High School DxD, the ecchi-action anime series known for its captivating storyline and attractive characters, has garnered a significant following since its debut. One of the most frequently asked questions by both newcomers and seasoned fans is: how many seasons are there? Let’s dive into a detailed exploration of the series’ broadcast history, production studios, and the current state of the anime adaptation.
The High School DxD Anime Series: A Breakdown of Seasons
Currently, there are four seasons of the High School DxD anime adaptation. Each season covers a specific arc from the light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero. Understanding the titles and corresponding content is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the series in its entirety.
High School DxD (Season 1)
The first season, simply titled High School DxD, premiered in Japan on January 6, 2012, and concluded on March 23, 2012. It was produced by TNK. This season introduces us to Issei Hyodo, a perverted high school student who dreams of having his own harem. He is reincarnated as a devil by Rias Gremory after being killed by a fallen angel. The season covers the first two volumes of the light novel series, setting the stage for Issei’s journey within the supernatural world. It establishes the core characters, their relationships, and the basic rules governing the world of devils, angels, and fallen angels.
The story begins with Issei’s mundane life and quickly escalates after his encounter with Yuma Amano, who turns out to be the fallen angel Raynare. Rias Gremory, a high-class devil and the school’s crimson-haired beauty, revives him as her servant, a low-class devil. Issei is then thrown into a world of battles, training, and learning to control his sacred gear, the Boosted Gear.
Key events in this season include Issei’s initial struggles with his powers, his training under Rias and her peerage, and the introduction of other significant characters like Akeno Himejima, Koneko Toujou, and Kiba Yuuto. The season culminates in a battle against Raynare, where Issei unlocks some of his potential and begins to understand the gravity of his new life.
High School DxD New (Season 2)
The second season, titled High School DxD New, aired from July 7, 2013, to September 22, 2013. Again produced by TNK, this season adapts volumes three and four of the light novel. It delves deeper into the supernatural world and introduces new factions and powerful adversaries. The season builds upon the foundation laid in the first season, expanding the scope of the story and further developing the characters.
High School DxD New sees Issei continuing his training and growing stronger as a devil. He faces new challenges and battles alongside Rias and her peerage. This season also explores the relationships between the characters in more detail, focusing on their individual struggles and growth.
A significant storyline in this season involves the introduction of Vali Lucifer, a descendant of the original Lucifer and a powerful rival to Issei. The season also explores the history and significance of sacred gears, delving into their origins and the potential they hold. The season’s climax features a major battle against the Old Satan Faction, threatening the balance of power in the supernatural world.
High School DxD BorN (Season 3)
High School DxD BorN, the third season, aired from April 4, 2015, to June 20, 2015. Still animated by TNK, this season adapts volumes five, six, and seven of the light novel series. However, it’s important to note that this season contains significant deviations from the source material, particularly towards its ending.
This season covers the events surrounding the Rating Game against Sona Sitri’s peerage and the introduction of Asia Argento’s past. It also explores the threat of the Khaos Brigade and their machinations to disrupt the supernatural world. While the initial episodes closely follow the source material, the final episodes take a different direction, leading to some controversy among fans of the light novels.
The deviations in High School DxD BorN include alterations to the storyline and changes to character motivations. Some fans felt that these changes detracted from the overall quality of the adaptation, while others were more forgiving. Regardless, the season remains a part of the official anime canon.
High School DxD Hero (Season 4)
The fourth season, High School DxD Hero, premiered on April 10, 2018, and concluded on July 3, 2018. This season marked a significant change in the production studio, with Passione taking over from TNK. High School DxD Hero adapts volumes nine and ten of the light novel series, effectively retconning the ending of the third season to align more closely with the source material.
This season corrects the deviations from the light novels seen in High School DxD BorN. It focuses on the events following the Rating Game with Sona Sitri, including the introduction of new characters and factions. The season also delves into the political landscape of the supernatural world, exploring the relationships between the various races and their leaders.
High School DxD Hero addresses many of the concerns raised by fans regarding the changes made in the third season. By retconning the ending, the fourth season provides a more faithful adaptation of the source material, allowing the story to progress in a manner consistent with the light novels. This season is generally considered to be a more satisfying adaptation by fans of the source material.
Why the Studio Change Matters
The shift from TNK to Passione for the fourth season, High School DxD Hero, was a pivotal moment for the anime series. The change in animation studio brought about a noticeable difference in art style and overall production quality. Passione aimed to provide a more faithful adaptation of the light novels, addressing the concerns of fans who were dissatisfied with the deviations in the third season.
TNK had been responsible for animating the first three seasons of High School DxD. While their work was generally well-received, the third season’s divergence from the source material led to criticism. Passione’s approach focused on staying true to the original story, resulting in a more cohesive and satisfying viewing experience for many fans.
The change in animation style was also a significant factor. Passione’s designs were often perceived as being closer to the illustrations in the light novels, appealing to fans who appreciated the original aesthetic. The overall animation quality was also improved, with more fluid action sequences and detailed character designs.
The Future of High School DxD Anime
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a fifth season of High School DxD. However, given the popularity of the series and the remaining content from the light novels, the possibility of a continuation remains open.
The light novel series has a wealth of material that could be adapted into future seasons. Several story arcs remain unexplored in the anime, providing ample opportunity for further development of the characters and expansion of the world.
Fans continue to express their desire for a fifth season, and online petitions and social media campaigns have been organized to demonstrate the demand for more High School DxD anime. While there is no guarantee that a new season will be produced, the enthusiasm of the fanbase remains a significant factor in the decision-making process.
The production of a new season would likely depend on several factors, including the availability of resources, the interest of the production studios, and the overall performance of the existing seasons. If a fifth season were to be greenlit, it would likely continue the story from where High School DxD Hero left off, adapting the remaining volumes of the light novel series.
High School DxD: Where to Watch
For those interested in watching High School DxD, several streaming platforms offer the series. Availability may vary depending on your region, but some of the most common platforms include:
- Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll is a popular streaming service that offers a wide selection of anime, including all four seasons of High School DxD.
- Funimation: Funimation is another major anime streaming platform that also carries High School DxD.
- Hulu: Hulu is a general streaming service that also offers a selection of anime, including High School DxD.
- Netflix: While Netflix may not have all seasons available in every region, it is worth checking to see if High School DxD is available in your area.
When choosing a platform, consider factors such as subscription costs, available languages (subtitles and dubs), and streaming quality. Some platforms may offer free trials, allowing you to test the service before committing to a subscription.
Understanding the High School DxD Universe
High School DxD is set in a world where devils, angels, and fallen angels secretly coexist with humans. The story primarily revolves around Issei Hyodo, a perverted high school student who is reincarnated as a devil and becomes a member of the Gremory household.
The series explores the complex relationships between the various supernatural factions, delving into their history, motivations, and power structures. Battles and political intrigue are common themes, as the characters navigate the challenges of their world.
Sacred gears play a central role in the High School DxD universe. These are powerful artifacts that grant their users unique abilities. Issei’s sacred gear, the Boosted Gear, allows him to amplify his power, making him a formidable opponent in battle.
The Rating Game is another important element of the series. These are formal battles between devils, used to determine their ranking and status within the devil society. Issei and his comrades participate in Rating Games to prove their strength and climb the ranks.
The world of High School DxD is filled with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities, abilities, and motivations. From the powerful devils of the Gremory and Sitri households to the fallen angels of the Grigori, the characters contribute to the rich tapestry of the series.
The Enduring Appeal of High School DxD
Despite its ecchi elements, High School DxD has maintained a dedicated fanbase due to its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and exciting action sequences. The series explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth, resonating with viewers on a deeper level.
The characters in High School DxD are complex and relatable, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Issei’s journey from a perverted high school student to a powerful devil is a compelling one, as he learns to control his powers and protect those he cares about.
The action sequences in High School DxD are visually stunning and well-choreographed, showcasing the unique abilities of the characters and the intensity of their battles. The series blends action, comedy, and romance in a way that keeps viewers entertained.
The world of High School DxD is rich and detailed, with its own history, mythology, and political landscape. The series explores the relationships between the various supernatural factions, adding depth and complexity to the story. The ongoing popularity of High School DxD is a testament to its enduring appeal.
In conclusion, High School DxD has four seasons, each offering a unique and exciting chapter in the story of Issei Hyodo and his adventures in the supernatural world. While the future of the anime remains uncertain, the series continues to captivate fans with its engaging storyline, compelling characters, and thrilling action sequences.
How many seasons of High School DxD have been released so far?
As of October 26, 2023, there are four seasons of the anime series High School DxD that have been officially released. These seasons cover a significant portion of the light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero. Each season follows Issei Hyodo’s journey as he navigates the supernatural world after being reincarnated as a devil.
The four seasons are titled: High School DxD, High School DxD New, High School DxD BorN, and High School DxD Hero. While there have been discussions and anticipation for a fifth season, no official announcement regarding production or release has been made by the studio or relevant production committees. Fans are encouraged to follow official sources for the most up-to-date information.
What are the titles of each season of High School DxD?
The four seasons of High School DxD each have distinct titles that differentiate them. These titles are important for identifying the specific story arcs and developments covered in each installment of the anime adaptation. Knowing these titles helps fans discuss the series and locate specific episodes or content.
The titles of the four seasons are as follows: Season 1 is simply titled High School DxD. Season 2 is known as High School DxD New. Season 3 is titled High School DxD BorN, and Season 4 is called High School DxD Hero. These titles provide a clear distinction between the different parts of the anime series.
Which studio animated each season of High School DxD?
The animation studio responsible for the first three seasons of High School DxD was TNK. TNK established the initial visual style and adapted the early volumes of the light novel series. Their work played a significant role in establishing the popularity of the anime.
However, for the fourth season, High School DxD Hero, the animation was taken over by Passione. This change in studio resulted in a noticeable shift in character designs and overall animation style, which was a point of discussion among fans. The adaptation of the story still continued, but with the new visual direction.
Is there a fifth season of High School DxD confirmed?
Currently, as of late 2023, there is no official confirmation regarding a fifth season of High School DxD. Despite the ongoing popularity of the light novels and the continued interest from fans, no announcement has been made by the production committee or the animation studios involved in the previous seasons. This absence of news has led to speculation and hope among the fanbase.
Although there is no confirmed fifth season, it doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility in the future. Anime production often depends on various factors, including sales figures, availability of source material, and the schedules of the production studios. Fans are advised to stay tuned to official announcements from the copyright holders for any potential updates on the series.
How many light novel volumes does each season of High School DxD adapt?
Each season of High School DxD covers a certain number of volumes from the original light novel series. Understanding which volumes are adapted helps fans who want to read the source material to know where to start after watching a particular season. This allows for a deeper dive into the story and characters.
Generally, Season 1 adapts Volumes 1 and 2. Season 2 (New) covers Volumes 3 and 4. Season 3 (BorN) primarily adapts Volumes 5, 6, and 7, although it controversially alters some plot points. Season 4 (Hero) adapts Volumes 9 and 10, skipping Volume 8. Knowing these adaptations can guide fans when exploring the light novels.
Why did the animation studio change after Season 3?
The change in animation studio from TNK to Passione after Season 3 is often attributed to various factors, though official reasons are rarely explicitly stated. Possible contributing factors could include contractual issues, scheduling conflicts, or the production committee’s decision for a fresh artistic direction. Studio changes are not uncommon in the anime industry.
The change to Passione brought a significant alteration to the character designs and overall art style. While some fans appreciated the new look, others preferred the aesthetic of the earlier seasons animated by TNK. Regardless of the exact reasons, the switch to Passione for High School DxD Hero undeniably impacted the visual presentation of the series.
Where can I watch High School DxD legally?
High School DxD is available for legal streaming on various platforms, depending on your region. These platforms often offer both subbed and dubbed versions of the anime. Supporting legal streaming services ensures that the creators and the anime industry receive proper compensation for their work.
Popular platforms where you can watch High School DxD include Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. Availability may vary depending on licensing agreements in your country. Always check the specific platform in your region to confirm if High School DxD is currently available for streaming. Avoid illegal streaming sites to support the anime industry.