Spiritpact — Pingzi's manhua on Tencent Animation
Before it was a donghua, Spiritpact was an online manhua written and drawn by Pingzi (瓶子) and published on Tencent Animation (腾讯动漫). It is the series' original work.
Origins and publication
Pingzi describes the series as a story of friendship between two men, "a little sweet, a little cruel". The manhua was published chapter by chapter online, then printed in volumes, including in Vietnam.
How it differs from the donghua
The manhua goes further into the past of the exorcist families and the relationship between Yang Jinghua and Duanmu Xi. The donghua tightens the story, adds action scenes and leans on the duo's humour.
Reception and success
The manhua found a wide audience on Tencent Animation, thanks to its duo and its tone between comedy and drama. The donghua's success in Japan gave it international visibility.
Trivia
- In Chinese, the manhua's tagline reads "My best friend isn't human".
- Pingzi built a world of exorcists that the donghua only scratches the surface of.
My take
The best way to continue the series and uncover the secrets of the Duanmu family. The art is elegant and the duo's relationship more developed than on screen.
Who is it for?For fans of the donghua who want more, and for lovers of close-knit duos.
— Spidermas, for Donghua Fan
The authorLi Haoling 李豪凌The bridge between Chinese and Japanese animation