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Hero Mask
Hero Mask
Hero Mask
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Hero Mask
Blu-Ray cover for North American release
GenreCrime, action[1]
Original net animation
Directed byHiroyasu Aoki
Written byHiroyasu Aoki
Music byHisaki Kato
StudioPierrot
Licensed byNetflix
ReleasedDecember 3, 2018 (#1–15)
August 23, 2019 (#16–24)
Runtime24 minutes
Episodes24 (List of episodes)
Manga
Hero Mask: A lost memory
Written byYuuki Kodama
Published byLINE
MagazineLINE Manga
Original runJuly 7, 2020 – present

Hero Mask (stylized as HERO≠MASK) is a Japanese original net animation (ONA) series produced by Pierrot for Netflix. The series is written and directed by Hiroyasu Aoki, and premiered worldwide on December 3, 2018. A second season premiered on August 23, 2019.

In June 2020, it was announced that Hero Mask would receive a manga spin-off titled Hero Mask: A lost memory which would be serialized on the LINE Manga app starting on July 7, 2020.[2] The anime aired on Tokyo MX from July 2, 2020, to December 10, 2020, making it the first true Netflix original anime to broadcast on linear television in Japan.[3]

Plot

[edit]

Set in a fictional version of London, James Blood is a hot-blooded officer working for the elite "Special Service of Crime" (SSC) division within the Capital Police Department. Sarah Sinclair is a subordinate to Crown Prosecutor Monica Campbell, whose witness suddenly drops dead while working on a high-profile case involving the LIVE Corporation. Shortly thereafter, the police station is attacked by an enemy James thought long dead. James ends up teaming with Sarah to uncover the perpetrators behind these events, dragging them into a conspiracy involving LIVE, escaped prisoners who supposedly died years ago, and masks that give their wearers superhuman abilities.

Characters

[edit]
James Blood (ジェームズ・ブラッド, Jēmuzu Buraddo)
Voiced by: Yasuyuki Kase[1] (Japanese); Greg Chun[4] (English; Netflix Dub); Chris Patton[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
A hot-blooded Detective Inspector (DI) working with the SSC in the Capital Police Department. After fighting off his arch-nemesis Grimm, who he thought to be dead, multiple times, he decides to look for answers with Sarah. Later, he also protects Tina from Geffrey Connor. Gets exposed to the same energy experienced by Julia Herst when she died, leaving him to use a Mask similar to Tina's.
Sarah Sinclair (サラ・シンクレア, Sara Shinkurea)
Voiced by: Yūko Kaida[1] (Japanese); Lauren Landa[4] (English; Netflix Dub); Luci Christian[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
An assistant attorney working in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). After she witnesses Monica collapse in the street before giving her vital information, she believes she was murdered, and teams up with James to find the perpetrator. She also works with Oliver Henderson to figure out the connection between Live Corporation and Monica.
Lennox Gallagher (レノックス・ギャラガー, Renokkusu Gyaragā)
Voiced by: Junpei Morita[1] (Japanese); Brad Venable (English; Netflix Dub); Josh Morrison[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Gallagher is the Senior Investigation Officer (SIO) of the Mask case and James' superior at the SSC.
Edmond “Eddie” Chandler (エドモンド・チャンドラー, Edomondo Chandorā)
Voiced by: Kentaro Takano[1] (Japanese); Landon McDonald[4] (English; Netflix Dub); Blake Shepard[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
A technical specialist and Detective Sergeant (DS) at the SSC who designs and maintains multiple gadgets for the organization, including the "GPS Bullets" that James is fond of using.
Harry Creighton (ハリー・クレイトン, Harī Kureiton)
Voiced by: Kōki Uchiyama[1] (Japanese); Chris Niosi[4] (English; Netflix Dub); Andrew Love[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
A former SSC detective who disappeared after his girlfriend collapsed one day. Currently working as a mercenary for the LIVE Corporation, helping Geffrey Connor continue research on the Masks.
Geffrey Connor (ジェフリー・コーナー, Jefurī Kōnā)
Voiced by: Yutaka Aoyama[1] (Japanese); Cam Clarke (English; Netflix Dub); Jay Hickman[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
One of the researchers for the development of the Masks, he is determined to see the Masks' fruition, using Harry Creighton to hunt down opposition and investigators. Believes that technology should be made for humankind at the expense of some.
Steven Martland (スティーブン・マートランド, Sutībun Mātorando)
Voiced by: Takayuki Sugō[1] (Japanese); Jason Marnocha (English; Netflix Dub); John Gremillion[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
The CEO of Live Corporation, he is heavily connected to the development of the Masks.
Richard Burner (リチャード・バーナー, Richādo Bānā)
Voiced by: Yutaka Nakano[1] (Japanese); Armen Taylor (English; Netflix Dub); Mark Laskowski[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
The Detective Chief Superintendent (DCS) in charge of the SSC. He resigns after the death of his wife during a bank robbery.
Monica Campbell (モニカ・キャンベル, Monika Kyanberu)
Voiced by: Haruka Shibuya[1] (Japanese); Julia McIivaine (English; Netflix Dub); Sara Gaston[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
An investigator for the SSC that worked at Ecohes, she was killed by Live Corporation for getting too deep into the investigation of the development of the Masks.
Fred Faraday (フレッド・ファラデー, Fureddo Faradē)
Voiced by: Tomoyuki Shimura[1] (Japanese) Cam Clarke (English; Netflix Dub); Joe Daniels[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
One of the researchers for the development of the Masks. Also the brother of Geffrey Connor, believing that technology should help everyone without the expense of others.
Jeremy "Grimm" Payne (ジェレミー・ペイン "グリム", Jeremī Pein "Gurimu")
Voiced by: Yūichi Karasuma[1] (Japanese); Sean Chiplock (English; Netflix Dub); Scott Gibbs[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
A criminal who is known for a string of killings and is known to be mentally unstable. He heavily dislikes James since James had arrested him and put him in prison. Used as a test subject for the masks before escaping.
Eve Palmer (イヴ・パーマー, Ivu Pāmā)
Voiced by: Yukiyo Fujii[1] (Japanese); Kira Buckland (English; Netflix Dub); Tayler Fono[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
Harry Creighton's lover, she suffered heart failure, leading to Harry Creighton defecting from the SSC.
Anna Winehouse (アンナ・ワインハウス, Anna Wainhausu)
Voiced by: Tomoko Miyadera[1] (Japanese); Rachel Robinson (English; Netflix Dub); Christine Auten[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
The CEO of the drug company Ecohes, helps James to keep Tina from getting captured by Geffrey Connor.
Theo Lowe (セオ・ロー, Seo Rō)
Voiced by: Xander Mobus[4] (English; Netflix Dub); Adam Gibbs[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
A criminal who took multiple doctors hostage in a hospital to get a heart transplant for his daughter. Theo supposedly died in prison but was secretly used as a test subject for the masks before escaping with the others. Wishes to see his estranged family before he dies.
Tina Herst (ティナ・ハースト, Tina Hāsuto)
Voiced by: Yū Shimamura[6] (Japanese); Kayli Mills (English; Netflix Dub); Hilary Haag[5] (English; Sentai Filmworks Dub)
Her father, William Herst (ウィリアム・ハースト), takes care of her as her mother, Julia Herst (ジュリア・ハースト), died in an accident during the development of the Masks, pregnant with :Tina. Tina was also exposed to the energy of the accident, and was given a Mask to perpetually keep her from dying from the energy. Geffrey Connor wants her mask in order to finish the Masks.

Production

[edit]

Anime

[edit]

The series is written and directed by Hiroyasu Aoki and is animated by Studio Pierrot.[7] Takahisa Katagiri is providing the series' character designs, and Hisaki Kato is composing the music.[7] The 15-episode first season premiered worldwide on Netflix on December 3, 2018.[1] The 9-episode second season premiered on August 23, 2019. The main cast and staff members reprised their roles.[6]

Hero Mask was released in North America by Sentai Filmworks.[8]

Manga

[edit]

The manga Hero Mask: A lost memory was first serialized in Japan on July 7, 2020, with new chapters made every week.[3] Serialization was completed on September 15, 2020.[9]

It was published in paperback in Japan on March 15, 2021.[10]

Episodes

[edit]
Series overview
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
115December 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
29August 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)

Season 1 (2018)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Episode 01"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
22"Episode 02"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
33"Episode 03"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
44"Episode 04"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
55"Episode 05"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
66"Episode 06"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
77"Episode 07"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
88"Episode 08"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
99"Episode 09"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
1010"Episode 10"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
1111"Episode 11"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
1212"Episode 12"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
1313"Episode 13"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
1414"Episode 14"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)
1515"Episode 15"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiDecember 3, 2018 (2018-12-03)

Season 2 (2019)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
161"Episode 16"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiAugust 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)
172"Episode 17"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiAugust 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)
183"Episode 18"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiAugust 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)
194"Episode 19"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiAugust 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)
205"Episode 20"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiAugust 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)
216"Episode 21"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiAugust 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)
227"Episode 22"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiAugust 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)
238"Episode 23"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiAugust 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)
249"Episode 24"Hiroyasu AokiHiroyasu AokiAugust 23, 2019 (2019-08-23)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hero Mask

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hero Mask (stylized as HERO≠MASK) is a Japanese action series produced by Studio exclusively for , centering on a involving bio-masks that alter the wearer's appearance and grant abilities at the cost of shortening their lifespan. The story is set in a fictionalized and follows Special Services Command (SSC) agent James Blood and Sarah Sinclair as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths linked to these masks. Directed and chiefly written by Hiroyasu Aoki, the series premiered its first season on December 3, 2018, consisting of 15 episodes, followed by a second season of 9 episodes on August 23, 2019. It later aired on Tokyo MX in Japan from July 2 to December 10, 2020. Key voice actors include Yasuyuki Kase as James Blood, Yūko Kaida as Sarah Sinclair, and Junpei Morita in supporting roles. The anime blends elements of mystery, thriller, sci-fi, and crime drama, exploring themes of identity, power, and corporate intrigue through its episodic structure. Produced in collaboration with Sotsu and licensed by Sentai Filmworks for home video release, Hero Mask marks one of Netflix's early original anime projects aimed at a global audience.

Plot summary

Season 1

Set in a fictionalized version of , the first season of Hero Mask opens with a dramatic on the of the SSC, an elite high-tech police organization, by a masked intruder who bears the face of a man long presumed dead. This lone attacker, enhanced by a mysterious , demonstrates unnatural resilience and combat prowess, evading capture and exposing vulnerabilities in the SSC's security. The incident sets off a chain of events involving bombings across the city and the suspicious death of high-profile prosecutor Monica Campbell, drawing immediate attention from and judicial figures. SSC special agent James Blood, a seasoned investigator known for his relentless pursuit of justice, takes the lead in probing the bombings and Campbell's murder, which show clear links to the powerful pharmaceutical giant LIVE Corporation. Blood's path crosses with Sarah Sinclair, Campbell's protégé and a sharp crown prosecutor who suspects foul play in her mentor's demise after witnessing elements of the crime. The duo forms an uneasy partnership, combining Blood's field expertise with Sinclair's legal acumen to sift through evidence pointing to corporate malfeasance. Their collaboration uncovers the masks' true nature: advanced bio-masks developed by LIVE that bestow superhuman abilities, including enhanced strength, bullet resistance, and facial disguise, but at the cost of accelerating the wearer's aging. These devices are tied to a covert program using escaped prisoners as test subjects, allowing them to impersonate others and commit crimes with impunity. As the investigation deepens, pivotal twists emerge surrounding Geffrey Connor, LIVE's enigmatic founder and a pioneer in mask research aimed at "human evolution" through genetic enhancement. Connor's experiments, initially framed as medical advancements, reveal a darker agenda of control and power consolidation, with Campbell's death orchestrated to silence her growing suspicions of LIVE's activities. Blood and Sinclair's arcs evolve from individual inquiries to a unified front against systemic corruption, grappling with themes of identity erosion as the masks blur the lines between victim and perpetrator. The season builds to a tense climax where the protagonists expose LIVE's conspiracy in a high-stakes involving multiple masked assailants, culminating in the escape of several enhanced individuals who evade capture and hint at broader threats.

Season 2

Season 2 of Hero Mask escalates the surrounding the bio-masks, shifting focus from the initial outbreaks to their deeper origins and broader societal ramifications in a near-future plagued by enhanced criminal activities. With the LIVE Corporation dismantled following Season 1 events, remnants of its technology proliferate among antagonists, enabling superhuman feats that lead to a series of high-profile attacks and mysterious deaths, straining the SSC's resources and eroding public trust in . James , now a within his own due to internal betrayals, deepens his alliance with key figures like prosecutor Sarah Sinclair, who uncovers evidence linking the masks to unethical experiments on prisoners conducted years earlier by LIVE scientists. Their joint efforts reveal the masks' roots in treating a rare genetic illness, spearheaded by Gary Evans, a reclusive pioneer whose work inadvertently created uncontrollable side effects, including accelerated aging and loss of humanity. As the plot unfolds, Herst, daughter of former LIVE researcher William Herst, emerges as a pivotal figure whose unique —tied to an accident during her mother's —makes her the living embodiment of the mask technology's potential and dangers. Connor, evading capture, pursues to harness her abilities for his vision of "perfected" masks that heal without fatal drawbacks, forging uneasy alliances with figures like Harry Creighton and exploiting divisions within the SSC under new director Douglas Coates, who harbors secret motives aligned with the conspiracy's architects. Revelations expose the "King"—a shadowy entity manipulating events from afar—as Gary Evans himself, whose experiments on convicts formed the masks' foundation, now threatening widespread chaos as mask-enhanced antagonists orchestrate ambushes, safehouse raids, and vehicular pursuits across London's underbelly. Sarah Sinclair faces betrayals from within the justice system, including compromised officials tied to LIVE's legacy, while James grapples with moral dilemmas in protecting , whose mask grants regenerative powers but at the cost of her lifespan. The season builds to intense confrontations showcasing the masks' superhuman enhancements, from tentacle-like appendages in close-quarters combat to rapid healing during high-speed chases and explosive set pieces that devastate urban . Key battles involve James clashing with mask-wielding foes in abandoned warehouses and SSC facilities, highlighting the technology's societal toll: increased , black-market proliferation, and ethical debates over bio-enhancement amid rising casualties. In the climax, a multi-faction showdown at a forces alliances to fracture, with the masks merging into a singular, unstable entity that amplifies the wearers' abilities to catastrophic levels. The conspiracy unravels as Gary's role is exposed, leading to the SSC's purge of corrupt elements and the destruction of core mask prototypes, though lingering threats persist. The finale leaves characters like James and Tina forever altered, pondering a where mask remnants could redefine humanity, closing the arc on LIVE's shadow while implying ongoing vigilance against technological overreach.

Characters

Main characters

James Blood serves as the primary and a detective with the Special Service Command (SSC), an elite division of London's Capital Police Department. As a skilled investigator, he is driven by a personal stake rooted in the loss of his mentor, Monica Campbell, which fuels his relentless pursuit of truth amid the series' conspiracies. Blood's personality is marked by fierce determination, tactical intelligence in combat and deduction—such as his proficiency as a driver and marksman—and a moral complexity that leads him to employ unorthodox, sometimes dangerous methods to achieve justice. Sarah Sinclair is the co-lead, an assistant in the , whose background involves handling high-profile corporate cases. Motivated by a strong sense of , particularly after witnessing her superior Monica Campbell's apparent murder, she partners with Blood to expose hidden threats. Sinclair's traits include sharp wit in legal analysis and research, alongside ethical dilemmas that arise from navigating systemic and personal risks in her quest for accountability. The dynamic between and Sinclair begins as a reluctant alliance, forged by their shared connection to Campbell's death and mutual distrust of official narratives, evolving into a complementary partnership where Blood's action-oriented approach balances Sinclair's methodical, evidence-based strategy. Over the two seasons, both characters undergo individual growth, with Blood grappling deeper with his moral boundaries and Sinclair asserting greater independence in confronting institutional injustices.

Supporting characters

Geffrey Connor serves as a key researcher into the mask technology at LIVE Corporation, driven by an obsession to harness the masks for advancing through abilities. His background involves conducting secretive scientific experiments on the masks, which grant powers like shape-shifting and enhanced durability but also cause rapid aging in users. Monica Campbell is a whose sudden death during an investigation into LIVE Corporation initiates key tensions, establishing her as a mentor figure with a legacy of pursuing corporate accountability. Her traits include sharp investigative acumen and a commitment to justice, influencing subsequent efforts against the corporation's activities. Key antagonists from LIVE Corporation include executives and masked operatives motivated by ideologies of power consolidation and societal control via the mask . Steven Martland, as CEO, oversees the corporation's mask development initiatives, prioritizing corporate dominance over ethical concerns. Masked operatives, such as the Harry Creighton—a former police detective who defected after personal tragedy—execute operations to secure masks, embodying the corporation's ruthless control mechanisms. LIVE Corporation publicly operates as a pharmaceutical entity focused on disease cures but covertly tests masks on prisoners to engineer superhuman enhancements, linking their actions to broader threats like bombings. Minor allies within the SSC include Lennox Gallagher, the division head who coordinates anti-corporate responses, and Edmond Chandler, a specializing in such as designing advanced equipment to counter threats. These figures provide operational aid and occasional obstacles through bureaucratic channels, supporting investigations into LIVE's influence.

Production

Development

Hero Mask was developed as an original net animation (ONA) series by exclusively for , as part of the streaming service's expanding slate of original projects in the late . The project was announced in November 2018, marking one of Pierrot's early forays into Netflix originals following their established work in traditional anime production. Hiroyasu Aoki served as both director and for the series, marking his first time helming an original project. Aoki emphasized thriller elements in the storytelling, drawing inspiration from dramas to create a narrative focused on mystery and action within a sci-fi framework. The core concept revolved around mask technology as a for hidden identities, allowing characters to assume different personas and explore themes of deception and self-perception in a world of intrigue. Pre-production planning included a two-season structure, with the initial arc designed as a 15-episode storyline for the first season to build tension and character development. This approach allowed flexibility in pacing, negotiated with to accommodate the serialized format without the constraints of typical broadcast cour limits. Aoki's enabled a cohesive vision, integrating scriptwriting with directorial decisions from the outset.

Anime

Hero Mask is an produced by exclusively for , with the first season consisting of 15 episodes and the second season featuring 9 episodes, each approximately 24 minutes in length. The series' emphasizes dynamic action sequences, particularly those involving the central motif of masks that enhance combat capabilities, achieved through 's traditional 2D techniques. Character designs were handled by Takahisa Katagiri, who crafted a realistic, Western-influenced aesthetic for the protagonists to suit the genre. Hiroyasu Aoki served as director and series composer, overseeing the overall vision and scripting for key episodes alongside collaborators like Akira Kindaichi. The music was composed by , whose score supports the tense atmosphere of the narrative through instrumental tracks released in two original soundtrack volumes. Sound direction was provided by Sōichirō Kubo, ensuring synchronized audio for the series' chase and confrontation scenes. The Japanese voice cast includes as James Blood, as Sarah Sinclair, Kōki Uchiyama as Harry Creighton, and Haruka Shibuya as Monica Campbell, delivering performances that highlight the characters' investigative and combative roles. For the English dub, notable actors include voicing James Blood and as Sarah Sinclair, with production handled by for select episodes. The Netflix-exclusive format allowed for a global simultaneous release, influencing the episodic structure to maintain binge-watch pacing without traditional broadcast constraints. The series later aired on in from July 2, 2020, to December 10, 2020, marking the first Netflix original to broadcast on linear television there. Licensed by , the complete series received a Blu-ray release in in 2021; a UK Blu-ray edition followed on April 21, 2025, distributed by .

Manga adaptation

The manga adaptation of Hero Mask, titled Hero Mask: A lost memory, serves as a spin-off side story that explores unexplored backstories within the series' universe. Serialized digitally on the LINE app starting July 7, 2020, with weekly chapter updates, it delves into lost memories tied to the experimental technology and provides additional character perspectives, such as the past of Jasper from the pharmaceutical company Echoes. Created by mangaka Wakaiki, the expands on anime events through a focused on related conspiracies, avoiding direct parallels to specific episodes while enriching the overall lore. Publication details include ongoing digital releases on the platform, with the compiled chapters released in a single volume in March 2021 by LINE Digital Frontier.

Episodes

Season 1 (2018)

The first season of Hero Mask, consisting of 15 episodes, was released worldwide on Netflix on December 3, 2018, in a binge-release model, with each episode running approximately 24 minutes. The season follows the initial investigation into mysterious deaths linked to bio-masks, progressing from isolated incidents to broader revelations about a corporate conspiracy involving the SSC and LIVE Corporation.
EpisodeSummary
1Prosecutor Monica Campbell arranges for the SSC to protect a key witness, but she is soon murdered, prompting her colleague Sarah Sinclair to request an SSC investigation led by James Blood.
2An escaped criminal suddenly appears and causes chaos at the SSC headquarters; James Blood and Sarah Sinclair pursue him into the countryside for answers.
3Harry Creighton joins LIVE Corporation following a personal tragedy; meanwhile, the SSC's retrieval team's operations are secretly monitored by external forces.
4Eddy Chandler investigates the past of a prisoner named Grimm at an abandoned facility; Harry Creighton searches for a missing sample tied to the emerging mask technology.
5Theo Herst uses a mysterious mask to repel an attack on his life; James Blood notices Creighton tailing both Theo and Eddy during the confrontation.
6James Blood works to safeguard Theo Herst's family amid rising threats; Creighton continues shadowing Theo and Eddy as they approach an SSC station.
7Recovering in the hospital, Sarah Sinclair recalls a crucial detail from a prior case; Eddy grapples with the aftermath of an assault, while Martland holds a secretive meeting.
8Sarah identifies a key suspect in Geffrey Connor; James Blood breaks into a related property for evidence, as Creighton confers with the leader of the mask development project.
9James Blood consults with informant Anna Winehouse for new leads on the masks; Sarah presses forward with her independent inquiry into the deaths.
10Accompanied by a colleague's dog, James visits Connor's apartment for clues; Connor reveals critical information to Creighton, while Sarah voices her growing suspicions to allies.
11Sarah teams up with a journalist to dig deeper; James fends off attackers at Connor's location, escalating the personal stakes in the mask conspiracy.
12Sarah discovers potential links between her superior Robert Walter, Monica's murder, and LIVE Corporation, prompting her to contact Eddy for support.
13The SSC attempts to extract a witness named Fred under protection; James, Sarah, and their allies intercept to ensure safety, but Creighton and Connor disrupt the operation.
14James reluctantly allies with Creighton to confront a hired assassin targeting key figures; meanwhile, Dr. Gallagher and his superior prepare in a hidden surgical facility.
15Under interrogation, Steven Martland faces scrutiny over his role; flashbacks reveal a pivotal LIVE Corporation incident, as Richard Burner recalls events, while Sarah pursues justice for Monica's death, setting up unresolved tensions for further revelations.

Season 2 (2019)

Season 2 of Hero Mask consists of 9 episodes, a reduction from the 15 episodes of Season 1, resulting in a more condensed with accelerated pacing that emphasizes the escalation of bio-mask threats and culminates in the resolution of the central LIVE conspiracy. All episodes premiered simultaneously on on August 23, 2019. The episodes are titled generically as "Episode 1" through "Episode 9" and continue the investigation into while introducing new alliances and betrayals among key characters.
EpisodeTitleSummary
1Episode 1The SSC's new director enacts significant departmental changes amid ongoing investigations, while uncovers a crucial lead pointing to former scientist William Herst.
2Episode 2Connor and Creighton attempt to abduct by breaking into Herst's residence; William struggles to repel them, but James and Wyatt arrive to intervene in the confrontation.
3Episode 3Harry launches an assault on an SSC sheltering and James, forcing the team to consider compromising their positions to neutralize the threat.
4Episode 4While escaping pursuers, James and are struck by a truck; in the aftermath, James reaches out to Anna Winehouse seeking clarity on the mask origins.
5Episode 5With 's assistance, James infiltrates the facility holding ; Connor tells about her family's deep connections to the mask technology.
6Episode 6James surrenders Connor to Wyatt for custody, but Connor remains uncooperative until Anna steps in to extract vital information from him.
7Episode 7Anna reveals to details of experimental research conducted before her birth; Herst regains consciousness, and Coates encounters a enigmatic figure tied to the .
8Episode 8As anticipates her father's arrival and examines Anna's photographs, Wyatt and track down Gary Evans, only to walk into a deadly .
9Episode 9Coates authorizes a warrant for Evans' ; James, Anna, , and Herst board a for escape, unaware that Connor has stowed away on board, leading to the season's climactic confrontation.

Reception

Critical response

Hero Mask received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its engaging conspiracy-driven plot and thriller elements while criticizing its pacing, uneven animation, and reliance on clichés. On , the series holds an average rating of 6.1 out of 10 based on 10,836 user ratings (as of November 2025), reflecting a generally middling response. Rotten Tomatoes aggregates a 60% score for Part I, though reviews are limited and lean negative, with one decrying a "complete lack of original thought or even basic storytelling competence." Critics highlighted the series' strengths in its thriller plot twists and elements, particularly the sci-fi exploration of corporate control over through superhuman masks, which evokes Western shows like and . Syfy Wire commended the deliberate pacing akin to crime serials and well-animated fight scenes with brutal impacts, noting, "Hero Mask has very deliberate pacing." Anime News Network's This Week in Anime column appreciated the payoff in character arcs like Detective Theo's bittersweet resolution with his daughter, providing some emotional depth amid the corporate intrigue. As a Netflix original net animation (ONA), reviewers noted its ambitious attempt to blend aesthetics with Hollywood-style noir, though often falling short on originality. However, common criticisms focused on pacing issues and uneven animation quality. Decider described Part II as slow and plot-heavy, with the first episode lacking action and relying on noir tropes like the rogue cop, stating it feels like a "plot-thicks" middle chapter driven more by plot than character. Anime News Network faulted the bloated 15-episode runtime of Part I for uneven pacing, with filler arcs and a climax arriving two episodes early, alongside poorly edited action scenes that lack spatial awareness: "The editing is one of this show’s cardinal sins." For Season 2, Bubbleblabber criticized the rushed resolution, calling the climax a "pure mess" with random superpowers, out-of-nowhere characters, and dull action, contrasting stronger character dynamics in Season 1 where relationships felt more grounded. Overall, while the themes showed promise, the series was seen as undermined by clumsy writing and inconsistent execution.

Audience reception

Hero Mask received mixed reception from audiences, with an average user score of 6.28 out of 10 on based on over 12,500 ratings. Fans frequently praised the series' mystery elements and action sequences, highlighting the suspenseful sci-fi thriller plot and well-executed fight scenes as standout features that kept viewers engaged despite flaws. However, many noted confusion arising from the nonlinear , including frequent flashbacks that disrupted flow and made it challenging to follow character motivations without close attention. Fan discussions often centered on the symbolism of , which grant abilities but at a severe personal cost, interpreting them as metaphors for identity loss and the blurred line between heroism and villainy. Debates also arose regarding character arcs, with appreciation for the contrasting dynamics among the main trio—such as the idealistic yet tragic Alicia and the determined detective James Blood—but criticism for underdeveloped backstories and motivations that left some arcs feeling unresolved or superficial. Pacing issues were a common complaint, with viewers enjoying the high-stakes action but lamenting slow builds and padded episodes that diluted the overall impact. As a original released in December 2018, Hero Mask saw growth in its international fandom, particularly among Western audiences drawn to its cinematic, live-action-inspired style and English-dubbed availability. Online discourse, including 's "This Week in " segment, critiqued its accessibility for newcomers due to the dense, non-traditional narrative structure, yet acknowledged its appeal to genre enthusiasts seeking original content. The series' user rating of 6.1 out of 10 from 10,836 votes (as of November 2025) further reflects this divided but engaged viewer base.

References

  1. https://www.netflix.com/title/80200027
  2. https://myanimelist.net/anime/38628/Hero_Mask
  3. http://heromask.jp/en/staff_cast.html
  4. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=21551
  5. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-06-21/hero-mask-anime-gets-manga-spinoff-starting-on-july-7/.160887
  6. https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/stream-this-hero-mask-is-a-little-anime-that-wants-to-be-a-live-action-movie-when-it-grows
  7. https://otakumode.com/otapedia/anime/Winter-2019-Anime/Hero-Mask
  8. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-11-02/studio-pierrot-reveals-crime-action-anime-hero-mask-exclusively-for-netflix/.138975
  9. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2019-08-07/hero-mask-director-hiroyasu-aoki/.149483
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9316078/
  11. https://en.pierrot.jp/archive/2015/tv10_37.html
  12. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-01-22/sentai-filmworks-licenses-hero-mask-anime-for-home-video-release/.168942
  13. https://www.alltheanime.com/products/hero-mask-blu-ray
  14. https://world.manga10.com/en/products/hero-mask-a-lost-memory-volume-1-all-volume
  15. https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/NEOBK-2594508
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9316078/episodes/?season=1
  17. https://myanimelist.net/anime/40154/Hero_Mask_2nd_Season
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10851788/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10851812/
  20. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/hero_mask/s01
  21. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/this-week-in-anime/2018-12-11/.140612
  22. https://decider.com/2019/08/29/hero-mask-part-ii-on-netflix-stream-it-or-skip-it/
  23. https://www.bubbleblabber.com/2019/08/english-dub-season-review-hero-mask-season-2/
  24. https://myanimelist.net/anime/38628/Hero_Mask/reviews
  25. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Anime/HeroMask
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