As we mark a decade since the launch of Bloodborne, players continue to delve deep into its intricacies, unearthing hidden content and secrets. The fervor for a sequel has yet to cool, prompting the community to share their hopes and dreams for future explorations in the game’s haunting universe. While waiting for the elusive Bloodborne 2, one fan found solace in a different medium: the Chinese animated series, Lord of Mysteries. This donghua, like its gaming counterpart, features a blend of gothic horror, magical elements, and mind-bending mysteries, catering to those who yearn for a narrative akin to the world of Bloodborne.
A Peek into Lord of Mysteries
Lord of Mysteries is adapted from a web novel created by the author known as Cuttlefish That Loves Diving. Currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll, the series follows Klein Moretti, a Chinese man who inadvertently summons a ritual in his mundane world, awakening in the body of a new character in a Victorian-inspired universe. Tingen City, the setting, buzzes with life—horse-drawn carriages traverse the streets, and markets bustle with activity. However, beneath this vibrant exterior lies a dark underbelly filled with demonic forces and occult practices.
Upon waking up as Klein, he discovers he possesses supernatural capabilities, becoming a beyonder—an individual equipped with extraordinary powers achieved through consuming enigmatic potions. These potions, whose recipes are closely guarded by influential families and organizations, grant users abilities ranging from divination to night-enhanced strengths. The series cleverly weaves these magical systems into the narrative, emphasizing the dangers that come with such power. Each beyonder risks losing pieces of their humanity, paralleling the fates of characters within Bloodborne, such as Vicar Amelia, who succumbed to the transformative effects of the old blood.
Connections to Bloodborne
While Bloodborne is renowned for its chilling atmosphere, Lord of Mysteries taps into similar themes with its portrayal of the occult and divine influences on society. Characters are often intertwined with god-like figures, embodying their powers and philosophies, reflecting the cosmic horror that permeates both narratives. In a recent breakdown of the show’s lore, available through a fan-made series titled “Old Neil’s Mysticism Class,” we discover that multiple divine entities exist within Tingen, each with their own strange aesthetic and ideologies, echoing the variety of cosmic beings players encounter in Bloodborne.
The visuals presented in Lord of Mysteries are strikingly reminiscent of Bloodborne, especially when B.CMAY Pictures animates characters like the True Creator—an unsettling upside-down humanoid figure surrounded by mystical symbols and chains. Such designs will undoubtedly resonate with fans of FromSoftware’s iconic title.
World Building and Atmosphere
One distinguishing aspect of Lord of Mysteries is its setting. Unlike the desolate and oppressive atmosphere of Yharnam, Tingen City feels vibrant and alive, despite harboring its own dreadful secrets. Daily life and supernatural elements coexist, blurring the lines between normalcy and the arcane. The city’s inhabitants, despite engaging in typical activities like shopping and celebrating birthdays, also partake in eldritch rituals that evoke a sense of quiet dread, quite similar to the layered storytelling found in H.P. Lovecraft’s works.
As a core element of its narrative, dreams play a crucial role in Lord of Mysteries. The series presents a unique relationship with dreams and reality; beyonders have the ability to manipulate dreams, which raises questions about the nature of existence within the story. In Bloodborne, dreams manifest as alternate realities that define the gameplay experience, leading players to ponder the implications of their own actions within that dreamlike state.
Why It Matters
For fans craving the profound themes and aesthetic beauty that Bloodborne offered, Lord of Mysteries stands as a worthy substitute. It not only captures the essence of dark fantasy but also expands on it through its characters and world-building. As both entertaining and thought-provoking, the series explores philosophical themes that reflect on the human condition, similar to the layered storytelling and emotional depth found in the beloved video game.
In a recent statement, a representative from B.CMAY Pictures remarked, “Our goal was to bring the haunting beauty and complexity of the original story to life in animation, providing viewers with a captivating experience that resonates with themes they hold dear.” This commitment to quality and depth further illustrates the bond between the two worlds.
While the wait continues for Bloodborne 2, Lord of Mysteries serves as an engaging journey through a richly imagined world, providing both a similar thrill and sense of wonder to those still enchanted by the original. This eerie fantasy offers a perfect companion for fans eagerly awaiting their next adventure in the darkness.