“Watch to Be Hero x Chinese” is not a standard phrase in any mythology or folklore tradition; it appears to be a mistranslation or a confused query, likely stemming from the Chinese animated series To Be Hero (凸变英雄) and its sequel To Be Heroine. The “x Chinese” part may refer to the show’s Chinese origin, or it could be a garbled search for “Chinese hero” or “watch To Be Hero Chinese.” This article clarifies what the series is, its mythological and cultural references, and why the phrase might be searched.
Background: What Is To Be Hero?
To Be Hero is a Chinese animated series (donghua) created by Li Haoling and produced by Studio LAN, first aired in 2016. It is a comedic, action-packed show about a middle-aged, overweight engineer named Wang Qiang (also known as “Uncle”) who becomes a superhero after being hit by a mysterious object. The series is known for its crude humor, parody of superhero tropes, and surprisingly emotional storytelling. A sequel, To Be Heroine, aired in 2018 and follows a different protagonist, a young girl named Ye Jie, who is forced to become a hero in a bizarre alternate reality.
The title “To Be Hero” is a deliberate play on the English phrase “to be or not to be,” but with a heroic twist. The show is not based on any traditional Chinese mythology, but it does incorporate elements of Chinese culture, such as references to Taoist concepts, Chinese bureaucracy, and family dynamics. For example, the protagonist’s relationship with his daughter is a central emotional thread, reflecting Confucian family values.
Why “x Chinese” in the Search?
The inclusion of “x Chinese” in the query is likely a user’s attempt to specify the show’s nationality or language. Many viewers search for “watch To Be Hero Chinese” to find the original Mandarin version with subtitles, as opposed to English dubs. Alternatively, “x” might be a placeholder for a word like “vs” (versus) or “cross,” leading to a misinterpretation. For instance, “To Be Hero x Chinese” could be read as “To Be Hero versus Chinese,” which makes no sense. More plausibly, the user may have intended “To Be Hero (Chinese)” or “To Be Hero in Chinese.”
Another possibility is that the searcher is looking for a crossover or fan-made content involving the character from To Be Hero and Chinese mythology. However, no official crossover exists. The confusion underscores how search queries often mix languages and terms, especially for non-English media.
Mythological and Cultural References in the Show
While To Be Hero is not mythological, it does draw on Chinese cultural motifs. For example, the protagonist’s transformation is triggered by a “fart” from a mysterious alien, which is a crude parody of divine intervention. The show also features a character named “Prince” who is a parody of Western superheroes, and the villain “Pig King” references the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West (where Zhu Bajie, the Pig, is a central figure). However, these are comedic nods, not serious mythological adaptations.
In To Be Heroine, the plot involves a “Hero System” that forces the protagonist to perform heroic acts, echoing the concept of “karma” or “destiny” found in Buddhist and Taoist thought. Yet, the show treats these ideas satirically, focusing on the absurdity of forced heroism.
How to Watch To Be Hero in Chinese
If you are looking to watch the series in its original Chinese, here are common platforms:
- Bilibili – A major Chinese video platform that hosts the series with Chinese subtitles.
- Crunchyroll – Offers the series with English subtitles, but the original audio is Chinese.
- Netflix – In some regions, the series is available with multiple language options, including Chinese.
- YouTube – The official Studio LAN channel may have episodes or clips.
Note that availability varies by region and licensing. Always check official sources to avoid piracy.
Common Misconceptions
A frequent misconception is that To Be Hero is a Japanese anime. It is not; it is a Chinese production. However, its art style and humor are heavily influenced by Japanese anime, which can lead to confusion. Another misconception is that the show is for children due to its cartoonish look. In reality, it contains adult humor, sexual innuendo, and crude jokes, making it suitable only for mature audiences.
Additionally, some viewers mistakenly believe that “To Be Hero” is based on a Chinese mythological hero. It is not. The protagonist is an ordinary man, and the show’s message is about the heroism of everyday people, not legendary figures.
Comparisons to Other Heroic Myths
In world mythology, heroes often have divine parentage or extraordinary origins. For example, the Greek hero Heracles was the son of Zeus, and the Chinese hero Hou Yi was a divine archer. In contrast, To Be Hero subverts this by making its hero a middle-aged loser who gains powers by accident. This is more akin to modern superhero parodies like One Punch Man (Japanese) or The Boys (American). The show’s humor lies in the contrast between the mundane and the heroic, which is a common theme in contemporary media but distinct from traditional myths.
Costs and Accessibility
Watching To Be Hero legally may require a subscription to a streaming service. Bilibili offers free episodes with ads, but premium features require a membership. Crunchyroll has both free (with ads) and premium tiers. Netflix requires a subscription. The cost varies by region, but typically ranges from $5 to $15 per month. Some episodes are available for free on official YouTube channels, but they may be limited.
Safety and Legality
When searching for “watch To Be Hero Chinese,” be cautious of unofficial streaming sites that may host pirated content. These sites often contain malware or intrusive ads. Always use reputable platforms. Additionally, be aware that the show’s content is not suitable for children, so parental guidance is advised. There are no safety concerns beyond standard internet usage, but it is important to avoid illegal downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is To Be Hero a Chinese anime?
Yes, it is a Chinese animated series (donghua), not a Japanese anime. It is produced by Studio LAN in China and originally aired in Mandarin.
What does “x Chinese” mean in the search?
It is likely a typo or shorthand for “Chinese.” Users often add “x” as a separator or accidentally type it. The intended query is probably “To Be Hero Chinese” or “To Be Hero in Chinese.”
Is To Be Hero based on Chinese mythology?
No, it is not based on any specific myth. It is an original story that parodies superhero tropes and includes cultural references, but it does not adapt mythological tales.
Can I watch To Be Hero with English subtitles?
Yes, Crunchyroll and Netflix offer English subtitles. The original audio is Chinese, so you can watch it with subtitles if you prefer.
Is To Be Hero suitable for children?
No, it contains adult humor, crude jokes, and some sexual content. It is rated for mature audiences (e.g., TV-MA or equivalent).
Are there any other shows like To Be Hero?
If you enjoy the parody of heroes, you might like One Punch Man (Japanese) or The Heroic Legend of Arslan (though that is more serious). For Chinese donghua with similar humor, try Scissor Seven or The King’s Avatar.
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