High School Dxd Dub Top Page

When it comes to the legendary harem series High School DxD, the debate between "Sub vs. Dub" isn’t just about translation—it’s about two completely different experiences. While the Japanese original is a high-stakes supernatural battle Shonen with heavy fanservice, the English dub produced by Funimation (now Crunchyroll) has earned a "top-tier" reputation for its "unhinged" script and comedic delivery. Why the High School DxD Dub is Considered "Top-Tier"

Unlike most anime where dubs try to stick closely to the original script, the High School DxD writing team took massive liberties to localize humor for Western audiences. This resulted in a "fast and loose" style that many fans compare to an official "abridged" series.

Elevated Comedy: The dub incorporates "internet speak," fourth-wall breaks, and localized slang that often makes scenes much funnier than the original.

Balanced Tone: Despite the jokes, the voice actors are praised for knowing when to "turn it on" for serious moments, ensuring the emotional weight of character arcs (like Kiba’s) remains intact. high school dxd dub top

Iconic Trash Talk: The dub features some of the best insults in anime, with characters like Koneko delivering "genius" one-liners and Issei’s degenerate friends providing constant comedic gold. Reddit·r/animehttps://www.reddit.com

Tips for dub viewers

  • If you prefer consistent voice acting, watch seasons on a single platform that lists full cast credits.
  • For cast continuity questions, consult the episode credits—some roles changed or have differing credit listings across seasons.
  • Use subtitle option if a scene’s translation or delivery in dub feels off.

Watching order (recommended)

  1. High School DxD (S1) — 12 episodes
  2. High School DxD New (S2) — 12 episodes (+ OVA)
  3. High School DxD BorN (S3) — 12 episodes (+ OVA)
  4. High School DxD HERO (S4) — 13 episodes

Watch OVAs after the season they belong to (S2/S3).

1. The Voice Acting Powerhouse

The cornerstone of the dub’s success is the casting. Funimation (now Crunchyroll) assembled a veteran cast that understood the assignment perfectly. When it comes to the legendary harem series

  • Yuki Kaji vs. Scott Gibbs: In the Japanese sub, Issei Hyoudou is voiced by the legendary Yuki Kaji (also known for Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan). He plays Issei with high-pitched, frantic energy. However, Scott Gibbs’ English portrayal offers a different flavor. Gibbs leans into Issei’s "scummy but lovable" persona with a deeper, grittier voice that grounds the character. Many Western fans argue that Gibbs’ performance makes Issei feel more like a genuine high school delinquent and less like a caricature.
  • Rias Gremory: The performance of Rias is vital, as she shifts between the dignified Princess of Ruin and a vulnerable teenager. The English performance captures this duality seamlessly, commanding authority in battle scenes while nailing the comedic jealousy in slice-of-life moments.

5. Joel McDonald as Kiba Yuuto

Kiba is the handsome swordsman, a boring archetype in most anime. Joel McDonald makes him hilarious by playing him as the "straight man" trapped in a circus. When Kiba sighs, "I’m surrounded by perverts," you can hear the actor’s actual exhaustion. It’s a subtle, brilliant performance.

3. Script Adaptation and Flow

A top-tier dub requires more than good acting; it requires a script that sounds natural in English. High School DxD excels in "ADR" (Automated Dialogue Replacement) timing. The dialogue is punchy, fast-paced, and avoids the stiffness that plagues many direct translations.

The localization team isn't afraid to inject Western humor or idioms where appropriate, ensuring the jokes land. The banter between Issei and his friends, Matsuda and Motohama, feels authentically like a group of teenage guys ribbing each other, which helps ground the supernatural setting. Tips for dub viewers

The Rhythm of Filth: Comedic Timing and Profanity

The third pillar of the dub’s superiority is its use of profanity and timing. Japanese, as a language, has fewer direct "swear words" than English. The Japanese Issei might shout "Chikusho!" (Damn it!). The English Issei, after having his shirt blown off for the fifth time, shouts a creatively vulgar tirade involving bodily fluids, impossible geometry, and the family lineage of his enemies.

This isn't crudeness for its own sake. High School DxD is a show about devils, perversion, and breaking taboos. Using the full English lexicon of profanity aligns the dialogue with the show's thematic content. The dub's scriptwriters know exactly where to insert a well-timed "crap," "bastard," or even a hard-R bomb to punctuate a joke or a moment of shocking violence. The result is that conversations feel natural, gritty, and alive—not sanitized for a classroom setting.

Furthermore, the comedic pacing is superior. The English voice actors recorded together in the booth, allowing for overlapping dialogue, natural interruptions, and improvised asides. This creates a "Marvel movie" rhythm—rapid-fire jokes, callbacks, and ensemble banter—that the Japanese seiyuu, often recording separately, rarely achieve.