High School DxD – OVAs (1–8)
Side Stories of Desire, Comedy, and Devil Bonding
The High School DxD OVAs serve as a lighter, more playful extension of the main series—offering fans additional content that focuses on comedy, fan service, and character interaction rather than long-term plot progression. Spanning all four seasons, these OVAs exist outside the core narrative while still preserving the personalities, relationships, and tone that define the franchise.
Rather than advancing wars, rivalries, or political conflicts, the OVAs emphasize downtime—moments where the characters are allowed to exist without the pressure of destiny, ranking systems, or supernatural warfare. They highlight what makes the High School DxD cast so popular: chemistry, humor, and unapologetic indulgence.
While non-essential for understanding the main storyline, the OVAs provide valuable context for character bonds that later feel more natural in the main seasons, especially during emotionally intense arcs in Seasons 2 through Seasons 4.
OVA Overview
Title: High School DxD – OVAs (1–8)
Japanese Title: ハイスクールD×D OVA
Episodes: 8
Air Date: 2012 – 2018
Studio: TNK (OVA 1–6), Passione (OVA 7–8)
Streaming Platforms: Blu-ray, DVD, select platforms (region dependent)
Opening Theme: “Trip -innocent of D-” by Larval Stage Planning, “Sympathy” by Larval Stage Planning, “BLESS YoUr NAME” by Choucho, “Switch” by Minami
Ending Theme: “STUDY × STUDY” by StylipS, “Shout!!” by StylipS, "Give Me Secret" by StylipS, “Motenai Kuse ni” by Tapimiru
Story Summary
The High School DxD OVAs do not follow a single continuous storyline like the main seasons. Instead, they present a collection of standalone side stories set at various points throughout the series timeline. These episodes focus on exaggerated situations, school-life chaos, and over-the-top scenarios that place the characters in humorous and often embarrassing circumstances.
Most OVA plots revolve around special events, misunderstandings, competitions, or unusual supernatural conditions that temporarily disrupt normal life at Kuoh Academy. While battles do occur, they are intentionally low-stakes and comedic, designed to entertain rather than advance the overarching narrative.
Despite their lighthearted nature, the OVAs preserve established character personalities and relationships. Issei’s loyalty, Rias’s leadership, Akeno’s teasing nature, and Asia’s innocence remain consistent with their portrayals in the main seasons. This continuity allows the OVAs to act as character-focused interludes, enhancing emotional familiarity without altering future story outcomes.
In short, the OVA storylines exist to expand enjoyment—not destiny—offering fans extra time with the cast between major arcs and conflicts.
The OVAs are special episodes released alongside Blu-ray/DVD volumes, designed primarily for fans who want more time with the characters rather than major story revelations.
Across all eight OVAs, the focus remains consistent:
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Comedy-heavy scenarios
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Ecchi-driven humor
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Slice-of-life moments
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Character-focused interactions
They are canon-adjacent—meaning they respect the established world and characters—but they do not affect the main plot or future arcs.
OVA Breakdown (1–8)
OVA 1–2 (Season 1 Era)
These early OVAs lean heavily into fan service and situational comedy. They explore exaggerated scenarios involving school events, misunderstandings, and playful rivalry among Rias’s peerage.
They reinforce:
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Early peerage dynamics
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Issei’s exaggerated personality
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The comedic tone that defined Season 1
OVA 3–4 (Season 2 Era)
Set after the power escalation of Season 2, these OVAs emphasize character bonding and humor following intense battles.
They subtly reflect:
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Issei’s growing confidence
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Stronger peerage unity
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Light-hearted relief after Dragon Gear conflicts
These episodes help balance the darker escalation seen in Season 2.
OVA 5–6 (Season 3 Era)
Released during the most chaotic phase of the series, these OVAs intentionally pull back from war and betrayal themes.
They serve as:
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Emotional cooldown episodes
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Fan-service-focused content
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Character interaction showcases
For viewers who experienced Season 3’s heavier tone, these OVAs provide tonal contrast and familiarity.
OVA 7–8 (Season 4 Era)
Animated by Studio Passione, these OVAs reflect the refined character designs and improved visual consistency introduced in Season 4.
They highlight:
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More structured comedy
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Cleaner animation
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Better balance between humor and character expression
These OVAs feel closer to the light novel tone and serve as a fitting capstone to the anime’s extra content.
Character Focus
- Issei Hyoudou — The OVAs amplify Issei’s comedic traits without undermining his growth in the main story. His loyalty and honesty remain consistent with later-season development.
- Rias Gremory — Shown in relaxed, personal moments that reinforce her bond with the peerage beyond leadership roles.
- Akeno Himejima — Leans heavily into playful teasing, reinforcing her dual nature seen throughout the series.
- Asia Argento — Often placed in heartwarming or comedic situations that emphasize her innocence.
- Peerage as a Whole — The OVAs excel at group dynamics—something that strengthens emotional payoff in later seasons.
Tone & Purpose
- Pure Fan Service — The OVAs embrace ecchi without apology.
- Comedy First — Conflicts are exaggerated, harmless, and intentionally unserious.
- Character Chemistry — Relationships are the real focus—not battles or power scaling.
- Breathing Space — They provide relief between intense arcs in the main seasons.
Animation & Presentation
OVA animation quality varies depending on release period:
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TNK-era OVAs prioritize expressive reactions and stylized humor
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Passione-era OVAs benefit from cleaner line work and consistency
Music remains consistent with their corresponding seasons, reinforcing continuity without introducing new themes.
Where to Watch
You can watch High School DxD OVAs (1–8) through:
Most OVAs are bundled with physical releases rather than standalone streams.
Popularity & Reception
The OVAs are well-received among fans who enjoy High School DxD for its character interactions and humor. While often criticized by non-fans for heavy fan service, dedicated viewers appreciate them as bonus content that enhances attachment to the cast.
They are frequently recommended after completing each season, rather than as standalone viewing.
Final Thoughts
The High School DxD OVAs are exactly what they aim to be: extra enjoyment.
They don’t rewrite destinies, escalate wars, or introduce new power systems—but they deepen character chemistry, provide comedic relief, and celebrate the series’ unapologetic identity.
For fans invested in Issei and the peerage, these OVAs are a welcome reminder that not every battle needs to decide the fate of the world.
Sometimes, it’s enough to just enjoy the chaos.
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