Scissor Seven (also known as Killer Seven) is one of the most inventive and daring entries in the Chinese donghua landscape. Mixing absurdist humor, heartfelt drama, and an unmistakable art style, this series—created by He Xiaofeng and produced by Sharefun Studio and AHA Entertainment—has achieved global recognition, especially after Netflix picked it up.
Story Overview
Seven is a clumsy, amnesiac hairdresser who moonlights as a freelance assassin. Despite his profession, he has a heart of gold and almost never succeeds in actually killing his targets. Armed with a pair of scissors that he can wield with magical precision, Seven’s life is a chaotic mix of comedic blunders and hidden tragedy. Beneath the humor lies a darker truth—he was once a feared assassin who lost his memory during a brutal conflict between rival factions.
Main Characters
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Seven | A goofy yet skilled hairdresser-assassin with a mysterious past. His journey balances slapstick comedy and emotional depth. |
| Dai Bo | A wisecracking blue chicken who acts as Seven’s manager, mentor, and occasional voice of reason. |
| Cola | A determined young girl who becomes one of Seven’s closest allies, adding emotional weight to his story. |
| Redtooth | A menacing figure from Seven’s past, linked to his memory loss and former assassin life. |
| Thirteen | A stoic and highly skilled assassin who may be both a rival and a potential love interest for Seven. |
What Sets Scissor Seven Apart
| Feature | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|
| Unique Animation Style | Blends 2D, Flash-style animation, and cinematic angles, giving the series an unpredictable and stylish aesthetic. |
| Genre-Bending Narrative | Effortlessly shifts from absurd comedy to heartfelt drama and intense martial arts battles. |
| Social Satire | Pokes fun at wuxia tropes, modern culture, bureaucracy, and even food delivery services. |
| Martial Arts Parody | Mocks classic wuxia and shonen anime clichés while still delivering genuinely thrilling fight scenes. |
Themes Explored
- Identity & Amnesia – The mystery of Seven’s true self drives the plot.
- Friendship & Loyalty – Emotional bonds with Dai Bo and Cola provide a strong heart to the story.
- Destiny vs. Choice – Seven must choose between his assassin past and a new life.
Global Success & Reception
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Netflix Reach | Dubbed and subtitled in multiple languages for global audiences. |
| Critical Acclaim | First Chinese animated series nominated for the Annecy International Animated Film Festival. |
| Fandom | Inspired plush toys, fan art, and a passionate online community worldwide. |
Season Progression
| Season | Main Focus |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | Introduces the main cast and comedic tone. |
| Season 2 | Digs into Seven’s past while balancing humor and drama. |
| Season 3+ | Embraces darker storylines without losing comedic elements. |
Why You Should Watch
- Smart, fast-paced comedy with clever writing.
- Emotional storytelling hidden beneath humor.
- A unique, genre-blending take on Chinese animation.
Final Thoughts
Scissor Seven is proof that donghua can be as bold, hilarious, and emotionally resonant as any anime from Japan or the West. With its unpredictable storytelling, memorable characters, and one-of-a-kind animation style, it’s a ride worth taking—whether you’re here for the laughs, the fights, or the mystery of Seven’s past.
