A new Chinese anime is on the horizon, and it’s called “The Knight”. The official title is “夜的命名术” or “Yè de Mìngmíng Shù”. A new trailer and poster for the upcoming series have just dropped, giving us a better look at what to expect. The show is slated for release on August 14, 2025, and it will be available on Bilibili. This is a 12-episode series for its first season.
What is “The Knight” (Yede Mingming Shu)?
“The Knight” is a new donghua series based on the popular Chinese web novel of the same name, “夜的命名术” (Yè de Mìngmíng Shù). The author of the novel is the renowned “The Speaking Pork Trotter” (会说话的肘子), who is also known for other popular works like “The First Order” (第一序列) and “Spare Me, Great Lord” (大王饶命). So, if you’re a fan of his previous works, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on this one. The story is set in a futuristic, sci-fi world and promises a lot of action and mystery.
Trailer Breakdown and Analysis
The new trailer gives us a glimpse into the world of “The Knight,” and there’s a lot to unpack. Here’s a scene-by-scene breakdown:
- [00:00] A City on Alert: The trailer kicks off with a red alert flashing on screen, targeting the 88th floor of the Yongheng Building. We are immediately thrown into a high-tech, futuristic city with armed personnel and flying vehicles.
- [00:46] A Glimpse into the Future: A voiceover reveals that a “massive time-traveling event” has occurred in the city of Luocheng in the year 2049. This event has blurred the lines between reality and illusion, setting the stage for a very interesting plot.
- [00:58] The Aftermath: The time-traveling event has had a profound impact on the city’s inhabitants. Some have become rich, while others have been relegated to the lower city, living like “rats in the drainage.” The trailer even shows some people being transformed into robotic dogs or becoming part of the “digit troops,” which hints at a dark and dystopian society.
- [01:14] The Protagonist’s Introduction: We meet the protagonist, who confidently declares himself “the Chosen One” and says he will “walk towards the peak of his life.” However, his confidence is short-lived as he is apprehended and seemingly imprisoned in the next scene.
- [01:24] A Twist in the Tale: In a surprising turn of events, the protagonist reveals that he is the “savior of the world” and has come from the past. The trailer ends with a mysterious figure suggesting that the protagonist is needed as a “cover,” leaving us with a lot of questions.
Meet the Studio: Chosen (初色)
The animation for “The Knight” is being handled by Chosen (初色), a studio that has been making a name for itself in the donghua industry. They have a number of sci-fi and wuxia series under their belt, including:
- SWARM (黑门) (2022)
- Foreordination (银河之心) (2022)
- The Flame Imperial Guards (赤焰锦衣卫) (2023)
- Villain Initialization (反派初始化) (2024)
Given their experience with the sci-fi genre, we can expect some high-quality animation and world-building in “The Knight.”
What to Expect from this Chinese Anime
Based on the trailer and the information we have so far, “The Knight” is shaping up to be a compelling sci-fi donghua. The story seems to touch upon themes of time travel, social inequality, and what it means to be a hero. The mystery surrounding the protagonist’s past and the true nature of the “time-traveling event” will likely be the central plot of the series.
The animation in the trailer looks promising, with detailed cityscapes and action sequences. The character designs are also unique and fit the futuristic setting. It will be interesting to see how the studio adapts the source material and brings the world of “The Knight” to life.
“The Knight” is definitely a donghua to watch out for in 2025. With a popular web novel as its source material and an experienced animation studio at the helm, it has the potential to be a big hit. Mark your calendars for August 14, 2025, and get ready to dive into the world of “The Knight.”
