Episode 17 of the To Be Hero X donghua series, titled “Whisper Flower,” premiered on Sunday, July 27, 2025, delving into the poignant backstory of Little Johnny, one half of the hero duo “The Johnnies.” This episode marks the beginning of “The Johnnies Arc” and reveals the tragic events that shaped his life and his bond with the mysterious alien creature he calls Big Johnny.
The World of To Be Hero X: Where Faith Forges Heroes
The To Be Hero X series is set in a world where “faith” is the literal currency of heroism. If people believe in a hero’s ability, that hero gains superpowers; conversely, a loss of public trust results in a hero losing their abilities. This “Trust Value” is quantified and determines a hero’s ranking, with the top hero being known as “X.” Every two years, a tournament is held to re-evaluate these rankings based on hero performance. The series, a Chinese original donghua, is the third installment in the To Be Hero franchise and began airing on April 6, 2025, co-produced by BeDream, Bilibili, and Aniplex.
Little Johnny’s Early Life and Family Tragedy
Episode 17 opens with a tender scene depicting Little Johnny’s childhood, emphasizing the importance of family and the comforting belief that individuals choose their parents before coming to Earth. This innocent beginning quickly contrasts with the somber reality of his mother’s declining health. Little Johnny’s father, Sheng, is revealed to be a high-ranking hero with healing abilities, yet he is unable to cure his wife’s illness. This helplessness leads Sheng and Little Johnny to leave the city and the hero society, relocating to the mountains to honor his wife’s wish to take their son away from it all.
The Arrival of Big Johnny
During this period of transition, Sheng investigates a shipwreck site where he discovers a strange alien creature. This creature, which Little Johnny affectionately names Big Johnny, soon becomes an integral part of their small family, with Little Johnny seeing him as his “son.” The episode beautifully portrays the deepening bond between Little Johnny and Big Johnny, highlighting their shared moments of play, learning, and mischief, adding a touch of humor and warmth amidst the escalating tension. Sheng encourages Little Johnny to nurture and train Big Johnny, with the hope that he too might become a hero.
A Conspiracy Unfolds and Vengeance is Sworn
The narrative takes a dark turn when a group of local children bully Big Johnny, perceiving him as odd. Little Johnny bravely intervenes to protect his friend, and his intense anger momentarily causes Big Johnny’s body to glow in a frenzy, hinting at the creature’s hidden power. As the family settles into their new life, an older “X” hero, Hero Vortex (also referred to as “Swirl”), is introduced, possessing a vortex ability, and is shown to have been acquainted with Sheng.
The climax of the episode sees Little Johnny returning home to a horrifying discovery: his father, Sheng, lying lifeless on the ground. It is revealed that Ghostblade, a highly skilled assassin hero, assassinated Sheng under mysterious orders. Overwhelmed by grief and unimaginable rage, Little Johnny mistakenly blames Hero Vortex for his father’s death, vowing revenge. This potent emotional surge empowers Big Johnny, causing him to transform into a colossal monster and begin rampaging through the nearby village. The episode concludes with a dramatic cliffhanger, setting the stage for a chaotic confrontation between Hero Vortex, the rampaging Big Johnny, and the lurking Ghostblade.
The Significance of Episode 17
Episode 17 provides crucial insights into the origins of The Johnnies, a hero duo ranked 5th, and establishes Little Johnny’s core motivations driven by vengeance. The episode masterfully balances heartfelt family moments with the shocking tragedy that irrevocably alters Little Johnny’s path, showcasing how the concept of “faith” and its loss can profoundly impact the lives of heroes and those around them. It also sheds light on the corrupt underbelly of the hero system, with hints of a broader conspiracy involving figures like Mickey and the Agency’s higher-ups, who are seemingly analyzing the effects of “Fear particles.” This episode deepens the narrative, connecting the Johnnies’ story to the overarching themes of the To Be Hero X universe.
