REVIEW: ‘To Be Hero X’ Episode 2 — “Moon”

To Be Hero X (Tu Bian Ying Xiong X) Episode 2, “Moon,” explores the nature of Nice’s relationship with Moon (Rongshan Chang). It looks at the truths of who they were and raises questions about who they could become now that Nice, Lin Ling (Natsuki Hanae,  NieR Automata ver1.1a), isn’t who he once was. In doing so, it also brings to light a cruel reality for heroes who find themselves worshipped by their fans.

This episode opens with a brief history of how the original Nice and Moon met and became the couple their fans adore. A quaint art style brings the sequence to life, giving it a charming, storybook atmosphere. It creates a welcoming and warm introduction that is immediately flipped on its head when Lin faces the reality of the current situation.

After the end of Episode 1, it looked as if Moon was murdered. However, that’s not the case. Moon is fine. However, it’s unclear how in the way it’s written. The episode briefly acknowledges the state Lin found her in, only to jump to the very much alive Moon angrily getting her morning run on the treadmill in.

This abrupt segue is the only flaw in To Be Hero X Episode 2, and it’s a big one. Whatever happened, whether it was an exhaustion-induced fantasy, something more science fiction-based, or Moon trying to escape, it feels like some discussion should happen, rather than the shoulder shrug that the fleeting plot point gets.

The relationship between Nice and Moon gets the focus.

Luckily, the show doesn’t allow too much thought to linger on the glaring narrative failure as it quickly dives into the world of Nice and Moon. The surprising twists and turns behind the ideal couple’s facade are never anything less than engaging. It pulls you into the uncomfortable truths of the world of heroes in this series. It showcases how much “trust” exists between fans and heroes, raising questions about what heroes are all about. It also reveals some startling side effects of being the focus of many people’s wishes. In Moon’s case, her fans’ adoration has become a prison to some extent.

Counterbalancing the depth of the To Be Hero X Episode 2 reveals is the fantastic chemistry between Moon and Lin. The way the episode brings the pair together, allowing them to grow swiftly but still naturally, is exemplary storytelling. How Lin’s “nice guy” personality allows him to close the distance that Moon’s relationship with the previous Nice initially creates between them is pure, wholesome goodness.

Rather than crafting a straightforward tale of charm and promise, the story takes the pair’s journey in a different direction. It discards the obvious, cookie-cutter plot one may expect for one that creates far more nuance, even if it may not be what some fans would hope for. However, it does a great service to the series overall, as it establishes how things can and will sometimes go for Lin, no matter how good of a person he may be.

The other narrative point that must be touched on isn’t bad yet, but leaves some cause for concern. That is the rapidly growing number of people discovering the truth about Nice. This isn’t bad yet because the impact of these revelations is yet to be known. If the series isn’t as focused on Lin maintaining the Nice persona as it feels, no biggie. However, if the truth remains hidden, despite so many people figuring it out, it will quickly test the boundaries of suspension of disbelief.

To Be Hero X Episode 2 continues to wonderfully blend art styles. 

While most of To Be Hero X Episode 2 is focused on narrative, characters, and world-building, the episode does find time for some action. This comes through in the same. comic book-inspired style in which Lin’s brief confrontation at the talk show was presented. This approach delivers a great, fun fight in a vacuum, but it does frustrate a little when placed within the show.

The core art style is so dynamic and cool, with gorgeous colors and emotive characters, that pulling away from it during fights feels disappointing. It would be glorious to see Lin and Moon coordinating their powers in that sleek blending of 2D and 3D animation.

Speaking of the gorgeous central art style, there is a shot near the end of this episode that is absolutely breathtaking. Everything about it—angle, placement of the subjects, framing, color, lighting, and how it enhances the event taking place within the narrative—is perfection. If there are many more moments like that in store, the visual feast this series promises will challenge the best in class.

With the exception of one brutally jarring opening moment, To Be Hero X Episode 2 is a masterpiece of a sophomore entry. Great characters and a compelling narrative combine with beautiful and creative visuals to further explore the world the show lives in and the characters who inhabit it.

To Be Hero X Episode 2 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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