The Top 5 Shocking Secrets Of To Be Hero X: Release Date, Cast, And The Power Of 'Likes'

The long-awaited third installment in the satirical superhero franchise, To Be Hero X (凸变英雄X), has finally received a definitive worldwide release and is poised to be one of the most talked-about anime/donghua series of the year. As of today, December 16, 2025, the series has officially premiered, captivating audiences with its unique blend of high-octane superhero action and sharp social commentary that targets modern internet culture and the pursuit of viral fame. This Bilibili and Aniplex co-production, which builds upon the foundation of the original To Be Hero and To Be Heroine, redefines what it means to be a hero in the age of social media, where a hero’s power is literally tied to public approval and trust.

The series has garnered massive attention on social platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where discussions about its complex themes and stunning animation have trended globally. Directed by the visionary Li Haoling, To Be Hero X plunges viewers into a world where heroism is a measured commodity, a stark reflection of our own society's obsession with "likes," "follows," and public validation. Here is an in-depth breakdown of everything you need to know about the newest superhero phenomenon.

The Complete Roster: To Be Hero X Main Characters and Voice Actors

The success of To Be Hero X hinges on its compelling cast of characters, particularly the elite members of the Hero Affairs Commission who occupy the coveted Top 10 ranks. The series boasts an all-star lineup of Japanese voice actors (Seiyuu) and prominent Chinese voice actors (Donghua VA), bringing a global feel to the production. The following are the most critical entities in the series, including their official rank and the talent behind their voices.

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• X (Rank No. 01): The undisputed top hero, shrouded in mystery and immense power.
  • Japanese Seiyuu: Mamoru Miyano (known for Light Yagami in Death Note)
  • Chinese VA: Wei Chao
• Queen (Rank No. 02): A powerful and graceful female hero.
  • Japanese Seiyuu: Kana Hanazawa (known for Mitsuri Kanroji in Demon Slayer)
• Dragon Boy (Rank No. 03): A young, skilled hero who embodies traditional shonen tropes.
  • Japanese Seiyuu: Koki Uchiyama (known for Tomura Shigaraki in My Hero Academia)
• Ghostblade (Rank No. 04): A hero known for stealth and precision.
  • Japanese Seiyuu: Yuichi Nakamura (known for Gojo Satoru in Jujutsu Kaisen)
• Little Johnny: A recurring, somewhat comedic character.
  • Japanese Seiyuu: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (known for Kirito in Sword Art Online)
• Nice (Lin Ling - Rank No. 10): The lowest-ranked of the Top 10, but a critical character in the narrative.
• E-Soul (Rank No. 09): Another key player in the Hero Tower rankings.

Other notable voice actors contributing to the rich world of To Be Hero X include Koichi Yamadera, Rie Kugimiya, Show Hayami, Daisuke Ono, Nobunaga Shimazaki, and Natsuki Hanae, ensuring a high-quality audio experience for both the Japanese and international releases.

The Core Premise: How 'Trust' and 'Likes' Create Superpowers

What truly sets To Be Hero X apart is its inventive and provocative core concept. In this world, a hero's power is not derived from a spider bite, a radioactive accident, or a genetic mutation. Instead, superpowers are a direct result of public perception and validation. The more the public "trusts" and "likes" a hero, the stronger their abilities become. This mechanism is the central pillar of the series, turning heroism into a popularity contest with cosmic stakes.

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The series explores the dark underbelly of this system. Heroes are constantly battling for public approval, performing heroic acts not just to save lives, but to maintain their social media ranking and, by extension, their powers. This premise acts as a powerful piece of social commentary, directly addressing the modern-day obsession with internet fame, viral content, and the commodification of good deeds. The Hero Affairs Commission meticulously monitors these rankings, solidifying the idea that even altruism can be a highly regulated industry.

The narrative is structured as an anthology, focusing on the origin stories and moral dilemmas of the Top 10 Heroes. This allows the series to delve into various perspectives—from the overwhelming pressure on the No. 01 hero, X, to the existential crises of lower-ranked heroes like Nice (Lin Ling) who struggle to maintain relevance. The constant need for validation leads to moral compromises and a blurring of the lines between genuine heroism and performance art, making the series far deeper than a typical action anime.

The Global Phenomenon: Production, Release, and Music

The production of To Be Hero X is a landmark collaboration between China's Bilibili and Japan's Aniplex, showcasing the growing strength of the Donghua industry on the global stage. This co-production effort ensures the series benefits from both Chinese storytelling sensibilities and high-end Japanese animation techniques, resulting in a visually stunning and narratively ambitious project.

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The series is helmed by director Li Haoling, who is renowned for his work on the previous installments, To Be Hero and To Be Heroine. His signature style—a chaotic mix of comedy, drama, and philosophical depth—is evident throughout the trailers and early episodes, promising a wild ride for both new and returning fans of the franchise.

Official Release and Streaming Details

The series premiered on Sunday, April 6, 2025, on Fuji Television and other networks in Japan. For international viewers, the series is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, which began airing new episodes weekly starting on Saturday, April 5, 2025 (due to time zone differences). Crunchyroll also announced same-day English dub premieres, featuring talented voice actors like Alex Hom and Bryn Apprill, ensuring accessibility for a wider global audience.

The Epic Soundtrack: INERTIA by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Rei

No major anime release is complete without a powerful soundtrack, and To Be Hero X delivers with the electrifying opening theme, "INERTIA." The song is performed by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Rei and composed by the legendary Hiroyuki Sawano, who is famous for his iconic scores for series like Attack on Titan and Kill la Kill. The powerful, dramatic music perfectly captures the high stakes and emotional intensity of the heroes' struggles, quickly becoming a fan-favorite entity in its own right.

The series’ exploration of the Top 10 heroes—including X, Queen, Dragon Boy, Ghostblade, E-Soul, and Nice—and the complex social structure governed by the Hero Affairs Commission and the Hero Tower, provides a rich tapestry for a multi-season run. Fans are encouraged to follow the official To Be Hero X accounts on X/Twitter for the latest updates and key visuals, as the series continues to explore its timely and thought-provoking themes of validation, fame, and the true cost of being a hero in the modern world.