Why To Be Hero X Is the Most Underrated Superhero Anime You’re Not Watching Right Now

This material includes plot twists from the series “To Be Hero X.” Additionally, it provides explicit depictions of self-harm that may prove distressing or harmful to certain audience members. Proceed with caution.

Summary

To Be Hero X is a story in which public perception shapes superhero abilities, creating a unique twist on the genre.
The show seamlessly blends 2D and 3D animation styles to enhance important moments and fights.
Episode 3 reveals a deep conflict where heroes are trapped by public expectations, emphasizing that great power can turn into a great curse.

One of the most anticipated anime titles of Spring 2025 is the Chinese-made superhero series, “To Be Hero X.” Launching alongside “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,” this show faces a challenge due to the latter’s widespread popularity and the community’s preference for 2D animation. As a result, “To Be Hero X” has flown under the radar so far.

To Be Hero X, boasting stunning visuals, innovative direction, and a unique take on the burden of being a superhero that surpasses Uncle Ben’s well-known advice, “with great power comes great responsibility,” is something so fresh and original that it merits attention, particularly from enthusiasts of the superhero subgenre. Let’s delve into what makes it a must-watch.

What is To Be Hero X About?

A Unique Superhero Narrative

In the fictional universe of Hero X, characters acquire their powers and skills not from genetic mutation or scientific accident, but through their “Trust Value”, which is influenced by public opinion. The greater the trust, the stronger the hero becomes, with the most trusted individual earning the title of simply “X”. Their abilities can even be shaped by collective “faith”; if enough people believe a person can fly, for instance, they will gain that ability. Every two years, the leading heroes gather to compete in a tournament, the winner taking home the prestigious title of Hero X.

Lin Ling was a young man working at an ad agency specializing in hero campaigns. One day, he loses his job and contemplates suicide. At that moment, one of the top heroes, Nice, jumps off the same building to his death. To avoid suspicion, Lin Ling must assume Nice’s identity as a hero, something he had dreamed of before reality set in. Now, he finds himself navigating this new world, which isn’t as glamorous as he once imagined.

In collaboration with various studios such as LAN Studio (where a 5,000-year-old herbivorous dragon is unjustly portrayed as villainous), Paper Plane Animation Studio, and Pb Animation Co., Ltd (who provided assistance in background art production, similar to the anime “Suzume”), BeDream has produced the Chinese-Japanese series titled “To Be Hero X“, which was directed by Li Haoling, who previously worked on the chief direction of “Flavors of Youth“. Character designs were handled by Zhang Lei. The series features an impressive soundtrack, with Hiroyuki Sawano himself composing both the opening and ending themes, joined by DAIKI of AWSM, Hidefumi Kenmochi, Hideyuki Fukasawa, KOHTA YAMAMOTO (who also worked on “Attack on Titan: The Final Season” music), Misaki Umase, Ryūichi Takada of MONACA, and Shuhei Mutsuki. The opening theme is “INERTIA” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Rei, while the ending theme is “KONTINUUM” by SennaRin. The cast for this series includes:

Mamoru Miyano as X
Natsuki Hanae (Ken “Okarun” Takakura, DANDADAN) as Lin Ling/Nice
Aki Toyosaki (Yui Hirasawa, K-ON!) as Xiao Yueqing
Ayane Sakura (Gabi Braun, Attack on Titan) as Loli
Inori Minase as Lucky Cyan
Kana Hanazawa as Queen
Kōichi Yamadera as Tora (Ahu)
Kōki Uchiyama as Ryōryū (Dragon Boy)
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Big Johnny/Little Johnny
Yūichi Nakamura as Mokusatsu (Ghostblade)

What Makes To Be Hero X Unique?

A Vibrant Ode to Superheroes and the Art of Animation

In the realm of captivating animations, nothing quite grabs your attention like To Be Hero X! What sets it apart is a unique blend of 3D and 2D animation that’s reminiscent of Arcane: League of Legends, but with its own twist. Most of the show unfolds in its distinctive 3D style, but when crucial moments demand emphasis, the art shifts dramatically to a 2D style, often adopting a cel-shaded look similar to anime. This transition is effortless and results in a visually stunning spectacle where intense fights and significant scenes truly shine due to the stark contrast between the styles. The fluidity and dynamism of the 3D animation are genuinely convincing, while the 2D segments, which aren’t always identical, carry an immense weight that amplifies the excitement and impact of these pivotal moments brilliantly.

In the world of “To Be Hero X”, being a hero is more than just a calling – it’s a career, much like in shows such as One-Punch Man or My Hero Academia. However, what sets this series apart is its exploration of the unique challenges that come with heroism. Unlike other stories where heroes are naturally endowed with powers, here, heroes are forged by the faith and belief of the people. Their reputation and abilities are intrinsically linked, similar to how the power of gods in Noragami depends on the number of people who pray to them.

If the public believes you can teleport, then you can, but as we’ve seen with Xiao Yue in the first two episodes, these powers are not fixed. They evolve and change with the shifting perceptions of the public, making them less a tool for freedom and more a cage woven from the expectations of society. This intriguing twist adds a layer of complexity to the concept of heroism, making it a compelling narrative worth exploring.

With Great Power, Comes Great Inability

The Brilliant Approach of To Be Hero X

In episode 3 of “To Be Hero X,” an extraordinary confrontation unfolded between The Tall Man and his arch-enemy, Wolf Girl, who sought to free The Tall Man from his heroic prison by disseminating incriminating superhero comics. This strategic move gradually changed the public’s perspective of him. Known for his remarkable resilience, The Tall Man was initially a firefighter who displayed incredible courage when he supported heavy debris above his head amidst raging flames to save a young girl. With her unwavering support, he miraculously kept the building from collapsing. From that fateful day, he was revered as a hero, catapulting him to 10th place in the Hero Rankings. However, this accolade came with a price: The Tall Man could no longer bend, lie down, or sit due to his unique ability becoming a burden rather than a blessing.

As he continued his heroic acts, people grew more convinced of him. Consequently, he became increasingly trapped by his own powers. Meanwhile, Xiao Yue’s power to teleport evolved to transport herself beside her boyfriend, Nice, a high-ranking hero who was in a very public yet fake romantic relationship with her. This portrayal of superheroes stands in stark contrast to the notion of “Fear,” as both the public’s faith and their fears can shape those of heroes and villains respectively. Lin Ling is a compelling protagonist because he initially lacked any powers, but circumstances transformed him into a hero, albeit falsely. In essence, Lin Ling was seen as a hero by the public, which bestowed upon him his abilities. Remarkably, both Lin Ling and Nice were grappling with despair in their lives, yet unlike Nice whose death remains unexplained, Lin Ling views the challenges of being a hero as a fulfillment of his dreams.

To Be Hero X is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

2025-05-02 15:17