In the ever-diverse landscape of Chinese animation, Scissor Seven stands out as a daring and comedic breath of fresh air. Combining absurdist humor, heartfelt drama, and a truly unique animation style, this donghua—also known as Killer Seven—has garnered international acclaim, particularly after it was picked up by Netflix.
Created by He Xiaofeng and produced by Sharefun Studio and AHA Entertainment, Scissor Seven is an imaginative blend of action, comedy, and martial arts parody that defies all expectations of what a Chinese anime should be.
Story Overview
The series follows Seven, a clumsy, amnesiac hairdresser who moonlights as a freelance assassin. Despite his supposed deadly occupation, Seven has a golden heart and rarely succeeds in killing anyone. His preferred weapon? Scissors—which he wields with near-magical precision, transforming them into a wide array of tools and projectiles.
His missions range from the mundane to the outrageous, and while the early episodes focus on his misadventures and hijinks, a darker, more emotional backstory slowly begins to emerge—revealing that Seven was once a powerful and feared assassin who lost his memories during a conflict between rival factions.
Main Characters
Seven
A failed assassin and part-time hairdresser, Seven is goofy, impulsive, and charming. Beneath his silly antics lies a man haunted by a mysterious past.
Dai Bo
A blue chicken who acts as Seven’s manager and mentor. Dai Bo provides comic relief and occasional wisdom, and he plays a bigger role in Seven’s backstory than initially revealed.
Cola
A fierce and determined young girl who becomes Seven’s ally and confidante. She represents one of the few emotional anchors in Seven’s chaotic life.
Redtooth & Thirteen
Powerful assassins from Seven’s past. Redtooth represents a menacing piece of the puzzle behind Seven’s memory loss, while Thirteen—a stoic, skilled assassin—emerges as a possible love interest and rival.
What Sets Scissor Seven Apart
Unique Animation Style
The animation is colorful, fluid, and quirky. Blending traditional 2D, Flash-style animation with cinematic angles and minimalistic backgrounds, it gives the show a signature aesthetic that mirrors its unpredictable tone.
Genre-Bending Narrative
Though marketed as a comedy, the show masterfully weaves emotional drama, martial arts action, and even sci-fi into its narrative. One moment you’re laughing out loud; the next, you’re confronting loss, trauma, and identity.
Social Satire and Humor
Scissor Seven pokes fun at martial arts tropes, celebrity culture, bureaucracy, and even food delivery services. Its satire resonates especially well with younger audiences in China and abroad.
Martial Arts Parody with Real Emotion
While it parodies wuxia classics and shonen anime clichés, the show still delivers genuinely thrilling action scenes and touching emotional arcs.
Themes Explored
Identity and Amnesia
The mystery of who Seven really is—and whether he even wants to return to that life—drives much of the plot. The series explores the idea of self-definition and redemption through memory.
Friendship and Loyalty
Despite his assassin gig, Seven builds meaningful relationships, particularly with Dai Bo and Cola. These connections form the emotional core of the show.
Destiny vs. Choice
As fragments of his past resurface, Seven must decide if he wants to embrace his old identity or forge a new path. The tension between destiny and free will is a recurring theme.
Global Success and Reception
After debuting in China in 2018, the series quickly became a cult hit. Its international breakthrough came when Netflix licensed it under the title Scissor Seven in early 2020. Since then, it has found fans worldwide.
- Netflix Reach: The show is dubbed and subbed in multiple languages.
- Critical Acclaim: It was the first Chinese animated series to be nominated at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
- Merch and Fandom: From plush toys to fan art, the series has developed a passionate global fanbase.
Season Progression
- Season 1 introduces the characters and comedic tone.
- Season 2 delves deeper into Seven’s past and reveals cracks in the comedic facade.
- Season 3 and beyond fully embrace the darker action-drama themes while maintaining the humor.
Why You Should Watch Scissor Seven
- You enjoy smart, fast-paced comedy with an edge.
- You’re intrigued by shows that evolve from light-hearted to deeply emotional.
- You want to explore a different side of Chinese donghua—not just cultivation epics or historical fantasy.
Final Thoughts
Scissor Seven is proof that donghua can be as wild, weird, and wonderful as anything from Japan or the West. With its blend of ridiculous humor, heartfelt storytelling, and martial arts mayhem, it’s an unforgettable ride.
Whether you’re here for the laughs, the fights, or the mystery of Seven’s past, this show is guaranteed to surprise you—and leave you wanting more.
