2025 has seen an abundance of fantastic anime, but the standout new series hails from China. The groundbreaking donghua titled “To Be Hero X” has been generating buzz since its premiere episode. This series chronicles the journey of several ordinary individuals transforming into the city’s guardians as they strive to become heroes.
The distinctive animated series “Be Hero X” deviates from other superhero shows by presenting a dynamic animation style and an innovative narrative approach. Instead of following the heroes sequentially, it dedicates clusters of episodes to portraying how each fresh hero came to power. In stark contrast to many similar anime, this Chinese animated show doesn’t flinch from graphic violence and gore, opting instead to realistically depict the harsh struggles and sacrifices that heroes often face.
To Be Hero X Separates Itself With Its Main Characters
To Be Hero X Is An Anthology Superhero Series
Instead of blending in with other superhero anime, To Be Hero X distinguishes itself through its unique character dynamics. Unlike shows that center around a single protagonist or a large ensemble cast, this series spotlights the individual journeys of the prominent heroes as they transition from ordinary citizens to heroic figures. Each hero has their own unique path to heroism and varying perspectives on how their rise to fame unfolded.
1. Initially, Yang Cheng was an impersonator on stage, but when he unexpectedly saw the demise of this Hero, he found himself thrust into the role as a replacement. He concealed his identity for some time, all while attempting to safeguard the woman he adored. However, his secret eventually came to light.
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2. Yang Cheng started out as a stage actor portraying the Hero, but when the real one died, he found himself stepping into the role unknowingly. He maintained his disguise in an effort to protect the woman he cared for deeply. Eventually, though, his true identity was disclosed.
Hero X’s journey shares some resemblance with other superhero anime, but it delves deeper into the diverse routes to heroism. Acquiring hero status isn’t just about spontaneously gaining superpowers; it’s about selflessness, striving for recognition, and the liberty that honor can bring.
To Be Hero X Uses Animation Changes To Emphasize The Story
To Be Hero X Switches Between 2D & 3D Animation
What sets it apart is its distinctive blend of two animation techniques: 2D and 3D. The majority of the series is crafted using 3D animation, which appears to symbolize the contemporary world and everyday events. Yet, even in heartbreaking instances such as a character’s demise, it remains in 3D, suggesting a raw and unfiltered portrayal of reality.
2D animations are typically saved for dramatic or heroic scenes such as intense battles or brief flashes within these conflicts, like the instances observed during Yang Cheng’s duel with the original E-Soul. Notably, these quick glimpses also appear during flashbacks depicting past events, a trend seen in Firm Man’s backstory and even Lucky Cyan’s entire narrative thus far.
An alternative explanation for Lucky Cyan’s entire segment being two-dimensional might stem from the notion that she was a hero from the very beginning. It’s plausible that her power originated from the individuals who were on the plane with her as a child, and held faith in her survival during the crash. Over time, she retained this luck and possessed the innate ability to pass it onto others. Although it is more probable due to her segment being set in the past, it’s also possible that she had already garnered widespread belief in her heroism from the outset.
To Be Hero X Depicts The High Toll Of Becoming A Hero
Every Hero In To Be Hero X Has Lost Something Or Someone They Cherished
One notable aspect of “To Be Hero X” is its unflinching portrayal of the cost of heroism. Unlike other superhero narratives, this series openly acknowledges the struggles that heroes face in maintaining relationships and finding love. While fans may be vaguely conscious of these difficulties, “To Be Hero X” boldly speaks aloud about the reality that every hero character in the story has suffered losses – either through death or circumstances – of their friends and loved ones.
Superheroes are often portrayed as symbols of goodness and justice, but this overlooks the daily sacrifices they must make. If they decide to live their lives more conventionally or stay close to their families, it actually exposes them to even greater danger than if they were to live alone. The series “To Be Hero X” starkly highlights this tough reality.
In the show To Be Hero X, while only a select few characters are spotlighted, viewers have seen two deaths, a doomed romance, a betrayal, and a friendship nearly destroyed by fame. The protagonists of this series all aspire to be Heroes in pursuit of justice, but is the price they pay in terms of sacrifices truly commensurate with their celebrity and altruism? Such questions underscore the complexity that makes To Be Hero X a captivating series.
To Be Hero X Is The Same, But Different
To Be Hero X Refines The Superhero Genre
While it stands out among other superhero anime, it maintains the familiar heroic essence that viewers love. This captivating donghua features grand battles, noble characters, and deeply moving narratives. Like Izuku Midoriya and Saitama, the protagonists have initial aspirations that are common. However, To Be Hero X delves deeper into the complexities of heroism, exploring its darker aspects.
At the outset of the series, a beloved character named Nice intentionally plunges to his demise. It seems that the constant need for perfection became too much for him, leading him to believe that ending things permanently was the only solution. Viewers are also confronted with Yang Cheng losing his childhood innocence following the death of his friend, Shang Chao, who sacrificed himself for him. Unfortunately, even a character known as Lucky Cyan struggles in forming relationships. In the end, she manages to escape from the orphanage, but not without leaving her dearest friend, Calamity, behind.
In the series “To Be Hero X“, Hero X is not reluctant to commit murder. Viewers have witnessed not only Yang Cheng’s role in E-Soul’s death, but also his actions leading to the demise of another individual on the beach. Furthermore, audiences bear witness to the brutal murders of Yang Cheng’s parents and the character Shang Chao. Unlike many superhero anime that avoid such graphic depictions, “To Be Hero X” pushes its viewers’ boundaries by presenting these violent scenes within a superhero narrative.
As a die-hard fan, let me share an intriguing commonality I’ve noticed between “To Be Hero X” and other titles in the same genre: The profound reliance on Public Trust in their heroes. This trust is not just a nice-to-have for these heroes; it’s essential. It’s the lifeline that empowers them, giving them the strength to stand tall. Series like “My Hero Academia” and “To Be Hero X” underscore this point, but in “To Be Hero X,” it’s absolutely crucial.
Here’s an interesting twist: While heroes thrive on trust, villains feed off fear nurtured by the public. The public’s perception of these characters can make or break them, as is true for any hero. In essence, the public’s trust grants heroes their powers, while their fear fuels villains.
In summary, “To Be Hero X” is an exceptional animated series worth watching by many. It skillfully combines beloved superhero elements with a refreshing and unyielding twist. This show offers a more authentic portrayal of what it truly means to be a hero, contrasting the frequently idealized images prevalent in modern media today.
Hero X, in its bold stride, ventures where others might fear to tread. With its unique blend of animation styles, intricate anthology storytelling, and a daring narrative, Hero X unapologetically leaps into the unknown. So far, these risks have proven fruitful, establishing it as the standout series of 2025. Although other eagerly awaited anime are on their way this year, Hero X has firmly positioned itself as a serious contender for the Anime/Series of the Year title. For those intrigued by this captivating Chinese animation, I strongly recommend diving into this heartrending tale that weaves themes of heroism, sacrifice, and love.
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2025-06-11 01:53