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The Sacred Gear of Localization: Why the High School DxD Dub Stands at the Top
In the vast, often-contested landscape of anime fandom, few debates are as heated as the "Sub vs. Dub" argument. For purists, the original Japanese audio with subtitles is the only sacred text. Yet, for every rule, there is an exception—a show so reliant on tone, timing, and cultural transgression that the dubbed version does not merely translate the original, but elevates it. High School DxD is that exception. While the series is notorious for its ecchi premise (a pervy high schooler reborn as a devil who fights with a power known as the "Boosted Gear"), the English dub, produced by Funimation (now Crunchyroll), is widely hailed by fans as the "top" version. This is not an accident. Through script adaptation, voice casting, and comedic timing, the High School DxD dub transforms a standard harem action show into a self-aware, laugh-out-loud comedy masterpiece.
Top Recommended Episodes to Sample the Dub
- S1E1 – “I Got a Girlfriend!” – Perfect introduction to the cast’s chemistry.
- S2E8 – “The Sacred Gear Sucks!” – Hilarious Issei/Akeno banter.
- S3E9 – “I Can’t Stop Having Lewd Dreams!” – Peak chaotic energy.
2. Jamie Marchi as Rias Gremory
Jamie Marchi is the queen of the snarky dub. Her Rias is not just the "clan princess"; she is a confident, slightly sadistic, seductive mastermind. While the Japanese Rias is elegant and noble, Marchi’s Rias sounds like she is always one step ahead of you and enjoying it immensely.
Signature Moment: When she explains the "Rating Game" rules to Issei. Marchi uses a low, breathy register that is pure erotic authority. Her delivery of "You belong to me now" is iconic. high school dxd dub top
2. A Stellar Supporting Cast
While Issei carries the comedic weight, the female cast brings the heart—and the fan service—to life in a way that feels surprisingly professional. The "Harem" genre often relies on high-pitched, overly cutesy archetypes in Japanese. The English cast, however, opts for a more mature and nuanced approach.
- Jamie Marchi (Rias Gremory): Marchi’s voice is smoother and more authoritative than her Japanese counterpart. She embodies the "Princess" archetype perfectly, exuding confidence and sultry elegance without descending into caricature. She makes Rias feel like a genuine leader rather than just a love interest.
- Kelly Angel (Akeno Himejima): The contrast between Akeno's sadistic battle persona and her gentle shrine maiden demeanor is handled with expert timing.
- Jad Saxton (Koneko Toujou): Saxton nails the deadpan delivery required for the petite powerhouse, delivering some of the show's best comedic lines with a dry wit that cuts through the noise.
2. The "Perv with a Heart of Gold"
One of the biggest hurdles in localizing an anime like High School DxD is the protagonist. Issei is unapologetically perverted, a trait that can easily become grating or uncomfortable for Western audiences. The Sacred Gear of Localization: Why the High
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.
Where to watch (English dub)
- Official streaming services that have carried the series include Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and HIDIVE. Availability varies by region; check your local service for dubbed episodes.
1. The Casting of Issei Hyoudou
The backbone of the dub’s success is the performance of Scott Freeman as Issei Hyoudou. In the original Japanese, the character is voiced by the legendary Yuki Kaji, who brings a certain manic energy and high-pitched perversion to the role. However, Freeman’s performance in the English dub offers something different: charisma. S1E1 – “I Got a Girlfriend
Freeman manages to balance Issei’s perverted antics with genuine heroic determination. He captures the internal monologue of a teenage boy with terrifyingly relatable enthusiasm, but he also nails the serious, shonen-protagonist moments when the series shifts from comedy to battle. This duality makes Issei more likable in English, grounding the absurdity of the show in a voice that feels grounded and authentic.