High School DxD Review: Ecchi Battles in a Supernatural World of Angels and Devils

1. Introduction

High School DxD is a supernatural action-ecchi anime based on the light novel series by Ichiei Ishibumi, with illustrations by Miyama-Zero. First airing in 2012 and animated by TNK (later Passione), the series gained cult status for blending over-the-top fan service with surprisingly deep lore about angels, devils, fallen angels, and sacred gears. Its success lies in its balance of outrageous comedy, high-stakes battles, and an ever-growing harem.

2. Plot Summary

Issei Hyoudou, an ordinary (and perverted) high school student, is suddenly killed by a mysterious girl on his first date. He is resurrected by Rias Gremory, a powerful devil and senior at his school, who reveals that he’s now a devil under her servitude. Issei joins the Occult Research Club, where he trains, fights rival supernatural factions, and gradually grows in power—all while trying to become a “Harem King.”

Behind the humor and ecchi lies a surprisingly epic battle for balance between Heaven, Hell, and the human world.

3. Main Characters

Issei Hyoudou – A lewd but brave protagonist who evolves from a weakling to a formidable devil with the Boosted Gear.Rias Gremory – A high-ranking devil from the Gremory clan, elegant, powerful, and Issei’s master/love interest.Akeno Himejima – The seductive Thunder Priestess and Rias’s Queen, with a mysterious past. Asia Argento – A former nun with healing powers and a pure heart.Koneko Toujou – A quiet, loli-type fighter with incredible strength.Yuuto Kiba – The club’s knight and swordmaster with a tragic backstory.Xenovia, Irina, Rossweisse – Later additions who each bring unique power and comedic flair to the cast.

4. Arcs & Sagas

🔥 Introduction Arc – Issei is killed and reborn as a devil.

👿 Phoenix Arc – The club battles Riser Phenex in a Rating Game.

☦️ Church vs. Devils Arc – Fallen angels and church warriors complicate alliances.

⚔️ Chaos Brigade Saga – A multi-season arc where terrorist groups and ancient beings challenge the balance of the world.

🧬 Hero Faction Arc – Introduces gods, mythologies, and power-scaling beyond devils and angels.

5. Powers & Abilities

Power is divided by class roles within devil peerage systems: King, Queen, Rook, Bishop, Knight, Pawn. Each class boosts different traits.

• Boosted Gear (Issei): A Sacred Gear containing the Welsh Dragon, capable of exponentially multiplying power.

• Rias: Wields destruction magic as a high-class devil.

• Akeno: Lightning-based holy/demonic hybrid techniques.

• Asia: Healing Sacred Gear, Twilight Healing.

• Balance Breaker: Advanced, awakened forms of Sacred Gears used in peak battles.

6. Top Moments & Highlights

💀 Issei’s Death & Resurrection – The moment that starts everything.

🔥 Issei vs. Riser – A turning point in his self-worth and power.

⚡ Akeno’s Origin Reveal – A mix of heartbreak and acceptance.

🐉 Juggernaut Drive – Issei’s descent into dangerous dragon power.

💘 Rias & Issei Confession – The long-awaited emotional payoff.

🏆 Rating Game Battles – Strategic, emotional, and intense fights that define each character’s growth.

7. Influence & Legacy

• One of the most well-known ecchi anime globally.

• Popularized the “Harem King” trope for modern anime.

• Inspired countless memes, debates, and discussions about whether it’s more than just fan service (spoiler: it is).

• Significant light novel sales and crossover popularity with fantasy and power-scaling fans.

8. Anime & Light Novel Status

📺 Anime Seasons:

• High School DxD (2012)

• High School DxD New (2013)

• High School DxD Born (2015)

• High School DxD Hero (2018)

📚 Light Novels: 25 volumes (completed), with sequel Shin High School DxD ongoing.

9. Where to Start Watching?

Start with Season 1, Episode 1.For accurate continuation post-S3, jump to DxD Hero (S4), which reboots some Born events to follow the light novels.

10. Anime vs. Light Novel Differences

• Season 3 (Born) diverges from the novels with an anime-original ending.

• Season 4 (Hero) retcons Season 3's ending and returns to canon material.

• The novels offer deeper lore, character motivations, and fights with more emotional weight.

11. Movies & Specials

🎥 No full-length films, but there are OVA specials and bonus episodes included with DVD/BD releases, most focused on comedy and fan service.

12. Fan Theories & Speculations

🐉 Issei’s Full Dragon Potential – Fans speculate about untapped divine dragon power far beyond what’s shown in the anime.

👑 Rias vs. Grayfia Theories – Debates on who is best suited to be queen beside the future Harem King.

🌌 Chaos Brigade's Endgame – Light novel readers still speculate on the ultimate goal of the terrorist factions.

🛡️ Heaven, Hell, and Norse Realms War – Multiversal theories abound due to the scope of gods involved.

13. Final War & Ending

• The light novel ends with Issei gaining immense recognition, marrying Rias, and rising in the devil hierarchy.

• The anime hasn't adapted the final arcs, leaving many characters and power-ups unseen.

• Issei becomes a full-fledged dragon/devil hybrid, known across realms.

14. Live-Action Adaptation

📽️ No live-action planned or rumored.Given the heavy fan service, it would be a challenge to adapt tastefully without losing its identity—or becoming totally R-rated.

15. Ratings & Reviews

⭐ Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (7.9/10)

🔥 Action: ★★★★☆ (8/10)

🍑 Fan Service & Comedy: ★★★★★ (9/10)

📚 Story & Lore: ★★★☆☆ (7/10)

💖 Romance & Heart: ★★★★☆ (8.5/10)

16. Recommendations

🔥 Watch if you enjoy:

• Ecchi mixed with fantasy battles

• Devils, angels, and mythological worldbuilding

• Harem dynamics with a surprisingly wholesome lead

🎯 Similar Titles: Rosario + Vampire, To Love-Ru, The Testament of Sister New Devil, Date A Live, Sekirei