The Chinese animation industry, commonly known as donghua, continues to expand its influence across the globe. Among the many fantasy-themed titles released recently, I Collect Waste in Heaven (also known as Wo Zai Tianting Shou Laji) stands out as a uniquely humorous yet profound series. Combining witty storytelling, strong world-building, and spiritual cultivation elements, this donghua has managed to attract attention from both seasoned fans and newcomers to Chinese animation.
In this review, we’ll explore I Collect Waste in Heaven from every angle—its story, themes, characters, animation, and soundtrack—and evaluate why it deserves a spot among the most interesting donghua of the year.
Story Overview
At first glance, the title I Collect Waste in Heaven might sound comedic or even absurd. However, the narrative cleverly uses this premise to deliver a blend of humor, philosophy, and emotional growth.
The story follows Zhao Xin, a seemingly ordinary cultivator who unexpectedly becomes responsible for collecting and cleaning up divine “waste” in Heaven. What starts as a menial and humiliating task soon evolves into a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and hidden power. Each piece of celestial waste he collects reveals remnants of forgotten battles, divine relics, and traces of ancient secrets. Through these encounters, Zhao Xin gradually uncovers the deeper corruption within Heaven itself.
The plot balances humor with deeper meaning. While the comedic situations make the donghua lighthearted and fun to watch, the story also reflects the themes of humility, destiny, and the value of hard work—a refreshing take compared to the usual power-fantasy tropes common in cultivation-based series.
Main Themes and Symbolism
One of the strongest aspects of I Collect Waste in Heaven is its use of symbolism. The act of collecting waste is not merely literal but metaphorical. It represents the protagonist’s journey of cleansing the impurities within himself and the world around him.
- Humility and Growth
The protagonist’s lowly job serves as a humbling experience that challenges his pride. Instead of achieving instant power, he gains strength through persistence and self-reflection.
- Moral Decay in Heaven
The story subtly critiques the corruption of divine beings. Heaven, supposedly a realm of purity, is ironically filled with arrogance and neglect. This contrast adds a layer of moral depth rarely seen in other donghua.
- Environmental Allegory
The concept of waste collection can also be viewed as an allegory for environmental responsibility. It mirrors the growing concern about pollution and waste management, making the story more relevant to modern audiences.
Character Development
The characters in I Collect Waste in Heaven are well-written, each contributing uniquely to the overall narrative.
- Zhao Xin (The Waste Collector): The main protagonist. Initially portrayed as lazy and indifferent, Zhao Xin evolves into a wise, powerful cultivator through perseverance and wit. His sarcasm and self-awareness make him a relatable and endearing character.
- Bai Ling (The Divine Overseer): A high-ranking celestial who supervises Zhao Xin’s work. Though arrogant at first, her interactions with Zhao Xin gradually reveal a more compassionate side. The dynamic between these two characters provides both comedic relief and emotional depth.
- The Heavenly Bureaucrats: A collective of minor gods and spirits, often portrayed as inefficient and corrupt. Their exaggerated personalities serve as satire toward real-world bureaucracy and social hierarchy.
- Old Sage of the Waste: A mysterious mentor figure who guides Zhao Xin through cryptic teachings. He represents the wisdom of accepting imperfection and embracing hard work.
Throughout the series, every character experiences some form of transformation. Unlike many action-oriented donghua, I Collect Waste in Heaven focuses on inner evolution rather than flashy battles alone.
Animation Quality and Art Style
Produced by a mid-sized studio, I Collect Waste in Heaven does not boast the most extravagant animation, but what it lacks in visual polish, it compensates with creativity and atmosphere.
The art style leans toward a semi-realistic aesthetic, blending traditional Chinese architecture and divine landscapes with exaggerated comedic expressions. The transitions between comedic and serious scenes are handled smoothly, maintaining tonal balance.
Fight sequences are well-choreographed, emphasizing fluid movement rather than over-the-top effects. The animators also paid attention to smaller details, such as the design of celestial tools and relics, which enrich the world-building.
Music and Sound Design
The soundtrack is one of the highlights of the donghua. The opening theme combines traditional Chinese instruments with modern beats, perfectly capturing the series’ blend of old and new. The background score during intense scenes elevates emotional impact, while the comedic tracks maintain a lighthearted tone.
Voice acting is also commendable. Zhao Xin’s voice actor delivers both sarcasm and sincerity effectively, while Bai Ling’s performance brings elegance and warmth to her character. The overall sound design immerses viewers into the celestial world.
Humor and Writing Style
What sets I Collect Waste in Heaven apart from many cultivation-based donghua is its wit. The humor isn’t limited to slapstick comedy but often relies on clever dialogue and situational irony. The writing pokes fun at the absurdities of divine bureaucracy, hypocrisy in moral righteousness, and the concept of “fate” being predetermined.
The script manages to strike a delicate balance between satirical humor and philosophical storytelling, giving the series an appeal that resonates beyond typical fantasy fans.
Comparison with Other Donghua
When compared with titles like Spare Me, Great Lord! or The Daily Life of the Immortal King, I Collect Waste in Heaven stands out for its originality. While it shares the comedic tone and cultivation elements, it leans more toward satire and introspection.
Unlike other donghua that emphasize power-ups and tournaments, this series focuses on the meaning of labor, redemption, and moral cleansing. It challenges the usual tropes of divine perfection by portraying heaven as flawed—a refreshing and thought-provoking angle.
Reception and Fan Response
Since its debut, I Collect Waste in Heaven has received positive feedback from both domestic and international audiences. Fans praised its storytelling depth and unique world-building. On Chinese platforms like Bilibili, it holds an impressive rating above 9/10.
Viewers especially appreciate the series’ blend of humor and heartwarming lessons. Some critics even describe it as a spiritual comedy that combines the wisdom of ancient Chinese philosophy with modern-day satire.
Strengths
- Original concept combining comedy and philosophy.
- Strong character development with meaningful growth.
- Balanced tone between humor and serious themes.
- Well-written dialogue and effective world-building.
- Thought-provoking moral lessons.
Weaknesses
- Limited animation budget in certain episodes.
- Slow pacing in the first few chapters.
- Some secondary characters could use more screen time.
Despite these minor flaws, the overall experience remains engaging and rewarding.
Final Verdict
I Collect Waste in Heaven is a standout donghua that offers more than what its comedic title suggests. It is a satirical, emotional, and meaningful story that uses humor to explore serious themes like morality, humility, and redemption.
For viewers who enjoy cultivation series but are tired of repetitive power-fantasy plots, this donghua delivers something refreshingly new. Its thoughtful writing, symbolic storytelling, and charming characters make it one of the most underrated gems of recent years.
Conclusion
In a world where many donghua focus solely on strength and revenge, I Collect Waste in Heaven reminds us that greatness can be found even in the humblest tasks. It’s a celebration of perseverance, humor, and the human (or celestial) spirit.
Whether you’re a long-time donghua enthusiast or a newcomer looking for something different, this series is well worth your time.
Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A heavenly comedy that teaches you: even waste can shine with purpose.