High School Dxd Hero Episode 1

Okay, so picture this: I'm scrolling through my endless anime backlog, trying to find something interesting to watch. You know, something that's not just another generic isekai or a cutesy slice-of-life. And then, bam! High School DxD Hero. Now, I'd heard whispers, legends even, about this show. Let's just say its reputation precedes it. And, well, curiosity got the better of me. Especially after the dramatic change in art style.

Right, so Episode 1 of Hero. Let's dive in, shall we? It basically picks up right after the events of Born (controversies aside, we'll get to that later). Issei is still Issei – that loveable, perpetually horny idiot we all... tolerate? (Okay, maybe some of us actually like him. Don't judge!). He's still striving to be the Harem King, much to the exasperation – and secret amusement – of the girls around him.

The Premise (Again!)

In case you're new to the DxD universe (welcome, and prepare yourself!), the basic premise is that Issei Hyoudou, a perverted high school student, is reincarnated as a devil after being killed on his first date (yikes!). He becomes a servant to Rias Gremory, a high-class devil, and gets caught up in all sorts of supernatural shenanigans involving angels, demons, and various other mythological beings. And a whole lot of boobs. Let's be real. That's a BIG part of it.

Episode 1 doesn't waste much time getting the ball rolling. We're immediately thrown into the aftermath of some epic battle (presumably the one at the end of Born – again, we'll address the elephant in the room in a bit). There's a sense of camaraderie among the Gremory household, but also an underlying tension. You can feel that something bigger is brewing. And, as always, Issei is there to… well, be Issei. Which mostly involves getting nosebleeds and making inappropriate comments.

The Elephant in the Room: The Art Style

Okay, let's address the massive shift in animation. This is probably the first thing that hits you when you watch Hero. Goodbye, Oppai Dragon of the previous seasons. Hello, smoother, more refined… and arguably, less "busty" DxD. This change was a major point of contention among fans. Some loved it, praising the improved animation quality and more detailed character designs. Others felt it lost some of the original's charm and, let's face it, the gratuitous boob jiggle that had become a signature of the series.

Personally? I'm on the fence. The animation is objectively better. Everything looks cleaner and more polished. But there's definitely something missing. Maybe it's nostalgia goggles, or maybe it's the fact that DxD was never meant to be a refined, artistic masterpiece. It was always a bit… trashy, in a fun way. And the new art style kind of sanitizes that a bit. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Plot Threads and Teasers

Episode 1 does a good job of setting up the story arc for Hero. We get hints of a new threat emerging, potential conflicts brewing between different factions, and, of course, Issei's continued quest to become the Harem King. There's a particularly interesting scene involving Sirzechs Lucifer, Rias's older brother, hinting at some significant political maneuvering within the underworld. It's clear that things are about to get complicated.

We also see some development in Issei's relationship with Asia Argento. She's still incredibly sweet and innocent, and it's heartwarming to see how much she cares for Issei (despite his… eccentricities). Their dynamic provides a nice contrast to the more mature and complicated relationships he has with Rias and Akeno.

And then there's Xenovia. Oh, Xenovia. Still trying to understand Issei's "sacred gear" and how it relates to… certain body parts. Her unwavering dedication to her training and her… unique perspective on the world continue to be a source of humor. Honestly, she's one of my favorite characters. Just so adorably clueless sometimes.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Episode 1 of High School DxD Hero is a decent start to the season. It reintroduces the characters, sets up the main plot threads, and gives us a taste of what's to come. The animation style is different, and it might take some getting used to, but the core essence of DxD – the humor, the action, and yes, the ecchi – is still there. (Don't lie, you know you came for the plot... and the plot).

It's a good jumping-off point for new viewers (though I'd recommend watching the previous seasons first – even if it's just to appreciate the evolution, or devolution, depending on your perspective, of the art style). And for returning fans, it's a chance to see our favorite perverted dragon and his harem back in action. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a few more episodes to catch up on…