China’s animation scene is booming, withSuper Cubeemerging as one of the most ambitious new titles to hit streaming platforms. Fusing sci-fi elements with fast-paced action and sleek visuals, episode 7 in particular has sparked a wave of praise among fans for its dynamic animation style and high-stakes storytelling. With its visually charged sequences and unique narrative twist, it is clear thatSuper Cubeis raising the bar for Chinese anime, known locally as donghua.
But not everyone is sold. Kenichiro Aoki, animation director ofOne-Punch Manseason 2, recently shared sharp criticism of the episode via@jumpaokion X, calling its direction “a shame.”While acknowledging the show’s technical strength, Aoki argued that the emotional and visual pacing fell flat.His comments have stirred debate among animators and fans alike, who are now questioning whether visual spectacle alone can carry a story.
“It’s a great anime, but I don’t feel drawn to it. I would say it’s because the direction isn’t that great. Even though it is given a tempo and tension, the anime carries [too quickly] without enough time to take it all in. Also, please quit using the same layouts, choreography, and features of a certain animator’s work. It’s a shame.”
A Breakthrough in Chinese Animation
Super Cube is Changing the Game for Chinese Donghua
Super Cubeepisode 7 has been widely praised for its production quality, showcasing fluid fight scenes, vibrant lighting effects, and a cinematic atmosphere rarely seen in Chinese anime.It is part of a larger movement to elevate the donghua industry on a global scale, competing directly with Japanese and Korean studios.The episode’s crisp animation and stylized visuals reveal a commitment to both storytelling and technical finesse that has caught international attention.
However, while fans marvel at its sleek execution, some critics argue that the episode leans too heavily on flash over substance.The storytelling is fast and intense, but perhaps too fast.Key emotional beats and character moments seem rushed, giving viewers little time to digest what’s unfolding on screen. For some, the breakneck pace hinders deeper connection to the plot or characters.
The Director Speaks Out
One-Punch Man Season 2’s Director Speaks Harshly Against Super Cube
Kenichiro Aoki’s critique centers on direction and originality. He expressed disappointment with how quickly scenes moved, noting that the tempo undermined the emotional weight of key moments. According to Aoki,theSuper Cubeanime lacks the breathing space necessaryto allow tension and drama to resonate, which he sees as a fundamental flaw in execution rather than animation quality itself.
Moreover, Aoki raised concerns about visual repetition. He criticized the anime for mimicking certain layouts, choreography, and stylistic choices associated with a particular animator, implying a lack of creative risk-taking. His comment, “Please quit using the same layouts… It’s a shame,” has been interpreted as a call for greater innovation and authenticity,especially from a series likeSuper Cubethat is aiming to break new groundin animation.
Super Cube
Cast
Super Cube follows Wang Xiaoxiu, an ordinary boy who gains extraordinary powers from a cosmic space system. As he navigates conflicts stemming from love and rivalry, he embarks on an interstellar quest to rescue his beloved Shen Yao, discovering themes of fairness and justice along the way.
