To Be Hero X Season 1: A Bold Reimagining of the Superhero Narrative

To Be Hero X (凸变英雄X), the third installment in Li Haoling’s To Be Hero anthology, premiered on April 6, 2025, and has since redefined what a superhero anime can be. This Chinese donghua, a co-production between BeDream, Bilibili, and Aniplex, with animation from Pb Animation Co. Ltd., Studio LAN, and Paper Plane Animation Studio, delivers a visually stunning, narratively ambitious, and thematically rich exploration of heroism, identity, and societal trust. Across its 24-episode first season, To Be Hero X distinguishes itself with a unique blend of 2D and 3D animation, a non-linear storytelling structure, and a critical examination of what it means to be a hero in a world where power is tied to public perception. This review dives into the series’ strengths, complexities, and occasional missteps, offering a comprehensive look at why it stands as one of the most innovative anime of 2025.

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A World Where Trust Defines Power

At its core, To Be Hero X introduces a novel premise: in this universe, superpowers are not innate but derived from “Trust Value,” a quantifiable metric displayed on every individual’s wrist. The more trust the public places in a person, the stronger their abilities become. Lose that trust, and their powers vanish. Every two years, the top heroes compete in a tournament to determine their rankings, with the number one hero crowned “X.” This system creates a fascinating dynamic where heroism is less about inherent virtue and more about public relations, media manipulation, and societal perception—a biting commentary on celebrity culture and the commodification of heroism.

The series begins with Lin Ling, a disillusioned advertising employee who idolizes the 10th-ranked hero, Nice. When Nice shockingly takes his own life, Lin is thrust into impersonating him, setting the stage for an exploration of identity, guilt, and the pressure of living up to an idealized image. From there, the show adopts an anthology format, dedicating arcs to different heroes—each with their own struggles, motivations, and relationships to the Trust Value system. Characters like Lucky Cyan, a teenage orphan grappling with her “lucky” reputation; E-Soul, a reluctant successor to a legendary hero; and Queen, a strategist determined to reform the corrupt hero system, bring diverse perspectives to the narrative.

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Narrative Ambition: A Tapestry of Perspectives

One of To Be Hero X’s most striking features is its non-linear, anthology-style storytelling. The season is divided into 11 arcs, each focusing on a different hero or group of heroes, told out of chronological order. The Nice Arc (episodes 1–4), E-Soul Arc (episodes 5–7), Lucky Cyan Arc (episodes 8–10), and others build a fragmented yet cohesive picture of the hero society. This structure allows the series to explore the broader implications of its world while delving into deeply personal character stories. For example, Lucky Cyan’s arc examines how her perceived “luck” as a plane crash survivor shapes her identity, while Queen’s arc critiques the systemic flaws of a society obsessed with rankings.

The non-linear approach is both a strength and a challenge. It creates a puzzle-like experience, encouraging viewers to piece together the timeline and uncover connections between characters and events. The X Arc (episode 24), centered on the mysterious top-ranked hero, ties these threads together, revealing the full scope of the system’s corruption and Hero X’s enigmatic role. However, the fragmented storytelling can feel disorienting, particularly in arcs like The Johnnies (episodes 17–19), where future events are referenced before their context is fully established. Some viewers may find the pacing uneven, as certain arcs—like Lucky Cyan’s—rush through critical moments, such as the deterioration of her orphanage, in montages that sacrifice emotional depth for expediency.

Despite these hiccups, the narrative’s ambition is undeniable. By focusing on multiple protagonists, To Be Hero X avoids the trap of a singular hero’s journey, instead presenting a multifaceted critique of heroism. The series questions whether a hero is defined by their actions, their public image, or their inner resolve. Episodes like 6, where E-Soul’s Yang Cheng grapples with the legacy of his predecessor, challenge the audience to reconsider the role of masks and identities in shaping heroism. This philosophical depth, paired with unpredictable plot twists, keeps the series engaging and intellectually stimulating.

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Visual Innovation: A Feast for the Eyes

Visually, To Be Hero X is a triumph. The series seamlessly blends 3D CGI with 2D animation, using each style to enhance the storytelling. The 3D animation, reminiscent of Arcane’s polished aesthetic, excels in dynamic action sequences and sprawling cityscapes, while 2D segments—ranging from comic-book-style flashbacks to pencil-sketch sequences—add emotional weight and visual variety. These style shifts are not gimmicks but deliberate choices, often reflecting a character’s perspective or emotional state. For instance, the retro comic-book style in Nice’s flashbacks underscores the idealized mythos of his public persona, contrasting with the gritty reality of his private struggles.

The animation is complemented by a stellar soundtrack, with Hiroyuki Sawano’s opening theme “INERTIA” setting an epic tone and SennaRin’s “KONTINUUM” providing a haunting close to each episode. The score, composed by talents like Kohta Yamamoto and Hideyuki Fukasawa, enhances the series’ emotional and action-packed moments, from the pulse-pounding tournament battles to quieter, introspective scenes.

However, the visual variety wanes in the season’s second half, with later arcs relying more heavily on CGI and fewer stylistic flourishes. While still impressive, this shift makes the latter episodes feel less experimental compared to the visually eclectic opening arc. Nevertheless, the choreography of fight scenes—particularly Hero X’s reality-bending battles in the 18th Hero Tournament—remains consistently thrilling, showcasing the creative potential of the Trust Value system’s powers.

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Characters: Complex, Flawed, and Human

The ensemble cast of To Be Hero X is one of its greatest assets. Each hero is distinct, not just in their powers but in their motivations and flaws. Lin Ling, voiced by Mauricio Ortiz-Segura, evolves from a hapless everyman to a reluctant hero burdened by Nice’s legacy, his arc exploring themes of imposter syndrome and authenticity. Lucky Cyan, voiced by Inori Minase, is a standout for her raw emotional journey, rebelling against a society that defines her by her past. Queen (Kana Hanazawa) brings a cerebral intensity, her strategic mind clashing with her desire to dismantle the system she competes within. Even secondary characters, like the shapeshifting dog hero Ahu or the enigmatic Hero X (Mamoru Miyano), leave lasting impressions with their unique backstories and moral dilemmas.

The series excels at humanizing its heroes, showing their vulnerabilities behind the capes and masks. However, the anthology format occasionally shortchanges character development. For instance, Loli’s arc (episodes 13–14) feels rushed, with her journey from underestimated mechanic to confident hero lacking the depth given to earlier arcs like E-Soul’s. Additionally, the reliance on character deaths as plot catalysts—such as Nice’s suicide and Moon’s murder—can feel manipulative, risking desensitization when used repeatedly.

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Themes and Social Commentary

To Be Hero X is as much a philosophical treatise as it is a superhero saga. The Trust Value system serves as a metaphor for modern society’s obsession with popularity, social media metrics, and performative virtue. The series critiques how public perception can elevate or destroy individuals, drawing parallels to real-world influencer culture and political spin. The manipulative “handlers” who boost heroes’ Trust Values through cynical PR campaigns add a layer of satire, exposing the commodification of heroism.

The show also tackles heavier themes, such as mental health and identity. Nice’s suicide in the premiere is a shocking moment that sets the tone for the series’ willingness to confront dark topics. Lin Ling’s struggle to live as Nice reflects the pressure of maintaining a facade, while E-Soul’s arc questions whether heroism requires a mask or authentic selfhood. These themes resonate universally, making the series accessible to both anime veterans and newcomers.

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Critiques and Room for Growth

While To Be Hero X is a standout, it’s not without flaws. The fast-paced storytelling, while exhilarating, sometimes sacrifices emotional depth for plot progression. The anthology format, though innovative, can alienate viewers who prefer a linear narrative, and the uneven pacing across arcs creates a sense of inconsistency. The reliance on deaths as plot devices risks becoming repetitive, and some arcs feel underdeveloped compared to the richly detailed Nice and E-Soul stories.

Additionally, the series’ world-building, while ambitious, leaves some questions unanswered. The origins of the Trust Value system and its counterpart, Fear Value, are hinted at but not fully explored by season’s end, leaving viewers craving more clarity. The lack of diverse representation in the character designs, as noted by some reviews, is another missed opportunity in an otherwise inclusive narrative.

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Why It Stands Out

To Be Hero X Season 1 is a bold, genre-defying work that pushes the boundaries of what superhero anime can achieve. Its innovative animation, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-watch for fans of the genre and those seeking something fresh. While its pacing and narrative structure may not suit everyone, the series’ willingness to take risks and challenge conventions sets it apart from more formulaic fare like Solo Leveling or My Hero Academia. It’s a love letter to superhero stories that simultaneously deconstructs them, asking what it truly means to be a hero in a world that quantifies trust.

As the series builds toward the inevitable Hero Tournament, it leaves viewers with lingering questions about Hero X’s identity, the Spotlight Organization’s motives, and the fate of its fractured heroes. With its blend of visual artistry, emotional depth, and social commentary, To Be Hero X Season 1 is not just a superhero anime—it’s a groundbreaking exploration of humanity’s need for heroes and the costs of wearing the mask.

Final Verdict: To Be Hero X Season 1 is a thrilling, visually spectacular, and intellectually engaging series that redefines the superhero genre. Despite occasional pacing issues and underdeveloped arcs, its innovative storytelling and profound themes make it one of 2025’s most compelling anime. Whether you’re a fan of action, drama, or philosophical musings, this series has something to offer—just don’t expect it to hold your hand.¹