Crunchyroll’s #1 Chinese Anime Is Returning This Month — And Fans Are Losing Their Minds
There are anime, and then there are phenomena. Lord of Mysteries — the Victorian-era supernatural donghua that became Crunchyroll’s highest-rated Chinese anime of all time — is officially returning with new special episodes on June 20, 2026. If you’ve been sleeping on this series, now is the time to wake up, because the Tarot Club is about to gather again.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the anime community, and for good reason. Lord of Mysteries didn’t just break into the top charts — it dominated them. With a rating that surpassed virtually every donghua on the platform, it proved that Chinese animation has arrived as a serious force in global entertainment. And now, Crunchyroll is bringing back the story that had millions of viewers hooked on every episode.
What Is Lord of Mysteries?
For the uninitiated, Lord of Mysteries (诡秘之主) is based on the wildly popular web novel by Cuttlefish That Loves Diving (爱潜水的乌贼). The story follows Klein Moretti, a young man who wakes up in an alternate Victorian-era world filled with steampunk technology, secret societies, and supernatural powers known as “Beyonder” abilities.
But here’s where it gets wild: Klein discovers he can access a mysterious dimension called the Sefirah Castle, from which he creates a secret organization known as the Tarot Club. Each member is assigned a tarot card codename — The Fool (Klein himself), The Justice, The Hanged Man, The Sun, and others. Together, they navigate a world where ancient gods, eldritch horrors, and conspiracies that span millennia threaten to unravel reality itself.
The Beyonder power system is one of the most intricate ever created in any anime or manga. Powers are organized into 22 distinct Pathways, each with 9 sequences (plus higher ones beyond mortal comprehension). Advancing through sequences grants incredible abilities — but every step forward brings the risk of losing your sanity. It’s a power system that rewards patience, strategy, and survival instincts over brute force.
The City of Silver Arc: What’s Coming June 20
The returning special episodes will adapt the beloved City of Silver arc — widely regarded by fans as one of the best story arcs in the entire series. This arc takes us deep into the Darkness Beyond the Sea, following Algernon “The Sun” Berg as he explores his homeland’s tragic secrets.
Here’s what we know about the upcoming release:
- Episode 1 of the special premiered recently, setting up the City of Silver storyline
- Episodes 2 and 3 are confirmed to release on June 20, 2026 on Crunchyroll
- The special episodes carry the title “The Marked”, hinting at revelations about the cursed fate of the City of Silver’s inhabitants
- The arc introduces new characters, devastating world-building reveals, and some of Klein’s most pivotal decisions in the story
The City of Silver arc is particularly significant because it expands the world beyond Klein’s perspective, showing us the horrors faced by ordinary people caught between ancient deities. It’s the kind of storytelling that made Lord of Mysteries stand out from every other supernatural series on the market — and it’s the same level of quality that makes our Summer 2026 anime rankings so competitive this year.
Why Lord of Mysteries Became Crunchyroll’s #1 Chinese Anime
The numbers don’t lie. Lord of Mysteries achieved something no other donghua has come close to on Crunchyroll. Here’s what made it special:
A Power System That Actually Makes Sense
Unlike many anime where power scaling falls apart by the third season, Lord of Mysteries’ Beyonder system is meticulously planned. Every pathway has defined abilities, weaknesses, and progression routes. The “acting method” — where Beyonders must embody their role to safely digest their potions — adds a psychological layer that most power systems completely ignore. It’s brilliant, and fans have spent years mapping out every detail.
The Victorian Steampunk Aesthetic
Set in a world that blends Victorian-era London aesthetics with supernatural horror, Lord of Mysteries delivers a visual style that’s unlike anything else in the anime space. The foggy streets, gas lamps, grand carriages, and ornate architecture create an atmosphere that’s equal parts Sherlock Holmes and Lovecraftian nightmare. The animation studio captured this perfectly, making every frame feel like a painting.
Klein Moretti Is a Different Kind of Protagonist
Klein isn’t your typical overpowered shonen hero. He’s cautious, strategic, and often terrified — but he pushes forward anyway. His greatest weapon isn’t raw power; it’s his ability to plan, adapt, and manipulate situations in his favor. Watching him go from a confused transmigrator to the legendary figure known as “The Fool” is one of the most satisfying character arcs in modern anime.
The Tarot Club Dynamics
The secret society of tarot card-named members is where the series truly shines. Each character brings unique perspectives and abilities. The interactions between them — with Klein secretly orchestrating everything from behind his “Fool” persona — create a dynamic that’s equal parts comedy, drama, and genuine tension. Fans have formed entire communities debating which Tarot Club member will have the most impactful arc.
What This Return Means for Donghua on the Global Stage
Lord of Mysteries’ success on Crunchyroll represents something bigger than one show. Chinese animation — donghua — has been steadily gaining international recognition, but Lord of Mysteries broke through the ceiling. It proved that Chinese creators can produce content that competes with, and in some cases surpasses, the best Japanese anime in terms of world-building, character development, and narrative complexity.
Its return with new episodes is a signal to the industry: there’s massive global demand for high-quality donghua, and streaming platforms are taking notice. If the special episodes perform as well as expected, it could greenlight more ambitious Chinese animated projects for international audiences — much like how Crunchyroll’s biggest anime movies have reshaped the industry’s expectations.
Everything You Need to Know Before June 20
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll (streaming worldwide)
- Release date: Episodes 2 and 3 of the special drop on June 20, 2026
- Episode count: The special series is confirmed for at least 3 episodes
- Source material: Based on the web novel by Cuttlefish That Loves Diving — over 1,400 chapters of content means the story has plenty of material for future seasons
- Do you need to watch season 1 first? Absolutely yes. The City of Silver arc builds directly on events from the first season, and watching without context will leave you lost
Final Thoughts: Is Lord of Mysteries Worth Your Time?
If you’re looking for a series that combines intricate world-building, a power system that actually rewards intelligence, compelling characters, and genuine mystery — Lord of Mysteries isn’t just worth your time. It might be the best thing you watch this year. Whether you’re catching up before the new episodes drop on June 20 or you’re a returning fan ready to dive back into the City of Silver, now is the perfect moment. For more anime news and updates happening this week, check out our coverage of the Chainsaw Man June 19 MAPPA event as well.
The June 20 special episodes are the perfect entry point for new viewers to jump in before the next wave of content arrives. And for existing fans? Well, you already know. The Tarot Club is gathering again, and we wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Have you watched Lord of Mysteries yet? Which Tarot Club member is your favorite, and what do you think the “Marked” title reveals about the City of Silver? Drop your theories in the comments — we know you’ve got them.
