Fan service vs storytelling: Is high school DxD more than just Ecchi?

When fans talk about High School DxD, the conversation often begins—and ends—with one word: ecchi. With its generous helpings of nudity, suggestive comedy, and over-the-top fantasy elements, the anime has built a reputation as one of the most unabashedly fan service-heavy series in modern anime history. It’s the kind of show that might make you hide your screen if someone walks in unexpectedly.

But is that really all it is?

Beneath the bouncing animation and suggestive camera angles lies a surprisingly complex narrative filled with intricate world-building, evolving character dynamics, and some genuinely gripping battles. For those willing to look past its spicy surface, High School DxD can be both engaging and emotionally rewarding. It’s not just about boobs—it’s about power, loyalty, redemption, and growth. That doesn’t mean it always succeeds, but it raises an important question:

Can an ecchi anime also be a strong story-driven series?

This article explores whether High School DxD is more than just visual titillation. We’ll break down:

• Its plot and world-building

• Character arcs and relationships

• The integration of fan service with narrative

• Criticisms and audience reception

In a genre where fan service often overshadows everything else, High School DxD attempts to walk a fine line—and whether it succeeds depends on what you’re watching for.

The Premise: Simple, Yet Structured

At its core, High School DxD is about Issei Hyoudou, a perverted high school student who is killed by a fallen angel on his first date—and then resurrected by the powerful devil Rias Gremory. From there, he’s drawn into a supernatural world of devils, angels, dragons, and ancient factions.

While the premise seems basic (boy gains powers, fights stronger enemies, builds a harem), the actual lore behind DxD is layered and structured. The show introduces a hierarchy of devils, celestial politics, sacred gears, and mythological beings that evolve over multiple seasons.

Yes, you’ll see fan service every few minutes—but you’ll also get:

• Power scaling systems (like Boosted Gear and Balance Breakers)

• Inter-faction diplomacy between angels, devils, and fallen angels

• Political drama within the devil nobility

• Tournaments like the Rating Game

Issei Hyoudou: The Pervert With Purpose

Issei is not your traditional protagonist. He’s open about his perversion, but he also undergoes tremendous growth. He starts off as a weak, comedic figure who idolizes breasts and power, but eventually becomes a dependable and courageous fighter.

More importantly, he builds genuine emotional bonds with his team. His motivations—though comically exaggerated—stem from a desire to protect his friends and grow stronger for them.

His development includes:

• Earning the respect of powerful allies and former enemies

• Developing complex romantic feelings, especially for Rias

• Overcoming trauma and insecurity from past defeats

• Slowly embracing responsibility as a future leader

Rias Gremory and the Female Cast: Eye Candy or Empowered?

Critics of DxD often claim that its female characters exist solely for visual pleasure. And to an extent, that criticism holds up. The show doesn’t shy away from gratuitous angles and questionable “accidental” moments.

But there’s also this: many of the female characters are well-developed, competent, and emotionally rich.

• Rias Gremory is a noble leader who balances vulnerability and authority.

• Akeno Himejima hides deep trauma behind her teasing persona.

• Asia Argento is the show’s moral compass and emotional center.

• Xenovia and Irina explore faith, identity, and loyalty.

These women are not just passive love interests—they fight, lead, and grow. The fan service might dominate the screen, but their arcs often carry real weight.

Fan Service vs Story: Can They Coexist?

This is the central question: Does the fan service enhance or hinder the storytelling?

It’s a mixed bag.

On one hand, High School DxD leans hard into its ecchi elements. There are entire fight scenes that end with nudity, and Issei’s power-ups often involve touching or referencing breasts. For some viewers, this reduces tension and emotional stakes.

On the other hand, the anime owns its identity. It doesn’t pretend to be a serious political thriller or dark epic—it’s a fantasy action-comedy with ecchi elements baked into the world logic. And weirdly, that honesty works.

In fact, some emotional scenes hit harder because the show surprises you—by taking a sudden turn from humor to heartbreak, or from silliness to sacrifice.

Strengths of the Storytelling

1. World-Building
   The mythology of DxD pulls from various religions and legends. Greek gods, biblical references, and Japanese folklore all co-exist, creating a chaotic but fun universe.

2. Power Systems
   Sacred Gears and Balance Breakers offer creative avenues for battle strategy and character uniqueness. Issei’s Boosted Gear isn’t just power—it’s a symbol of his drive to protect.

3. Pacing and Arcs
   The story balances slice-of-life, tournament arcs, romance, and war. It’s not perfect, but it’s engaging.

4. Character Loyalty
   There’s a core sense of family within Rias’s peerage that adds emotional depth to the otherwise absurd plot. It’s surprisingly wholesome in parts.

Weaknesses & Controversies

1. Overuse of Ecchi
   Even fans admit that some scenes go overboard, diluting serious moments.

2. Harem Tropes
   While some characters have depth, the harem setup limits romantic progression and can feel repetitive.

3. Tone Shifts
   The constant jumps between fan service and serious plot can be jarring, especially for new viewers.

4. Undermining Serious Themes
   Death, loyalty, betrayal—these are heavy themes that sometimes get undercut by slapstick ecchi humor.

Reception: What Do Fans Really Think?

The High School DxD fandom is as passionate as it is divided. Many love it because of its unapologetic style. Others stay for the characters and plot, tolerating the ecchi elements as just part of the package.

The series has maintained high popularity across multiple seasons, and the light novels (by Ichiei Ishibumi) delve even deeper into the lore. Some fans even argue that the novels surpass the anime in depth and tone.

Conclusion: Is High School DxD More Than Just Ecchi?

Yes—and no.

If you’re looking for complex world-building, dynamic character arcs, and high-stakes battles, High School DxD delivers. But it delivers them alongside heavy doses of fan service that will either amuse or repel you, depending on your taste.

It’s not a deep, philosophical masterpiece. But it’s not brainless either.

At its best, DxD is a character-driven fantasy with real heart, wrapped in outrageous comedy and ecchi flair. If you can appreciate both sides, you might find yourself surprisingly invested in a story that’s often dismissed too quickly.

So, is it more than ecchi?

Only if you’re willing to look beyond the bounce.