To Be Hero is a Chinese-Japanese animated series, and its original Chinese name is 《凸变英雄》 (pinyin: Tū Biàn Yīng Xióng). The title translates literally to “Convex Change Hero” or “Protruding Transformation Hero,” though it is commonly understood as “The Hero Who Transforms” or “The Unexpected Hero.”
Background of the Series
To Be Hero is a 2016 animated series produced by the Chinese studio Haoliners Animation League, with Japanese animation studio EMT Squared handling the animation. The series was directed by Li Haoling (李豪凌), who is also known for his work on other Chinese-Japanese co-productions. The show premiered in October 2016 and ran for 12 episodes, each about 15 minutes long. It was followed by a sequel, To Be Heroine, in 2018, which also had 12 episodes.
The series is notable for its unique blend of Chinese and Japanese animation styles, combining Chinese storytelling with Japanese anime aesthetics. It gained a cult following for its comedic tone, absurd humor, and surprisingly emotional moments. The show’s protagonist, an ordinary middle-aged man named Wang Qiang (王强), is a slapstick comedy about fatherhood and heroism, wrapped in a sci-fi fantasy premise.
Meaning of the Chinese Title
The Chinese title Tū Biàn Yīng Xióng (凸变英雄) is a wordplay. The character 凸 (tū) means “convex” or “protruding,” and 变 (biàn) means “to change” or “transform.” Together, 凸变 is a pun on the more common word 突变 (tū biàn), which means “sudden change” or “mutation.” The substitution of 凸 (convex) for 突 (sudden) is a deliberate joke, referencing the protagonist’s physical transformation—he becomes a grotesque, muscular hero with a protruding face and body. The final two characters, 英雄 (yīng xióng), mean “hero.” So the full title literally reads “Convex-Change Hero,” but the intended meaning is closer to “The Hero Who Suddenly Transforms” or “The Unexpected Hero.”
The English title “To Be Hero” is a play on the phrase “to be or not to be,” suggesting the theme of choosing to become a hero. It also mirrors the Chinese title’s wordplay: the protagonist is forced to become a hero, not by choice but by circumstance.
Plot and Characters
The story follows Wang Qiang, a lazy and overweight father who runs a failing animation studio. One day, he is suddenly transported to an alien world and given a choice: become the hero who saves Earth from an alien invasion, or be killed. He accepts, but the transformation turns him into a bizarre, muscular version of himself with a huge, protruding face. The catch is that he must defeat the alien invaders while his daughter, who is unaware of his identity, watches his heroic deeds on TV.
The series is as much about family as it is about action. Wang Qiang’s relationship with his daughter, Wang Lingling, is the emotional core. The show balances crude humor with genuine heart, and the ending is known for its surprising emotional payoff. The sequel, To Be Heroine, shifts focus to a female protagonist, Ma Xiaolu, and explores similar themes of transformation and responsibility.
How the Chinese Title Is Used in Different Regions
In mainland China, the series is officially known as 凸变英雄 (Tū Biàn Yīng Xióng). In Taiwan and Hong Kong, it may be referred to by the same Chinese characters, but the pronunciation differs (in Cantonese, it would be roughly Dat Bin Ying Hung). In Japan, the series is titled To Be Hero (トゥ・ビー・ヒーロー), using the English name directly. The English title is used for international releases, including on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation.
It’s worth noting that the Chinese title is not a direct translation of the English title; rather, the English title was chosen to reflect the spirit of the Chinese original. The wordplay in the Chinese title is difficult to translate, so the English version takes a different approach, referencing Shakespeare’s famous soliloquy.
Common Questions About the Title
Many viewers wonder if “To Be Hero” is a grammatical error—it should be “To Be a Hero.” This is intentional. The missing article “a” is a stylistic choice, making the title sound more like a slogan or a motto. It also echoes the Chinese title’s playful use of language. Some fans also ask whether the Chinese title has a deeper meaning related to the plot. The “convex” part refers to the protagonist’s physical transformation, but it also symbolizes his emotional growth: he starts as a self-centered man and becomes a true hero by the end.
How to Find the Series with the Correct Title
If you are searching for the series online, using the Chinese title 凸变英雄 will yield the most accurate results on Chinese platforms like Bilibili or Youku. On Western streaming services, search for “To Be Hero” (without the article). The sequel is listed as “To Be Heroine” on most platforms. If you are looking for merchandise or official art, searching for the Chinese title may give you more results, as it is the original name used in China.
Comparisons with Other Chinese-Japanese Co-Productions
To Be Hero is often compared with other Chinese-Japanese animation collaborations, such as Bloodivores (2016) and Spiritpact (2017). These series share a similar production model: Chinese studios provide the story and direction, while Japanese studios handle the animation. However, To Be Hero stands out for its comedic tone and its willingness to break the fourth wall. The sequel, To Be Heroine, is also praised for its strong female lead, which is still relatively rare in Chinese animation.
Another point of comparison is with the Chinese animated film Big Fish & Begonia (2016), which was released around the same time. While that film is a high-budget fantasy epic, To Be Hero is a low-budget TV series that relies on clever writing and character development rather than visual spectacle.
Cost and Availability
To Be Hero is available on several streaming platforms. In China, it is free to watch on Bilibili and Youku. Internationally, it is available on Crunchyroll with a subscription, and it may also be found on Amazon Prime Video in some regions. The series is relatively short—each episode is about 15 minutes—so it can be watched in a single sitting. The sequel, To Be Heroine, is also available on Crunchyroll. There is no official Blu-ray or DVD release for the English-speaking market, but fans have created subtitled versions that circulate online.
Safety and Content Notes
To Be Hero is rated TV-14 for crude humor, sexual innuendo, and mild violence. It is not suitable for young children. The show contains some suggestive scenes, particularly involving the protagonist’s transformation, which is played for laughs. Parents should preview the series before allowing younger teens to watch it. The sequel, To Be Heroine, has a similar rating and content level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “凸变英雄” literally mean?
It literally translates to “Convex-Change Hero.” The “convex” part is a pun on the word “sudden” (突变), and it refers to the protagonist’s physical transformation into a grotesque, muscular form.
Is “To Be Hero” a grammatical mistake?
Yes, it is intentionally missing the article “a.” The title is a play on “To be or not to be” and is meant to sound like a slogan. It is not a mistake but a stylistic choice.
Why is the protagonist so ugly in the show?
The protagonist’s transformation is deliberately grotesque to contrast with the typical handsome anime hero. It is a comedic device that also serves the story’s theme: heroism is not about appearance but about actions.
Is there a season 2?
Yes, the sequel is called To Be Heroine (2018). It features a new protagonist, Ma Xiaolu, but is set in the same universe and shares similar themes.
Where can I watch To Be Hero legally?
In China, it is on Bilibili and Youku. Internationally, it is on Crunchyroll. Some regions may also have it on Amazon Prime Video.
What is the relationship between the Chinese and Japanese studios?
The series is a co-production: the Chinese studio Haoliners Animation League created the story and directed it, while the Japanese studio EMT Squared handled the animation. This is a common model for Chinese-Japanese anime collaborations.
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