It’s not every day that a new anime, or rather, anime-adjacent series, breaks through the noise and gets everyone talking. But To Be Hero X has done exactly that. Whether it’s lighting up IMDb with sky-high scores (9.3/10) or dominating anime subreddit discussion, this series is getting attention for all the right (and weird) reasons.
If you’re still unsure about whether to watch it or just curious what the hype is about, here’s your crash course. We pulled together everything from Reddit threads to production details so you don’t have to scroll through obscure forums.
So, Is It Anime or Donghua?
That’s the question everyone seems to be asking, and the answer isn’t as simple as it sounds.
To Be Hero X is a Chinese-Japanese co-production, and this shared identity is part of what defines the show. It’s animated by BeDream, a Chinese studio, and co-produced with Aniplex, a major Japanese animation company. The series is also backed by Bilibili, China’s huge online streaming platform (think YouTube with a big focus on anime content).
It’s listed as both “Donghua” (Chinese animation) and “anime” on platforms like IMDb and even the official trailers. So if you’re wondering why Japanese voice actors are in a Chinese show, or why it feels like a Japanese anime but is labeled Donghua on Crunchyroll, that’s why. It’s a blend, and in many ways, it reflects a growing trend of international collaboration in animation.
Where Did It Come From?
To Be Hero X isn’t a one-off. It’s actually the third entry in the To Be Hero franchise, which dates back to 2016. Here’s the breakdown:
- To Be Hero (2016): Short-form comedy featuring a toilet seat designer who becomes a hero. Wild, crude, and over-the-top.
- To Be Heroine (2018): A more serious, dimension-hopping sequel starring a girl who weaponizes her clothes. Directed by Li Haoling, who’s also behind To Be Hero X.
- To Be Hero X (2025): The most polished and ambitious entry yet. A full superhero drama with layered conspiracies and a strong soundtrack.
Even though it’s the third release, To Be Hero X tells its own story. You don’t need to watch the earlier shows to enjoy this one. Each series explores different themes and characters with only light connections tying them together.
What’s It About?
Set in a world where superheroes gain their abilities from public trust, literally measured as a “trust value,” To Be Hero X shows a society where reputation matters more than anything. Every two years, a large-scale tournament resets the rankings of heroes.
Enter Lin Ling, a young man working at an advertising agency who secretly admires heroes. After witnessing a major event involving a top-ranked hero named Nice, Lin finds himself forced to take on the hero’s identity, following what appears to be a cover-up.
He soon gets caught in a series of intense battles, political schemes, and a threat from a group known as Spotlight. Meanwhile, a shadowy figure named Miss J seems to be orchestrating much of what’s happening behind the scenes.
It’s a sharp blend of action, satire, and commentary on fame, media, and influence.
The Studio Behind the Madness
Animation duties are handled by BeDream, a rising name in Chinese animation. They’ve delivered crisp visuals, high-energy fights, and expressive character designs that easily match some of the most talked-about shows today.
Director Li Haoling, also behind To Be Heroine, brings a consistent creative direction. While there are familiar touches for returning viewers, this series clearly operates on a higher level in terms of production and storytelling.
Who’s in It?
The voice cast includes big names. Mamoru Miyano plays X, Kana Hanazawa voices Queen, and Kōki Uchiyama plays Dragon Boy. These actors are easily recognizable to fans of major anime series over the past ten years.
As for music, the show features contributions from Hiroyuki Sawano, Kohta Yamamoto, and Hidefumi Kenmochi. The soundtrack matches the pace and emotion of the show’s key moments without missing a beat.
Where to Watch
You can stream To Be Hero X on Crunchyroll now. Both subtitled and English dubbed versions are available. A trailer is also online if you want a quick preview.
To Be Hero X isn’t just another superhero story. It’s an example of what happens when creators from different industries and cultures work together toward a shared goal. It balances over-the-top action with sharp writing, fresh visuals, and a take on media-driven power that feels especially timely.
It may be part of a franchise, but you can jump into this one without watching anything beforehand. If you enjoy it, the earlier entries are waiting, short, wild, and completely original in their own right.
