A New Era of Superheroes Begins With To Be Hero X Streaming Today
Crunchyroll surprises fans with a same-day English dub of the much-anticipated animated series, exploring the intricate relationship between heroes and the trust of their fans.
The animated superhero action series To Be Hero X debuted on Saturday, April 5, 2025, with Crunchyroll offering a same-day English dub of the first episode. This original series, created by bilibili and Aniplex, is a follow-up to the franchise's previous installments, To Be Hero and To Be Heroine. Set in a vibrant world filled with heroes, the show introduces a unique twist: the power of these heroes is derived from the trust bestowed upon them by their fans. This "trust value" not only determines their ranking but also directly influences their abilities—if they lose the trust of the public, they lose their powers.
Every two years, a tournament is held to select the top heroes, whose performance in this competition determines their new trust values and rankings. The highest-ranked hero earns the prestigious title of "X." The English dubbed trailer showcases a multi-style animation series characterized by vibrant colors, sleek animation, and dynamic action sequences.
The official series synopsis from Crunchyroll elaborates: "This is a world where heroes are created by people's trust, and the hero who gains the most trust is known as X. In this world, people's trust can be quantified through data, and these values are reflected on everyone's wrist. As long as one gains enough trust points, an ordinary person can possess superpowers and become a superhero who saves the world. However, the constantly changing trust values make the path of a hero full of uncertainties…"
The English voice cast for Episode 1 includes notable names such as Mauricio Ortiz-Segura as Nice, Stephanie Young as Miss J, Bryn Apprill as Moon, and Landon McDonald as Enlighter. Other cast members include Larry Brantley, John Burgmeier, Jim Foronda, Alex Hom, Phil Parsons, and Daniel Van Thomas, with additional voices provided by a talented ensemble.
The animation for To Be Hero X is produced by BeDream, directed by Li Haolin, who is known for his work on Link Click. The series features a soundtrack by renowned composer Hiroyuki Sawano, along with contributions from several other talented musicians. To Be Hero X is set to premiere on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. JUST, which translates to around 8:30 p.m. EST on April 5, 2025, in the United States.
This new series is not only available for streaming on Crunchyroll, but it will also make its way to Netflix and Prime Video starting April 7, 2025, with additional platforms following suit on April 9, 2025.
The third installment of the To Be Hero franchise takes a thought-provoking twist on the superhero genre. In this world, heroes are not just born; they are made through the trust of the people. The first episode introduces Nice, the face of Treeman Corporation, and Lin Ling, an advertisement creator who helps promote heroes to the public. Lin Ling aspires to become a hero himself, but his role behind the scenes serves as a constant reminder of his perceived banality.
The premiere episode sets the tone for the series, showcasing a variety of animation styles that have drawn comparisons to popular titles like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Arcane. These stylistic choices, while initially jarring, ultimately enhance the storytelling experience. The mix of 3D and 2D animation, particularly during action scenes, captivates viewers and immerses them in the kaleidoscopic world of heroes.
As the episode unfolds, it explores themes of celebrity culture, the impact of social media, and the fluctuating nature of trust. By introducing relatable characters like Lin Ling, who idolizes Nice's girlfriend, Moon, the show grounds its fantastical elements in familiar experiences. The animation vividly visualizes emotions like trust and fear, with trust manifesting as sparkly streaks of light and fear taking the form of dark, flowing ink.
Another notable aspect of the series is how it employs different art styles to convey characters' inner thoughts. Lin Ling's musings are illustrated with a luminescent color scheme reminiscent of modern pop art, while the antagonist's inner dialogue is depicted through stark black-and-white sketches, reinforcing the thematic contrast between hope and despair.
As the world of To Be Hero X expands, it promises to deliver even more complexity and intrigue. The creators have expressed their commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling, and early reviews suggest that the series has the potential to make a significant impact in the genre.
With its innovative approach to the superhero narrative, To Be Hero X is poised to capture the attention of audiences both in Japan and internationally. Fans can tune in to Crunchyroll to catch the first episode and experience the exhilarating journey of heroes and their trust.
The first episode of To Be Hero X is now available for streaming on Crunchyroll, and with the growing anticipation for future episodes, it seems that this series has much more brilliance in store.
