High School DxD HERO

Aired Date:2018-04-10

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:69/100

Genres:Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Romance

Season:2

Total Episodes:13

Duration:24 min/ep

Studio:AT-X

Source:LIGHT_NOVEL

Format:TV

Director:Yoshifumi Sueda

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Official Site Twitter Crunchyroll

Synopsis

The fourth season of High School DxD.Issei and the 2nd years attend a class trip to Kyoto for well-deserved relaxation, leaving the senior and junior class students of the Gremory family behind. However, once there, they fall under attack and must win without Rias or their other powerhouses.(Source: Anime News Network) Includes episode 0, Taiikukan-ura no Holy.

Trailer

Characters

Yuuto Kiba MAIN

Koneko Toujou MAIN

Rias Gremory MAIN

Akeno Himejima MAIN

Rossweisse MAIN

Asia Argento MAIN

Irina Shidou MAIN

Xenovia Quarta MAIN

Gasper Vladi MAIN

Issei Hyoudou MAIN

High School DxD Season 4: A Heroic Return Packed with Action, Romance, and Redemption

By a Dedicated Anime Enthusiast (@son-hak)

High School DxD Hero, the fourth season of the beloved ecchi-harem anime, aired from April 10 to July 3, 2018, and brought a triumphant return for fans of Issei Hyoudou and his devilish adventures. After the divisive third season, High School DxD BorN, which strayed from the source material, Season 4—produced by Passione instead of TNK—set out to right the wrongs with a faithful adaptation of the light novels’ ninth and tenth volumes by Ichiei Ishibumi. Packed with thrilling battles, heartfelt romance, and the signature fan service that defines DxD, Hero delivers a satisfying arc that deepens the story and characters. Buckle up for a spoiler-filled dive into what makes Season 4 a standout, why it resonates with fans, and how it sets the stage for the future.

Setting the Stage: A New Studio, A New Start

Before diving into the plot, it’s worth noting the context. High School DxD BorN (Season 3) left fans frustrated with its anime-original ending, particularly the rushed Loki arc and a forced confession between Issei and Rias that didn’t align with the light novels. Passione, the new studio, took a different approach. Under the guidance of director Yoshifumi Sueda and writer Kenji Konuta, the team was instructed by Ishibumi to stick closely to the source material, reading nearly all the light novels to avoid inaccuracies. The result? A season that feels like a love letter to fans, kicking off with Episode 0 to retcon BorN’s missteps and realign the story with the canon.

The Plot: The Heroic Oppai Dragon Arc

High School DxD Hero covers the second half of the Heroic Oppai Dragon arc, focusing on volumes 9 and 10 of the light novels. The season begins with Issei Hyoudou, now a mid-class devil, preparing for the school trip to Kyoto with his fellow second-years from Kuoh Academy’s Occult Research Club. But this isn’t a leisurely vacation—new threats emerge, and Issei’s growth as a hero and romantic lead takes center stage.

Spoiler Alert: From here on, expect detailed spoilers about key events, character developments, and plot twists.

Episode 0: Retconning the Past

The season opens with a special episode that revisits the events of BorN’s non-canon ending. Instead of the rushed Loki battle and awkward Rias-Issei moment, Episode 0 establishes the proper timeline. Issei, still reeling from the emotional toll of his Juggernaut Drive transformation in Season 3, is shown recovering with the support of Rias Gremory and the Occult Research Club. This episode reintroduces the stakes of the Khaos Brigade’s schemes and sets up Issei’s growing power as the Red Dragon Emperor, wielder of the Boosted Gear. It’s a smart move, grounding the season in the light novels’ continuity and reassuring fans that Passione is committed to fidelity.

The Kyoto Arc: Dragons, Foxes, and New Rivals

The main arc begins with Issei, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, Xenovia, Irina, and Gasper heading to Kyoto for the school trip. The change of scenery brings fresh energy, with Kyoto’s supernatural undercurrents providing a backdrop for new conflicts. The group encounters the Hero Faction, a rogue group within the Khaos Brigade led by Cao Cao, a cunning strategist wielding the True Longinus, a powerful Sacred Gear. Cao Cao’s goal is to disrupt the balance between devils, angels, and fallen angels, and he targets Yasaka, the leader of Kyoto’s yokai faction, to steal her power.

Issei and his friends leap into action to protect Yasaka and her daughter, Kunou, a spirited nine-tailed fox. The Kyoto arc is a visual treat, with Passione’s animation shining in scenes of Kyoto’s temples and mystical landscapes. Battles against Cao Cao’s faction showcase Issei’s evolving abilities, including his Balance Breaker and the introduction of his Cardinal Crimson Promotion, a new form that channels the power of the Red Dragon Emperor. The fights are intense, with standout moments like Issei teaming up with Saji, another dragon-wielding devil, to take on the Hero Faction’s warriors.

The Rating Game: Issei vs. Sairaorg

The second half of the season shifts to the Underworld for a high-stakes Rating Game between Rias Gremory’s team and Sairaorg Bael, Rias’s cousin and a formidable devil who relies on raw physical strength rather than magical power. This arc is the emotional and action-packed climax of Hero, highlighting Issei’s growth as a leader and warrior.

The Rating Game is a brutal, strategic showdown. Sairaorg’s team, including his Queen, Kuisha, and his Pawn, Regulus, a lion-shaped Sacred Gear, pushes Rias’s group to their limits. Key moments include Koneko unleashing her nekomata powers, Xenovia wielding her holy swords, and Rossweisse showcasing her Norse magic. Issei’s final battle against Sairaorg is a highlight, with both fighters trading blows in a test of willpower. Issei’s Cardinal Crimson Promotion gives him the edge, allowing him to overpower Sairaorg and secure victory for Rias’s team. The fight is not just about strength—it’s a clash of ideals, with Sairaorg’s respect for Issei cementing their rivalry as one of mutual admiration.

Romance and Relationships: A Milestone for Issei and Rias

If you’re here for the romance, Hero delivers a pivotal moment. Throughout the season, Issei’s feelings for Rias deepen, but his insecurities as a low-born devil hold him back. The Kyoto arc sees Rias grappling with her own emotions, especially when Issei’s interactions with other girls (like Kunou or Akeno) spark jealousy. The Rating Game arc builds to a heartfelt climax: after defeating Sairaorg, Issei finally confesses his love to Rias in a genuine, emotional scene. Unlike BorN’s forced moment, this confession feels earned, culminating in their first real kiss. It’s a turning point for the series, solidifying their relationship while leaving room for the harem dynamics to continue.

Other relationships get attention too. Akeno’s flirtations with Issei take a more serious turn, hinting at her own feelings, while Asia’s devotion to Issei remains unwavering. Koneko’s growth from a reserved catgirl to a confident fighter adds depth to her bond with Issei, and Xenovia’s bold advances keep the harem comedy alive. Newcomer Rossweisse also shines, balancing her clumsy charm with fierce combat prowess.

What Works: Strengths of Season 4

Hero succeeds on multiple fronts. Passione’s animation is a step up from TNK’s, with vibrant colors and fluid fight scenes that capture the intensity of the light novels. The character designs, using Clip Studio Paint, feel closer to Miyama-Zero’s illustrations, pleasing fans of the source material. The soundtrack, featuring the opening “SWITCH” by Minami and the ending “Motenai Kuse ni” by Tapimiru, complements the show’s high-energy vibe.

The season balances DxD’s signature elements: action, romance, and ecchi humor. Battles like Issei vs. Sairaorg are thrilling, with strategic depth and emotional weight. The romance, especially Issei and Rias’s arc, satisfies fans who’ve waited for progress. And yes, the fan service is as bold as ever—Issei’s “Dress Break” and “Pailingual” techniques make their triumphant return, alongside plenty of steamy moments that keep the show’s cheeky spirit alive.

Passione’s fidelity to the light novels is a major win. By retconning BorN’s mistakes and sticking to volumes 9 and 10, the season feels cohesive and respectful of Ishibumi’s vision. The Kyoto arc introduces new lore, like the yokai faction, while the Rating Game arc expands the devil world’s politics and culture. Characters like Sairaorg and Cao Cao are compelling additions, adding depth to the series’ roster of allies and enemies.

What Doesn’t Work: Minor Flaws

No season is perfect, and Hero has a few hiccups. The art style shift from TNK to Passione drew mixed reactions; some fans found the new designs less polished, though they’re closer to the novels. The pacing, while improved, can feel rushed in the Kyoto arc, as it juggles multiple characters and subplots. Some side characters, like Gasper and Irina, get less focus than fans might hope, though this is a minor issue given the ensemble cast.

The ecchi elements, while a core part of DxD, might overwhelm viewers looking for more plot-driven moments. Certain scenes, like Issei’s over-the-top perverted antics, can feel repetitive, though they’re played for laughs and stay true to his character.

Why It Matters: A Redemption Arc for the Series

High School DxD Hero is a course correction that restores faith in the anime adaptation. By addressing BorN’s missteps, Passione delivers a season that feels true to the light novels while advancing the story in meaningful ways. Issei’s growth from a perverted underdog to a confident hero is inspiring, and the deepening relationships—especially with Rias—give the series an emotional core that balances its raunchy humor.

For fans, Hero is a reminder of why DxD stands out in the harem genre. It’s not just about fan service; it’s about a found family of devils, angels, and yokai fighting for each other. The season’s focus on Issei’s leadership, Rias’s vulnerability, and the team’s camaraderie makes it more than just a guilty pleasure—it’s a story about growth, love, and resilience.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

Hero ends on a high note, with Issei’s promotion to a mid-class devil and his relationship with Rias solidified. The season teases future arcs, like the Middle-Class Promotion Test and further conflicts with the Khaos Brigade, setting up a potential Season 5 (rumored but unconfirmed as of June 2025). With 25 light novel volumes and the Shin High School DxD sequel series, there’s plenty of material left to adapt, though Ishibumi’s health issues have delayed progress. Fans can also look forward to the Junior High School DxD spinoff, announced for release in May 2024, which promises a fresh take on the universe.

Where to Watch

You can stream High School DxD Hero on Crunchyroll or Funimation in the U.S., with dubbed and subbed options available. In the UK, Manga Entertainment offers the series, and Madman Anime handles distribution in Australia. Check for Blu-ray releases for uncensored versions, as TV broadcasts are often censored.

Final Thoughts

High School DxD Hero is a triumphant return that delivers everything fans love: epic battles, steamy romance, and laugh-out-loud moments. It redeems the series after BorN’s stumble, offering a faithful adaptation that honors Ishibumi’s vision. Whether you’re cheering for Issei’s harem dreams, swooning over his kiss with Rias, or hyped for dragon-powered fights, Season 4 has it all. It’s a must-watch for DxD fans and a great entry point for newcomers (though starting with Season 1 is recommended). Here’s to hoping the Oppai Dragon’s journey continues soon!

Sources: Information drawn from High School DxD light novels, anime episodes, and fan discussions on platforms like Reddit and the High School DxD Wiki.