A Glimpse into the World of “To Be Hero X”
“To Be Hero X” is a Chinese original donghua series that has captivated audiences with its unique take on the superhero genre. As the third installment in the “To Be Hero” anthology, the series premiered on April 6, 2025, and is a collaborative effort between BeDream, Bilibili, and Aniplex. It airs on Fuji TV in Japan and is globally accessible via Crunchyroll, offering both subtitled and dubbed versions. The foundational premise of “To Be Hero X” posits a world where a hero’s power is directly proportional to the public’s trust in them, a concept measured and reflected as a “trust value” on individuals’ wrists. This innovative system allows ordinary citizens to become superheroes, yet also means that a loss of public faith can diminish or even eradicate a hero’s abilities. At the pinnacle of this hero hierarchy stands “X,” the individual who has garnered the most unwavering public trust. The series is anticipated to span 24 episodes, each delving into the intricate lives and challenges of the top ten ranked heroes.
“Affective Disorder”: Unveiling Ghostblade’s Past
Episode 15 of “To Be Hero X,” titled “Affective Disorder,” marked a significant shift in the series’ narrative focus, transitioning from the preceding Loli Arc to introduce the enigmatic Ghostblade. Released on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Japan, this episode initiated the Ghostblade Arc, which is set to encompass episodes 15 and 16. The episode is dedicated to exploring the intricate backstory of Ghostblade, whose real name is Wang Yi, the formidable 4th-ranked hero known for his role as a “cleaner” of rogue heroes.
The Assassin’s Genesis
“Affective Disorder” immediately establishes a somber tone, opening with a chilling scene depicting Ghostblade’s cold-blooded assassination of Sheng, the father of Little Johnny. Sheng’s dying plea, likely concerning his son, underscores the assassin’s ruthless efficiency. The episode quickly dives into the psychological motivations behind Ghostblade’s persona, revealing his profound yearning for solitude. Growing up in a large, boisterous family of butchers, Wang Yi was constantly overwhelmed by noise and familial discord, leading him to covet silence as a rare luxury. This upbringing shaped his unique philosophy: a proper butcher, in his view, should possess the precision and quiet demeanor of an assassin. This conviction led him to meticulously refine his skills, striving to become the “coolest, quietest assassin.”
From Butcher to Hero: The Rise of a Viral Sensation
The narrative then transitions to a pivotal moment in Ghostblade’s life: the emergence of the FOMO platform, a social media phenomenon that allowed anyone to present themselves as a hero and compete for public trust. Initially dismissive of the concept of gaining trust from strangers, Wang Yi soon found himself an unlikely viral sensation. His exceptional knife skills as a butcher, combined with his eerie, silent presence, captivated the online populace. As his trust value surged, Ghostblade recognized the ease with which public perception could be manipulated.
Love, Family, and Internal Conflict
Episode 15 further humanizes Ghostblade by revealing his romantic and familial journey. He rescues a hostage named Zhang Lan, whose remarkable composure even in the face of danger deeply fascinates him. Their connection blossoms, leading to marriage and the birth of their daughter, Nuonuo. However, the complexities of his dual life as a hero and a family man soon emerge. Zhang Lan, after Nuonuo’s birth, urges Ghostblade to abandon his heroics and embrace a conventional family life. His inability to fully relinquish his hero persona leads to their divorce, with Nuonuo staying with her mother. The episode poignantly illustrates Ghostblade’s continued, albeit unconventional, presence in Nuonuo’s life, shadowing her growth and even inadvertently becoming the “stalker” from whom Loli “saved” her.
The Weight of Expectations
“Affective Disorder” masterfully portrays Ghostblade’s internal struggles. Despite his professional success as a hero, fame brings an unexpected burden. His family demands public appearances and autographs, forcing him into a spotlight he disdains. He grapples with a profound realization: the more people believe in him, and the faster his blade, the more he loses a sense of himself and his ability to communicate verbally. This creates a strange, isolating experience for him. The episode subtly critiques the hero system, highlighting how agencies turn a blind eye to heroes with questionable pasts, such as assassins.
Looking Ahead: The Ghostblade Arc’s Trajectory
Episode 15 not only provided a deep dive into Ghostblade’s character but also set the stage for future developments. The shift in focus to Ghostblade hints at his increased involvement in the ongoing narrative. The episode’s exploration of his struggles and the bittersweet ending, where he reflects on the restrictive nature of beliefs and the importance of family and connection, leaves audiences pondering the true meaning of heroism. With the Ghostblade Arc spanning two episodes, viewers can anticipate further revelations about this compelling character and potentially a confrontation with Hero X, adding another layer of intrigue to the series.
