While purists will always argue for the Japanese original, the English dub holds a special place in the community for its casting choices, its spirited performances, and its ability to make a story about devils and demons feel incredibly human. It remains a gold standard for how to handle comedy-action anime in the West.
: Later seasons, particularly High School DxD Hero , are noted for having high emotional stakes and complex interpersonal relationships, such as the deepening bond between Issei and Rias.
Koneko is the resident deadpan snarker of the group. Playing a quiet, emotionally detached character in an incredibly loud show is a massive challenge. Jad Saxton steals almost every scene she is in with her monotone, razor-sharp delivery. Saxton’s comedic timing relies on subtlety; her quiet insults and sighs cut through Issei’s loud outbursts with hilarious precision. When Koneko finally opens up and confronts her past in later seasons, Saxton handles the dramatic shift with incredible grace, making Koneko's growth feel earned and impactful. 4. Sean O'Connor — Yuto Kiba high school dxd dub top
The humor in High School DxD is fast-paced. The dub allows you to catch the jokes, puns, and nuances immediately.
: Some purists argue the dub "butchers" specific terms (like "Boost") or makes the content "needlessly" kinkier than the source material. Cast Changes While purists will always argue for the Japanese
A critical analysis of both dubs reveals that the Funimation dub is generally considered to be of higher quality. The cast, particularly Bryce Papenbrook and Jamie Bahner, deliver exceptional performances that bring the characters to life. The dubbing is well-synced, and the script is faithful to the original Japanese version.
Akeno’s dual nature—polite and refined on the outside, but a ruthless sadist in battle—is highlighted beautifully in the dub. The voice work emphasizes her famous "Ara Ara" energy with a uniquely Western comedic spin. Koneko is the resident deadpan snarker of the group
Phil Parsons portrays the Governor General of the Fallen Angels like a tired, sarcastic uncle who would rather drink beer and play video games than fight a cosmic war. Top Seasons for Dub Lovers
Those who prefer the sub argue it captures the intended emotional depth and matches the light novels more closely.
Tatum uses his trademark sophisticated, articulate voice to give Vali an aura of supreme arrogance and unmatched power. Unlike the chaotic energy of the rest of the cast, Tatum plays Vali with a theatrical, calm composure that makes him genuinely intimidating. Whenever Tatum and Grelle trade lines during the clash between the Red and White Dragons, the dub reaches peak hype. Why the High School DxD Dub Stands Out