The Legend of Lucky Pie
A Chinese web series compared to Adventure Time.
The Legend of Lucky Pie (Chinese: 幸运派传说; pinyin: xìngyùn pài chuánshuō) is a Chinese animated web series. A group of artists created it without any funding or studio space, and the first episode appeared online as a short film in early January 2015. Critics from news outlets pointed out strong similarities to the American show *Adventure Time*, labeling it a "rip off," though others commended the animation quality and the creators' commitment. The story follows a pony named Lucky and an anthropomorphic owl called Ah-Pie as they embark on adventures.
- field
- Animated web series
- nationality
- Chinese
- known_for
- Striking similarities to Adventure Time; produced without funding or studio
- first_episode_released
- Early January 2015
- final_episode
- Episode 5 (2018)
- funding_method
- Patreon from episode 3 onward
Lore & Background
The Legend of Lucky Pie was produced by a group of Chinese artists who, according to Wendy Zhao of Cartoon Brew, were "enthusiastic animation friends" working against "tacky" and "trite" Chinese animated television series. The short was produced with neither funding nor in a studio environment, and the group hoped to produce more episodes. It was released in early January 2015 on several Chinese video sites, such as Sina Weibo, Baidu and Tudou. From the third episode, the show was fully funded through Patreon.
In 2018 the team stated episode 5 is the final episode and planned to continue the series in comic form, with some art for it being released. Since 2018 there was no activity on the team's Patreon or Twitter page. Episodes 3 and 4 had an English dub made, with episode 5 planned to receive an English dub, but it was never completed or released. In May 2018, an extended English version of the theme song was released.
Reader's Guide
The Legend of Lucky Pie gained attention primarily for its perceived imitation of Adventure Time, sparking debate among Western and Chinese viewers. Writers for news sites referred to it as a "knock-off" and a "rip-off" of the American series. Amid Amidi of Cartoon Brew wrote that, while it might be an "honest-to-goodness knock-off or an elaborately produced hoax", the producers had "certainly spent a fair amount of time studying Adventure Time". Steve Wolfhard, a storyboard artist on Adventure Time, expressed his approval on Twitter, calling it "the cutest".
Reception was mixed: some praised the animation and dedication, while others criticized it. Salvador Belizón of Alfa Beta Juega wrote that more episodes would make it successful. Ben Furse of Moviepilot called the animation "nice" and overall a "cheerful little cartoon". In Disorder Magazine, Cha Giadach called the animation "shit" but admired the dedication. Chris Person of Kotaku called the short "pretty damn cool" and "pretty solid", noting the animation was "a bit rough" but that the producers "did alright". The series remains notable as an example of fan-inspired animation created under resource constraints, and its abrupt end in 2018 left its legacy as a brief, controversial curiosity in Chinese web animation.
Did You Know?
- The first episode was released as a short film in early January 2015.
- The series was produced by a group of artists without funding or a studio environment.
- From the third episode onward, the show was fully funded through Patreon.
- In 2018 the team stated episode 5 is the final episode and planned to continue in comic form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Legend of Lucky Pie?
It is a Chinese animated web series that first appeared online as a short film in early January 2015. The show follows a pony named Lucky and an anthropomorphic owl called Ah-Pie as they set off on various adventures together.
How many episodes does The Legend of Lucky Pie have?
The series totals five episodes, with the final one released in 2018. It started life as a single short film before the creators expanded it into a multi-episode run.
Why is The Legend of Lucky Pie often compared to Adventure Time?
Several news outlets and critics flagged strong visual and tonal parallels between the two shows, with some going so far as to call it a rip-off. Other commentators, however, praised the animation quality and the sheer dedication of the independent team behind it.
How was The Legend of Lucky Pie produced and funded?
A small group of artists made the series entirely on their own, with no studio space and no initial budget. Beginning with the third episode, the team turned to Patreon supporters to help cover ongoing production costs.
What is The Legend of Lucky Pie most known for in the Chinese animation scene?
It stands out as a grassroots, self-funded project that managed a level of animation polish that attracted both genuine praise and controversy. Its striking resemblance to Adventure Time made it a recurring talking point among fans of both series.
More in Chinese animated television series 1-24
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