High School DxD is a 2012 anime adaptation of Yoko Miyamura’s light novel series. It follows Issei Hyodo, a high school student who dies and returns to life as a devil. He joins the Occult Research Club at his school to find a way back to his human girlfriend, but quickly gets pulled into a larger war between gods, demons and fallen angels. The series blends comedy, action and harem elements into a chaotic, fast-paced package that rewards patience.
Trailer, via Crunchyroll Store Australia.
Issei Hyodo’s Setup
Issei starts as a shy, unlucky teen whose life is ruined when he tries to save his childhood friend, a succubus named Rias Gremory. He is killed, resurrected as a devil, and then dragged into a conflict he barely understands. His naivety is the engine of the show’s humor, but it also makes him a relatable entry point for viewers who have never encountered a god of destruction before.
The Harem Structure
High School DxD is built around a group of female characters vying for Issei’s attention. Rias Gremory is the club president and a peerage leader. Her sister Akeno Himejima is a busty succubus with a soft side. Asia Argento is a pure-hearted priestess who becomes Issei’s familiar. The show uses this setup to deliver romantic subplots alongside its fantasy battles, though some viewers find the constant attention overwhelming.
Comedy and Action
The series balances its comedic dialogue with intense battle scenes involving magical attacks, demonic powers and divine interventions. The fights are often over-the-top, with explosions, energy blasts and dramatic poses. The comedy is similarly broad, relying on puns, jokes about Issei’s bad luck and the occasional parody of other anime tropes.
World-Building
High School DxD draws from Christian mythology, creating a world where fallen angels, devils and humans coexist in secret. The show explains its lore through conversations and exposition, which can slow down pacing but also introduces a rich cast of supporting characters. The fallen angel Sairaorg Bael and the goddess Hilda are among the most memorable villains, each bringing their own motivations to the conflict.
Musical Identity
The opening theme, “Lucky Break” by Konomi Amami, sets the tone for the show’s energetic and hopeful spirit. Its lyrics about taking chances and finding happiness fit the protagonist’s journey well. The ending theme, “Shining Star” by Yui Horie, shifts the mood to something warmer and more reflective, closing episodes on a note of optimism despite the chaos that preceded them.
Reception and Legacy
High School DxD ran for two seasons across 25 episodes. It was followed by several spin-offs, including High School DxD Borussia and High School DxD New. The series has a dedicated fanbase, but it also faces criticism for its repetitive plot structure and heavy reliance on fan service.
| Aspect | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Comedy | Broad, accessible humor | Overused jokes |
| Action | Over-the-top spectacle | Predictable fights |
| World-building | Rich mythology | Heavy exposition |
| Soundtrack | Catchy opening and ending themes | Standard anime fare |
Final Verdict
High School DxD is not a masterpiece, but it knows what it wants to be and delivers on its promises. The humor lands more often than it misses, and the action sequences are energetic enough to carry slower character-focused episodes. The show’s flaws are visible, but they are outweighed by its energy and its commitment to entertaining its audience.
“It’s a fun ride, even when it feels like it’s going nowhere.”
That line sums up the experience well. High School DxD is a show that rewards casual viewers while occasionally frustrating those looking for depth. It is best enjoyed as a guilty pleasure, not a serious work of art.
