High School Dxd Dub Top ❲100% Deluxe❳
One of the reasons the High School DxD dub is ranked so highly is the script adaptation handled largely by J. Michael Tatum and the Funimation team. Localization is an art form that requires translating not just words, but intent and humor.
Portraying an unashamedly perverted yet fiercely loyal protagonist is a tightrope walk. Both Scott Freeman (Seasons 1-2) and Josh Grelle (Seasons 3-4) captured Issei's explosive, high-energy screaming matches and his surprisingly wholesome dedication to his friends. Grelle, in particular, stepped into the role seamlessly, maintaining the character's signature chaotic energy. Jamie Marchi (Rias Gremory)
The dubbing studio (Funimation/Crunchyroll) realized that a literal translation of the show's ecchi tropes might feel repetitive or awkward in English. Instead, the scriptwriters injected Western pop culture references, modern slang, internet humor, and fourth-wall-breaking meta-comedy. The English script often pokes fun at the very tropes the anime relies on, turning what could have been a standard fantasy harem into a laugh-out-loud comedy. Why the Dub Tops the Sub for Many Fans
Why High School DxD Has One of the Greatest Anime Dubs of All Time high school dxd dub top
Issei is an unapologetic pervert, but the English dub transforms his obsession from a simple anime trope into a poetic, philosophical, and utterly unhinged crusade. His screaming monologues about his motivations—specifically during his battles against villains like Riser Phoenix or Diodora Astaroth—are legendary. The voice actors scream until their vocal cords strain, delivering lines with the fiery passion of a shonen hero, except the subject matter is entirely ridiculous. Issei’s ability to weaponize his own desires, combined with the dub's fast-paced, slang-filled delivery, makes his character iconic and secures the top spot on this list. The Unsung Heroes: The Supporting Cast
Proponents of the dub argue that the English script’s liberal use of pop culture references, snappy one-liners, and profanity feels more authentic to the over-the-top, comedic tone of the series. The Japanese version, while also excellent, is often seen as more reserved in comparison. A GameFAQs user wrote that the dub is "absolutely beautifully amazing," with the English actors for Issei and Kiba being "miles better" than their Japanese counterparts. A forum member on Anime News Network even stated the English dub "made the show far better then it truly is," which highlights the transformative power of a talented localization team.
To narrow down your favorite parts of the series, let me know if you want to focus on: The across the seasons A breakdown of a specific character's best lines How the voice actor change for Issei impacted the show One of the reasons the High School DxD
This season features some of the most chaotic battle scripts. The emotional peaks of the localized dialogue make the massive supernatural conflicts feel incredibly unique.
succeeded Scott Freeman as the protagonist Issei Hyōdō starting in Season 3 and became synonymous with the role. He perfectly captures Issei's growth from a lecherous underdog to a powerful, courageous leader, and his delivery of the character's signature "Boosted Gear!" chants is iconic. He leads a cast of equally talented individuals:
High School DxD New hit Japanese TV in mid-2013. Funimation continued its strong support, releasing the English dub on home video on . This season raises the stakes, introducing the powerful Church trio Xenovia, Irina, and Kiba’s rival, Freed Sellzen, and expanding the series' mythology. introducing the powerful Church trio Xenovia
The voice of Akeno perfectly balances the "sadistic-but-sweet" persona that makes her a fan favorite.
This is where the dub truly found its footing. The introduction of the Holy Sword arc allowed the cast to riff on religious tropes and heroic speeches with relentless humor.
The English dub succeeds by leaning into the comedy of his perversion rather than just the lewdness. The scriptwriting and line delivery treat Issei’s obsession with breasts as a form of absurd, heroic ambition. By treating his goals with such earnest seriousness, the dub transforms what could be a creepy character into a hilarious, rootable underdog. It perfectly captures the tone of a "shonen battle anime" that just happens to be about boobs.