Review of High School DxD Hero

Well this is a genuine surprise. I was so thoroughly disappointed by Born that I almost didn't even bother with Hero, and the new art style/character redesigns brought me right to the edge of abandoning ship five minutes into the first episode. But I endured, and I haven't been so glad of anything since I realized I can take concubines in CK2. This art style suits the concept of DxD way better than the old one, although it took getting used to. Rounding of faces and the drastic increase in boob sizes are obvious changes right out of the gate, but improvements in movement frames, characterexpressions, and increase in color contrast make it a much richer experience. Switching studios really allowed this series to turn 360 degrees and walk away from the total shitshow that was Born.

Besides mammoth expansion of honkers, Issei's growth as the Titdragon melds well with better jokes and more interesting characters, as well as taking the narrative away from a "big bad evil" and refocusing on a tighter problem to solve. A friendly rating game was the perfect solution to the lame "Chaos Brigade," because not only was that a totally stupid antagonist it was also boring af to watch. "Oh my god dude look it's Loki I wonder if he's going to be a tricky trickster wow look at that he did a tricky thing ha ha I'm so fooled by the trick there" versus "a friendly fight with a guy who can punch holes in reality by sheer willpower and is a legitimate bro."

This is a full-spectrum anime with true depth of character. I am so pleased with the reversal from S3 and I absolutely cannot wait until S5. Do recommend without reservation.