrative regarding the relationship between nature and human civilization.