Tu Bian Yingxiong X

To Be Hero X

Characters

Mo Sha

MAIN

Ling Lin

MAIN

Cheng Yang

MAIN

Luo Li

MAIN

Yuwei Liu

MAIN

X

MAIN

Xingyun Qing

MAIN

Budao

SUPPORTING

Da Xiong

SUPPORTING

Liang Long

SUPPORTING

Gulang

SUPPORTING

Xiaoqiang

SUPPORTING

Yueqing Xiao

SUPPORTING

De Shang

SUPPORTING

Luo

SUPPORTING

Ahu

SUPPORTING

Laoban

SUPPORTING

Qing Xia

SUPPORTING

Zhen Liu

SUPPORTING

Qi Shi

SUPPORTING

Youzi Xiao

SUPPORTING

Yuanzhang

SUPPORTING

Juan

SUPPORTING

Chao Shang

SUPPORTING

Zhao Zhuren

SUPPORTING

To Be Hero X Season 1: A Next-Level Superhero Saga That Redefines the Genre

In the ever-evolving landscape of anime and donghua, To Be Hero X Season 1 emerges as a groundbreaking masterpiece that transcends traditional superhero storytelling. This Chinese-Japanese collaboration, produced by BeDream, LAN Studio, Pb Animation, and Paper Plane Animation, and directed by Li Haolin (Link Click), is a visual and narrative triumph that dares to deconstruct the mythos of heroism. With its innovative blend of 2D and 3D animation, a gripping exploration of trust as a superpower, and a cast of deeply flawed yet compelling characters, To Be Hero X is not just an anime—it’s a cultural moment that demands attention. This review dives into why this series is a must-watch, offering a fresh, unique, and informative perspective on its 12-episode run, streaming on Crunchyroll.

A World Where Trust Is Power

At its core, To Be Hero X introduces a revolutionary premise: superheroes derive their powers from the public’s trust, quantified as “Trust Value” displayed on wristbands. If people believe a hero can fly, they soar. If trust falters, their powers vanish. This concept, reminiscent of Noragami’s gods thriving on worship, flips the superhero genre on its head. Unlike My Hero Academia or One-Punch Man, where powers are innate or earned, To Be Hero X makes public perception the ultimate arbiter of strength. This creates a volatile, almost dystopian hero society where image consultants, ad agencies, and social media managers wield as much power as the heroes themselves.

The series is set in a vibrant, neon-lit world where heroes are idols, competing in biennial tournaments to boost their Trust Value and climb the rankings. The top hero, known simply as “X,” reigns supreme, but the narrative begins with the 10th-ranked hero, Nice, and an ordinary ad agency worker named Lin Ling (voiced by Natsuki Hanae). When Nice’s tragic suicide thrusts Lin into impersonating him, the story spirals into a dark, thrilling exploration of identity, deception, and the cost of heroism.

Visual Spectacle: A Feast of Animation Innovation

To Be Hero X is a visual tour de force, blending 3D animation reminiscent of Arcane’s painterly aesthetic with dynamic 2D sequences that evoke Spider-Verse’s comic-book flair. The opening arc dazzles with its seamless transitions between styles—3D for sleek, high-octane action, 2D for emotional flashbacks, and even pencil-sketch sequences for raw, introspective moments. This stylistic variety isn’t just for show; it enhances the storytelling, with each shift amplifying the mood or stakes of a scene. For instance, a climactic fight in Episode 1 uses bold, Trigger-esque 2D to underscore Lin’s transformation into Nice, while Episode 3’s confrontation between Tall Man and Wolf Girl employs stark contrasts to highlight their ideological clash.

However, the series isn’t without flaws. The visual variety peaks in the first four episodes but wanes in the second arc, leaning heavily on CGI with fewer experimental flourishes. While still stunning, this shift slightly dims the show’s initial vibrancy. Nevertheless, the consistent quality across its 23-minute episodes—bolstered by a score from Hiroyuki Sawano (Attack on Titan) and an electrifying opening theme, “INERTIA,” by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Rei—ensures that every frame pulses with energy.

Narrative Depth: A Dark, Character-Driven Odyssey

To Be Hero X defies expectations by rejecting the lighthearted tone of its predecessors (To Be Hero and To Be Heroine). Instead, it embraces a darker, more mature narrative akin to The Boys, exploring the commodification of heroism and the psychological toll it exacts. The anthology-style structure, focusing on different heroes across its 12 episodes, allows for a multifaceted examination of the Trust Value system. Each arc—starting with Lin Ling/Nice, followed by characters like Lucky Cyan (Inori Minase) and E-Soul—delves into unique struggles, from identity crises to societal manipulation.

Lin Ling’s arc (Episodes 1-4) is a gut-punch, chronicling his reluctant rise as Nice’s replacement. His journey from a naive marketer to a hero trapped by public expectations is both thrilling and tragic. The shocking cliffhanger in Episode 1—where Lin discovers his “girlfriend” Yueqing (Moon) dead in a pool of blood—sets a tone of unrelenting intensity. By Episode 4, a Hitchcockian twist¹ suggests Lin’s arc may end in tragedy, challenging viewers’ investment in his story.

Lucky Cyan’s arc, spotlighted in later episodes, is equally compelling. An orphan believed to grant luck, she rebels against the orphanage director exploiting her powers, offering a poignant critique of how society commodifies vulnerability. Her story, rich with twists, showcases the series’ ability to balance emotional depth with high-stakes action.

While the rapid pacing can feel overwhelming—Episode 1 crams a suicide, a cover-up, and a murder into 23 minutes—the narrative finds its rhythm by Episode 3, allowing characters’ emotional stakes to resonate. The show’s exploration of “Fear Value,” where villains gain power from public fear, adds another layer, hinting at a larger conspiracy behind the hero rankings.

Standout Characters and Themes

The ensemble cast is a highlight, with each hero embodying a facet of the show’s central question: What makes a hero? Lin Ling’s earnestness contrasts with Nice’s despair, while Lucky Cyan’s defiance challenges the system’s control. Characters like Tall Man, whose powers trap him in a literal “hero-shaped prison,” and Wolf Girl, who manipulates public perception to free him, underscore the series’ nuanced take on heroism as both a gift and a curse.

Thematically, To Be Hero X is a scathing critique of celebrity culture, media manipulation, and the fragility of public trust. It draws parallels to real-world phenomena like social media influencers and scripted reality TV, where image trumps authenticity. The show’s darker elements—suicide, blood, and betrayal—earned it a mature rating, but they ground its fantastical premise in raw human emotion.

Why It’s Next-Level

To Be Hero X stands out for its audacity. It’s not content to be another superhero anime; it carves its own path by blending genres, styles, and ideas. Its visual innovation rivals Arcane and Spider-Verse, while its narrative ambition echoes The Boys and Link Click. The series’ ability to balance blockbuster action with introspective character studies makes it accessible yet profound, appealing to both casual viewers and hardcore animation enthusiasts.

Fan reactions on X reflect its impact, with users praising its “insane” animation and “10/10” episodes, calling it a contender for 2025’s anime of the year. The show’s polish and risk-taking have also sparked comparisons to My Hero Academia and Solo Leveling, though its unique trust-based power system and Chinese-Japanese production set it apart.

Room for Improvement

Despite its brilliance, To Be Hero X isn’t flawless. The breakneck pacing in early episodes can alienate viewers craving more character development, and the reduced visual variety in later arcs feels like a missed opportunity. Additionally, some tonal inconsistencies—shifting from heavy themes like suicide to slapstick humor—can jar the viewer. Future seasons could benefit from slowing down to let emotional beats breathe.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Masterpiece

To Be Hero X Season 1 is a game-changer, redefining what a superhero anime can be. Its innovative animation, complex characters, and bold themes make it a standout in the Spring 2025 lineup. While its fast pace and occasional tonal shifts may not suit everyone, its ambition and execution are undeniable. For fans of My Hero Academia, The Boys, or Arcane, this is your next obsession. Stream it on Crunchyroll, and prepare to be captivated by a superhero saga unlike any other.

Rating: 9/10

Watch it for: Stunning visuals, a fresh take on superheroes, and unforgettable characters.
Skip it if: You prefer slower-paced narratives or dislike mature themes.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, with new episodes airing Saturdays.