High School DxD. The name itself conjures images of devils, angels, and a whole lot of, well, ecchi. This popular anime series has captivated audiences worldwide with its blend of action, fantasy, and suggestive content. But amidst the chaos and demonic battles, a simple question often arises: just how many episodes are there to binge-watch? Getting a clear answer can be trickier than you might think, considering the various seasons, OVAs, and specials. So, let’s dive deep and unravel the episode count of High School DxD, season by season.
Breaking Down the Seasons of High School DxD
Understanding the episode count requires understanding the structure of the anime. High School DxD is divided into four main seasons, each with a different studio and slightly varying art styles. Each season tackles a specific arc from the original light novel series. Knowing this helps to track your progress and keep up with the ongoing narrative.
Season 1: High School DxD (2012)
The first season, simply titled “High School DxD,” introduces us to Issei Hyodo, a perverted high school student whose life takes a dramatic turn when he’s reincarnated as a devil by the beautiful Rias Gremory. This season lays the foundation for the entire series, introducing the key characters, the world of devils and angels, and the supernatural battles to come. Season 1 consists of 12 episodes. It’s where the adventure begins, and where we first see Issei’s burgeoning powers and his growing harem.
Season 2: High School DxD New (2013)
Following the success of the first season, “High School DxD New” continues Issei’s journey. This season delves deeper into the lore, introducing new factions and conflicts that raise the stakes for Issei and his companions. It also expands on the relationships between the characters, adding more depth to their individual stories. “High School DxD New” also contains 12 episodes, building upon the foundation laid in the first season. This season further develops the characters and plot, setting the stage for even greater challenges.
Season 3: High School DxD BorN (2015)
Perhaps the most controversial season, “High School DxD BorN” adapts content from the light novels but deviates significantly from the source material towards its ending. This divergence sparked considerable debate among fans, with many criticizing the changes. Despite the controversy, “High School DxD BorN” continues Issei’s battles and relationships, and while the ending may differ from the novels, it still provides a satisfying conclusion to the arc it covers. “High School DxD BorN” also includes 12 episodes. It’s important to note that this season’s divergence from the source material is a key point for many fans.
Season 4: High School DxD Hero (2018)
After a studio change, “High School DxD Hero” aims to rectify the deviations from the source material made in the previous season. With a new art style and a renewed focus on the original light novels, this season attempts to bring the anime back on track with the established storyline. “High School DxD Hero” features 13 episodes, making it slightly longer than the previous seasons. This season is often considered a redemption arc for the anime adaptation, striving to stay true to the source material.
The OVAs and Specials: Adding to the Episode Count
Beyond the main seasons, High School DxD also boasts a collection of OVAs (Original Video Animations) and specials. These episodes often provide additional content, side stories, or fan service scenes that are not directly part of the main plot. While not essential for understanding the core narrative, they offer extra glimpses into the world and characters of High School DxD.
OVA Episodes
The OVAs are supplementary stories that typically explore lighter or more comedic aspects of the High School DxD universe. They are often released alongside the Blu-ray or DVD releases of the main seasons. They give fans a chance to see the characters in different situations and provide some lighthearted entertainment.
High School DxD OVA (2012): Released with the limited edition of the first season’s Blu-ray box.
High School DxD New OVA (2013): Bundled with the Blu-ray release of the second season.
High School DxD BorN OVA (2015): Included with the Blu-ray release of the third season.
High School DxD Hero OVA (2018): Accompanied the Blu-ray release of the fourth season.
These OVAs generally consist of one episode each, adding to the overall count of High School DxD content. Each OVA usually focuses on a self-contained story and does not directly impact the main plot.
Special Episodes
In addition to the OVAs, there are also some special episodes that have been released. These specials can vary in content, from recap episodes to bonus stories. They are not always considered essential viewing, but they can provide additional insights into the series.
- High School DxD Specials: These are often included with the DVD or Blu-ray releases and provide extra content for fans. The exact content of these specials can vary.
The Grand Total: How Many High School DxD Episodes Are There?
Let’s crunch the numbers. We have four seasons with 12 episodes each for the first three seasons and 13 for the fourth season. That gives us:
(3 seasons * 12 episodes/season) + (1 season * 13 episodes/season) = 36 + 13 = 49 episodes.
Then, we add the OVAs, one for each season:
49 episodes + 4 OVAs = 53 episodes.
Finally, we factor in the special episodes. These are often not clearly defined, but it’s safe to say there are at least a couple of specials scattered across the various releases. So, the comprehensive estimate brings us to around 55 episodes in total. This is the number you’re likely to encounter when trying to watch the entire High School DxD anime series.
Why the Episode Count Can Be Confusing
You might find conflicting information about the number of High School DxD episodes, and here’s why:
Different Streaming Platforms: Streaming services sometimes categorize OVAs and specials differently. Some might include them as part of a season, while others list them separately.
Regional Variations: Depending on your region, certain episodes or OVAs might not be available due to licensing restrictions.
Fan-Made Content: It’s important not to confuse official episodes with fan-made content or AMVs (Anime Music Videos). These are not part of the official High School DxD canon.
Dubbed vs. Subbed Versions: The availability of dubbed and subbed versions can also affect how episodes are listed on different platforms.
Where to Watch High School DxD
Finding a reliable source to watch High School DxD can be a challenge, given its mature content. However, several legitimate streaming platforms offer the series:
Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll is a popular anime streaming service that often carries High School DxD. Be sure to check your region’s availability.
Funimation: Funimation is another well-known anime streaming platform that may offer High School DxD, often with both subbed and dubbed versions.
Hulu: In some regions, Hulu may also offer High School DxD as part of its streaming library.
Other Streaming Services: Depending on your location, other streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video might also carry High School DxD. Always check the availability in your region.
When choosing a platform, consider factors like subscription costs, video quality, and the availability of dubbed or subbed versions. It’s also important to ensure that you are using a legitimate streaming service to support the creators of the anime.
The Future of High School DxD
As of now, there hasn’t been an official announcement about a fifth season of High School DxD. However, the light novel series continues to be popular, and there’s always a possibility that the anime could be revived in the future. Fans remain hopeful that Issei’s adventures will continue on screen, whether through a new season, OVA, or even a movie. Until then, the existing 55 episodes offer plenty of content to enjoy.
Understanding the Appeal of High School DxD
High School DxD is known for its unique combination of elements that have made it a favorite among anime fans:
Ecchi Genre: The series embraces the ecchi genre with its suggestive content, which is a key draw for many viewers.
Action and Fantasy: The battles between devils, angels, and other supernatural beings provide plenty of action and excitement.
Harem Elements: Issei’s growing harem of beautiful women adds a romantic and comedic element to the series.
Character Development: Despite the focus on fan service, the characters in High School DxD undergo significant development throughout the series.
Intriguing Storyline: The overarching storyline, based on the light novels, explores complex themes and relationships within the supernatural world.
These elements, combined with the engaging animation and voice acting, have contributed to the enduring popularity of High School DxD.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Journey with Issei and the Gremory Household
So, there you have it. A comprehensive guide to the episode count of High School DxD. With approximately 55 episodes available across four seasons, OVAs, and specials, there’s plenty of content to keep you entertained. While the exact number may vary depending on your region and streaming platform, this guide should provide a clear understanding of what to expect. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, dive in and enjoy the adventures of Issei Hyodo and the Gremory household. Just remember to watch responsibly and appreciate the unique blend of action, comedy, and fan service that makes High School DxD so popular.
How many episodes are there in total across all seasons of High School DxD?
High School DxD, across its four seasons, consists of a total of 48 episodes. This includes the standard episodes that advance the main plot and character development throughout the series. Knowing this overall count is helpful for viewers planning a binge-watching session or tracking their progress through the anime.
It’s worth noting that this number excludes any potential OVA (Original Video Animation) or specials that may exist separately. While these extras add to the High School DxD universe, the core story is contained within those 48 episodes. Therefore, a complete viewing of the central narrative requires watching all 4 seasons.
How many episodes are in each season of High School DxD?
Each season of High School DxD does not have a uniform episode count. The first three seasons, High School DxD, High School DxD New, and High School DxD BorN, each consist of 12 episodes. This makes them relatively consistent in length and allows for a fairly even pacing of the storyline across these initial seasons.
However, the fourth season, High School DxD Hero, only contains 13 episodes. This slight increase allows the season to cover additional content or provide slightly more detailed storytelling. Therefore, while the first three seasons are identical in length, the final season has a single additional episode.
Are there any OVAs or special episodes related to High School DxD, and are they considered canon?
Yes, High School DxD has several OVAs and special episodes that supplement the main series. These often explore side stories, offer fan service, or provide additional context to events that occur in the main storyline. Some are considered canon, while others are more lighthearted and independent of the primary plot.
The canonicity of OVAs can vary. Some directly adapt content from the light novels, while others are original stories. Determining if a specific OVA is canon often depends on its alignment with the main storyline and whether it is acknowledged within the official High School DxD materials. Generally, those directly adapting novel content are considered more canonical.
Why was the animation style different in High School DxD Hero compared to the previous seasons?
The change in animation style in High School DxD Hero is primarily due to a change in animation studio. TNK, the studio responsible for the animation of the first three seasons, was replaced by Passione for the fourth season. This studio switch led to a notable shift in character designs and overall visual presentation.
Passione’s style features different character proportions, shading techniques, and overall aesthetic compared to TNK’s approach. While some viewers appreciated the changes, others found the new style less appealing, citing differences in how the characters looked and moved. This studio shift is the primary reason for the perceived difference in animation quality and style in the fourth season.
Is there a High School DxD season 5, and if not, why not?
As of the current date, there is no confirmed High School DxD season 5. While the series remains popular and the light novels continue to be published, no official announcement regarding a fifth season has been made by the production committee. This lack of confirmation leaves the future of the anime uncertain.
Speculation about the absence of a fifth season ranges from production costs and availability of studio resources to potential licensing issues or creative disagreements. Furthermore, some believe the adaptation of the light novels may have reached a point where future seasons become challenging to produce without deviating significantly from the source material. However, without an official statement, these remain as theories.
Where can I watch all the episodes of High School DxD legally and in high quality?
The availability of High School DxD episodes for legal streaming varies by region. Common platforms that often offer the series include Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. These platforms typically provide high-quality streams with options for both subtitled and dubbed versions, depending on your preference.
Before committing to a subscription, it’s advisable to check the specific regional availability on each platform to confirm they offer High School DxD in your area. Also, keep in mind that content licenses can change, so it’s always a good practice to double-check before starting a binge-watching session to ensure the series is still available.
What is the relationship between the High School DxD anime and the original light novels?
The High School DxD anime is an adaptation of the original light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero. The anime covers a significant portion of the early volumes of the light novels, adapting the main plotlines and character arcs presented in the source material. However, the anime does not cover all the content from the novels.
While the anime remains relatively faithful to the core narrative of the light novels, there are instances of omitted details, altered scenes, or streamlined storylines. Fans of the anime who want to experience the full story and delve deeper into the world of High School DxD are encouraged to read the light novels, as they offer a more comprehensive and detailed experience.