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High School DxD: The Ecchi Fantasy That Still Holds Untapped Potential

High School DxD: The Ecchi Fantasy That Still Holds Untapped Potential

Time of India22-04-2025

High School DxD
blends ecchi comedy with supernatural action, following
Issei Hyoudou
, a pervy high schooler reborn as a devil after a deadly encounter. Thrust into a world of devils, angels, and dragons,
Issei
trains under the powerful
Rias Gremory
while forming his own chaotic harem. Despite its fanservice-heavy style, the series delivers surprising character depth, thrilling battles, and rich lore. With four anime seasons and a dedicated fanbase, the wait for
Season 5
continues, while the story marches on through ongoing
light novels
and manga adaptations.
A Cult Favorite That Never Really Left
High School DxD isn't just another
ecchi anime
. For many fans, it was their first introduction to a series that blended over-the-top fanservice with surprisingly deep lore, character development, and a whole lot of chaotic fun. The story of Issei Hyoudou—a pervy but good-hearted high schooler who's turned into a devil and thrown into a world of angels, demons, dragons, and gods—quickly became something special.
The anime ran strong for four seasons between 2012 and 2018, with High School DxD Hero being the latest installment. But since then, there's been silence. No Season 5 announcement. No teaser. Just an ever-growing fanbase asking, 'When is it coming back?'
So… What's the Hold-Up With Season 5?
Let's be real—High School DxD is popular. It's got strong source material, loyal fans, and enough plot left in the light novels to make several more seasons. But behind the scenes, it's been a bit messy. The change in studios (from TNK to Passione) after Season 3 shook things up. While Season 4 did a much better job of staying faithful to the novels, production has remained quiet since then.
The author, Ichiei Ishibumi, has assured fans in past updates that he wants the anime to continue and has even asked fans to support the light novels to help boost its chances. Add to that the pandemic delays and shifting priorities in the
anime industry
, and you've got a recipe for a frustrating wait.
Still, fans haven't given up. Every year, speculation resurfaces—and with the continued interest in older series getting new seasons (hello, Bleach), the hope for High School DxD's return still burns strong.
The Manga and Light Novels Keep the Story Going
If you're missing DxD, don't worry—the story hasn't stopped. The manga continues with a more faithful retelling of earlier arcs, and the light novel series has gone even further, wrapping up the original and continuing with
Shin High School DxD
. These chapters follow Issei as he grows even stronger, faces new enemies, and deepens his relationships.
For those who loved the anime, diving into the manga or novels is a great way to stay connected to the world—and see what might come in a future season.
Why a Comeback Could Be Huge
High School DxD has everything going for it: a fun cast, exciting fights, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartfelt moments. Issei's journey from an awkward teen to a powerful devil with real responsibility (and still plenty of awkward moments) is oddly inspiring. If Season 5 ever gets the green light, it could easily bring in a new wave of fans while giving long-time viewers the payoff they've been waiting for.
Until then, the story lives on in print—and the hope for Season 5 is still very much alive.

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The dark allure of Anime villains: The psychology of Pain, Aizen, Sukuna and more
The dark allure of Anime villains: The psychology of Pain, Aizen, Sukuna and more

Time of India

time23-05-2025

  • Time of India

The dark allure of Anime villains: The psychology of Pain, Aizen, Sukuna and more

Credits: Sportskeeda Anime has a rich tradition of complex villains whose personal stories go beyond simple evil. Characters like Pain (Nagato) from Naruto Shippuden , Aizen from Bleach , and Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen each carry deep backstories – from trauma and loss to grand ambitions. Fans often find these anime villains as compelling as the heroes, sometimes more so. Psychology helps explain why. Research suggests that villains with tragic pasts or human motives can evoke empathy, making them relatable. In fact, when a villain faces defeat, our brain's 'pain matrix' can kick in – we worry about their fate and even root for them. One fan blog notes that viewers may think 'I hate you, but I understand where you're coming from' and may secretly want the villain to win. This empathic response to villains helps explain their popularity: by seeing 'the humanity and underlying struggles' in a foe like Pain or Madara, audiences can feel sympathy and admiration. Complex villains and Anime morality Unlike one-dimensional bad guys, many popular antagonists blur moral lines. For example, Pain Naruto's arc is fueled by real loss: he endured war, witnessed the death of loved ones, and concluded that shared suffering is the only path to peace. His philosophy ('If one does not experience the same pain, they will never truly understand') forces hero and audience alike to question what 'justice' really means. In Bleach , Aizen presents a friendly facade but is actually a manipulative mastermind who wants godlike power. His calm, condescending style (dropping polite pronouns only after revealing his true self) exemplifies narcissistic ambition. In Jujutsu Kaisen , Sukuna is unabashedly evil – he 'lives only to fulfill his own whims and pleasures'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cinnamon: The Greatest Enemy of Blood Sugar Magazine Glyco Learn More Undo Yet fans are enthralled by his charisma and sheer power. Sportskeeda describes Sukuna as 'shrewd and strategic' with an 'extremely charismatic personality' that is 'both awe-inspiring and terrifying'. This mix of brutal power and confidence makes even a cruel character like Sukuna a fan favorite in the psychological anime community. Credits: CBR Trauma, power and redemption Many anime villains begin as victims of their world. Naruto's Pain grew up under war and was orphaned; his turn to villainy is steeped in that trauma. Similarly, One Piece's Doflamingo suffered childhood abuse as a former Celestial Dragon, feeding an extreme worldview. Fans often sympathize once they learn these backstories. As one analysis notes, anime series frequently reveal villains' humanity over time: Pain, Madara, Obito (also from Naruto ) 'initially appeared as detestable foes. However, as their backstories unfold, their humanity and underlying struggles become evident, earning them sympathy and admiration from fans'. Hunter x Hunter's Meruem illustrates this deeply. Born as the ruthless Chimera Ant King, he is utterly heartless at first. But through his bond with Komugi, a blind girl, Meruem begins to understand kindness and mortality. His transformation 'from a cold antagonist to an empathetic being is a storytelling masterclass' that challenges viewers' notions of evil and redemption. Such redemption arcs – often absent in Western villains – are key to anime morality : they show that even the darkest characters can reveal light, and that justice is complicated. Why fans love the villains Credits: CBR So why do complex villains sometimes outshine the heroes? Part of it is sheer charisma. 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Indeed, timesofindia and other outlets list many anime bad guys (from Team Rocket to Dio Brando to Griffith) among fans' top favorites. These cult followings show that well-written antagonists have a real cultural impact: they spawn memes, inspire fan art, and even spark debates about justice. Conclusion In the end, the psychology of anime villains combines trauma, narcissism, power, and moral ambiguity. Pain Naruto's sorrow, Aizen Bleach's intellect, Sukuna Jujutsu Kaisen's brutality, and others show that villains in anime are rarely 'pure evil.' Instead, they often mirror the heroes' values in twisted ways – revealing deeper questions about empathy and morality. Fans are drawn to them because they are fully human (or superhuman) – flawed, deep, and at times sympathetic. As one analysis puts it, these characters 'transcend the label of 'absolute evil,' becoming more memorable and popular among audiences' who can't help but feel for their causes. 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Anime & Indian mythology: Why they're more similar than you think
Anime & Indian mythology: Why they're more similar than you think

Time of India

time21-05-2025

  • Time of India

Anime & Indian mythology: Why they're more similar than you think

Credit-Reddit Anime and Hindu mythology might seem worlds apart, but fans know they share deep common threads. Both traditions tell grand stories filled with gods, heroes, and lessons about life. Whether it's a Japanese shonen epic or an old Sanskrit epic, we find familiar symbols: karma, destiny, the tug-of-war between good and evil, and the warmth of family. From the cosmic dance of Shiva to the starry skies of Fullmetal Alchemist , ancient Indian thought and modern anime often tap the same well of imagination. This article explores how cosmic symbolism, moral choices, spiritual ideas and family bonds in anime echo the lessons of Indian myth and scriptures. Cosmic symbolism and moral duality Both anime and Hindu myths use the cosmos to tell their tales. Just as an image of a starry night sky hints at the universe's mysteries, stories invoke the Milky Way, serpents, and dance-like battles to suggest a grand design. In Hindu myth, Shiva and Parvati's cosmic dance creates and dissolves worlds; anime heroes often face destruction-and-rebirth cycles in their own journeys. Modern fantasies even blend Eastern magic with themes of reincarnation and cosmic law. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo In fact, some fantasy comics explicitly craft stories 'with destiny and duty reminiscent of the Mahabharata'. In this cosmic web, moral duality is key. Anime frequently uses the yin–yang idea: think of Bleach 's Soul Reapers balancing the Hollow souls of the dead, or Death Note 's Light Yagami wrestling with justice versus evil. This yin–yang of values — light versus dark, creation versus destruction — feels right at home with Indian ideas of dharma and adharma (right and wrong). As Bleach fans note, the Soul Society is like Yama's realm balancing souls, much as Hindu lore balances Devas and Asuras. In both worlds, villains and heroes are two sides of a cosmic coin, and every victory comes from understanding that balance. Fate, karma and inner conflict In both anime and myth, characters often find themselves tangled in fate and karma. Hindu epics teach that past actions echo through lifetimes, and anime plots often mirror this. For example, Fullmetal Alchemist revolves around Equivalent Exchange — no gain without loss — a clear nod to karmic law. Heroes frequently bear a curse or debt from the past. In Vinland Saga , Thorfinn's quest for vengeance only begets more violence, hinting that violent karma binds us to a cycle. Similarly, in Mahabharata, Karna's loyalty to a wrong king and his hidden destiny haunt him. Like Karna, many anime anti-heroes carry tragic pasts that shape their choices. They struggle with inner conflict — duty vs desire, honor vs revenge — echoing Arjuna's crisis on the battlefield. And sometimes, stories even reset time or reincarnate heroes, much as Hindu thought speaks of rebirth. One webtoon reviewer notes how a heroine sacrifices herself and 'resets' the world, 'echoing the idea of karma and reincarnation found in Indian thought'. In essence, both traditions remind us: your choices now shape the destiny you (or your next self) must confront. This loop of fate and free will runs through the Bhagavad Gita's teaching of duty just as it does through anime tales of next-generation heroes inheriting their elders' burdens. Upanishadic echoes in Anime Anime often carries a spiritual undercurrent that can feel strikingly Upanishadic. The Upanishads teach that a single underlying reality (Brahman) animates everything, and true knowledge is realizing our unity with it. We see this in anime when characters tap into a hidden power or oneness. For example, Fullmetal Alchemist has the concept of 'The Truth' behind reality, reminiscent of the Upanishadic search for ultimate knowledge. Anime heroes also grapple with the nature of the self and the universe. When Naruto (notably not our main examples) befriends powerful beings and speaks of inner peace, it echoes the Upanishad message of the soul's unity. More straightforwardly, many anime preach morality in ways that remind us of the Gita's lessons. Characters learn that true strength often means restraint or compassion — in line with 'dharma' (righteous duty). For instance, an anime warrior might hesitate to fight a villain who is also once a friend, recalling Arjuna's struggle until Krishna urges him to uphold dharma. Likewise, the South Asian webtoon Ramayan explicitly 'explores themes of dharma (duty), righteousness, and the triumph of good over evil', and we see similar threads in shows like Bleach and Vinland Saga , where duty to protect often clashes with personal desires. In short, many anime heroes are philosophers in disguise: they question life's purpose and learn that humility, karma, and right action guide them — lessons straight from Upanishads and Puranas. Family bonds and ancestral legacy Finally, both anime and Indian myths put family at the heart of the journey. In Hindu tales, loyalty and love within a family drive the drama: Shiva's bond with Parvati, or Prahlad's devoted faith overcoming the cruelty of his father. In anime too, bonds of blood and promise are sacred. Fullmetal Alchemist is fundamentally about two brothers saving each other; Bleach 's Ichigo fights to protect his friends and family; Vinland Saga shows fathers and sons (or substitutes) grappling over legacy. 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By weaving cosmic symbols with personal stakes, anime series and Indian epics both answer timeless questions: Who are we? Why do we fight? What is our destiny? These themes — gods and demons, fate and justice, family and honor — pulse at the core of each tale. For fans of either, recognizing the overlap can deepen the magic: it's comforting to see that even in modern Tokyo or ancient Ayodhya, heroes and legends share the same sky and soul. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .

'Not just for kids': Top 5 Ecchi and dark fantasy Anime series for grown-ups
'Not just for kids': Top 5 Ecchi and dark fantasy Anime series for grown-ups

Time of India

time18-05-2025

  • Time of India

'Not just for kids': Top 5 Ecchi and dark fantasy Anime series for grown-ups

Credits: Crunchyroll Anime isn't just for kids – many modern titles target mature fans with explicit content and complex stories. Since 2010, several ecchi , harem , and dark-fantasy isekai series have pushed boundaries to earn an 18+ rating. The following five stand out for blending engaging plots and world-building with risqué fanservice (revealing costumes, suggestive humor, etc.). Each entry below is officially rated for mature audiences and popular among adult anime fans. 1. High School DxD (2012–2018) Credits: Crunchyroll This blockbuster harem/comedy series follows lecherous teen Issei Hyōdō, who is killed on a first date by a fallen angel and then reborn as a devil by the alluring Rias Gremory . Suddenly Issei is caught up in a supernatural war among angels, fallen angels and devils at Kuoh Academy. The show is famous for its brazen fanservice – curvy demon girls, succubus imagery and lingerie-clad fight scenes – but it also has genuinely thrilling action and story arcs. Critics praised DxD for its high-quality animation and depth of plot along with the 'crazy sexy' comedy. As Anime News Network noted, 'evaluated as a fan-service-focused series… it is one of the top recent titles of its type'. High School DxD's combination of demon-battles and playful harem antics made it a smash hit (selling millions of light novels) and a perennial favorite for mature viewers. 2. Prison School (2015) Credits: Crunchyroll A notoriously outrageous ecchi comedy, Prison School is set at Hachimitsu Academy, a once all-girls school that has just admitted five male students. The infamously strict Underground Student Council runs a literal prison on campus, and the five boys are immediately jailed for peeping in the girls' bath. The series thrives on outlandish humor and over-the-top sexual antics as the boys desperately try to escape their humiliating detention. Fans love it for pushing comedic and erotic limits. One reviewer even calls it a 'diamond among the rough' of ecchi anime, noting that it subverts typical harem clichés by putting girls in charge of the situation. (For example, the student council's sadistic president humiliates the boys with outrageous punishments.) Despite – or because of – its relentless bawdiness, Prison School earned strong fan praise (and a cult following), with reviewers calling it the 'best show in the genre'for its bold, boundary-pushing comedy. 3. The Testament of Sister New Devil (2015) Credits: Crunchyroll This action-harem series features high-schooler Basara Tōjō, whose father suddenly remarries, leaving Basara with two beautiful stepsisters: Mio and Maria Naruse. Basara soon learns Mio is a demon princess and he belongs to a rival hero clan. In a twist, the younger Maria forces a magical 'master–slave' contract on Basara – but it backfires, making Basara the master instead. Now Basara must navigate politics between demon clans while protecting his sisters from enemies. The show mixes supernatural battles (demons vs. heroes) with constant harem-tinged mishaps and suggestive situations. Its appeal lies in the contrast: we have epic magical fights and monster armies on one hand, and an excuse for lots of fanservice (curvy demon girls in perilous outfits) on the other. Though critics are mixed, many adult fans enjoy its blend of action and risqué moments. (The second season Burst continued the story due to its popularity, and Crunchyroll even licensed the series – a sign of its fan appeal.) 4. Overlord (2015–2022) Credits: Crunchyroll A top-tier dark isekai fantasy, Overlord puts a twist on the genre. When the massive online RPG Yggdrasil shuts down, only the skeletal 'guild leader' player Momonga remains logged in. To his surprise, the game world has become real: Momonga is now Ainz Ooal Gown, overlord of the Great Tomb of Nazarick, and all the NPCs have come to life. With no way home, Ainz adopts his former guild's name and explores this new world. Overlord stands out for its deep world-building and antihero focus: Ainz and his loyal yet seductive guardians (like Albedo and Shalltear) seek power and survival in a dark, war-torn setting. The battles are gory and strategic, but the series also serves fanservice – for example, characters like Albedo wear revealing armor and act as lovestruck followers of Ainz. It proved immensely popular: by 2015, Overlord was the top-selling light novel series in Japan, and it has sold millions of copies. Reviewers praised it as a 'magnificent power fantasy' for gamers, noting how relatable it is to those who've played MMORPGs. In short, Overlord delivers mature thrills with an oppressive atmosphere, political intrigue, and occasional risqué humor, making it a hit with adult fans who want a darker isekai. 5. Goblin Slayer (2018–present) Credits: Crunchyroll This grimdark adventure is explicitly billed as dark fantasy , and it wastes no time establishing its adult tone. The story begins when a shy new priestess's first quest goes horribly wrong – her entire party is slaughtered by goblins. She is rescued by Goblin Slayer, a hardened, helmet-clad mercenary who vows to wipe out every goblin. The series is famous (and infamous) for its graphic violence and bleak themes: gore and implied sexual violence against goblins set a very mature, brutal tone. (Indeed, it earned an 18+ rating for this content.) Unlike other isekai, Goblin Slayer does not pull punches: even children are shown as targets of the goblins. Fans of dark fantasy appreciate how unflinching it is; viewers know going in that this is a world of blood and horror. The storytelling rewards strategic combat and grim realism more than fanservice – Goblin Slayer himself is taciturn and fully armored – but adult viewers are drawn by the intense, survivalist world. (The anime was controversial upon release but remains widely discussed among mature audiences.) Each of these series is rated strictly 18+ because they contain nudity, heavy sexual themes or graphic violence. Despite that, they are all well-crafted: they balance their steamy or shocking elements with solid plots or imaginative settings. In other words, they offer substantive fantasy storytelling alongside the risqué fanservice that grown-up anime fans seek. Critics and fans alike often note that these shows know their audience – they deliver the fanservice (bunny-suit heroines, seductive demonesses, etc.) while still advancing a compelling narrative. For mature viewers looking for anime that doesn't hold back, these five titles have become go-to recommendations, as evidenced by high sales figures and positive reviews from anime news sites and forums. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .

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