High School DxD NEW

Aired Date:2013-06-29

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:71/100

Genres:Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance

Season:2

Total Episodes:12

Duration:27 min/ep

Studio:AT-X

Source:LIGHT_NOVEL

Format:TV

Director:Tetsuya Yanagisawa

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Crunchyroll Official Site Netflix Hulu

Synopsis

The devilish haremking Issei Hyoudou is back for more outrageous Oppai Battle Entertainment in the scintillating second season of High School DxD! Fans who like their hardcore action spiked with a double dose of fan service won't be able to pry their eyes off all the scorching supernatural schoolgirls waiting for them in Season Two. So what are you waiting for? Plant yourself in front of the boob tube and watch a harem of devil hotties show you how much fun it is to be bad! (Source: FUNimation) Episode 1 was previewed at a screening in United Cinema Toyosu, Tokyo on June 29, 2013. Regular broadcasting began on July 7, 2013. The Blu-ray and DVD Director's Cut includes an extra 3 minutes per episode.

Characters

Yuuto Kiba MAIN

Akeno Himejima MAIN

Issei Hyoudou MAIN

Xenovia Quarta MAIN

Asia Argento MAIN

Koneko Toujou MAIN

Rias Gremory MAIN

Gasper Vladi MAIN

Aika Kiryuu SUPPORTING

Ddraig SUPPORTING

High School DxD New (Season 2): Raising the Stakes with More Heart and Heat

By Anime Enthusiast, June 2025

Following the devilishly fun debut of High School DxD in 2012, the second season, High School DxD New, premiered in July 2013, cranking up the action, romance, and ecchi antics that made the first season a hit. Adapted from Ichiei Ishibumi’s light novels and animated by TNK, Season 2 builds on the foundation of its predecessor, delivering 12 episodes of supernatural chaos, deeper character development, and plenty of the fan service fans adore. With a tighter focus on lore and bigger battles, High School DxD New proves the series is more than just its risqué reputation. Here’s why Season 2 is a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.

A Deeper Dive into the Devil’s World

High School DxD New picks up shortly after the events of Season 1. Issei Hyoudou, the lovable pervert turned low-ranking devil, continues serving under the stunning Rias Gremory, heiress of the Gremory clan. This season introduces a new threat: the looming conflict between devil factions and the emergence of the Chaos Brigade, a group aiming to disrupt the fragile peace among devils, angels, and fallen angels. The stakes are higher as Issei and the Occult Research Club face powerful enemies, including the formidable Vali Lucifer, wielder of the Divine Dividing Sacred Gear.

The season expands the show’s mythology, delving into the politics of the devil world and the significance of Issei’s Boosted Gear, revealed to house the Red Dragon Emperor, Ddraig. While Season 1 was about Issei finding his place, Season 2 challenges him to grow stronger and protect those he loves. The plot weaves together intense battles, romantic tension, and the series’ signature humor, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.

Characters That Shine Brighter

Issei remains the heart of the show, voiced with infectious energy by Yuki Kaji (and Josh Grelle in the English dub). His mix of pervy determination and genuine heroism makes him easy to root for, especially as he grapples with his feelings for Rias and his role as a pawn in her peerage. Season 2 gives Issei more agency, showcasing his growth through training sequences and emotional moments, like his resolve to protect Rias during the climactic battles.

Rias Gremory, voiced by Yoko Hikasa (and Jamie Marchi in the dub), continues to steal scenes with her confidence and vulnerability. Her deepening bond with Issei adds a romantic layer that feels earned, balancing her regal demeanor with moments of tenderness. The supporting cast—Akeno Himejima, Koneko Toujou, Asia Argento, and Yuuto Kiba—each get moments to shine. Akeno’s playful yet dark backstory and Koneko’s subtle growth add depth to the peerage, while Asia’s innocence remains a grounding force.

New characters, like Xenovia Quarta, a holy sword-wielding devil, and Irina Shidou, a cheerful angel, inject fresh dynamics into the group. The villainous Vali Lucifer, voiced by Ryota Osaka, is a compelling foil to Issei, setting up a rivalry that promises epic clashes. These additions make the world feel richer and more lived-in, even as the ecchi humor keeps things light.

Visuals and Sound That Pop

TNK’s animation in Season 2 steps up the game. The character designs are sharper, with vibrant colors that make Rias’s crimson hair and the dragons’ fiery auras pop. Battle scenes are a highlight, from Issei’s Boosted Gear-fueled showdowns to Rias’s devastating magic. The ecchi moments—yes, there are plenty—are handled with the same cheeky flair as Season 1, with strategic camera work and comedic timing that keeps them from feeling overdone.

The soundtrack, again composed by Ryosuke Nakanishi, matches the heightened energy. The opening, “Sympathy” by Larval Stage Planning, is a rocking anthem that captures the season’s intensity, while the ending, “Hotei” by StylipS, brings a playful vibe. Sound effects, like the booming “Boost!” of Issei’s Sacred Gear, add punch to the action, and the voice acting (in both Japanese and English) delivers every line with gusto.

Themes of Loyalty and Growth

Beneath the fan service and dragon battles, High School DxD New explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Issei’s journey is about proving his worth, not just as a devil but as someone worthy of standing beside Rias. The season also dives into the peerage’s bonds, portraying them as a found family that supports each other through thick and thin. Moments like Issei’s near-death experiences or Akeno’s emotional revelations hit hard because the show invests in its characters.

The ecchi elements, while still prominent, are often played for laughs or tied to character growth. Issei’s “Dress Break” and “Bilingual” techniques (don’t ask) are absurd but reflect his quirky determination. The show’s ability to balance raunchy humor with heartfelt stakes is a testament to its storytelling finesse.

Reception and Impact

High School DxD New was well-received by fans, who praised its bolder action and deeper lore while staying true to the series’ ecchi roots. Critics noted its improved pacing and character focus compared to Season 1, though some still found the fan service polarizing. The English dub, produced by Funimation, remains a standout, with Josh Grelle and Jamie Marchi delivering performances that amplify the show’s charm.

Season 2 solidified High School DxD as a heavyweight in the ecchi-harem genre, paving the way for Born (Season 3) and Hero (Season 4). Its blend of humor, heart, and high-octane battles has kept it a fan favorite, with cosplays of Rias and Akeno still dominating conventions.

Why Watch Season 2?

If you loved Season 1, High School DxD New delivers more of what made it great—bigger fights, steamier romance, and sharper animation—while deepening the story and characters. Newcomers can jump in with minimal context, though watching Season 1 first helps. At 12 episodes, it’s a breezy binge that balances naughty fun with genuine emotion. Fans of Trinity Seven, Shinmai Maou, or Rosario + Vampire will find plenty to love.

For returning fans, Season 2 is a nostalgic reminder of why High School DxD stands out. It’s where Issei’s dragon powers soar, Rias’s allure deepens, and the series cements its place as a genre classic. Whether you’re here for the battles or the “bouncing plot,” High School DxD New delivers in spades.

Where to Watch (as of 2025): Look for it on Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Hulu, or grab the Blu-ray for the uncensored experience.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10. A sizzling sequel that turns up the heat and heart in equal measure.