Aobing in an official still from the animated feature Ne Zha [Photo/Mtime]

The original characterization of other figures in the film also wins praises. Aobing, the third son of the East Sea Dragon King, who was killed by Ne Zha in other Ne Zha-themed productions, has become a heartthrob among audiences.

Stoked for his charming looks, gentle manners, and a personality that is poles apart from Ne Zha's, social media users have worked themselves into a frenzy of idolizing him and Ne Zha as a compatible couple.

Ne Zha's master, Taiyi Zhenren, is turned into a hilarious character who speaks with a Sichuan dialect and his rival, Shen Gongbao, who suffers from injustice, also makes audiences burst out laughing for his comic effect stuttering.