Heir of the dragons, Ao Bing carries the hopes of his whole people, imprisoned for centuries at the bottom of the seas. Nezha's enemy then friend, he becomes his double in Ne Zha 2.
Personality
Noble, thoughtful and torn between duty and friendship, Ao Bing is Nezha's opposite. He carries his clan's expectations on his shoulders without ever giving up his own conscience.
Powers & abilities
As the incarnation of the Spirit Pearl, he masters ice and water and has power rivalling Nezha's. His dragon scales play a key role in his protection.
History
Sent by his father to win the gods' trust, he befriends Nezha before having to fight him. Deprived of his body at the end of the first film, he temporarily shares Nezha's, which redefines their relationship.
Relationships
Nezha is his friend and double. His father, the Dragon King of the East Sea, and his mother place their people's hopes on him. Shen Gongbao, his master, pushed him toward a fate he did not choose.
Key moments
- Meeting Nezha, born of a rescue.
- The first film's final battle, where he chooses his friend.
- Sharing a body with Nezha.
In the adaptations
Ao Bing is one of the films' most popular characters, thanks to his design and his relationship with Nezha.
Did you know?
- In the classic legend Ao Bing is killed by Nezha; the films completely reinvent their relationship.
- His design has inspired a huge amount of merchandise in China.
Our take
Ao Bing is Nezha's perfect counterpoint, and their friendship is the films' true heart. Ne Zha 2 gives him new depth.
— Spidermas, for Donghua Fan