Lord of Mysteries: A Chaotic Yet Captivating Start to a Cosmic Journey

Imagine waking up with a bullet wound in your head, trapped in a stranger’s body, and surrounded by a world that’s equal parts Victorian London and Lovecraftian nightmare. That’s exactly what happens to Zhou Mingrui in the first episode of Lord of Mysteries, a Chinese donghua (animation) that’s been turning heads since its June 28, 2025, premiere on Crunchyroll. Adapted from a wildly popular web novel, this series throws viewers into a steampunk universe where steam-powered machines hum alongside occult rituals, and secret societies wage shadow wars for control of reality itself. But does this ambitious debut live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

First off, let’s get the basics straight: Lord of Mysteries Season 1 is an ONA (Original Net Animation) produced by Tencent Video and China Literature Limited, with 13 episodes currently airing. The first episode, titled “The Fool,” introduces us to Zhou Mingrui, a regular guy who wakes up as Klein Moretti—a man who tried to kill himself—after a mysterious ritual goes wrong. As Klein, Zhou (now going by his new identity) navigates a world where “Beyonders” (people with supernatural powers) walk among mortals, and the Church of the Lord of Storms and other religious factions hold terrifying sway. The episode wastes no time throwing lore at you: Sequence 9 Beyonders (the lowest rank) have powers like invisibility or mind control, while higher ranks… well, let’s just say they make Marvel heroes look like sidekicks.

Now, let’s talk about the good stuff. The animation is a visual feast—think Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood meets Bloodborne, but with a Chinese twist. The 2D character designs are sharp and detailed, from Klein’s rumpled detective coat to the eerie masks of the secret society members. The 3D backgrounds, though sometimes jarring when mixed with 2D characters (a common issue in donghua), still manage to capture the gritty, fog-choked streets of this alternate London. And the sound design? Chef’s kiss. The clank of steam engines, the whispers of unseen horrors, and the haunting orchestral score all work together to build a tense, immersive atmosphere. One moment you’re in a dimly lit tavern listening to sailors gossip about “sea monsters,” the next you’re watching Klein perform a ritual that makes the screen flicker with otherworldly light. It’s chaotic, but in the best way possible.

But wait—chaos can be a double-edged sword. If you’re new to the Lord of Mysteries universe (like most of us), the first episode will hit you like a freight train. The pacing is breakneck: within 20 minutes, we’re introduced to Beyonder sequences, secret societies, and a plot to steal a “Sealed Artifact” that could end the world. It’s easy to get lost—one MyAnimeList user joked, “I watched the first episode and still have no idea what’s going on, but I’m here for the eye candy.” Another added, “They threw so much lore at me I felt like I needed a notebook.” And they’re not wrong. The show assumes you know something about the web novel, which might alienate casual viewers. The dialogue can be clunky too—lines like “This is the legend of unlimited potential… and unspeakable danger” feel like they’re straight out of a B-movie trailer.

Then there’s the animation’s mixed bag. While the 2D characters are great, the 3D backgrounds sometimes make scenes look flat, like watching a cutscene from a 2010 video game. A few action sequences feel rushed, with quick cuts that make it hard to follow who’s punching whom. And let’s not forget the “cheese factor”—some of the rituals and power displays are so over-the-top, you’ll either laugh or roll your eyes. But here’s the thing: that cheese is part of the charm. As one fan put it, “It’s a spectacle, not a masterpiece. And sometimes, spectacle is enough.”

Now, let’s hear from the fans—because what’s a anime without its community? Over on MyAnimeList, opinions are split. Some love the show’s ambition: “The setting is so unique—steampunk + Lovecraft + Chinese xuanhuan? Sign me up!” Others are frustrated by the confusion: “I’m two episodes in and still don’t know why Klein is being hunted by the Church.” But even the critics admit they’re hooked. “I have no clue what’s happening,” one user wrote, “but I can’t stop watching. The visuals are too good.” Another added, “It’s like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing—but the puzzle is so pretty, I don’t care.”

So, who is this show for? If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, steampunk, or web novels, you’ll probably eat this up. It’s perfect for viewers who love digging into lore and theorizing about hidden plotlines (there’s already a Reddit thread dissecting every line of dialogue). But if you prefer slow-burn stories with clear character arcs, this might not be your cup of tea. The first episode prioritizes world-building over character development—we know Klein is confused and scared, but we don’t get much depth beyond that.

Let’s wrap this up with a verdict. Lord of Mysteries Season 1 Episode 1 is a bold, messy, and utterly captivating debut. It’s not perfect—pacing issues and confusing lore hold it back—but it’s impossible to look away. The animation is stunning, the atmosphere is thick with tension, and the promise of bigger, weirder things to come is too enticing to ignore. As one fan put it, “It’s like a rollercoaster that starts at 100 mph—you might scream, but you’ll definitely want to ride again.”

If you’re willing to embrace the chaos, give this episode a watch. Just make sure you have a snack (and maybe a wiki open) handy—you’ll need it. And hey, if nothing else, you’ll get to see a guy turn invisible and steal a magical artifact while wearing a top hat. What’s not to love?

Final Score: 7/10
Why? Ambitious world-building, stunning visuals, and non-stop action make this a must-watch for fantasy fans—even if the pacing and lore dumps might leave you scratching your head.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch the episode. I think I missed a clue about the “Fool” archetype… or maybe I just want to see that ritual scene again. Either way, Lord of Mysteries has me hooked.

— A confused but entertained fan.