China's Animation Prowess

Aaron Ren, 15 Apr 2025

To Be Hero X

The Chinese anime To Be Hero X has gained international attention for its unique blend of traditional and 3D animation styles. The series, a co-production between China and Japan, exemplifies China's growing influence in the global animation industry.

The Ascendancy of Chinese Animation

Chinese animation, also known as donghua, has experienced significant growth over the past decade, emerging as a formidable force in the global animation industry. This surge is attributed to increased government support, technological advancements, and a burgeoning domestic market. Unlike Japanese anime, which often emphasizes intricate character development and serialized storytelling, Chinese donghua frequently integrates traditional Chinese folklore, historical narratives, and moral philosophies, offering a unique cultural perspective. In contrast to Western animation, which predominantly targets younger audiences with standalone episodes, Chinese animation often presents complex, serialized plots catering to a broader age range.

A notable milestone in this evolution occurred in 2020, when Chinese internet users watched more domestically produced donghua than Japanese anime for the first time, signifying a shift in viewer preferences and the rising quality of Chinese productions. The To Be Hero Series: A Cross-Cultural Phenomenon

The To Be Hero series exemplifies the innovative spirit of Chinese animation. Debuting in 2016, the original To Be Hero was a collaborative effort between Chinese and Japanese studios, blending absurdist humor with heartfelt storytelling. Directed by Li Haoling and supervised by Shinichi Watanabe, the series garnered attention for its unconventional narrative and stylistic experimentation.

The franchise expanded with To Be Heroine in 2018, continuing its exploration of surreal themes and emotional depth. In 2025, To Be Hero X premiered, marking the third installment of the series. This season was directed by Haolin Li and produced by BeDream in collaboration with Bilibili and Aniplex, showcasing a fusion of Chinese and Japanese creative talents.

To Be Hero X features a diverse cast of renowned voice actors, including Mamoru Miyano, Kana Hanazawa, Koki Uchiyama, and Yuichi Nakamura, who bring a rich array of characters to life. The series explores themes of identity, heroism, and societal expectations, set within a narrative that seamlessly blends action, comedy, and drama.

The show's unique blend of genres and its cross-cultural production have earned it international acclaim, highlighting the potential of Chinese animation to resonate with global audiences.