The Revival of Animation in the Digital Wave: A Review of Zhao Yang’s Digital Awakening: A Study of Chinese Domestic Animated Short Films in the Internet Era (1998–2023)

Modern Media Studies

MMS, Vol. 2, No. 1, 2026, pp.118-125.

Print ISSN: 3078-3151; Online ISSN: 3104-5049

Journal homepage: https://www.mmsjournal.com

DOI: Https://doi.org/10.64058/mms260111radwr

The Revival of Animation in the Digital Wave: A Review of Zhao Yang’s Digital Awakening: A Study of Chinese Domestic Animated Short Films in the Internet Era (1998–2023)

Liu Sujun, Li Maozeng

Abstract: Zhao Yang’s Digital Awakening: A Study of Chinese Domestic Animated Short Films in the Internet Era (1998–2023) systematically outlines the developmental trajectory of Chinese domestic animated short films from 1998 to 2023. Employing theoretical frameworks such as media empowerment and cultural production, the book reveals the profound impact of digital technology on the animation creative ecosystem since the era of “Flash animators”. Breaking away from the limitations of traditional animation research—which has predominantly focused on commercial feature-length films or the history of the “Chinese Animation School”—this work constructs a comprehensive research system for Chinese domestic animated short films in the internet age. It examines dimensions including media transformation, the differentiation of creative subjects, and innovations in artistic forms. Notably, the book elucidates the spiritual lineage connecting short film creation to the current “rise of Chinese animation” (Guoman), arguing that the grassroots creative forces emerging alongside the internet have infused Chinese animation with unique authorship and vibrancy of diverse expression. Thus, it offers a fresh academic perspective for understanding the developmental logic of contemporary Chinese animation.

Keywords: Chinese Domestic Animated Short Films; Digital Media; Rise of Chinese Animation (Guoman); Creative Ecosystem

Author Biographies: Liu Sujun, Lecturer, School of Fine Arts and Design, Guangzhou University. Research Interests: Digital Media Art and Educational Innovation. E-mail: mslsuj@gzhu.edu.cn. Li Maozeng (Corresponding Author), Professor, School of Humanities, Guangzhou University. Research interests: Literary Theory and Criticism. E-mail: lmz69@sina.com.

标题：数字浪潮中的动画复兴图景：评赵洋《数字觉醒：网络时代的国产动画短片研究（1998-2023）》

摘要：赵洋所著《数字觉醒：网络时代的国产动画短片研究（1998-2023）》系统梳理了1998至2023年国产动画短片的发展脉络，以媒介赋权、文化生产等理论为框架，揭示了“闪客时代”以来数字技术对动画创作生态的深层影响。该书突破了传统动画研究聚焦商业长片或“中国动画学派”历史的局限，从媒介变革、创作主体分化、艺术形态创新等维度，构建了网络时代国产动画短片的完整研究体系，特别阐明了短片创作与当下“国漫崛起”之间的精神谱系关联，指出从互联网萌芽的民间创作力量为中国动画注入了独特的作者性与多元表达活力，为理解当代中国动画的发展逻辑提供了全新的学术视角。