Arisunime — E-Soul stands as one of the most intriguing and pivotal figures in the complex world of “To Be Hero X,” an anime that uniquely ties superhero abilities to public perception and “trust value.” Initially presented as a legendary and veteran hero, the E-Soul mantle becomes a focal point for exploring themes of legacy, identity, and the often-corruptible nature of heroism within the series.
A Legendary Figure with a Hidden Face: The original E-Soul was a highly revered hero, boasting an impressive 34-year career in the service and holding the prestigious Rank 9 within the Hero Association. His primary power was electrokinesis, allowing him to manipulate lightning with devastating effect. A defining characteristic of E-Soul was his unwavering commitment to anonymity; he never publicly revealed his face, always appearing behind a signature mask. This mystery only added to his legendary status.
The Shifting Mantle of E-Soul: A crucial aspect of E-Soul’s lore is the revelation that the title is not tied to a single individual. The series dramatically illustrates this when a young man named Yang Cheng inadvertently becomes the new E-Soul. In the world of “To Be Hero X,” a hero’s power is directly proportional to the public’s faith in them. After Yang Cheng performs a heroic act while coincidentally dressed as E-Soul, the public’s belief begins to transfer to him. This shift culminates in a tragic confrontation where Yang Cheng, now imbued with the public’s expectations and the E-Soul powers, duels and ultimately defeats the original E-Soul, leading to his demise.
The E-Soul Arc and Yang Cheng’s Journey: Episodes 5 through 7 of “To Be Hero X” delve deeply into the “E-Soul Arc,” chronicling Yang Cheng’s backstory and the complex, often morally grey circumstances that lead to his succession. This arc explores the personal cost of becoming a hero in a system driven by public opinion and the machinations of figures behind the scenes.
Intrigue and Controversy: The narrative surrounding E-Soul is not without its dark twists. It is revealed that a character known as “Rock,” potentially a manager or an influential figure within the Hero Association, manipulated events to orchestrate the replacement of the aging original E-Soul with a newer, perhaps more controllable, successor in Yang Cheng. Furthermore, theories and fan discussions abound regarding E-Soul’s (whether the original or Yang Cheng) alleged involvement in the death of another character named Moon, adding layers of complexity and potential antagonism to the hero persona.
Symbolism and Theme Song: E-Soul is thematically significant, representing the burdens of heroism, the ephemeral nature of fame and power tied to public perception, and the potential for legacy to be both an honor and a trap. The character is further defined by a dedicated theme song titled “NEON RAIN,” which often accompanies his appearances and highlights the atmosphere surrounding his arc.
In essence, E-Soul in “To Be Hero X” is more than just a superhero; it’s a concept and a legacy that drives significant plot developments and character arcs, forcing viewers to question the true meaning and cost of being a hero in a world where belief itself is power.***
