Highschool DxD Hero (Season 4) Anime Review
So yea, I just finished with the new season of Highschool DxD. This time round it is made by an entirely different studio so I really feel a lot of changes has been made. In fact, I feel that I going to be reviewing an entirely new anime this time round.
Highschool DxD Hero is the fourth season of Highschool DxD and it once again continues the story of Hyoudou Issei, a reincarnated devil aiming to be a High-Class Devil and a Harem King. For those who read the Light Novels, it follows closely to the storyline recorded in Volume 9 and Volume 10 of the novels. It mainly focuses on the introduction of the Hero Faction of Khaos Brigade and the rating game between Rias and Bael.
To first start things off I just want to say that these particular story arc, is probably my most anticipated story arc in Highschool DxD, more specifically the fight between Rias and Bael. That automatically sets a high standard for me, and I am pretty sure, for most Highschool DxD fans out there. To be honest, I feel that it is a lot of pressure for Studio Passione. Especially due to the fact that they needed to salvage the ruins of Season 3 as well as following things through with one of the most popular arcs in the series.
What do I like about the anime?
I like the fact that Studio Passione stood their ground in creating their own version of Highschool DxD. They decided not to follow the events in Season 3 and instead, highlight the parts that would be important in Season 4. They even sacrificed an episode to fix these errors and that’s truly a job well done by Studio Passione.
Secondly, I really like the fact that while Studio Passione do have their own version of DxD, they do not forget the fact that this is DxD. Studio Passione managed to respectfully, replicate all the fun moments I experienced in the previous seasons. Moreover, they even adopted the same soundtracks which as I said before in my Season 1 review, is iconic of Highschool DxD.
Last but not least would be how clever they are in nitpicking important stuffs. Highschool DxD Hero is the first season of Highschool DxD that I experienced after reading the Light Novels. So yes, in a sense, I already knew of what was going to happen and I have expectations on certain scenes. I know it is very difficult to fit all those details into 12 episodes, especially considering the fact that Volume 10 of DxD contained a lot of fight scenes and detailed description. Studio Passione not only is able to fit the main storyline into 12 episodes, they also retain the important sections of it. Many scenes which I find memorable were given more screen time than those not so. It manage to provide us with a well-defined story, while rather rushed, followed by surges of emotions that are well-placed.
What do I not like about the anime?
Alright first and foremost, and probably one of the most obvious one would be the new art. A new studio would mean a new animation and art style for the anime. For Highschool DxD Hero, it becomes so much different from the first 3 seasons of the anime. To be honest, I would not really say that I hate the new animation, it is more like, the entire thing feels new to me and it is very hard to accept new changes. One thing to take note however, is that some characters feel more suitable presented in the new art style while some looks worse. But one is very clear, and this is why it is inclined more towards the negative aspect of the anime, is because the new art style feels very different from the original art presented in the novels. In a sense, TNK Studio replicate them better.
Another thing that I don't like about the anime would be the fact that the pace of the entire anime feels rather rushed. It does affect the coherence in a sense that you have to process the information at a faster rate. While the details are all addressed and presented, some are given more screen time, the main problem is just that there isn't enough screen time in the first place. The two arcs covered in this anime is heavy on Issei, meaning that both is purely Issei's arc (the second does cover some of Rias), and the ambiguous nature of the Sacred Gear would mean the need of information. Issei's development usually comes from how well the anime can relate his character with the Sacred Gear and Evil Pieces he possesses. However, due to the limited screen time, many of these information felt rather rushed and in the end it remain ambiguous. I will delve further later because it does affect another character in the anime.
Judgment
Overall, I feel that Highschool DxD Hero, is a very good attempt in reviving the anime series. It puts in a lot of effort to fix their errors from Season 3 as well as giving us a great show on one of the most popular arc in Highschool DxD. However, it still lack the magic that was present in the first 2 seasons, and I feel that while it is definitely better than BorN, it cannot reach the level of the original Highschool DxD. I am giving this season a B. I hope that Studio Passione can learn from this season and further improve their formula for Season 5, that is if they are continuing.
From this point onwards... SPOILERS ALERT!!!
Alright, I want to discuss more on the art style and coherence section of the anime. I believe that the plot is already well presented in the anime. Studio Passione did a great job following closely to the Light Novels and to be honest you should enjoy it! Nevertheless, I will start with the plot!
Plot
First Arc: Adapted from Pandemonium at the School Trip
The first arc started off with Issei and the rest of the second year students going on a school Field Trip to Kyoto. It is a fun chapter where Issei meet this new character who is the daughter of the Kyubi. However, the most important aspect of this arc is the introduction of the Hero Faction of Khaos Brigade. I really suggest that viewers pay attention to this arc when they arrived because while the next arc is probably the highlight of the season, this arc introduced us to many powerful opponents such as Siegfried and Jeanne, but particularly Cao Cao. It was not time yet for Cao Cao to shine but eventually I hope you will understand why I believe Cao Cao is the greatest antagonist of Highschool DxD. Basically, this arc is just a taste of the beginning of the entire Hero Faction storyline (definitely the best storyline ever).
Issei also obtained a power up in this arc known as the Illegal Move Triaina. It hinted Issei's ability to utilise the power of the Evil Pieces and his Boosted Gear to achieve more. Of course this is why it became Issei's arc.
Second Arc: Adapted from Lion Heart of the School Festival
The second arc would be the main highlight of the season. There is a reason why season 4 might be the most crucial season of Highschool DxD. That is because it contained the beginning of the best storyline in DxD (the Hero Story Arc) as well as personally what I believed to be the greatest volume in DxD, that is Volume 10. In this second half of the season Rias will be having a rating game against Bael, her cousin, which is part of the rating game among the young devils hinted back in Season 3. It is packed full of action and emotions. I would say that the main highlight would be when Gasper protected Xenovia, the part where the Knights fought Bael and himself and of course, Issei versus Bael. I have to admit that this entire section of the anime reminded me of why I really loved DxD in the first place.
This arc is dedicated for Issei and Rias. It focuses on the relationship between the two, and we have not had Issei and Rias arc since Season 1. It is always great to have the two as the center of focus because they are, after all, the two "mainest" character in Highschool DxD. It ended up with Issei overcoming the fear of a relationship because he was traumatised by the events with Raynare back in the first season. Through this ordeal, he accepted his love for Rias and at the same time, metaphorically, defeats the darkness inside him. It does grant him a new power up known as the Cardinal Crimson Promotion which was the Queen's form of Triaina.
Characters
Hyoudo Issei
In this season, Issei received the most spotlight throughout. Once again we were shown the kind side of Issei, despite his perverted nature. During that time, we were also given his interactions with Ddraig and their relationship which deepen over time. We were also given more glimpse of the old Red Dragon Emperors of the past whose soul was trapped inside the Boosted Gear.
In the first arc, we focuses more on Issei's kindness and the fact that he is indeed willing to help anyone in need even if may not have the power to do so. This is highlighted in many sequences such as when he helped Kuno save her mother in Kyoto, or even doing something as simple as giving a boy a signature from the Oppai Dragon. Issei's power up in the first arc was more or less a joke just like the usual, as it occurred due to him summoning Rias so that he can poke his breast. This unlocks the power of the Evil Pieces imbued in him. It then allows him to transform into various form depending on which piece did he promote to Bishop, Rook or Knight. Hence the name Triaina.
In the second arc, Issei's character is even further developed by showing us that there is indeed a darkness inside Issei that he cannot get rid off, that is Raynare. Issei is a caring individual, who cared for everyone that have been kind to him. He was traumatised by the events with Raynare when he was killed, by someone he loved. This gave him a trust issue. No matter how much he cared for others, and no matter how much is willing to sacrifice for others, he is unable to forge a relationship based on love because he is scared of being betrayed just like how Raynare had betrayed him. This fear was what made him scared of confessing to Rias that he does indeed love her. It is also related to the Juggernaut Drive that feeds on negative emotion, and I believe it is what caused it to trigger even in the heart of a kind-hearted like Issei. In the end however, he managed to overcome this darkness when he finally confessed to Rias and understand the fact that his role is to lead the new generations into a new path of light. It allows him to unlock the Queen form of Triaina as well which is now known as the Cardinal Crimson Promotion something equivalently strong as the Juggernaut Drive.
Rias Gremory
Rias didn't play much role in the first arc of the season as she was a third year student and she did not go for the Field Trip to Kyoto. Her role is probably getting summoned and her breast poked by Issei, helping him to unlock the Illegal Move Triaina. She is the Switch Princess after all.
Rias however, took a more important role in the second season. She had always been the love interest for Issei, and many times she tried to drop hints to Issei that she is also in love with him. But the two had an awkward relationship primarily due to Issei's fear and inability to forge relationships based on love. She ended up apologising to Issei at the end of the season because she was afraid that she got rejected.
Sairaorg Bael
The manliest devil ever. Sairaorg is known to be the strongest young devil. Sairaorg is born without any Demonic Power despite the fact that the Bael family is known for their destructive Demonic Power. He is then considered a weakling, however he trained himself so hard that he became a true demon. It is a classic story about an underdog who rises up through sheer hard work and determination. However the catch is, this time round he is portrayed as a pseudo-antagonist of the season. Usually shows would want such attribute on a protagonist, but DxD made him otherwise. This is primarily because Issei himself, is someone without any powers but had to work his ass off to rise into the man he is right now. When two person with a similar background clashes, it will definitely result in an epic battle. However, I have to admit, Sairaorg completely stole the entire second half of the season.
Sairaorg's story is tragic, and influential. He serves as a secondary character but I always feel that his impact is that of a primary character. He is a charismatic character and serve as a formidable opponent for Issei. Truly a great character! Oh, and to top of his similarity with Issei, he do possess a Longinus as well known as Regulus Nemea and it acts pretty similar to that of Issei. When the two fought it truly feel like watching two same characters fight each other, yet at the same time they are different.
Cao Cao
Cao Cao was only introduced in the anime, but he is someone everyone should look out for. He is a formidable opponent. If Sairaorg is an opponent that mirrors Issei, I would say that Cao Cao is an opponent that is the complete opposite of Issei. He possessed the True Longinus which is the spear that pierces God. For now, his true power and Balance Breaker has not been unleashed.
Coherence
One problem with this anime would be how to fit in two thick volumes of light novel into 12 episodes. As I said previously, while Studio Passione did a great job at nitpicking and enhancing which scenes are more important than the rest, there isn't just enough screen time overall. Everything seemed to be rushed through, even with explanations. Sometimes it kind of left the viewers wondering what just happened. There are just too many power ups happening in a season and too little explanation on the new powers.
I do have to commend Studio Passione, once again, for sacrificing one episode to link Season 3 and Season 4. Studio Passione released an episode called "Life 0" or simply saying Episode 0, which was the event of Season 3 when Issei triggered Juggernaut Drive. It then immediately head into the preparation for the three-legged foor race with Asia, which basically implies that the extra arc made by TNK Studio never happened. This episode 0 however, means that there will be less screen time for the main two arcs of the series, which as a matter of fact, I believe could have massively improved the pace at which the season is going. It can greatly slow down the pace and give more screen time to the fight between Rias and Bael. Once again the effect of the mistakes done in Season 3, affecting the well-being of Season 4 of the series.
Effects
Ah yes, the main reason why fans feel divided about the new season. Studio Passione taking over would once again mean a new art style for the series. Many people feel that the characters looks less pleasing than before, some believe that they look better. Me personally, I feel that the art style divert too far away from the original drawings in Ichiei's Novel however it is true that some characters do look better than before. For me personally, I feel that Rias looked better than before, she actually looken younger than before. Another one would be Akeno, she actually looked more attractive than before. There are a lot more that look ugly, especially Asia. God... what have they done to Asia? Nevertheless, while it is a downside, I believe that it is more of a shock of the sudden change in art style. Over time, it will grow on us and we will come to accept the changes. In fact, for relatively newer characters and new characters, they all look good to me. Cao Cao for example looks really good. Rossweiss who we had not known much about also looked pretty good to me. And do I have to tell you? Bael in Regulus Nemea looks way cooler in the anime compared to the art drawn in the Novel.
Music wise, I am really glad that they brought back the old soundtracks. It is really iconic to DxD. When Ketsui played mostly on the second half of the season, I was flipping out. It was a good move by Studio Passione. After all, things that did not broke are not meant to be changed. Oh, and "Switch" by Minami gets really catchy over time.
Emotions
If there is an improvement that occurred compared to previous works, it would be the emotion. Highschool DxD Hero managed to replicate the emotions I have been getting in the fights, that is every chill I get from every power ups and every emotional speeches Issei gave about breasts and those important moment. However, Highschool DxD Hero took things one step further through details normally would get omitted. Studio Passione uses flashes from the previous season to imbue a nostalgic feeling on the viewers. Furthermore, their details even on small stuff like emphasising on how the children actually admires Issei is not missed. These are the kinds of emotion that I have not been getting much from anime recently and Highschool DxD Hero succeed in doing that.
As for my favorite scene in Highschool DxD Hero, it will be without a doubt the moment Serzech called Issei to watch a recording of the children of the Underworld that they are supporting him throughout the match between Rias and Bael. It defeats the emotion I got when Gasper protected Xenovia and when Issei activated his Cardinal Crimson Promotion. It was a simple gesture, a simple scene that would not probably be remembered by most people. However, it gave me one of the most hopeful emotion ever in Highschool DxD.
In conclusion, Highschool DxD Hero is a great addition to the series. It proves that there is still hope in the series and that Studio Passione's attempt at reviving the series has been mostly successful. I do look forward on their work for the series in the future.
What do I not like about the anime?
Alright first and foremost, and probably one of the most obvious one would be the new art. A new studio would mean a new animation and art style for the anime. For Highschool DxD Hero, it becomes so much different from the first 3 seasons of the anime. To be honest, I would not really say that I hate the new animation, it is more like, the entire thing feels new to me and it is very hard to accept new changes. One thing to take note however, is that some characters feel more suitable presented in the new art style while some looks worse. But one is very clear, and this is why it is inclined more towards the negative aspect of the anime, is because the new art style feels very different from the original art presented in the novels. In a sense, TNK Studio replicate them better.
Another thing that I don't like about the anime would be the fact that the pace of the entire anime feels rather rushed. It does affect the coherence in a sense that you have to process the information at a faster rate. While the details are all addressed and presented, some are given more screen time, the main problem is just that there isn't enough screen time in the first place. The two arcs covered in this anime is heavy on Issei, meaning that both is purely Issei's arc (the second does cover some of Rias), and the ambiguous nature of the Sacred Gear would mean the need of information. Issei's development usually comes from how well the anime can relate his character with the Sacred Gear and Evil Pieces he possesses. However, due to the limited screen time, many of these information felt rather rushed and in the end it remain ambiguous. I will delve further later because it does affect another character in the anime.
Judgment
Overall, I feel that Highschool DxD Hero, is a very good attempt in reviving the anime series. It puts in a lot of effort to fix their errors from Season 3 as well as giving us a great show on one of the most popular arc in Highschool DxD. However, it still lack the magic that was present in the first 2 seasons, and I feel that while it is definitely better than BorN, it cannot reach the level of the original Highschool DxD. I am giving this season a B. I hope that Studio Passione can learn from this season and further improve their formula for Season 5, that is if they are continuing.
From this point onwards... SPOILERS ALERT!!!
Alright, I want to discuss more on the art style and coherence section of the anime. I believe that the plot is already well presented in the anime. Studio Passione did a great job following closely to the Light Novels and to be honest you should enjoy it! Nevertheless, I will start with the plot!
Plot
First Arc: Adapted from Pandemonium at the School Trip
The first arc started off with Issei and the rest of the second year students going on a school Field Trip to Kyoto. It is a fun chapter where Issei meet this new character who is the daughter of the Kyubi. However, the most important aspect of this arc is the introduction of the Hero Faction of Khaos Brigade. I really suggest that viewers pay attention to this arc when they arrived because while the next arc is probably the highlight of the season, this arc introduced us to many powerful opponents such as Siegfried and Jeanne, but particularly Cao Cao. It was not time yet for Cao Cao to shine but eventually I hope you will understand why I believe Cao Cao is the greatest antagonist of Highschool DxD. Basically, this arc is just a taste of the beginning of the entire Hero Faction storyline (definitely the best storyline ever).
Issei also obtained a power up in this arc known as the Illegal Move Triaina. It hinted Issei's ability to utilise the power of the Evil Pieces and his Boosted Gear to achieve more. Of course this is why it became Issei's arc.
Second Arc: Adapted from Lion Heart of the School Festival
The second arc would be the main highlight of the season. There is a reason why season 4 might be the most crucial season of Highschool DxD. That is because it contained the beginning of the best storyline in DxD (the Hero Story Arc) as well as personally what I believed to be the greatest volume in DxD, that is Volume 10. In this second half of the season Rias will be having a rating game against Bael, her cousin, which is part of the rating game among the young devils hinted back in Season 3. It is packed full of action and emotions. I would say that the main highlight would be when Gasper protected Xenovia, the part where the Knights fought Bael and himself and of course, Issei versus Bael. I have to admit that this entire section of the anime reminded me of why I really loved DxD in the first place.
This arc is dedicated for Issei and Rias. It focuses on the relationship between the two, and we have not had Issei and Rias arc since Season 1. It is always great to have the two as the center of focus because they are, after all, the two "mainest" character in Highschool DxD. It ended up with Issei overcoming the fear of a relationship because he was traumatised by the events with Raynare back in the first season. Through this ordeal, he accepted his love for Rias and at the same time, metaphorically, defeats the darkness inside him. It does grant him a new power up known as the Cardinal Crimson Promotion which was the Queen's form of Triaina.
Characters
Hyoudo Issei
In this season, Issei received the most spotlight throughout. Once again we were shown the kind side of Issei, despite his perverted nature. During that time, we were also given his interactions with Ddraig and their relationship which deepen over time. We were also given more glimpse of the old Red Dragon Emperors of the past whose soul was trapped inside the Boosted Gear.
In the first arc, we focuses more on Issei's kindness and the fact that he is indeed willing to help anyone in need even if may not have the power to do so. This is highlighted in many sequences such as when he helped Kuno save her mother in Kyoto, or even doing something as simple as giving a boy a signature from the Oppai Dragon. Issei's power up in the first arc was more or less a joke just like the usual, as it occurred due to him summoning Rias so that he can poke his breast. This unlocks the power of the Evil Pieces imbued in him. It then allows him to transform into various form depending on which piece did he promote to Bishop, Rook or Knight. Hence the name Triaina.
In the second arc, Issei's character is even further developed by showing us that there is indeed a darkness inside Issei that he cannot get rid off, that is Raynare. Issei is a caring individual, who cared for everyone that have been kind to him. He was traumatised by the events with Raynare when he was killed, by someone he loved. This gave him a trust issue. No matter how much he cared for others, and no matter how much is willing to sacrifice for others, he is unable to forge a relationship based on love because he is scared of being betrayed just like how Raynare had betrayed him. This fear was what made him scared of confessing to Rias that he does indeed love her. It is also related to the Juggernaut Drive that feeds on negative emotion, and I believe it is what caused it to trigger even in the heart of a kind-hearted like Issei. In the end however, he managed to overcome this darkness when he finally confessed to Rias and understand the fact that his role is to lead the new generations into a new path of light. It allows him to unlock the Queen form of Triaina as well which is now known as the Cardinal Crimson Promotion something equivalently strong as the Juggernaut Drive.
Rias Gremory
Rias didn't play much role in the first arc of the season as she was a third year student and she did not go for the Field Trip to Kyoto. Her role is probably getting summoned and her breast poked by Issei, helping him to unlock the Illegal Move Triaina. She is the Switch Princess after all.
Rias however, took a more important role in the second season. She had always been the love interest for Issei, and many times she tried to drop hints to Issei that she is also in love with him. But the two had an awkward relationship primarily due to Issei's fear and inability to forge relationships based on love. She ended up apologising to Issei at the end of the season because she was afraid that she got rejected.
Sairaorg Bael
The manliest devil ever. Sairaorg is known to be the strongest young devil. Sairaorg is born without any Demonic Power despite the fact that the Bael family is known for their destructive Demonic Power. He is then considered a weakling, however he trained himself so hard that he became a true demon. It is a classic story about an underdog who rises up through sheer hard work and determination. However the catch is, this time round he is portrayed as a pseudo-antagonist of the season. Usually shows would want such attribute on a protagonist, but DxD made him otherwise. This is primarily because Issei himself, is someone without any powers but had to work his ass off to rise into the man he is right now. When two person with a similar background clashes, it will definitely result in an epic battle. However, I have to admit, Sairaorg completely stole the entire second half of the season.
Sairaorg's story is tragic, and influential. He serves as a secondary character but I always feel that his impact is that of a primary character. He is a charismatic character and serve as a formidable opponent for Issei. Truly a great character! Oh, and to top of his similarity with Issei, he do possess a Longinus as well known as Regulus Nemea and it acts pretty similar to that of Issei. When the two fought it truly feel like watching two same characters fight each other, yet at the same time they are different.
Cao Cao
Cao Cao was only introduced in the anime, but he is someone everyone should look out for. He is a formidable opponent. If Sairaorg is an opponent that mirrors Issei, I would say that Cao Cao is an opponent that is the complete opposite of Issei. He possessed the True Longinus which is the spear that pierces God. For now, his true power and Balance Breaker has not been unleashed.
Coherence
One problem with this anime would be how to fit in two thick volumes of light novel into 12 episodes. As I said previously, while Studio Passione did a great job at nitpicking and enhancing which scenes are more important than the rest, there isn't just enough screen time overall. Everything seemed to be rushed through, even with explanations. Sometimes it kind of left the viewers wondering what just happened. There are just too many power ups happening in a season and too little explanation on the new powers.
I do have to commend Studio Passione, once again, for sacrificing one episode to link Season 3 and Season 4. Studio Passione released an episode called "Life 0" or simply saying Episode 0, which was the event of Season 3 when Issei triggered Juggernaut Drive. It then immediately head into the preparation for the three-legged foor race with Asia, which basically implies that the extra arc made by TNK Studio never happened. This episode 0 however, means that there will be less screen time for the main two arcs of the series, which as a matter of fact, I believe could have massively improved the pace at which the season is going. It can greatly slow down the pace and give more screen time to the fight between Rias and Bael. Once again the effect of the mistakes done in Season 3, affecting the well-being of Season 4 of the series.
Effects
Ah yes, the main reason why fans feel divided about the new season. Studio Passione taking over would once again mean a new art style for the series. Many people feel that the characters looks less pleasing than before, some believe that they look better. Me personally, I feel that the art style divert too far away from the original drawings in Ichiei's Novel however it is true that some characters do look better than before. For me personally, I feel that Rias looked better than before, she actually looken younger than before. Another one would be Akeno, she actually looked more attractive than before. There are a lot more that look ugly, especially Asia. God... what have they done to Asia? Nevertheless, while it is a downside, I believe that it is more of a shock of the sudden change in art style. Over time, it will grow on us and we will come to accept the changes. In fact, for relatively newer characters and new characters, they all look good to me. Cao Cao for example looks really good. Rossweiss who we had not known much about also looked pretty good to me. And do I have to tell you? Bael in Regulus Nemea looks way cooler in the anime compared to the art drawn in the Novel.
Music wise, I am really glad that they brought back the old soundtracks. It is really iconic to DxD. When Ketsui played mostly on the second half of the season, I was flipping out. It was a good move by Studio Passione. After all, things that did not broke are not meant to be changed. Oh, and "Switch" by Minami gets really catchy over time.
Emotions
If there is an improvement that occurred compared to previous works, it would be the emotion. Highschool DxD Hero managed to replicate the emotions I have been getting in the fights, that is every chill I get from every power ups and every emotional speeches Issei gave about breasts and those important moment. However, Highschool DxD Hero took things one step further through details normally would get omitted. Studio Passione uses flashes from the previous season to imbue a nostalgic feeling on the viewers. Furthermore, their details even on small stuff like emphasising on how the children actually admires Issei is not missed. These are the kinds of emotion that I have not been getting much from anime recently and Highschool DxD Hero succeed in doing that.
As for my favorite scene in Highschool DxD Hero, it will be without a doubt the moment Serzech called Issei to watch a recording of the children of the Underworld that they are supporting him throughout the match between Rias and Bael. It defeats the emotion I got when Gasper protected Xenovia and when Issei activated his Cardinal Crimson Promotion. It was a simple gesture, a simple scene that would not probably be remembered by most people. However, it gave me one of the most hopeful emotion ever in Highschool DxD.
In conclusion, Highschool DxD Hero is a great addition to the series. It proves that there is still hope in the series and that Studio Passione's attempt at reviving the series has been mostly successful. I do look forward on their work for the series in the future.
Comments
Post a Comment