Dragon's Ambition: The Rise of Issei Hyoudou

Series & First Appearance

Issei Hyoudou is a character from High School DxD, a light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi, with illustrations by Miyama-Zero. He first appears in Volume 1, which was published in 2008, and has since been adapted into multiple anime seasons by TNK and Passione.

Profile at a Glance

Issei is a 17-year-old former human who is reincarnated as a Special-Class Devil and serves as the Pawn in Rias Gremory’s peerage. Notably, his Sacred Gear, Boosted Gear, is classified as a Longinus, one of the most powerful types of Sacred Gears. He is known for his ambition to become a Harem King, inadvertently attracting numerous girls due to the side effects of his powers.

Personality & Motivations

Issei is often portrayed as childish, lecherous, and somewhat naive, leading to his reputation as a pervert among peers. His primary goal is to build a harem, which he believes will legitimize his status as a Harem King. Despite his often comical antics, he shows great loyalty to his friends and strives to protect them. His relationship with Rias Gremory plays a crucial role in his character development, showcasing his earnest desire to grow stronger for her sake.

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Abilities / Powers

Issei possesses several formidable abilities stemming from his Boosted Gear.

Boosted Gear: It allows him to enhance his power exponentially through successive boosts.
Dress-Break: This ability can destroy clothing, often causing humorous situations.
Pailingual: Enables him to understand and speak any language.
Dragon Flames: A manifestation of his dragon powers, used in combat to unleash devastating attacks.
Dragonification: His ability to partially transform his body into that of a dragon.

As he progresses through the story, Issei evolves from a mere pawn into a powerful warrior, culminating in the transformation of all eight of his pieces into Mutation Pieces and eventually attaining the ability to wield Ascalon, the weapon of the Dragon Slayer.

Major Story Arcs & Growth

Initially, Issei is introduced as a typical high school student who meets a tragic fate at the hands of a Fallen Angel. Upon his revival, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and strength, facing various foes, including mythological creatures and gods. Key turning points include:

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Notable Relationships

Issei’s character is defined by his complex relationships, notably:

Rias Gremory: His master and the object of his affections, significantly influencing his motivations.
Akeno Himejima: Another peer and crucial member of the group; her dynamic with Issei adds depth to the harem aspect.
Asia Argento: A significant ally, her pure heart and admiration for Issei contribute to his development.
Kiba Yuuto and Xenovia: Fellow members in the peerage whose friendships and rivalries further shape his character and experiences.

Iconic Moments & Quotes

One memorable scene occurs in Volume 4, where Issei gathers his courage to confess his feelings to Rias, setting the tone for significant relationship developments. His dedication to protecting his friends and his often flustered reactions to romantic entanglements highlight his earnest yet comedic nature. A notable quote encapsulating his drive is, "I will become the Harem King!"—a catchphrase that resonates throughout his journey and encapsulates his motivations.

Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes

Issei is voiced by Yoshitsugu Matsuoka in the Japanese version and by Bryce Papenbrook in the English dubbed adaptation. The character has seen considerable popularity, ranking highly in various fan polls, even garnering 7,803 member favorites on anime-centric databases. The unique blend of action, comedy, and harem themes has made High School DxD a standout series in its genre, with Issei at its heart, embodying the archetypal shonen protagonist’s journey while emphasizing romantic elements.

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