TO BE HERO

To Be Hero is an original net animation produced by the Chinese studio Haoliners Animation, primarily released in 2016. The series was created and directed by Shinichi Watanabe, known for his distinct and eccentric directorial style, in a cross-cultural collaboration that sought to blend Japanese animation sensibilities with the burgeoning Chinese digital animation industry. The narrative follows a self-absorbed protagonist who is transformed into an unattractive superhero, serving as a satirical take on the father-daughter relationship and the tropes of the superhero genre.

The visual design of the series is noted for its high-energy, slapstick aesthetic, which often juxtaposes exaggerated character designs with moments of unexpected emotional gravity. Produced during a period of significant expansion for Haoliners, the project was intended to reach a global streaming audience, resulting in a reception that highlighted its experimental structure and unconventional humor. While it remains a niche entry in the landscape of international co-productions, it is recognized for its unique stylistic departure from standard ONA formatting.