High School DxD BorN – 06 [NSFW]
“Why doesn’t he look like that about me?”
After vanquishing Loki last episode and getting back home, now it’s time for going back to school. And an old new friend is back, again.
Back to School
Irina, the “self-described” angel
A lighter episode this week, as the show moves into the beginning of the fall semester and everyone heads back to Kuou academy. And even though they hinted at it in the last couple episodes, there’s a new classmate for everyone, in the form of Irina, who has been reincarnated as an angel (like Issei and the others were reincarnated as devils). On top of that, they’ve incorporated a rating system, similar to the “Evil Pieces” scheme that the devils use, but using playing cards and calling themselves “Brave Saints”. Of course, Irina is an ‘Ace’, although I’m not sure if that’s because she’s that strong, or if it’s just so that the story can use “Michael’s Ace” jokes and references for the entire rest of the series. And of course she’s gotta come to the same school, because it’s apparently not protected enough with two strong high-class devils and their strong retinue of servant devils, plus the leader of the fallen angels, plus a player to be named later. Personally, I have always gotten the impression that it’s more that Michael kinda feels left out not playing with the other kids, so that’s why he wanted to get in on the action, rather than he thought they needed another effective.
That look isn’t working for you, guy.
Asia is back in the spotlight, and the person focusing it on her is Diadora Astaroth, the heir to the Astaroth family (because Ajuka has taken the Beelzebub position in the Four Great Maou, in the same way that Sirzechs took the Lucifer position). He’s come back to play the “I knew you first” card and claim that he’s in love with Asia, since she saved him from a severe wound back when she was in the church. And anyone that shows up trying to get their mack on with Asia is going to raise Issei’s hackles. Plus, he’s totally drawn as one of those guys nobody likes, with the permanently closed eyes (and what’s with that sketchy cape?). He’s pretty relentless, sending multiple messages a day including expensive gifts.
The best way to reassure Issei…
Birth of the Chichiryuutei
Rias still gets the best “WTF?” looks
We knew it was coming, but we finally get it written into the story that Issei has become quite popular with the kids in the underworld. Unfortunately, it’s not only for his heroic actions, but for the audacity of his power-ups and dedication to Rias’ (and other’s) boobs. They’re even making him an image song for the Oppai Dragon (like I need an excuse to link it again). Not everyone’s a fan of this development, tho, as the impact of not only having the weakest host for the Sekiryuutei, but now the ignominy of being called the Oppai Dragon instead of his real name, has Ddraig crying in despair. Poor Ddraig. It’s one of those things that is both a blessing and a curse. But it’s hard to be the consciousness of one of the Heavenly Dragon Emperors, and still now be associated (and probably ever after) with “Zoom Zoom Iyaaan!” (and make a circle with each hand and then poke it in the middle when you do that).
Kiryuu tricks Issei… again
The other thing that is taking up time at the beginning of the second semester is the sports festival. The show seemed to put a lot more focus on it than the books do, but it’s a time for the development of another character, or rather the further development of a main character. Asia is the main girl for book 6, which it looks like we’ll take to the end of the series. And she is getting help from her usual fixer, Aika Kiryuu, to try to get closer to Issei. I always like Kiryuu’s appearances in the show, because she’s the perfect complement to the Hentai Trio of Issei, Matsuda, and Motohama. This time she’s rigged Issei’s involvement in the 3-legged race with Asia, which of course leads to closeness with Issei and some boob-grabbing.
Xenovia’s gotten even more confident since the pool locker room
The other opportunity for boob-grabbing is more against Issei’s will, as Xenovia gets it in her head that she and Asia should have a secret affair with Issei, or at least more organized boob-grabbing. Xenovia’s kind of a hard one to figure out in this series, she doesn’t really seem to be “in love” with Issei, certainly not like the others are, but she’s interested in him, and not any other guy. She’s excused this before with the idea that she’s looking for someone strong to make babies with, but there are plenty of strong guys around, but Xenovia’s not looking any farther than Issei. It’s also funny that Irina catches the three of them and her objection isn’t “You guys shouldn’t be doing that,” it’s “You should be doing that in a bed, not here!” Irina does worry later in the series about ‘falling’, which isn’t really well explained, but she’s also still interested in Issei (because everyone is).
Bonus DxD!
It looks like we’re done with both volume 5 and volume 7, with a neat little bow on Akeno’s acceptance of being a fallen angel, and it looks like no chance for the rating game that was in volume 5 making an appearance. Well, they’ve pretty much handled everything that went on there, except for making Saji more of a hero. I’m trying to not give away spoilers about what happens here in volume 6, so be careful in the comments as well, please, especially with references to the villain of the story. But two continuing stories that they brought back in a little were Issei’s remembrance of Reynalle and Rias’ insecurity about Issei. She sees him make that face of disgust about Diadora moving on Asia, and wonders if he’d do the same for her. She’s right that it’s just the way Issei is, but she still doesn’t believe in her own chances with him. It’s one of those things that’s hard for us in the audience, because we want to just reassure both of them that their feelings aren’t alone.
About Highway
Proving that you don't have to be young to love anime, I enjoy all genres and styles of shows. If it's not hurting anyone else, you should never be ashamed of what you like!
POWUH: 400-499 with 462 comments
Wait, did she die? I’ve only been following this series through reviews ever since partway through season 1, but I don’t remember reading about that girl being in a state where she needed reincarnating…
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 33 comments
It’s not necessary to die for them to get turned into Devils/Angels. Xenovia didn’t die and yet she turned into a Devil in NEW.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
As Pedro says, they don’t have to die to become an angel or devil, and the nomenclature of the series is that humans who become angels or devils are ‘reincarnated’ (or at least is translated that way), no matter how they got there. It’s not even the same as what is normally thought of as reincarnation, as if the person dies beforehand, they can’t actually be brought back. That’s why Issei was saved and became a devil before he actually died. If he had died, the consciousness of the Red Dragon Emperor would have passed on to a new host.
POWUH: 400-499 with 462 comments
Clearly it has been too long since I watched the beginning of the first season. I thought I remembered Issei and Asia both being dead before being turned into demons.
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 33 comments
They did die. Rias explained when Asia died that souls (and by extent, Sacred Gears) stay in the body for some time after the body dies.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Issei didn’t actually die. Rias was there before he died (he called her through the magic circle). Asia was dead, and her Twilight Healing actually removed from her body, but Rias was able to put it back. And it’s as Pedro says, Asia’s soul hadn’t departed her body (she got there quick enough).
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
In a way, it’s like saying humans are blank slates ready to become additional members for the Angel or Devil sides.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Still much more interesting than… Harry Potter. I was away over the weekend and saw movies 2 and 3 on the inhouse entertainment. Hermione should have been the star.
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 33 comments
Show ▼
Aaaand they start the best volume out of the 3 they’re doing this Season. The hype is real! Asia is adorable! I LOVE this arc!!!
Not all people with squinty eyes are bad, look at Leo from Kekkai Sensen, he’s cool.
And the Oppai Dragon, by far the most original and hilarious aspect of the series got introduced, can’t wait to see Rias face when they see the final product.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Leo is of the minority while the majority fit the profile and therefore bringing stigma on those like him.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
He’s in good company with Chizuru from Ika Musume! She is as kind as the day is long, but don’t get on her bad side. She’s so even tempered, it’s scary.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 110 comments
half-way into s3 DxD yea 2nd half to go indeed more to watch this is so “hmm” wonder to expect?
yea we angel ace irina, issei being big bro to asia cause of of diodora, & of course the doobi dragon king name nuff said.
(oh did anyone seen s3 dub of DxD yet give sources info first 2eps of it dub are showing)
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I’ve never seen any of the dubs. Concerning the dub for Season 3, I heard the voice of Issei has been changed from Scott Freeman to Josh Grelle. I can’t remember what the reason was for, though.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
I think someone mistyped the title during preproduction. It looks more like DxD PorN…
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
A ‘P’ doesn’t look like boobs…
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
True that.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Neither does a “W” but they made that work!
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Hey, you were around for Madonna…
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
DxD WorN doesn’t sound as good as the other two…
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
…take a look at the previous series, NeW!
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Oh you mean the previous one. mine bad since I don’t keep track of this PorN series.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
It would defeat the purpose.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Oh, come on, the title is a smokescreen. The people don’t want to get sued.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
We’re just having our pony fun. 😛
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I know. 😛
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Speaking of fun, there is a serious lack of metafap this season.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
How many animes with the “ecchi” tag do you know is playing this season? I’m sure there would be MetaFap posts around if ecchi shows besides High School DxD were playing.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Danmachi hadaka ribbons.
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Wrong. DanMachi doesn’t have the “ecchi” tag.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Needs to have one.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I may chirp on and on about Koneko, and will continue to do so, it’s a professional obligation and a pleasure to boot. But Asia has always been a favorite character. I like the dichotomy of her situation, and her having to find peace inside it. With so many comrades surrounding her, it shouldn’t be to hard.
But I think we may be planting a flag on her suitor that isn’t necessarily needed. Yeah, he his coming on way to strong, and of course we are going to take extra note on that. So, I’m hoping they add some extra dimensions to the dude, with the upcoming Rating Game.
As for Irina, her judgement is valid. You really should be more comfortable, and a PE locker is the stuff of bad hentai…which is probably something the writer’s enjoyed playing around with…
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Yeah, but where are they going to be able to have a secret affair if not there? Heck, Asia already sleeps naked with Issei every night. Xenovia’s just taking the chances that present themselves. Irina may be right, but we’re not in a perfect world here.
Irina’s in a tough spot herself, as I may have said already. She is interested in Issei, but with the halo and the wings come the obligations. How to be interested without becoming ‘Fallen’? Of course, this is something the Fallen Angels wholeheartedly support, because they can’t reincarnate people like the angels and devils can.
We might be being too hard on Diadora. It’s true that many people who initially present themselves as opposed to Issei become allies.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
As for Asia, she’s just not my cup of tea, especially compared to the others (really, she’s just above Gasper as far as “Supporting characters I like”). She’s a fine girl, just I don’t find her that interesting. I am more interested in Issei’s reactions to her, and the gap between how he views her and how she wants her relationship to him to be. But for herself, she just doesn’t do much for me.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Need more Gasper. >_> Trappulicious.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I’ll be a bit spoilery and say that if you’re looking for more Gasper, you’re not going to find it in this show. Even when Gasper goes for training, he goes offscreen. He gets, essentially, zero development until volume 14 (and we’re on volume 7, effectively), with one moment of focus in volume 10.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
I know, but I can dream, can’t I? 😉
*mmm Koneko x Gasper Strawberry+Cream doujin*
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
It was a given the new transfer student would be Irina. The fact she and Xenovia were close friends before splitting off to opposite sides adds a greater effect. They can’t interact like they used to. Xenovia and Asia can’t approach Irina when she’s wearing a cross, so that had me thinking on something: The possibility of what could happen if a Devil and an Angel had a child together. The closest result in my mind would be like Dante from DmC: Devil May Cry.
And damn, Xenovia is becoming more and more daring. Her lack of social knowledge surrounding what she’s doing makes for added fun.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
It’s just the cross itself that stings Xenovia and Asia. Something that (I think) was kind of left out in the previous series, at the end of Volume 4, is that Issei asks Michael for special dispensation for Asia and Xenovia to allow them to pray if they want without being hurt. Michael granted this as thanks for Issei helping to protect the peace conference from the Chaos Brigade, plus it was in keeping with the new era of peace between Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devils. So Asia, Xenovia, and Irina can all pray together without repercussion. But light will still harm / kill Asia and Xenovia. You can only do so much, even if you’re an archangel.
It is kind of interesting how mechanistic and arbitrary so many of the rules defining the difference between Angels and Devils are in this ficton.
And I don’t really think Xenovia is lacking the knowledge. She is just a very straightforward person about what she wants to do. Plus, there’s an element of “I’m a devil, I might as well enjoy being a devil.”
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 33 comments
Ise did ask Michael for it in NEW. Maybe in the extra scenes of the BD, but he did.