To Be Hero X is a Chinese donghua created by Li Haolin. In this world, heroes get their powers from the “trust” of the people. If people believe a man can fly, he will. But if that trust disappears, so do the powers. Heroes are ranked based on something called “Trust Value”—basically a score that measures how much people believe in them. Every two years, there’s a tournament to see who’s on top. The results shift their rankings and Trust Values. The number one hero? He’s known only as X.
To Be Hero X is an obvious commentary on social media and how fickle the public can be. The main protagonists is Lin Ling, a superhero advertising agent. After sending an unapproved proposal he’s fired. While contemplating his future, Ling encounters the top hero, Nice. Who quickly commits suicide, by walking off the roof. The branding agency couldn’t care less about he death of Nice. They simply replace him with Ling, who resembles the recently dead hero.
Lie to gain trust
Ironically, by deceiving the public, Ling can gain their trust. As he experiences the trust of the public he gains powers and his appearance like his eye color begins to change. Ling’s obsession with Nice and his life allows him to fact his life relatively easily. However, when Ling and his (or Nice’s) girlfriend, Moon, appear on a dating show called “True Love Recipe,” their “love”, is put to the test. The first question he’s asked is “how many commercials his girlfriend has been in”.
He responds to everyone shock with an answer that is specific with the number 134 and the amount of runtime they have 285 min and 48 seconds. He’s then connected to a lie detector. Ling answers the question in a roundabout way, he says she not his girlfriend (true) but his “goddess”, also true. Pissed, the host reveals that he’s joins forces with the ad exec that fire Ling earlier. Apparently, he was also fired by the very hero agency that now employs Ling.
Ling (Nice) vs himself
Ling’s former boss uses black gloo to try an inject fear into anyone it touches. Ling avoids the attacks from his former boss. He wines about the struggles he’d experienced while working. The tide of battle turns and Nice is on the defensive. He begs to doubt himself. He remembers the inspiration that his girlfriend has given him and strikes his former boss with a devastating blow. Ling decides to accept his new life.
He heads to bed, only to find Moon in his bed. Tragically and shocking she dead having been hit in the head. To Be Hero X is a pleasant surprise. It’s a well animated series with some dark humor, social commentary, mystery, and impressive action. I look forward to watching more of the series and even more anime from China. I recommend you watch the first episode.
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