To Be Hero X Episode 18, titled “Died-Out Flame,” premiered on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in Japan and on Saturday, August 2, 2025, for international viewers. The episode delves deeper into the backstory of Little Johnny and exposes internal politics within the Hero Agency, providing crucial insights into the series’ overarching narrative.
Release Details and Where to Watch
Episode 18 of To Be Hero X was released on August 2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. PT and 8:30 p.m. ET in North America, and on August 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. JST in Japan. Viewers outside of Asia can stream the episode on Crunchyroll, a popular platform for anime titles. In Japan, the episode aired on Fuji TV and other networks, and was also available on digital sites like U-NEXT and d Anime Store, while Bilibili Global offered streaming in some regions. New episodes of To Be Hero X typically release every Saturday for international audiences due to time zone differences.
The Johnnies Arc Continues
“Died-Out Flame” is part of “The Johnnies Arc,” which spans episodes 17 to 19. This arc focuses on the characters of Little Johnny and Big Johnny. Little Johnny is introduced as the son of a former top-ranked hero who was mysteriously assassinated by Ghostblade, leading Little Johnny to become a hero himself to uncover the truth. Big Johnny, on the other hand, is an animal-like alien adopted by Little Johnny, capable of transforming into a monster though prone to losing control.
Little Johnny’s Heroic Ascent and Personal Struggles
Episode 18 specifically highlights Little Johnny’s journey to becoming a hero within the FOMO agency. The narrative explores how his initial desire for revenge, following a personal tragedy, evolves into a sense of emptiness. Despite having merchandise made in his likeness, Little Johnny laments his lack of a proper mission, until he is assigned one with MG’s Ghostblade. The episode also touches upon his personal anxieties, specifically whether fans’ trust in Ghostblade prevents him from confessing his feelings, leading him to try and “support” Ghostblade in relaying his emotions.
Unveiling Hero Agency Secrets
A significant plot point in Episode 18 involves Mickey, a character who works for DOS, one of the major hero companies within the Hero Affairs Commission (H.A.C.). Mickey’s actions in this episode reveal grave secrets to the Commission, shedding light on the internal politics of the Hero Agency. The episode shows Mickey informing Queen about a mandatory “vacation” to an alien shipwreck site, where Little Johnny is also located. Furthermore, the episode confirms suspicions regarding Liu Zheng, Queen’s father, and his connection to the Spotlight Organization and the Hero Affairs Commission. Dr. Luo’s presentation about the alien crash site to the H.A.C. members is followed by a direct call from Mickey to the commission’s leader, implying a secret alliance. Mickey then verifies that Zheng has been leading research on “Fear,” and a visual transition links Zheng’s face to the masked leader of Spotlight, who is seen experimenting. The episode also suggests that the plane crash in Year 23 A.C., which resulted in casualties including a former Hero X, Vortex, may have been orchestrated.
The World of To Be Hero X
To Be Hero X is a Chinese original donghua series, serving as the third installment in the To Be Hero anthology franchise. The series, co-produced by BeDream, Bilibili, and Aniplex, premiered on April 6, 2025. In this universe, heroes gain their power and ranking based on the public’s “trust value,” which is a quantifiable data reflected on their wrists. The individual with the highest ranking is known as “X.” Every few years, top heroes participate in a tournament to reassess their rankings and trust values. The narrative is known for its non-linear storytelling, unfolding a compelling tale that dates back decades, with different arcs focusing on the origins of the top ten heroes. The series uniquely blends 2D and 3D animation, with shifts in art style depending on the story’s events. The overarching plot delves into the mystery surrounding “X” and the machinations of various organizations.
