This Anime Outshines Vigilantes—My Hero Academia Fans Are Missing Out on To Be Hero X

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The animated series “To Be Hero X” is creating quite a stir in the anime world. With its superhero theme, it’s loaded with action and mystery, as numerous plot turns are already unfolding. Unlike many similar shows, this donghua has a darker tone. However, “To Be Hero X” seems to be a more mature spin-off of both “My Hero Academia” and “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes”.

In both “To Be Hero X” and the “My Hero Academia” series, ordinary individuals transform into revered heroes. They admire their “Peace Symbols” and, in the instances of Lin Ling and Deku, their abilities originate from external sources. Similarly, there’s a ranking system for heroes and a televised competition. While “To Be Hero X” has more graphic content and mature themes, the likenesses between characters like Lin Ling, Izuku Midoriya (Deku), and Koichi Haimawari, as well as the narratives themselves, are remarkably parallel.

To Be Hero X’s Lin Ling Is Just Like MHA’s Izuku Midoriya & Koichi Haimawari

Lin Ling Deals With Darker Subject Matter

In the story To Be Hero X, Lin Ling serves a similar role as Deku did initially. Both were ordinary citizens before being given power, and all three – Lin Ling, Deku, and Koichi – share a profound respect for Heroes who embody purity, justice, and peace. Their admiration is so strong that they aspire to be like these Heroes themselves and serve as symbols of hope.

Lin Ling and Deku consistently give their roles their utmost dedication, constantly honing their skills and embodying the essence of selfless bravery. Their actions often precede their thoughts, a testament to their instinctive heroic nature. Despite not possessing powers for much of their lives, they exhibit characteristics that make them true heroes at heart.

In a stark turn of events, Lin Ling finds himself in far grimmer situations than before. With the genuine Hero’s demise, Lin Ling must rise up and take on the mantle of heroism. Moreover, he endures the heart-wrenching loss of the woman he cherishes deeply. Unlike the My Hero Academia series, these grim realities are an unavoidable part of Lin Ling’s journey.

Lin Ling & Deku’s Powers Are Passed Down From a Previous Beloved Hero

Lin Ling & Koichi Are Trusted By the People

Similar to Deku, Lin Ling receives his powers indirectly from a past hero, but instead of being given directly by All Might, he obtains his abilities due to people’s faith in him being kind-hearted. Just like Deku, Lin Ling’s power grows over time, yet his ability is contingent on public opinion. If the populace loses faith in him, his powers will gradually diminish.

Lin Ling’s supernatural abilities stem solely from Nice’s demise. However, once it’s revealed that he isn’t Nice and he challenges popular belief, he loses his powers. As Lin Ling persists in rescuing Moon, the public gradually starts to support him. In the end, Lin Ling breaks free from Nice’s shadow and carves out his own heroic identity, no longer relying on Nice’s legacy and able to forge his unique path forward.

In the show “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes,” Lin Ling’s reliance on public opinion echoes the ambiguous image of vigilantes within the storyline. While there are mixed feelings towards these individuals, they are perceived as providing a sense of security for the general public. Although their methods may not always follow traditional rules, they strive to remove wrongdoers from society. Similarly, Lin Ling mirrors this pattern: once his real identity is exposed, people gradually trust him, even after he has deceived them at some point.

Hero Rankings Decide Heroes’ Statuses in My Hero Academia & To Be Hero X

Hero Rankings Are a Shadier Business in To Be Hero X

In the realms of “My Hero Academia” and “To Be Hero X”, the heroes are assessed based on various criteria. In “To Be Hero X”, a hero’s standing is influenced by the level of trust the public has in them. Conversely, in “My Hero Academia”, a hero’s rank is determined by multiple factors, such as the number of successfully resolved crimes and other considerations. As a result, the rankings in “To Be Hero X” tend to be more changeable than those in “My Hero Academia”, though opinions about heroes in both universes are also shaped by additional elements.

In the universe of “My Hero Academia” and “To Be Hero X”, tournaments are held to showcase the abilities of their respective heroes. While the Sports Festival in “My Hero Academia” serves as a platform for new students to display their talents, the tournament in “To Be Hero X” is more rigorous and competitive, with heroes battling each other to secure a spot among the top 10 and reside in the prestigious hero residence. This fierce competition results in a higher level of rivalry among heroes in “To Be Hero X”, compared to the “My Hero Academia” franchise.

However, both universes share a commonality by presenting their heroes on televised events, which offers an intriguing perspective on the pressures these characters face and the challenges associated with becoming a hero. This parallel also explains why individuals like Koichi might opt for the path of vigilantism instead.

Both Deku and Lin Ling share a common ambition: striving to become the premier hero. While Deku is determined to demonstrate his superiority, Lin Ling’s journey to power in ‘To Be Hero X’ is filled with unexpected challenges like underhanded dealings, fabricated conflicts, and even instances of murder. This underscores that anyone can be a hero in ‘To Be Hero X’, provided they are prepared for the unscrupulous acts that could be part of the journey.

To Be Hero X & My Hero Academia Hinge on Anyone Becoming a Hero

To Be Hero X Is a Darker Representation of What a World Full of Heroes Would Look Like

In essence, both “To Be Hero X” and “My Hero Academia” emphasize that anyone can become a hero. However, the path to heroism in “To Be Hero X” is influenced significantly by public opinion, making it easier or harder depending on whether people believe in an individual. On the other hand, achieving hero status in “My Hero Academia” largely depends on one’s personal efforts and abilities, rather than public acceptance.

In the world of My Hero Academia, it demands greater resilience to emerge as a hero or vigilante. However, things can escalate violently in To Be Hero X. When Lin Ling encounters God Eye disguised as an ordinary citizen, the public initially feels deceived by him. Yet, he presses on, only to be left bruised and battered in the process. Fortunately, the public’s trust gradually grows for him, allowing him to regain his position. Tragically, Lin Ling lay near death before anyone truly recognized his heroic efforts.

In essence, the world of “To Be Hero X” presents a unique perspective on heroism, where virtually anyone can assume the role. The absence of superpowers in an ordinary individual is determined not by any inherent limitation, but by public opinion. This unconventional approach to creating a heroic society may seem chaotic, yet it underscores the idea of everyday heroes. In contrast, most characters in “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” are already endowed with powers, which makes them unfamiliar with the yearning for a dream that others can bestow. Lin Ling, however, handles his new position and powers with poise, embracing his role as a hero.

The character “Hero X” carries a deeper complexity compared to series like “My Hero Academia” or its spin-off “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.” It offers ample opportunities for deception and, indeed, a wider margin for mistakes. Yet, Lin Ling skillfully navigates this complex world, rising through the ranks to become one of the nation’s top heroes. Despite enduring numerous hardships and heartaches, Lin Ling’s experiences have molded him into the respected hero that everyone admires.

In the current season, “To Be Hero X” surpasses other superhero series due to its engaging plotlines and distinctive narrative approach. The unique blend of various animation styles and vibrant colors makes it stand out among similar anime and donghua productions. If you’re a fan of “My Hero Academia” seeking a more somber tone and intricate storytelling, I would recommend “To Be Hero X” over “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes.” While the latter touches upon themes of violence and heroism, they are more fully developed in the story of Lin Ling as he climbs the ranks of heroes.

To Be Hero X is streaming now on .

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2025-05-02 04:25