If you think heroes must be handsome, cool, and have magical powers, think again after watching To Be Hero, a Chinese animated series that flips the hero archetype! It tells the story of ‘Uncle,’ an ugly widowed father who gets sucked into a toilet and transforms into a round, chubby hero on a mission to protect the world and his beloved daughter. Filled with surreal humor and crazy battles, it also carries warmth and heartfelt moments.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
‘Uncle’ is a single father who seems useless, working as a bathroom decorator. One day after using the toilet, he gets sucked into it and finds himself transformed into a hero with special powers, but at the cost of his handsome face becoming a chubby mess! He must fight invading aliens, aided by his daughter ‘Xiaomin,’ who excels in both academics and sports. The series is episodic, with each episode featuring a new enemy and unexpected gags, while slowly unraveling the father-daughter relationship.
Voice Acting and Characters
Though animated, the voice acting is excellent. Sheng Feng as Uncle delivers both comedic and serious tones seamlessly. Shan Xin voices Xiaomin with cuteness and sharpness. Every character is unique, especially ‘Baldie,’ the friend who adds color, and ‘Uncle Chao,’ a mysterious old man who helps. The father-daughter character development gradually reveals the love and care hidden beneath the chaos.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
The visuals feature a unique Chinese cartoon style with vibrant colors. Action scenes are fluid and enjoyable, though not as grand as Japanese anime, they have their own charm. The music fits both comedic and dramatic moments, especially the catchy opening theme with meaningful lyrics. Fast-paced editing keeps boredom at bay, though some episodes feel rushed.
Editorial Analysis
The series' greatest strength is its perfect blend of slapstick comedy and family drama. It conveys themes of sacrifice and responsibility. Though it seems like a kids' show, adults, especially parents, can relate. Drawbacks include some repetitive or over-the-top gags, and the later seasons drag on. Overall, it's a bold work that challenges traditional hero tropes.
Verdict
Overall, To Be Hero is a bold and fun animated series that isn't afraid to poke fun at itself. It's perfect for those who enjoy unique comedy-action cartoons and want something lighthearted yet thought-provoking. You'll laugh and be moved by the story of this ugly hero dad.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Fresh and unique humor
- +Great chemistry between father and daughter
- +Colorful animation and fun action scenes
👎 Cons
- −Some gags are too over-the-top
- −Later seasons feel stretched
- −Lack of depth in supporting characters
Top Cast
FAQ
It has 2 seasons with a total of 24 episodes (12 episodes per season).
It is Chinese anime (Donghua) produced by a Chinese studio, but with a style similar to Japanese anime.
It is suitable for teenagers and above, as some gags may not be appropriate for young children, and the family drama is better understood with maturity.
