8.4/10
To Be Hero X (凸变英雄X) is a 2025 Chinese original donghua series and the third installment in the To Be Hero anthology. Premiering on April 6, 2025, it is a co-production between BeDream, Bilibili, and Aniplex, animated in collaboration with Pb Animation Co. Ltd., Studio LAN, and Paper Plane Animation Studio. Directed by Li Haolin, the series blends satire, superhero tropes, and emotional drama into a unique commentary on society’s relationship with heroism. The soundtrack features compositions by Hiroyuki Sawano, Kohta Yamamoto, Hidefumi Kenmochi, Daiki, Shuhei Mutsuki, Hideyuki Fukasawa, Misaki Umase, and Ryuichi Takada, with opening theme “INERTIA” by Hiroyuki Sawano and ending theme “KONTINUUM” by SennaRin.
To Be Hero X – Official Trailer
What is “To Be Hero X” About?
Set in a world where faith literally grants superpowers, To Be Hero X explores the fragile nature of heroism and reputation. If people believe someone can fly, that person gains the ability to do so — but the moment public belief fades, the powers vanish. Trust in heroes is tracked, ranked, and reshuffled every two years in a tournament, with the #1 spot known as “X.”
The story follows multiple characters across different arcs, each facing the pressures of public perception. From impostor heroes and reluctant saviors to engineered fighters and even a talking dog, each narrative examines how personal morality and public expectation collide in a faith-fueled society.
Is “To Be Hero X” Worth Watching?
Absolutely — if you enjoy unconventional superhero narratives with satire, heart, and sharp social commentary, To Be Hero X delivers something fresh. It’s a blend of action, humor, and tragedy, offering both episodic character studies and overarching plot threads. While its shifting focus between characters may feel fragmented to some viewers, it rewards those who appreciate layered storytelling and thematic depth.
Why Should I Watch “To Be Hero X”?
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Unique Power System – The concept of belief as a literal power source creates dynamic stakes for every character.
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Multi-Perspective Storytelling – Each ranked hero’s arc explores a different emotional and ethical angle.
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Satire with Emotional Weight – Balances comedy with deeply human struggles like identity, grief, and societal pressure.
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Stellar Production Values – High-quality animation, creative fight choreography, and a star-studded music lineup.
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Anthology Appeal – Works as both a continuation of the To Be Hero franchise and a stand-alone experience.
Production
Directed by Li Haolin, the series was developed by BeDream in collaboration with multiple animation studios, combining Chinese and Japanese creative influences. The partnership with Bilibili and Aniplex ensured broad distribution and high production standards. The music team, led by Hiroyuki Sawano, contributes a cinematic and emotionally resonant score, while the opening and ending themes provide a powerful bookend to each episode.
Reception / Awards
While formal award data is still emerging due to its recent release, early reception from both Chinese and international audiences has been positive. Viewers have praised its original premise, emotional storytelling, and animation quality, though some have noted that the anthology structure requires patience to fully appreciate. With its strong visual style and thought-provoking themes, it has quickly gained traction among donghua fans.
Watch Order
Since To Be Hero X is the third in the anthology but tells an independent story, the recommended watch order is:
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To Be Hero (2016) – Optional backstory to the franchise’s tone and style.
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To Be Heroine (2018) – Another standalone entry with thematic similarities.
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To Be Hero X (2025) – Can be enjoyed without prior viewing but benefits from franchise familiarity.
To Be Hero X FAQ
Q: Do I need to watch the first two series to understand To Be Hero X?
No, each installment tells its own story, though prior entries provide thematic context.
Q: Is it action-focused or more of a comedy?
It’s a hybrid — action-packed with comedic moments but underpinned by dramatic themes.
Q: How many episodes does it have?
Season 1 has 24 episodes.
Conclusion
To Be Hero X is an ambitious, genre-bending superhero story that questions what it means to be a hero in a world where public opinion literally shapes reality. By combining sharp satire with emotional depth, it stands out in both the donghua and superhero genres. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the franchise or a newcomer drawn to fresh takes on heroics, this series offers a thought-provoking and entertaining ride.
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