Introduction

Back in 2016, a Chinese anime called Tu Bian Yingxiong Baba—or To Be Hero—was released. While I’m a huge fan of superhero-themed anime like My Hero Academia, To Be Hero didn’t click with me. Despite getting two seasons, I just moved on and forgot about it. When I heard a third entry titled To Be Hero X was releasing, I wasn’t excited… until I watched episode one. Let’s dive into why I’ve completely changed my tune in this first impressions review!

Why You’ll Like This

If you’ve seen a variety of anime, you know the art style can vary drastically. To Be Hero X alternates between stunning 2D and dynamic 3D animation. Think Arcane meets My Hero Academia. While it may take some time to get used to the 3D portions, it quickly grows on you and works incredibly well for this story.

The plot itself is unconventional. Our protagonist, Lin Ling, witnesses a legendary hero named Nice jump from a rooftop. The agency that managed Nice sees Lin’s uncanny resemblance and begins training him to become the new public face of Nice. In this world, public “faith” empowers heroes—an unusual but engaging concept that adds depth and social commentary to the usual superhero narrative.

And let’s not forget the music. With Hiroyuki Sawano (known for Attack on Titan, Solo Leveling, and 86) scoring the anime, you know the soundtrack is next-level. The opening track, INERTIA, has been on repeat for me since the series premiered. It’s that good.

Is It Worth Three Episodes?

Absolutely. If you can get past the unconventional animation switch-ups, To Be Hero X is shaping up to be anime of the year material. Its darker undertones, unique worldbuilding, and creative spin on superhero tropes make it stand out from the crowd. Fans of fresh, genre-bending anime will love it.

Do You Need to Watch the Previous Two Seasons?

Worried about continuity? Don’t be. Like the earlier entries, To Be Hero X is a standalone story. While longtime fans may catch Easter eggs or returning characters, newcomers can jump right in and fully enjoy the series without prior knowledge.

Conclusion

To Be Hero X is a breath of fresh air in the anime landscape. Its dual animation styles, unconventional storytelling, and standout soundtrack combine into a viewing experience that feels both bold and emotional. It has the potential to become one of 2025’s standout titles—not just among superhero anime, but anime in general. Time will tell, but for now, I’m all in on To Be Hero X.

—Aaron