High School DxD BorN

Aired Date:2015-04-04

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:70/100

Genres:Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance

Season:2

Total Episodes:12

Duration:24 min/ep

Studio:AT-X

Source:LIGHT_NOVEL

Format:TV

Director:Tetsuya Yanagisawa

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Official Site Crunchyroll Hulu Netflix

Synopsis

The third season of High School DxD. The Red Dragon Emperor, Issei Hyoudou, and the Occult Research Club are back in action as summer break comes for the students of Kuoh Academy. After their fight with Issei’s sworn enemy, Vali and the Chaos Brigade, it is clear just how inexperienced Rias Gremory's team is. As a result, she and Azazel lead the club on an intense training regime in the Underworld to prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead. While they slowly mature as a team, Issei will once again find himself in intimate situations with the girls of the Occult Research Club. Meanwhile, their adversaries grow stronger and more numerous as they rally their forces. And with the sudden appearance of Loki, the Evil God of Norse Mythology, the stage is set for epic fights and wickedly powerful devils in High School DxD BorN! (Source: MAL Rewrite)

Characters

Yuuto Kiba MAIN

Akeno Himejima MAIN

Issei Hyoudou MAIN

Asia Argento MAIN

Vali Lucifer MAIN

Koneko Toujou MAIN

Irina Shidou MAIN

Rias Gremory MAIN

Gasper Vladi MAIN

Xenovia Quarta MAIN

High School DxD Season 3: A Fiery Blend of Action, Romance, and Supernatural Chaos

By a Passionate Anime Fan

When High School DxD first burst onto the anime scene, it quickly carved out a niche for itself with its unapologetic mix of ecchi humor, supernatural battles, and heartfelt character moments. By the time Season 3, officially titled High School DxD BorN, rolled around in 2015, fans were already hooked on Issei Hyoudou’s wild journey as a reincarnated devil navigating a world of angels, demons, and everything in between. As someone who’s been swept up in the chaos of this series, I’m here to dive into what makes Season 3 a thrilling, if slightly controversial, chapter in the DxD saga.

A Quick Recap: Where We Left Off

For those new to the series, High School DxD follows Issei Hyoudou, a high schooler with a penchant for perverted daydreams who gets killed and revived as a devil by the stunning Rias Gremory, a high-ranking demon. By Season 3, Issei’s grown from a lovable perv into a hero with a knack for protecting his friends, all while juggling his feelings for Rias and the growing harem around him. Season 2 left us with major battles against fallen angels and the looming threat of the Khaos Brigade, setting the stage for bigger stakes.

BorN picks up with Issei and the Occult Research Club diving deeper into the supernatural world, facing new enemies and unraveling mysteries about their own powers. The season, animated by TNK and based on Ichiei Ishibumi’s light novels, covers key arcs from the source material while throwing in some anime-original twists that sparked plenty of discussion among fans.

The Plot: Chaos, Dragons, and Emotional Highs

Without spoiling too much, Season 3 ramps up the action with the introduction of the Hero Faction, a group tied to the Khaos Brigade that poses a serious threat to Issei and his allies. The season explores the Juggernaut Drive, a dangerous power-up for Issei’s Sacred Gear, Boosted Gear, which ties into his inner dragon, Ddraig. This arc is a rollercoaster, blending intense fight scenes with emotional moments that show how far Issei’s come as a character.

The season also delves deeper into the relationships between Issei, Rias, Akeno, Asia, and the rest of the crew. The romance feels more layered this time, with moments of genuine tenderness that balance the show’s signature fan service. For example, Rias’s struggles with her feelings for Issei add a new depth to her character, while Akeno’s backstory reveals the pain behind her sultry demeanor. These quieter moments are where BorN shines, giving fans a chance to connect with the characters beyond the battles and, well, the boobs.

The Good: What Fans Loved

Season 3 delivers on the elements that make DxD a fan favorite. The animation is vibrant, with fluid fight scenes that showcase Issei’s dragon-powered punches and the magical flair of devil abilities. The soundtrack, including the catchy opening “Bless Your Name” by ChouCho, pumps up the energy, while the voice acting (both sub and dub) brings the characters to life. Jamie Marchi’s sultry Akeno and Kelly Angel’s sweet Asia are standouts in the English dub, and the Japanese cast, led by Yuki Kaji as Issei, nails the emotional range.

The season also expands the lore, introducing new factions like the Hero Faction and diving into the mythology of Sacred Gears. For fans of the light novels, seeing moments like Issei’s clash with powerful enemies or the exploration of Koneko’s past brought to life is a treat. And yes, the ecchi elements are as bold as ever—Issei’s “Dress Break” and “Pailingual” techniques are equal parts hilarious and absurd, keeping the show’s cheeky charm intact.

The Controversial: Anime-Original Choices

Here’s where things get tricky. BorN takes some liberties with the source material, particularly in the second half, where it condenses and rearranges parts of the light novel’s Heroic Oppai Dragon arc and adds anime-original content. Without diving into spoilers, certain plot points—like a major confrontation involving Loki and the pacing of the final episodes—felt rushed or out of place to some fans. As someone who’s read the novels, I get why purists were frustrated; the changes streamline the story but sacrifice some of the depth and buildup that made the books so gripping.

That said, I still enjoyed the anime’s take. The original content adds a cinematic flair to the climax, even if it doesn’t always gel with the established story. For newcomers or casual viewers, these changes might not even register, and the season still delivers plenty of heart-pounding moments.

The Characters: A Growing Family

One of BorN’s strengths is its ensemble cast. Issei remains the heart of the show—a pervert with a heart of gold who’ll risk everything for his friends. Rias’s mix of confidence and vulnerability makes her a compelling love interest, while Akeno’s playful yet tragic arc adds depth to the harem dynamic. Koneko gets some much-needed spotlight, revealing her strength and struggles as a nekomata, and Asia’s growth from timid healer to someone willing to stand her ground is heartwarming.

New characters, like Rossweisse, a Valkyrie with a knack for getting flustered, add fresh energy to the group. Even the villains, like the members of the Hero Faction, bring enough charisma to make their clashes memorable. The show’s ability to balance its large cast while giving everyone a moment to shine is a big reason why fans keep coming back.

Why It Matters

High School DxD BorN isn’t perfect, but it’s a wild ride that captures the chaotic, heartfelt spirit of the series. It’s a love letter to fans who crave action-packed battles, steamy romance, and a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. For me, Season 3 is a reminder of why I fell in love with DxD—it’s not just about the fan service (though there’s plenty of that). It’s about a group of misfits finding strength in each other, with Issei leading the charge as the ultimate underdog.

If you’re new to the series, BorN might feel overwhelming without the context of Seasons 1 and 2, so start from the beginning. For longtime fans, it’s a chance to see beloved characters grow, even if the adaptation stumbles at times. Either way, it’s a season that delivers laughs, gasps, and maybe a few blushes.

Final Thoughts

High School DxD BorN is a bold, messy, and thoroughly entertaining chapter in Issei’s journey. It’s got heart, humor, and enough dragon-fueled action to keep you glued to the screen. Whether you’re here for the plot, the characters, or the, ahem, “plot,” Season 3 has something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, brace for the fan service, and dive into the supernatural chaos. Long live the Oppai Dragon!

Where to Watch: You can stream High School DxD BorN on platforms like Funimation, Crunchyroll, or Hulu, depending on your region. Check for availability and enjoy the ride!