Hero Return is a simple, overpowered-MC donghua that, while flawed, offers enjoyable entertainment. The story is basic and, at least in the anime’s current state, not particularly captivating. It jumps around quite a bit, making it difficult to get invested initially. However, the narrative does improve later on in the source material.
The art is average, neither impressive nor terrible, though it occasionally shows glimpses of the potential it could have with better animation. The final fight scene, however, stands out as significantly better animated than the rest, which is a plus considering its importance. The sound design is equally unremarkable, serving its purpose without adding or detracting much from the experience.
The characters, particularly the MC Lin Jie, have distinct personalities and express their emotions, a refreshing change from the typical stoic protagonist. The supporting cast also has some personality, but their backstories are underdeveloped, leaving them feeling somewhat shallow.
If you enjoy overpowered main characters, you’ll likely find Hero Return entertaining. Lin Jie is incredibly strong, having been the strongest hero five years prior and only growing more powerful since. This isn’t a complex anime, but it excels at delivering fun, over-the-top action with an OP MC. If that’s not your cup of tea, you might want to steer clear, as it leans heavily into these tropes.
Overall, I’d rate Hero Return a 7. While much of it is average or slightly above, the genre, the engaging MC, and the well-executed action sequences elevate the series. Having read the source material, I might be a bit biased, but I appreciate seeing these scenes animated.
The anime’s script is undeniably rough, with jarring plot jumps and pivots that constantly pull you out of the story. It’s an enjoyable mess, offering a great example of writing mistakes to learn from while still being entertaining. It’s best enjoyed with a lighthearted approach, poking fun at the narrative’s quirks. If you’re willing to not take it seriously, it’s worth a watch.
Familiarity with dystopian tropes from novels/comics like “Solo Leveling” or “The S Classes That I Raised” will likely help you navigate the story’s jumps and understand the context of the post-dungeon-break world. The “dungeon” problem seems resolved, and the focus shifts to the challenges within a rebuilt society still grappling with powerful users. While the story’s cohesiveness is lacking, it’s enjoyable in its absurdity.
It’s simple, sure, but sometimes simple is good! If you like OP MCs and fast-paced action, this underrated anime might be for you. The fights are a highlight, offering a satisfying mix of hand-to-hand combat, weapons, and powers, a welcome change from the often overly long and dialogue-heavy battles in some other shonen anime. It’s an underrated gem, similar in some ways to “Scissor Seven,” and deserves more attention.
Last Updated on February 6, 2025 by Yu Alexius
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