Series & First Appearance
Rias Gremory is a central character in the anime and manga series High School DxD, created by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Yoshihiro Nishimura. She first appears in Volume 1 of the light novel series, which began serialization in 2008, and subsequently in the anime adaptation by TNK, first airing in 2012.
Profile at a Glance
Rias Gremory is 18 years old (19 in later volumes), stands at 172 cm (5’8"), and weighs 58 kg (128 lbs). As a high-class devil and heir to the Gremory clan, she serves as the King of her peerage and oversees the Kuoh Town territory. Her signature abilities include the Power of Destruction and techniques like the Extinguished Star, showcasing her formidable combat potential.
Personality & Motivations
Rias is characterized by her kind and compassionate nature, particularly towards her peers and subordinates. Known for her fiery temperament, she becomes fiercely protective when her loved ones are insulted. Rias chooses to live in the human world to be seen as herself rather than just as the "Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess." Initially skeptical of love due to her status, she ultimately falls for Issei Hyoudou, viewing him as unique compared to other men.
While she is usually level-headed, Rias exhibits jealousy whenever other girls flirt with Issei. She enjoys teasing him and is protective of their relationship. Rias demonstrates a strong sense of loyalty and dedication towards her friends and teammates, striving to prove herself in Rating Games and beyond.
Abilities / Powers
Rias possesses a unique power known as the Power of Destruction, allowing her to disintegrate targets both living and inanimate. She can condense this power into projectiles, demonstrating remarkable control and strength. Her ultimate attack, the Extinguished Star, is essentially a massive orb of destructive energy, likened to a black hole, capable of annihilating large areas.
As an adept negotiator and tactician, Rias shows considerable prowess in recruiting and leading her peerage members. Over time, her combat abilities evolve, and with the transfer of power from Issei, her strength rivals even that of Ultimate-Class Devils. Rias also has notable healing abilities, can summon familiars, and can fly, utilizing her devil wings.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Rias’s character undergoes significant growth throughout the High School DxD series. Initially faced with the challenges of being a high-class devil in a predominantly human environment, she navigates complex relationships and learns to balance her responsibilities as a leader.
Her struggle in the Rating Game against Riser Phenex is a pivotal moment, showcasing her determination and competitive spirit. As the series progresses, she wins crucial battles, strengthens her peerage, and matures as a leader. Rias also learns to embrace her feelings for Issei, accepting his dream of a harem and increasingly showcasing her confidence in their relationship.
Notable Relationships
Rias shares a deep bond with her older brother, Sirzechs, whom she admires greatly despite his quirks. Her relationship with Issei is central to her character development and serves as a catalyst for her growth. She also interacts closely with her peerage members, including Akeno Himejima, who acts as both a friend and rival. Rias’s dynamic with other characters encapsulates themes of loyalty, love, and leadership.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One memorable moment occurs in Volume 2 when Rias declares her commitment to Issei, marking the beginning of their romantic relationship. Her protective nature shines through during intense battles, and she often assures Issei of her feelings, stating, "You’re special to me." This quote embodies her commitment and establishes the emotional stakes in their dynamic.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Rias Gremory has captured the hearts of fans, ranking high in various popularity polls, with over 19,638 favorites logged. Her character design and allure contribute to her popularity, as she embodies many common traits in shonen harem protagonists. In the Japanese version, Rias is voiced by Yoko Hikasa, while in English, she is voiced by Jamie Marchi. Fans appreciate her complexity as a character who balances her public persona with her private desires and insecurities.
Her obsession with Japanese culture adds depth to her character, often leading to comedic situations, particularly because of her enthusiastic reactions to Japanese traditions and historical sites.
With her blend of strength, compassion, and conflict, Rias Gremory stands out as a multifaceted character, appealing to a wide audience through her journey in High School DxD.
