To Be Hero X [Season 3 Episode 1]

To Be Hero X Season 3 Episode 1: A Stellar Start to a Heroic Journey

The long-awaited premiere of To Be Hero X Season 3 has finally arrived, and it does not disappoint. Directed by the acclaimed Li Haolin (known for Link Click and Heaven Official’s Blessing), this Chinese-Japanese collaboration between BeDream, Bilibili, and Aniplex kicks off with an explosive first episode that blends stunning animation, a fast-paced narrative, and a world where heroes are born from trust—or deception.

A Visual Feast with a Twist

One of the most talked-about aspects of this episode is its animation. Fans are raving about the seamless integration of 3D CGI and traditional 2D art, a style reminiscent of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Arcane. The dynamic shifts between these styles aren’t just for show—they serve the story, emphasizing key moments with dramatic flair.

Some viewers, like @Kyuberu, praised the “crazy unique animation mixing,” while others, like @Eragonnogare, noted how the 3D animation felt surprisingly fluid compared to other donghua. The episode’s climax, featuring a high-stakes battle against a villain, is a standout moment, with @Sheol01 calling the final scream before the villain’s defeat “insanely good.”

Fast-Paced, But Does It Work?

The pacing of Episode 1 is undeniably brisk. Within minutes, we’re thrown into the world of Heroland, where heroes are manufactured by public trust, and the line between fame and power blurs. The protagonist, Lin Lang, is introduced as a hero-in-training, but the episode wastes no time in subverting expectations.

While some fans, like @DonghuaFan, appreciated the snappy rhythm, others, like @Paulternative, felt it was “borderline zoomer-like.” The rapid-fire storytelling might leave newcomers slightly disoriented, but for those familiar with Li Haolin’s work, it’s a signature style that rewards attention.

The Power of Trust vs. The Illusion of Fame

At its core, To Be Hero X explores themes of trust, identity, and the dark side of heroism. The episode cleverly sets up a dystopian world where heroes are commodities—easily replaced if they fail to meet expectations. The cliffhanger ending, involving a shocking twist about Lin Lang’s true identity, left fans like @Ryuseishun screaming, “What?!”

The show’s social commentary isn’t subtle, but it’s effective. As @salamander750 pointed out, the episode tackles “the power of trust vs. the power of fear,” questioning whether heroes are genuine saviors or just carefully crafted symbols.

Voice Acting and Soundtrack

The voice cast, featuring heavyweights like Mamoru Miyano and Kana Hanazawa, delivers stellar performances. However, the debate over which dub to watch—Japanese or Chinese—is already heating up. @phantomfandom argued that the Chinese dub feels more authentic, especially since the in-universe text is in Chinese. Meanwhile, the soundtrack, composed by the legendary Hiroyuki Sawano (Attack on Titan, 86), elevates every scene, with @Paulternative praising the “perfect incorporation of Paragon during the boss fight.”

Final Verdict: A Promising Start

To Be Hero X Episode 1 is a bold, visually stunning introduction to a world where heroism is both a gift and a curse. While the breakneck pacing might not be for everyone, the episode’s creativity, thematic depth, and jaw-dropping animation make it one of the most exciting premieres of 2025.

As @TheMaXIM put it, “This might be one of, if not, the best first episodes of all time.” Whether you’re here for the action, the intrigue, or just the sheer spectacle, To Be Hero X is shaping up to be a must-watch.

Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect start with room to grow.

What did you think of the episode? Let’s discuss in the comments!