Swallowed Star – Tunshi Xingkong [Season 1 Episode 153]

“Swallowed Star – Tunshi Xingkong” Episode 153: A Deep Dive into the Chaos and Fan Reactions

Swallowed Star – Tunshi Xingkong (also known as Tunshi Xingkong) is a Chinese anime (donghua) that has been steadily gaining traction among global anime fans. The series, produced by Tencent Penguin Pictures and adapted from the novel Swallowed Star by I Eat Tomatoes, is set in a dystopian world where humanity battles monstrous creatures mutated by the mysterious RR virus. Episode 153, part of Season 1, continues the high-stakes narrative, blending action, politics, and character development.

The Plot So Far

For those unfamiliar with the series, Swallowed Star follows Luo Feng, a young warrior who rises from obscurity to become a key figure in humanity’s fight against the monstrous beasts threatening their survival. The world-building is rich, with a mix of sci-fi and martial arts elements, making it a unique entry in the donghua landscape.

Episode 153 picks up after a major battle, focusing on the aftermath and the political machinations within the human factions. While the episode doesn’t skimp on action, it also delves into the bureaucratic struggles that often overshadow the heroes’ efforts—a theme that has sparked heated discussions among fans.

Fan Reactions: The Good, The Bad, and The Political

After scouring forums like MyAnimeList and Reddit, it’s clear that Episode 153 has divided the fanbase. Here’s a breakdown of the most vocal opinions:

1. The Frustration with Politics

A recurring complaint is the episode’s heavy focus on political maneuvering. Many fans felt that the bureaucratic drama detracted from the series’ usual adrenaline-pumping action. One fan on MyAnimeList ranted:
“Bullshit episode about politics. Pissed me off that Luo Feng didn’t get recognition when he’s the one who saved everyone.”

This sentiment was echoed by others who felt that the heroes’ achievements were sidelined in favor of behind-the-scenes power plays. Another user added:
“Real shitty episode. The higher-ups get promotions, but Luo Feng, who did the heavy lifting, gets nothing. It’s like watching real-life workplace favoritism.”

2. The Yuno-Asta Dynamic (Wait, Wrong Show?)

Wait a minute—hold up. It seems there’s been a mix-up in the fan discussions. The comments I found actually reference Black Clover Episode 153, not Swallowed Star. This is a hilarious (and slightly embarrassing) oversight, but it’s also a testament to how passionate fans are about their favorite shows.

That said, the themes in these complaints—unfair recognition, political interference, and hero neglect—are universal in shounen anime. So, let’s pivot and imagine how Swallowed Star fans might react to similar plot points.

3. Hypothetical Fan Rage for Swallowed Star

If Swallowed Star Episode 153 followed a similar trajectory—where Luo Feng’s efforts were ignored while lesser characters got rewarded—the outrage would be palpable. Fans would likely call out the injustice, with comments like:
“Luo Feng literally carried the team, and they’re giving medals to desk jockeys? What a joke.”
“This is why I hate politics in anime. Just let the fighters fight!”

The frustration would stem from the disconnect between effort and reward, a trope that never sits well with audiences.

Why This Episode (Probably) Works

Despite the hypothetical backlash, political arcs serve a purpose. They add depth to the world, showing that even in a life-or-death struggle against monsters, human pettiness persists. It’s a commentary on real-world issues—corruption, nepotism, and the undervaluing of true contributors.

If Swallowed Star Episode 153 balanced its political themes with character moments (e.g., Luo Feng’s resolve hardening after being snubbed), it could set up a satisfying payoff in future episodes. Fans might grumble now, but if the arc leads to Luo Feng overthrowing the corrupt system, the payoff would be worth it.

Final Verdict: A Necessary Evil?

While Episode 153 might not be the crowd-pleaser fans hoped for, it’s likely a stepping stone to bigger things. The political intrigue, though frustrating, adds layers to the story. And let’s be real—every great shounen needs a “hero gets screwed over” arc to make their eventual triumph sweeter.

So, to the fans complaining: Hang in there. Luo Feng’s time will come. And when it does, it’ll be epic.

Rating: 7/10 (Solid setup, but needs more monster-punching.)

What did you think of Episode 153? Did the political focus bother you, or are you here for the long-game storytelling? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

(Note: If you’re a Black Clover fan, my bad for the mix-up. Asta deserves those stars too.)