To Be Hero X: What makes it different from Japanese superhero anime

To Be Hero X is a series produced by a Chinese-Japanese production that redefined the narrative styles in modern superhero series. The Japanese superhero anime genre has perfected its way of storytelling and has produced some iconic series like My Hero Academia, Tiger & Bunny, and One-Punch Man. However, in the Spring 2025 anime season, a new contender entered the scene and challenged everything we thought we knew about the superhero formula.

To understand what makes this series different from Japanese animations, it's important to understand its origins. To Be Hero X is the third installment of the To Be Hero anthology, created by visionary Chinese director Li Haoling. While his first two series, To Be Hero (2016) and To Be Heroine (2018) did not gain as much popularity as the third part.

The success of the third part has gained so much traction because of an intriguing plot, and collaboration between top Chinese and Japanese studios like Studio LAN, BeDream, and Paper Plane Animation Studio.

The main plot of the story in the series is about one of the most innovative power systems in superhero stories. In this world, no one is born with any superpower; rather, the powers manifest in someone through other people believing and trusting them. For instance, the public believes that a hero can fly; they gain the power to fly. If that belief fades, so do their abilities.

This entire concept is clever as it breaks down the traditional superhero narrative. In titles like My Hero Academia, quirks are biological. In One-Punch Man, Saitama's power is inexplicable and absolute. But in To Be Hero X, powers are a social construct as heroes are not born, they are manufactured.

Unlike linear superhero shows that follow a single protagonist's journey, To Be Hero X is structured into character-centric arcs, each spotlighting a different member of the top ten ranked heroes. Episode 1 begins with the shocking suicide of Nice. His death is witnessed by Lin Ling, an ordinary marketing clerk on the verge of ending his own life. Through a mysterious twist, Lin Ling is forced to assume Nice’s identity, becoming an impostor in a world he barely understands.

Finally, the biggest difference between this series and other Japanese anime is the style of animation. This series has 3D environments and character models with bursts of 2D animation during emotional climaxes or battle sequences. This visual dynamism makes To Be Hero X not just a show to watch, but a show to experience.

The recent rise in popularity of Donghua has affected To Be Hero X

To Be Hero X is not just a new show; it is a turning point for Chinese animations, which are also known as Donghua. Before these types of animations were completely overshadowed by Japanese animations in terms of popularity and global viewership. But now, donghua has been steadily gaining recognition thanks to titles like Link Click, Fog Hill of Five Elements, and Scissor Seven.

This series was released at the same time as My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, and yet had maintained its spotlight. And despite the anime community’s well-documented skepticism toward 3D animation, To Be Hero X has already begun turning the tide with its stunning visuals and compelling story.

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In conclusion, To Be Hero X is different from other Japanese superhero anime because of how it's distinct in form, philosophy, and execution. When normal stories ask, “What if anyone could be a hero?” It asks, “What if being a hero was the worst thing that could happen to you?” This series has gained popularity because it has also combined vibrant visuals with a new and interesting storyline.

It reimagines superheroism not as an honor, but as a burden shaped by collective imagination. And in doing so, it becomes one of the boldest and most thought-provoking series of the year.

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