SPARK: How Eastern culture is reshaping global mech designs

Driving a giant robot to fight for justice sounds like what dreams are made of. What once existed only in imagination has transformed into a worldwide phenomenon of movies, anime, manga and toys that captivate audiences across generations.

The global popularity of mech, a giant robot or machine controlled by a person, is evident in both entertainment and commercial success. Marvel's "Iron Man 3" demonstrated the massive appeal, ranking 43rd in Box Office Mojo's Top Lifetime Grosses with an over $400 million lifetime gross. Hardcore fans are willing to spend thousands of dollars on life-size figures, underscoring the deep emotional connection to these mechanical heroes.

Mech anime classics like "Gundam" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion" have been particularly influential, inspiring mech lovers and maintaining their cultural impact decades after their initial release. These stories transformed mechs from mere entertainment into a sophisticated art form that explores technology, heroism and human potential.

SPARK invited LAS91214, a Chinese mech designer and manga writer, to uncover the magic behind mech design. He offers an insider's perspective on materializing initial sketches into mass-produced mechanical marvels, showcasing the remarkable achievements of Chinese mech production.

About SPARK

SPARK is a groundbreaking educational series that combines science, philosophy, art, research and knowledge into engaging digital content. By making complex academic insights accessible, it fosters an inclusive intellectual space where curious minds from all walks of life can explore, learn and grow together.

Filmed by Guo Huakang

Edited by Li Yue

Cover designed by Yu Peng

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