The Evolution of Shonen Anime: Exploring To Be Hero X

The shonen anime landscape is undergoing a transformation, ushering in fresh content as beloved series like My Hero Academia approach their finales. As the spotlight shifts, Crunchyroll’s latest release, To Be Hero X, steps confidently into the fray, aiming to become a new emblem of the superhero genre. With its premiere episode, this series highlights Chinese animation—a medium often overlooked yet equally captivating as its Japanese rival.

What Is To Be Hero X?

To Be Hero X, a donghua directed by Li Haolin of Link Click, is set in an imaginative world where heroism is not innate but cultivated through public trust, echoing the rise of social media influencers. The narrative follows Lin Ling, an ambitious young man whose journey into heroism begins when a public relations agency catapults him from a struggling superhero marketer to the successor of Nice, one of the most cherished heroes globally.

Navigating the Chaotic Landscape of Hero Fame

While Ling dons the guise of an iconic hero, he must traverse the tumultuous peaks and valleys of fame. Compounding his challenges is a looming tournament arc, designed to disrupt the existing superhero hierarchy and determine the ultimate champion worthy of the prestigious title of X.

How Is To Be Hero X Different From Other Superhero Anime?

Although its themes may echo familiar concepts found in shows like The Boys and My Hero Academia, To Be Hero X boldly confronts these ideas head-on rather than relegating them to mere background elements. The show’s mechanism fully embodies the celebrity theme—if enough followers believe an influencer, like the immensely popular Twitch streamer IShowSpeed, possesses the power to fly, he gains that ability. While the premiere leaves some aspects of this system shrouded in mystery, it explains it as “trust” data collected from supporters and integrated into a person’s superhero suit, reminiscent of a social media-oriented spirit bomb from Dragon Ball Z.

Animation Style: A Captivating Blend of 2D and CG

This series stands out due to its audacious combination of 2D and CG animation. While the CG elements may not quite reach the visual heights of Arcane, they still hold their own, eliciting comparisons to Netflix’s Love, Death & Robots anthology series. Far from a drawback, this artistic fusion allows To Be Hero X to condense the diverse creativity displayed in anthologies like Love, Death & Robots or Star Wars: Visions into a single, breathtaking premiere. More impressively, the series pledges to uphold this elevated quality standard throughout its 24-episode run.

A Collaborative Artistic Masterpiece

This remarkable achievement stems from the collective efforts of BeDream, Lan Studio, Paper Plane Animation, and B. Cool, resulting in a premiere episode that feels like an anthology in its own right. The animation style shifts dramatically between CG and a spectrum of 2D techniques, leading to an emotional climax akin to a fuse racing towards fireworks. It features an array of animation styles, including hash-toned comic book illustrations, corporate-style art, and vibrant 2D animations.

Twists and Character Development Challenges

Amidst the striking animation, the episode offers two shocking twists—one at the beginning and another at its climax—before transitioning once more into a whirlwind of dynamic animation and action sequences. However, this fast-paced opening comes at the cost of character development. With a runtime of 23 minutes, To Be Hero X struggles to present its protagonist beyond a typical stereotype—a kind-hearted individual often exploited by others. The supporting cast, though visually appealing, leans on familiar tropes, like Nice’s glamorous partner Moon as a captivating goddess, his PR agent Ms. J as a no-nonsense businesswoman, and the sensationalist reporter Enlightener serving as a slimy stand-in for TMZ.

Will the Characters Evolve as the Series Progresses?

As the series unfolds, fans hope that To Be Hero X can deepen its characters, transforming them into more nuanced and engaging personas that resonate as powerfully as the high-octane action sequences.

Where to Watch To Be Hero X

To Be Hero X is now streaming on Crunchyroll.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the premise of To Be Hero X?

To Be Hero X revolves around Lin Ling, a young man who becomes a hero through public trust, exploring themes of fame and influence in a fantastical world.

Who created To Be Hero X?

To Be Hero X is directed by Li Haolin and produced by BeDream, Lan Studio, Paper Plane Animation, and B. Cool.

Is To Be Hero X worth watching?

If you’re fascinated by unique storytelling and diverse animation styles, To Be Hero X offers a fresh take on the superhero genre that’s worth your time.

How many episodes does To Be Hero X have?

To Be Hero X is set to continue with a total of 24 episodes, maintaining its high visual quality throughout.

Where can I stream To Be Hero X?

You can watch To Be Hero X on Crunchyroll, where it is currently available for streaming.