High School DxD started out as a series of light novels written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero. The series quickly became popular with viewers who enjoy harem comedies, especially those who like their girls supernatural. The title soon became a massive franchise, spawning spin-offs, manga and even an anime series. Because of this, it can be hard to know where to start with everything. However, if you want to dive in, here's what you need to know about High School DxD.
The Plot of High School DxD
Kuoh Academy is a prestigious all-girls school that has recently decided to go co-ed. However, despite its regular exterior, the school isn't all it seems. A good chunk of Kuoh Academy's student population are actually angels, fallen angels and devils!
Issei Hyodo, a human student desperate for love, learns this the hard way. When Yuma Amano asks him on a date, he accepts without thinking. However, during the date, she reveals that she's a fallen angel. Before he can process this revelation, she tries to kill him. However, Hyodo is lucky, as third-year student Rias Gremory revives him. Alas, it turns out that this resurrection has turned Hyodo into a devil. Because of this, he is now Rias' faithful servant, leading to all sorts of harem hijinks.
Where to Read the High School DxD Manga/Light Novels
The first High School DxD light novel was released in 2008, and by 2015, there were 25 volumes available. However, after the 25th volume was released, Ichiei Ishibumi announced they would be starting a sequel called Shin High School DxD that picks up where the original left off. A prequel called The Fallen Dog God -SLASHDØG- was also released. However, while a prequel, it also acts as its own stand-alone series. Yen Press acquired the rights to distribute High School DxD in America in October 2020. Because of this, readers can buy physical copies of volumes one to five of the light novels at most good bookshops and online retailers.
A manga version began in the July 2010 issue of Dragon Magazine, which sees Hiroji Mishima adapt and illustrate the light novel's story. In 2014, Yen Press obtained the license to distribute this manga in America. This means volumes one to eleven can be found in bookstores and on digital storefronts. The spin-off manga, High School DxD: Asia and Koneko's Secret Contracts!? was released in 2012, and Yen Press also brought that to America, both physically and via ComiXology.
Where to Watch the High School DxD Anime
In 2012, High School DxD made its anime debut. Produced by TNK and then Passione, the series was broadcast on the AT-X channel and later on TV Kanagawa. Overall, there are four seasons of the High School DxD anime. Each anime series has a different title; in order, these are High School DxD, High School DxD New, High School DxD BorN and finally, High School DxD HerO.
All four seasons of the anime are available via both Crunchyroll and Funimation. However, Crunchyroll only has the subtitled versions of the show, while Funimation offers both the dub and the sub. Hulu offers both the subbed version and the dub but currently has only the first three seasons, forcing fans to go elsewhere if they want to complete their viewing experience.
On top of this, the dubbed series is available to rent from many rental services, including iTunes and Google Play. It can also be bought on physical media from all major anime stockists or ordered online, where each season retails for around $50.