Spring 2025 season has barely begun, and To Be Hero X is already showing why it's among the anime of the moment. With an intense premiere, full of twists and turns, and a bold visual identity, the first episode delivers everything the trailers have promised over the months—and perhaps even more.
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In the first few minutes, we're thrust into a universe that departs from the traditional formula, where heroes and villains gain power based on two values: Trust and Fear . This premise not only innovates but also paves the way for deeper discussions, without losing the fast pace that defines the episode.
What is the story of To Be Hero X?
The story begins with Lin Ling , a recently fired advertising executive who accidentally witnesses the suicide of Nice, the number 10 hero in the rankings. From then on, Lin finds himself forced to assume the deceased's identity to avoid scandal. But what seemed like a simple mission soon reveals itself to be an even greater enigma: why did Nice die? And what was he hiding?
Tension mounts with the suspicion of the return of a terrorist organization called Spotlight and the appearance of the enigmatic Miss J , who suggests that Lin's fate may be the same as her predecessor's. The episode's final shock—the death of Moon, Nice's partner—only reinforces the series' dark and mysterious tone.
The script is a highlight, but it's the animation that really shines.
But if the plot already captivates, it's the animation that To Be Hero X truly shines. BeDream masterfully blends 2D and 3D , using each technique to represent specific moments in the narrative. Flashbacks gain a nostalgic feel with the use of varied 2D, while battles gain dynamism with stylized 3D. The creative choice of depicting a villain with a retro black-and-white look, for example, brilliantly reinforces the contrast between past and present.
The power scaling system, based on Trust Value (for heroes) and Fear Value (for villains), also deserves a mention in this first episode. It not only brings originality to the genre but also serves as a metaphor for the impact of public image in today's digital age.
However, the anime To Be Hero X has gotten off to a flying start—and promises to be one of the season's biggest surprises. The series is available on Crunchyroll with Portuguese subtitles and dubbing.
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