To Be Hero X episode 8 review: Nonstop 2D animation marks an impeccable start to Lucky Cyan’s arc

To Be Hero X episode 8 delivers yet another captivating installment, marking the start of Lucky Cyan’s arc with an excellent showcase of superb 2D animation. Aired on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 9:30 AM JST, the episode dives into Cyan’s backstory, beginning in her childhood at an orphanage.

The narrative explores how her supposed "luck" ironically becomes a burden, shaping a life of quiet frustration, until she meets Luo, a boy believed to bring misfortune to those around him, standing as her complete opposite.

Their powerful bond changes Cyan’s life, and together they plan to escape the orphanage and its cruel Dean. But just as they’re about to break free, the Dean reveals supernatural powers that block their way.

Episode 8 stands out with stunning 2D animation, strong visuals, dramatic storytelling, and impressive music, making it a truly emotional and cinematic experience.

To Be Hero X episode 8 review: 2D cinematic excellence kicks off Cyan’s backstory

To Be Hero X episode 8: A brief synopsis and narrative review

Liu finds Cyan after the crash (Image via Pb Animation/LAN Studio/Paper Plane Animation)

Under Li Haoling’s direction, To Be Hero X episode 8 continues the series’ streak of narrative and audiovisual excellence, this time marking the beginning of another hero’s journey, Lucky Cyan. The collaborative efforts of Bilibili, Aniplex, and BeDream deliver an impressive start to her arc, seamlessly blending cinematic storytelling, striking 2D animation, evocative music, and stellar voice acting.

Titled "The Cyan Girl," the episode opens in the year 23 After Commission with a mysterious plane crash. As reporter Liu Zhen sneaks onto the crash site, he discovers a young girl who miraculously survived.

Sensing a bigger conspiracy behind the crash and concerned for her safety, Liu keeps her survival a secret and takes her to an orphanage run by an acquaintance, since her family perished in the crash. Since they don’t know her name, Liu names her Cyan, after the color of her hair.

Cyan and the Dean (Image via Pb Animation, LAN Studio, Paper Plane Animation Studio)

At his office, Liu’s theory of a conspiracy behind the crash is dismissed by his superior, prompting him to resign. On his way out, he encounters a man distributing flyers saying, "Investigate the Crash! Accept Fear!" When Lue inquires what he means by fear, the man cryptically references Aether Laboratory, piquing Liu’s curiosity and a private conversation.

Meanwhile, Cyan’s life in the orphanage becomes eventful as word spreads about her uncanny good luck, turning her into an object of fascination. Staff and children alike seek her advice for selfish gain. When the Dean discovers a staff member profiting from Cyan’s luck, he is at first angry, but then sees an opportunity.

A five-year time skip reveals a transformed Cyan, now revered as the Sacred Maiden in a cult the Dean created around her, exploiting her for her supposed blessings. Though her Trust Value soars, Cyan feels increasingly caged and hollow.

Queen debuts (Image via Pb Animation, LAN Studio, Paper Plane Animation Studio)

Everything changes when a new boy arrives, Luo, infamously nicknamed the "Calamity" for bringing bad luck wherever he goes. Unlike others, Luo doesn’t seek to use Cyan, and the two quickly bond. For the first time, Cyan finds someone who doesn’t worship her but sees her as a normal person. Someone who promises to help her break free.

To Be Hero X episode 8 also introduces a younger version of another hero, Queen. She is revealed to be Liu Zhen’s daughter, Liu Yuwei, who aspires to become the top hero, X.

Another six years pass. Now a teenager, Cyan continues her forced duties as the Sacred Maiden. But this time, she rebels during a blessing performance. After singing the ceremonial hymn, she casts aside her Sacred Maiden persona and reveals her true self. Luo joins her onstage with a guitar, and together they perform a defiant, upbeat song.

Queen and Liu in To Be Hero X episode 8 (Image via Pb Animation/LAN Studio/Paper Plane Animation)

The audience is stunned, unsure how to react. The Dean, livid, sends guards to stop Cyan and Luo, prompting them to flee. Just as they reach the orphanage gates and freedom seems within grasp, the Dean blocks their path, revealing wind-based superpowers.

Declaring his dream to help others and become a hero, he warns them not to rob him of his purpose. To Be Hero X episode 8 ends on a tense cliffhanger as he threatens Cyan that she’s not allowed to leave him.

To Be Hero X episode 8 showcases peak storytelling, skillfully brought to life under Kōdai Kakimoto’s direction and Yuniko Ayana’s scripts. From the beginning, the mysterious plane crash, Cyan’s miraculous survival, and the cryptic mention of Aether Laboratory establish an air of suspense and intrigue.

Cyan and Luo's first encounter (Image via Pb Animation, LAN Studio, Paper Plane Animation Studio)

Cyan’s arc unfolds with a tragic undertone, as her transformation into the Sacred Maiden only deepens her isolation, until Luo’s arrival brings new life and hope into her story. His presence offers a refreshing contrast and emotional spark.

To Be Hero X episode 8 climaxes with the reveal of the Dean’s superpowers, marking the start of his villain arc and raising the tension dramatically. Simultaneously, the brief appearance of Queen adds further intrigue, especially with the reveal of her connection to Liu, teasing her growing relevance to the larger plot.

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All of these narrative threads are handled with remarkable precision and weight, unfolding at a balanced, engaging pace. From its character development to its tension-filled turns, episode 8 delivers cinematic storytelling at its finest, with standout production values that make it another exceptional installment in the series.

To Be Hero X episode 8: An overall production criticism

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The combined efforts of Pb Animation Co. Ltd., LAN Studio, and Paper Plane Animation Studio once again shine in To Be Hero X episode 8, delivering another outstanding installment in the anime. While the storytelling remains compelling, what truly sets this episode apart is its consistently stellar production quality.

The series has previously impressed with its seamless fusion of 2D and 3D animation, but this episode makes a bold stylistic shift, entirely animated in beautifully rendered 2D.

This creative choice aligns perfectly with the show's visual language, as flashbacks and past events have consistently used 2D animation. Given that the episode focuses solely on Lucky Cyan’s backstory, the decision feels intentional and thematically fitting.

The dean in To Be Hero X episode 8 (Image via Pb Animation/LAN Studio/Paper Plane Animation)

The visuals are stunning, full of style, movement, and detail. Every frame is thoughtfully designed, enhancing the story’s emotion and cinematic feel. The voice acting also stands out, bringing strong emotion and drama to each scene.

Meanwhile, the music, crafted by the powerhouse team of Hiroyuki Sawano, KOHTA YAMAMOTO, and others, amplifies the narrative’s emotional beats and enhances the atmosphere of every scene, heightening moments of tension, sorrow, or joy, and reinforcing the episode's polished, cinematic feel.

Final thoughts

Cyan and Luo attempt escape (Image via Pb Animation, LAN Studio, Paper Plane Animation Studio)

Altogether, To Be Hero X episode 8 delivers a compelling beginning to the backstory of the No. 7 hero while skillfully weaving in the No. 2, Queen’s arc.

Following the earlier deep dives into the pasts of No. 9 E-Soul and No. 10 Nice/the Commoner, the exploration of Cyan’s past so far leans into dramatic and emotional beats. The shift comes in the final moments as a clash with the Dean looms on the horizon, foreshadowing tension and action.

As the story grows more complex and stakes rise, To Be Hero X episode 8 sets the stage for even more thrilling developments ahead. With all production elements hitting the mark, this episode reaffirms the Spring 2025 series as a narrative and visual peak.