The English dub of High School DxD isn’t just a translation—it’s widely regarded by fans as one of the funniest, most character-driven dubs in anime. Here’s what puts it at the top.
To watch High School DxD in Japanese is to watch a competent, moderately entertaining ecchi action show. To watch it in English is to watch a comedy masterclass. The dub does not simply translate words; it translates intent. It recognizes that a story about a boy whose power scales with his libido is inherently absurd and treats that absurdity not as a flaw, but as a feature.
The "top" position of the High School DxD dub challenges the elitist notion that subtitles are always superior. It proves that a localization team, armed with wit, talent, and a deep understanding of the material's tone, can create a product that surpasses the original. For the uninitiated, the show might appear to be merely "anime boobs." But for those who have heard Josh Grelle scream "Boosted Gear!" followed by a tirade about sacred nipples, they know the truth: the High School DxD English dub is the definitive way to watch, a rare example where the adaptation is not a translation, but a transfiguration. It is, without irony, a masterpiece of mature comedy.
The English dub of High School DxD is widely considered one of the best in the "ecchi" genre because it prioritizes comedic entertainment and character personality over a strict, word-for-word translation. While the original Japanese version focuses more on emotional depth and accuracy to the light novels, the dub—written by Rias Gremory’s voice actress, Jamie Marchi—is celebrated for its over-the-top humor and creative adaptation. Why the Dub Stands Out
Creative Scripting: The English script often replaces standard Japanese dialogue with more colorful, modernized phrasing. For example, simple observations about a character's lack of experience are often turned into biting, localized insults that fit the teenage "horndog" archetype of the protagonist, Issei.
Enhanced Comedy: The dub actors lean into the absurdity of the show’s "breast-centric" premise, delivering lines with a high-energy, self-aware performance that makes the humor land more effectively for Western audiences.
Character Personality: Supporting characters are often given more distinct "voices" and quirks in the dub than in the original, adding layers of entertainment during non-action scenes. Balancing Fanservice and Plot
Despite its reputation for fanservice—featuring frequent nudity and sexual situations—many fans argue the show succeeds because it actually has a cohesive plot and world-building.
Structured World: Unlike many harem shows where events are random, DxD maintains a consistent internal logic involving factions of Devils, Fallen Angels, and Angels.
Protagonist Growth: Issei Hyoudou is often seen as more than a "blank slate" lead; he has genuine character flaws and motivations beyond his obsession with women.
Emotional Stakes: Later seasons, particularly High School DxD Hero, are noted for having high emotional stakes and complex interpersonal relationships, such as the deepening bond between Issei and Rias.
In summary, the High School DxD English dub is a "top-tier" recommendation for those who want a version that doesn't take itself too seriously and enhances the show's inherent comedy.
If you want to know more, would you like a breakdown of the best English voice actors in the series or a list of the most hilarious dialogue changes from the dub?
High School DxD English dub is widely known for its "unhinged" and comedic nature, often taking liberties with the original script to lean into more extreme humor. English Dub Main Cast
While most of the cast remained consistent across the four seasons, a few major roles were recast during the series' run. Primary English Voice Actor Issei Hyoudou Scott Freeman Jessie James Grelle Recast due to legal issues involving Freeman. Rias Gremory Jamie Marchi Constant throughout all four seasons. Asia Argento Chloe Daniels Leah Clark Recast starting in the fourth season ( Akeno Himejima Teri Rogers Kelly Angel Recast after Rogers left voice acting work. Koneko Toujou Jad Saxton Constant throughout the series Yuuto Kiba Sean O'Connor Constant throughout the series. Watch Order for Dubbed Content
To follow the story correctly (including the OVAs and the timeline shift in Season 4), follow this sequence according to the watch order on Reddit High School DxD (Season 1) High School DxD New (Season 2) High School DxD BorN (Season 3, Episodes 1–9)
Note: Episodes 10–12 of BorN are largely anime-original and were later retconned. High School DxD Hero - Episode 0 (Retcons the end of Season 3) High School DxD Hero (Season 4) Where to Watch
You can find the dubbed version on major anime platforms like Crunchyroll
(which now hosts former Funimation content). Note that the fourth season (
High School DxD English dub is famous in the anime community for being "unhinged" and taking massive liberties with the script to lean into its perverted humor Story Overview The story follows Issei Hyodo
, a perverted high schooler who is killed by his first date, who turns out to be a fallen angel . He is revived as a by the high-ranking demon princess Rias Gremory
to serve as her pawn in her occult research club. Issei must now navigate a dangerous world of angels, devils, and fallen angels while pursuing his ultimate dream: becoming a Harem King Why the Dub is "Top" Tier While many anime fans prefer subtitles for accuracy, the High School DxD
dub is often cited as a rare case where the English version is arguably more entertaining. Creative Liberties high school dxd dub top
: The dub writers frequently replaced standard dialogue with pop culture references
, meta-jokes, and "trash talk" that wasn't in the original Japanese script. Comedy over Seriousness : It turns the show into more of a raunchy comedy
, using improvised-feeling lines and fourth-wall breaks to keep the tone light even during serious battles. Memorable Performance Josh Grelle (Issei) and Jamie Marchi
(Rias) are highly praised for their comedic timing and energy. Where to Watch
The Top-Notch World of High School DxD Dub: A Comprehensive Guide
In the realm of anime, few series have garnered as much attention and acclaim as High School DxD. This dark fantasy anime, based on the light novel series by Ichiei Ishibumi and Miyama-Zero, has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of action, comedy, and supernatural elements. One of the key factors contributing to its popularity is the English dub, which has brought the series to a broader audience. In this article, we'll explore the world of High School DxD dub, highlighting its top-notch production, talented voice actors, and what makes it a standout in the anime community.
What is High School DxD?
For those unfamiliar with the series, High School DxD follows the story of Issei Hyoudou, a high school student who is killed on his first date and reborn as a devil by Rias Gremory, a powerful devil and president of the Occult Research Club. Issei soon discovers that he has become a part of a world filled with angels, demons, and other supernatural creatures. The series is known for its over-the-top action sequences, humorous moments, and intricate storyline, which has captivated fans across the globe.
The English Dub: A Game-Changer for High School DxD
The English dub of High School DxD, produced by Funimation, has played a significant role in the series' global success. The dub features a talented cast of voice actors who bring the characters to life in English. The top-notch production quality and exceptional voice acting have helped to make the series more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.
Top Voice Actors in the High School DxD Dub
The voice cast of High School DxD dub features some of the most talented and experienced voice actors in the industry. Here are a few notable mentions:
What Makes High School DxD Dub Stand Out?
Several factors contribute to the High School DxD dub's exceptional quality:
Why High School DxD Dub is a Must-Watch
If you're a fan of anime, action, comedy, or supernatural elements, High School DxD dub is a must-watch. Here are a few reasons why:
Conclusion
High School DxD dub has set a new standard for anime dubs, showcasing exceptional production quality, talented voice actors, and a faithful adaptation of the original series. Whether you're a seasoned anime fan or new to the world of High School DxD, the dub is an excellent way to experience the series. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and non-stop action, High School DxD dub is a must-watch for anyone looking for a top-notch anime experience.
Where to Watch High School DxD Dub
High School DxD dub is available to stream on various platforms, including:
You can also purchase the DVD or Blu-ray discs on Amazon or other online retailers.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, High School DxD dub is a top-notch anime experience that is not to be missed. With its exceptional production quality, talented voice actors, and engaging storyline, it's no wonder that the series has gained a massive following worldwide. If you're looking for a new anime to watch, or just want to experience the world of High School DxD in English, the dub is an excellent choice. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
In the world of English-dubbed anime, few titles carry as much weight—or as much notoriety—as High School DxD. While the series is infamous for its "ecchi" content and unbridled fan service, seasoned anime fans often rank its English dub among the best in the genre. It is frequently cited as a "top tier" example of localization done right, transcending the language barrier to enhance the source material rather than simply translating it.
Here is a breakdown of why the High School DxD dub is consistently placed at the top.
The dub doesn’t translate literally; it localizes with wit. Jokes are rewritten to land for English audiences, and the cast delivers them with impeccable timing.
The High School DxD English dub is considered "top" because it fully embraces the identity of the show. It doesn't shy away from the ridiculous premise, nor does it fail to deliver on the emotional beats.
While purists will always argue for the Japanese original, the English dub holds a special place in the community for its casting choices, its spirited performances, and its ability to make a story about devils and demons feel incredibly human. It remains a gold standard for how to handle comedy-action anime in the West.
The High School DxD English dub is widely considered "iconic" and unique within the anime community because it functions almost like an official gag dub. While the core story of Issei Hyoudou becoming a devil servant to Rias Gremory remains intact, the dub significantly alters the dialogue to lean into raunchy, improvised-style humor. Dub Highlights and Features
Creative Scripting: The dub writers took massive liberties with the translation, adding jokes, fourth-wall breaks, and modern slang that weren't in the original Japanese script. Fans often cite lines like "Deodora the Explorer" or "Kentucky Fried Princess" as legendary comedic additions.
Voice Acting Synergy: Many viewers feel the voice actors—particularly Jamie Marchi (Rias) and Scott Freeman/Josh Grelle (Issei)—delivered performances that elevated the material through perfect comedic timing.
The "It Factor": Unlike the Ghost Stories dub, which was changed because the original show was considered poor, the DxD dub enhances a show that was already popular, creating a balance between serious action and over-the-top comedy. Cast Changes and Context
You should be aware of a few significant shifts in the English production over the series' four seasons:
Issei Hyoudou: Originally voiced by Scott Freeman (Seasons 1-2). He was replaced by Josh Grelle for later seasons following Freeman's legal issues.
Akeno Himejima: Originally voiced by Teri Rogers (Seasons 1-2), who left voice acting and was replaced by Kelly Angel.
Series Tone Shift: Season 4 (High School DxD Hero) saw a change in animation studio and a slight shift toward a script that was more faithful to the original Japanese dialogue, which some dub-only fans found less "wild" than previous seasons. Watchability Report The High School DxD Dub Is Iconic
The High School DxD English dub is widely regarded as a standout in the anime community, often described as a "professional abridged series" because of its creative liberties, humor, and willingness to lean into its raunchy premise. Key Highlights of the Dub
Creative Dialogue: The dub takes significant liberties with the script, adding Western jokes (like "that's what she said") and fourth-wall breaks that aren't present in the original Japanese.
Balancing Humor and Stakes: Despite the added comedy, the dub is praised for maintaining the emotional weight of serious character arcs, such as Kiba's development in Season 2.
Iconic Catchphrases: Many fans prefer the dubbed delivery of iconic lines, especially the enthusiastic "BOOST!" shouted by Christopher Sabat as Ddraig. Top Cast & Performances Main Voice Actor (Seasons 1-2) Season 3+ Changes Issei Hyoudou Scott Freeman Josh Grelle (Season 3+) Rias Gremory Jamie Marchi Akeno Himejima Teri Rogers Kelly Angel (Season 3+) Ddraig Christopher Sabat Koneko Toujou Jad Saxton
The English dub of High School DxD is widely celebrated for its "unhinged" and comedic script, often compared to the legendary gag-style dub of Ghost Stories. While the original Japanese version focuses more on the action and traditional harem tropes, the Funimation dub leans heavily into meta-humor, modern slang, and over-the-top character sass. Top Reasons the Dub is Considered "Top Tier"
The "Unhinged" Script: Writers took significant creative liberties, transforming standard dialogue into a "comedic interpretation" of the source material. This includes expanding simple name-drops into full metaphors and Western references that fit the scene's context.
Balance of Comedy and Sincerity: Despite the jokes, fans note it doesn't quite cross into being a full "gag dub" because it still handles emotional arcs and serious battle sequences with genuine intensity.
Voice Cast Chemistry: The actors are often described as sounding like they are having a great time with the material, which adds to the show's overall enjoyability. Key Dub Cast Highlights Issei Hyodo: Voiced by Josh Grelle High School DxD Dub: Why It’s Considered Top-Tier
(replacing Scott Freeman), who is praised for bringing a high-energy, relatable perversion to the character. Rias Gremory: Voiced by Jamie Marchi
, whose performance is often cited as a reason to watch the dub. Akeno Himejima: Voiced by Kelly Angel (and formerly Teri Rogers
in early seasons), known for nailing the character's playful yet dangerous tone. Koneko Toujou: Voiced by Jād Saxton , whose deadpan "savage" moments are fan favorites. Top Iconic Dub Moments
Introduction
High School DxD is a popular Japanese light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero. The series has been adapted into several anime seasons, manga, and video games. One of the most debated topics among fans is the English dubbing of the anime series, specifically the top-tier dubs. In this paper, we will explore the High School DxD dub, focusing on the top-rated dubs and analyzing their quality.
Background
High School DxD, also known as High School DxD BorN and High School DxD: Hero, is an anime series that revolves around Issei Hyoudou, a high school student who is turned into a devil by Rias Gremory, a beautiful and powerful devil. The series is known for its blend of comedy, action, and fantasy elements.
English Dubbing
The English dubbing of High School DxD was produced by Funimation, a well-known anime dubbing company. The dub was first released in 2013, with the first season featuring a cast of relatively unknown voice actors. However, as the series gained popularity, the dubbing cast was expanded, and more experienced voice actors were brought on board.
Top-Rated Dubs
According to various sources, including MyAnimeList and Anime News Network, the top-rated dubs for High School DxD are:
Comparison and Analysis
A critical analysis of both dubs reveals that the Funimation dub is generally considered to be of higher quality. The cast, particularly Bryce Papenbrook and Jamie Bahner, deliver exceptional performances that bring the characters to life. The dubbing is well-synced, and the script is faithful to the original Japanese version.
On the other hand, the Hulu dub, while still enjoyable, falls short in terms of quality. The cast, although talented, lacks the chemistry and experience of the Funimation cast. The dubbing is also slightly off-sync, and some fans have criticized the script for deviating from the original.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the High School DxD dub, specifically the Funimation dub, is a well-crafted English dub that does justice to the original Japanese series. While the Hulu dub has its merits, it falls short in terms of quality and overall performance. Fans of the series highly recommend the Funimation dub, which is widely regarded as the top-tier dub for High School DxD.
References
Appendix
Cast Comparison
| Character | Funimation Dub | Hulu Dub | | --- | --- | --- | | Issei Hyoudou | Bryce Papenbrook | Nicolas Roye | | Rias Gremory | Jamie Bahner | Sarah Wurman | | Akeno Himejima | Jason Douglas | Nicolas Christopher |
Rating Comparison
| Dub | MyAnimeList Rating | Anime News Network Rating | | --- | --- | --- | | Funimation Dub | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | | Hulu Dub | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 | Zach Aguilar (Issei Hyoudou): Aguilar's portrayal of Issei
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the High School DxD dub, focusing on the top-rated dubs. The Funimation dub stands out as the superior dub, with a talented cast and well-crafted script. While the Hulu dub has its merits, it falls short in terms of quality and overall performance. Fans of the series highly recommend the Funimation dub for an authentic and enjoyable viewing experience.
In the vast, often-contested landscape of anime fandom, few debates are as heated as the "Sub vs. Dub" argument. For purists, the original Japanese audio with subtitles is the only sacred text. Yet, for every rule, there is an exception—a show so reliant on tone, timing, and cultural transgression that the dubbed version does not merely translate the original, but elevates it. High School DxD is that exception. While the series is notorious for its ecchi premise (a pervy high schooler reborn as a devil who fights with a power known as the "Boosted Gear"), the English dub, produced by Funimation (now Crunchyroll), is widely hailed by fans as the "top" version. This is not an accident. Through script adaptation, voice casting, and comedic timing, the High School DxD dub transforms a standard harem action show into a self-aware, laugh-out-loud comedy masterpiece.