To be hero x chinese version refers to the Chinese release of the animated series To Be Hero, produced by Haoliners Animation League, which aired in 2016. It is a comedic, adult-oriented Chinese anime about a middle-aged toilet cleaner named Xu Jie who becomes a superhero after an alien princess mistakes him for a hero and kisses him, granting him powers that activate only when he is in a humiliating situation.
Background and Origin
To Be Hero was created by Haoliners Animation League, a Chinese animation studio known for web series like Fox Spirit Matchmaker and Spiritpact. The series premiered on Chinese streaming platforms in October 2016, with a Japanese dub airing later that year on Tokyo MX. The show is a parody of superhero tropes, blending Chinese and Japanese animation styles, and gained a cult following for its crude humor and satirical take on heroism.
The title To Be Hero is a deliberate grammatical error, meant to reflect the protagonist’s broken English and the show’s self-aware tone. The Chinese version is the original language version, with Chinese voice actors and cultural references aimed at a domestic audience. A sequel, To Be Heroine, was released in 2018, but it is a separate story with different characters.
How the Chinese Version Differs
The Chinese version of To Be Hero is essentially the same episodes as the Japanese release, but with Chinese audio and localized text. The main differences are:
- Voice acting: The Chinese cast delivers lines with regional slang and comedic timing that may not translate directly to Japanese or English.
- Censorship: Chinese broadcast standards required some mild edits, such as toning down excessive gore or sexual innuendo in certain scenes, though the series remained largely intact.
- Cultural references: Jokes about Chinese internet culture, memes, and social commentary are more prominent in the original Chinese script.
For international viewers, the Chinese version is often sought after because it preserves the original comedic intent, whereas the English subtitled version may miss nuances.
Plot and Characters
The story follows Xu Jie, a lazy, middle-aged man who works as a toilet cleaner at a public park. He is a single father to a young daughter, Mian Mian, who is the only person he truly cares about. After being kissed by an alien princess named Moli, he gains the ability to become a superhero, but only when he is in a state of extreme embarrassment or humiliation. This leads to absurd situations where he must, for example, strip naked in public or act like a fool to activate his powers.
The main antagonist is a rival hero named Prince, a handsome and wealthy man who represents the idealized hero archetype. The series satirizes the contrast between superficial heroism and genuine sacrifice. Supporting characters include a perverted alien scientist and a talking toilet, adding to the absurdist comedy.
Production and Reception
Haoliners Animation League produced the series with a mix of 2D and 3D animation, which was praised for its dynamic action sequences but criticized for inconsistent visual quality. The show was well-received in China for its bold humor and emotional core, particularly the relationship between Xu Jie and his daughter. Internationally, it gained a niche following on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, where it was one of the few Chinese anime to be simulcast in Japan.
The series has a rating of around 7.5/10 on MyAnimeList, with viewers noting that the crude jokes can be off-putting, but the underlying story about fatherhood and sacrifice is genuinely touching. The Chinese version is often recommended over the Japanese dub because the humor relies heavily on language-specific puns.
Where to Watch and How to Choose
For viewers interested in the Chinese version, the series is available on Chinese platforms like Bilibili and Tencent Video, though these may require a Chinese IP address or subscription. International viewers can find it on Crunchyroll or Amazon Prime with English subtitles, but these are based on the Japanese dub. To experience the original Chinese audio, fans often use fan-subtitled releases or VPNs to access Chinese streaming services.
When choosing between versions, consider:
- If you prefer original voice acting and cultural context, seek the Chinese version.
- If you want ease of access and English subtitles, the Japanese dub is more convenient.
- For the most uncensored experience, the Chinese version may have slight edits, but the Japanese version is typically uncut.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that To Be Hero is a Japanese anime. While it was broadcast in Japan and has a Japanese dub, it is a Chinese production. Another issue is that the series is often mistaken for a children’s show due to its colorful art style; however, it contains adult humor, crude language, and sexual situations, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Another problem is the availability of the Chinese version. Many international fans report difficulty finding it legally, leading to piracy. The lack of official international distribution for the Chinese audio version is a frequent complaint in online forums.
Costs and Legal Access
Watching the Chinese version legally may require a subscription to Bilibili (around $5 per month) or a VPN service (additional cost). Free options exist on some platforms, but they may have ads or lower quality. The Japanese dub on Crunchyroll is free with ads or available with a premium subscription. There are no official physical releases of the Chinese version with English subtitles, so collectors often import Japanese Blu-rays, which are region-locked.
Alternatives and Similar Shows
If you enjoy the irreverent humor and superhero parody of To Be Hero, consider these similar titles:
- One Punch Man (Japanese) – a satirical take on superheroes with a similar deadpan comedy style.
- Gintama (Japanese) – a long-running parody series that mixes action with crude humor and social commentary.
- The Legend of Hei (Chinese) – a more family-friendly Chinese animated film with high-quality animation and a focus on nature spirits.
- Scissor Seven (Chinese) – another Chinese anime that blends comedy and action, with a similar underdog protagonist.
These shows share the element of a reluctant or unconventional hero, but each has its own unique tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is To Be Hero a Chinese or Japanese anime?
It is a Chinese anime, produced by Haoliners Animation League. It was later dubbed into Japanese and broadcast in Japan, which often leads to confusion about its origin.
Is the Chinese version different from the Japanese version?
The episodes are the same, but the Chinese version has original Chinese voice acting and cultural references. The Japanese dub changes some jokes to fit Japanese audiences, and there may be minor edits for broadcast standards.
Why is the title grammatically incorrect?
The title is intentionally broken English, reflecting the protagonist’s lack of education and the show’s satirical tone. It is a play on the phrase “to be a hero.”
Is To Be Hero suitable for children?
No, it is rated for mature audiences due to crude humor, sexual innuendo, and violence. The protagonist’s power activates through humiliating situations, which often involve nudity or embarrassing acts.
Where can I watch the Chinese version with English subtitles?
Officially, there is no licensed release of the Chinese audio with English subtitles. Fan-subtitled versions can be found on some anime streaming sites, but these are unofficial and may be taken down.
Will there be a sequel to To Be Hero?
A sequel titled To Be Heroine was released in 2018, but it is a spin-off with new characters and a different story. There has been no announcement of a direct sequel to the original series.
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