High School DxD – Season 2 (2013)

Power, Pride, and the Rise of a Dragon Rival

Season 2 of High School DxD, titled High School DxD New, marks the point where the series decisively evolves from a supernatural school comedy into a structured battle fantasy with long-term stakes. While Season 1 introduced the hidden world of devils, angels, and Sacred Gears, Season 2 expands that world outward—introducing rival factions, elite warriors, and a looming power hierarchy that will define the franchise for years to come.

This season is where Issei Hyoudou stops being “just lucky” and begins confronting the reality of power. New enemies arrive not merely to test him, but to challenge his identity, loyalty, and worth as a devil. Most importantly, Season 2 introduces the concept that raw potential alone is not enough—control, resolve, and responsibility will decide who survives future wars.

Season 2 also plants narrative seeds that later bloom into the large-scale conflicts of Seasons 3 and Season 4, making it a crucial turning point in the series.

Season Overview

Title: High School DxD New – Season 2
Japanese Title: ハイスクールD×D NEW
Episodes: 12
Air Date: July 7, 2013 – September 22, 2013
Studio: TNK
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Blu-ray, DVD
Opening Theme: “Sympathy” by Larval Stage Planning
Ending Theme: “Shout!!” by StylipS

Story Summary

Following the events of Season 1, Issei Hyoudou continues his training as a devil under Rias Gremory, gradually becoming more confident in his role within the peerage. However, peace is short-lived.

The supernatural balance begins to shift with the arrival of Vali Lucifer, a calm, overwhelmingly powerful devil who wields the Divine Dividing, the rival Sacred Gear to Issei’s Boosted Gear. Unlike previous enemies, Vali is not driven by cruelty or ambition—he seeks strength for its own sake.

Vali’s presence introduces a harsh truth: there are beings in this world who exist far above Issei’s current level.

As conflicts escalate, Issei and his allies are drawn into battles involving former heroes, rogue factions, and devil politics. The season explores the consequences of wielding legendary power without mastery, forcing Issei to confront the dangers of losing control.

Season 2 balances large-scale fights with personal character development, expanding both the emotional and mythological scope of the series.

Major Arcs Covered

• Dragon Rival Introduction Arc — Vali Lucifer’s debut establishes the concept of Dragon Gear rivalry—a theme that becomes central in later seasons and future wars.

• Hero Faction Arc — Former human heroes, empowered by Sacred Gears, enter the battlefield, complicating the morality of demon-versus-human conflicts.

• Devil Politics Arc — Rias’s noble status draws political pressure, foreshadowing the power struggles and Rating Games that dominate later seasons.

• Power Control Arc — Issei’s increasing strength becomes a liability, forcing him to learn restraint and discipline—an essential lesson for the conflicts of Season 3 and beyond.

Main Characters & Developments

• Issei Hyoudou — Season 2 pushes Issei beyond survival. His raw power increases dramatically, but so does the risk of losing himself to dragon instincts—something that later becomes a major plot point in future seasons.

• Rias Gremory — Rias’s role expands beyond team leader into political figure, revealing the weight of noble devil expectations that will heavily impact Season 3.

• Vali Lucifer — A defining addition to the franchise. Calm, confident, and overwhelmingly strong, Vali becomes Issei’s long-term rival and benchmark for true power.

• Akeno Himejima — Her past is explored further, deepening her internal conflict and emotional complexity.

• Asia Argento — Asia’s growth highlights the series’ emphasis on emotional strength over combat ability.

World-Building Expansion

Season 2 significantly expands the DxD universe by introducing:

• Dragon Gear rivalries

• Former hero reincarnations

• Deeper devil noble politics

• The idea of faction-based wars, later central to Season 3

• Early groundwork for Rating Games and structured battles

These elements transform the series into a long-form fantasy narrative rather than episodic conflict.

Themes & Tone

• Power Without Control Is Dangerous — Issei learns that strength alone invites destruction.

• Rivalry as Growth — Vali represents what Issei could become—without empathy.

• Choice Over Destiny — Sacred Gear users must decide how they wield inherited power.

• Escalating Stakes — Season 2 clearly signals that future conflicts will no longer be small or personal.

Animation & Music

Studio TNK maintains visual continuity from Season 1 while improving fight choreography and supernatural effects. Dragon manifestations and Sacred Gear activations are more dynamic, setting a visual standard later refined in future seasons.

The opening theme “Sympathy” reflects the season’s more intense and confrontational tone, while “Shout!!” maintains the series’ playful energy.

Where to Watch

You can watch High School DxD – Season 2 on:

• Crunchyroll

• Amazon Prime Video

• Netflix

• Blu-ray

• DVD

Availability may vary by region.

Popularity & Reception

Season 2 was widely praised for raising the stakes and introducing Vali Lucifer, who quickly became one of the franchise’s most popular characters. Fans appreciated the clearer power scaling, improved action, and expansion of supernatural lore.

Many viewers regard Season 2 as the moment High School DxD proves it has a long-term narrative plan—one that pays off significantly in Season 3 and Season 4.

Final Thoughts

Season 2 of High School DxD is where the series levels up.

It transforms Issei from a lucky survivor into a genuine contender, introduces rivalries that shape the future of the story, and expands the supernatural world far beyond its school-based beginnings. The consequences introduced here echo throughout the rest of the franchise, making this season essential viewing.

The game is no longer about survival.
It’s about who deserves power.