To Be Hero X, the much-anticipated anime series, premiered its first episode, titled NICE, on Sunday, April 6, 2025. The episode invites viewers into the multifaceted world of hero society as seen through the eyes of Lin Ling, a dedicated ad agency employee responsible for creating commercials featuring the hero, Nice.
However, Lin Ling’s life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself caught in a life-altering predicament. Episode 1 launches Lin Ling’s journey as he strives to immerse himself in the hero world and ultimately fulfill his dreams. Yet, the narrative soon unveils that heroism is not as glamorous as it initially appears, showcasing the adept directorial skills of Li Haoling and the innovative blend of 2D and 3D animation throughout the episode.
Warning: This article includes spoilers from To Be Hero X episode 1.
Lin Ling’s Transformation: The Heavy Price of Heroism
The premiere of To Be Hero X opens with Lin Ling, who pitches a promotional video to his boss that features Nice engaging in a battle against malevolent forces. Lin Ling metaphorically presents heroes as beacons of hope in a world overshadowed by darkness, emphasizing the pivotal role they play in humanity’s survival.
Additionally, Lin Ling’s promotional clip for Nice underscores the message that anyone can become a hero in contemporary society, provided they earn the people’s trust. Despite Lin Ling’s fervor for his subject matter, his boss disapproves, insisting that the advertisement must focus solely on Nice, the client at hand.
Lin Ling’s enthusiasm further incites his boss’s wrath as he contemplates the inclusive messages about heroism included in the ad. Feeling stifled, Lin Ling believes the advertisement should resonate with the spirit of competition, especially with the hero accolades looming on the horizon. He ends the video on a powerful note: “To be Hero X.”
Feeling dejected, Lin Ling reflects on the harsh reality faced by ordinary people striving to be heroes in a demanding society. His past advertising work resurfaces, featuring another hero, Moon, encouraging individuals to maintain hope amidst adversity.
As Miss J juggles multiple client calls about Nice, she realizes that Lin Ling bears an uncanny resemblance to him. This revelation leads to a radical plan: they will repackage Lin Ling’s identity and stage Nice’s death, transforming him into the new face of the hero.
The Rise of Lin Ling as Nice
Conclusion
Episode 1 of To Be Hero X captivated viewers with its intriguing premise, laying the groundwork for an expansive exploration of hero society and its complexities. Released on Crunchyroll, the episode cleverly weaves in unexpected twists, leaving audiences eager to discover how the narrative unfolds from this gripping moment.