To Be Heroine

To Be Heroine is a 2018 original net animation produced by the Chinese studio Haoliners Animation League. Serving as a spiritual sequel to the 2016 series To Be Hero, the show follows the story of a high school girl named Futaba who is pulled into a surreal parallel world where she must protect humanity while maintaining her daily life. The project is notable for its distinct departure from the slapstick humor of its predecessor, opting for a more character-driven and emotionally resonant narrative style.

The series was directed by Li Haoling, who sought to blend traditional Japanese anime aesthetic sensibilities with Chinese storytelling motifs. The design language emphasizes fluid movement and expressive character silhouettes, reflecting Haoliners' attempt to bridge the gap between regional animation industries. While the series received mixed reviews for its pacing, it gained critical appreciation for its bold art direction and the ambitious thematic shift from the original series, marking a significant entry in the studio's portfolio of cross-cultural experimental works.