Year Hare Affair is a Chinese webcomic by Lin Chao,, initially under the pen name "逆光飞行". The comic uses anthropomorphic animals as an allegory for nations and sovereign states to represent 20th century political, military and diplomatic events. The goal of this project was to promote nationalistic pride in young people, and focuses on appreciation for China's various achievements since the founding of the People's Republic of China. It was originally not intended for foreign audiences, but when the animated series gained popularity after its first season, the creators stopped planning episodes in strict chronological order so as to be able to portray countries with the most screen time in a positive light more often. An animated adaptation of the series started airing on the Internet in March 2015 and a free-to-playstrategy video game based on it was released on iOS and Android in July 2015.
On March 5, 2015, an animated series started airing on the Internet. Three seasons had been produced by the time the series concluded on March 8, 2017. The theme song "Zhuī Mèng Chìzǐ Xīn" was performed by the Chinese band.
Video game
A free-to-play strategyrole-playing video game based on the webcomic, was released on iOS and Android on July 15, 2015. The player controls one of three factions: Hare, Bald Eagle and Bear.
Reception
Critical response
The comic expresses the modern history of China and its international relations in a fun way. It has sparked patriotism in China's younger generations. Hare is now used as Internet slang referring to China.
Criticisms
Creators of an anti-Year Hare AffairFacebookcommunity page believe this comic is a sign of rising of Chinese chauvinism and Sinocentrism, thus mocking the titular "That Rabbit" by calling him "Nazi Rabbit" caused by the identical pronunciation of "that" and the abbreviation for the word "Nazi". The historical vision, provided in first two seasons of Year Hare Affair, came under heavy criticism in an overview on the Russian website South China Insight, especially Sino-Soviet relations. Though it is admitted that relations with Russia "occupy a leading place" in reflecting of Chinese history, but with a "complete disregard for historical facts", such as Soviet involvement in the CPC's foundation and the Red Army's liberation of Manchuria from Japanese forces. It was also noted that the Sino-Vietnamese War has been completely left behind. Oiwan Lam of Global Voices Online finds racism in portraying the African as a hippopotamus, which she considers "a lazy and stupid animal". In that regard, "China's aid for Africa has also been simplified as a last resort because 'the first world refused to play with us'."
Ratings
The second and third season received 8.6 and 8.4 points out of 10 on Douban.
