Blockbuster makes creative waves

Animated powerhouse Ne Zha 2 has sparked outpouring of ingenuity, both official and otherwise

The Chinese animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 is impressing far beyond the box office where it has set a record, with surging demand for movie merchandise, and even the creation of a fashion trend.

This milestone in Chinese animation attracts attention on the global stage. Since its debut on Jan 29, it has grossed 15 billion yuan ($2 billion) by Friday, securing the film 6th place in the list of the world's top grossing films.

The popularity of the movie, about the rebirth of the protagonists and an epic battle, has spawned a series of authorized collaborations, an array of merchandise including blind-box figurines, cards, character figurines, books, and comics.