"High School DxD New" is the second season of the "High School DxD" anime series, adapting the third and fourth light novel volumes by Ichiei Ishibumi. The story continues the adventures of Issei Hyoudou, a high school student and member of the Occult Research Club, who was reincarnated as a devil after being killed on his first date. Issei serves under Rias Gremory, a high-ranking devil and heir to the Gremory clan, alongside other club members who are also reincarnated devils or supernatural beings.
The season begins with the introduction of the Excalibur arc, where the Occult Research Club investigates the theft of fragments of the holy sword Excalibur. The fragments are being used by rogue exorcists to create new, unstable versions of the legendary weapon. The arc explores themes of betrayal and the misuse of power, as the club confronts the exorcists and their leader, Freed Sellzen, a deranged priest with a vendetta against devils. The arc also delves into the backstory of Xenovia Quarta and Irina Shidou, two exorcists who later become key allies to Issei and his group.
Following the Excalibur arc, the story shifts to the Rating Game arc, where Rias and her peerage face off against Sona Sitri, the student council president and another high-ranking devil, in a formal Rating Game. This arc highlights the strategic and competitive aspects of the devil hierarchy, as the two teams battle to prove their strength and skill. The arc also introduces new characters, such as Sona’s peerage members, and further develops the relationships between Rias, Issei, and the rest of the Occult Research Club.
Throughout the season, Issei’s growth as a devil and his relationships with the female members of the club remain central to the narrative. His determination to protect his friends and his growing feelings for Rias drive much of the character development. The series balances action, comedy, and supernatural elements, with a focus on the dynamics of the Occult Research Club as they face increasingly dangerous challenges.
The main characters include Issei Hyoudou, a perverted but determined protagonist with the power of the Boosted Gear, a sacred gear that doubles his power at intervals; Rias Gremory, the powerful and compassionate leader of the group; Akeno Himejima, Rias’s second-in-command and a half-fallen angel; Koneko Toujou, a petite but strong nekomata; Yuuto Kiba, a skilled swordsman with a tragic past; and Asia Argento, a kind-hearted nun with healing abilities. The season also introduces new allies and adversaries, expanding the world and its lore.
"High School DxD New" maintains the series’ blend of supernatural battles, comedic moments, and romantic tension, while advancing the overarching plot and character arcs. The season sets the stage for further developments in the series, leaving viewers with a sense of anticipation for the challenges and conflicts to come.