(from 1 to 3 volumes)
Monthly Dragon Age (next)
Other publishers: |
---|
Yen Press |
Jun Hatano
Shigeru Saito
Shinsaku Tanaka
Takuro Hatakeyama
Tetsuya Tsuchihashi
Other licensees: |
---|
Funimation Madman Entertainment (Australasia) Manga Entertainment |
Other TV networks: |
---|
Funimation Channel (English)Russian |
Other publishers: |
---|
Yen Press |
Age Premium
Jun Hatano
Shigeru Saito
Takuro Hatakeyama
Tetsuya Tsuchihashi
Koichi Cocago
zue Kananiva
Sho Tanaka
Other licensees: |
---|
Funimation Madman Entertainment (Australasia) |
Jun Hatano
Shigeru Saito
Other licensees: |
---|
Funimation Madman Entertainment (Australasia) Anime Limited |
Other licensees: |
---|
Funimation |
High School DxD (jap. ハイスクールD×D Hai bitch:ru D×D, High School DxD)- light novel Ishibumi Ichiei, released from October 2008 to March 2018, continuation of the light novel coming out from July 2018, manga adaptation of the light novel, coming out from July 2010 to April 2018, 4-season anime adaptation and several manga and light novel spins -offs, also games based on.
Plot [ | ]
According to the plot of the light novel, since ancient times, demons have been fighting for control of hell with fallen angels expelled from heaven. In addition, their common enemy was the angels sent by God against both races inhabiting hell. During the endless wars, all three sides suffered huge losses. In particular, both Satan and God were killed during the war. Because of this, several hundred years ago, the warring parties were forced to stop the war without determining the winner. However, relations between the parties are still tense. Due to the huge losses among the population, the demons began to resurrect people as demons. Each such person became a servant of the demon that turned him. In order to encourage new demons to develop themselves, a new rule was introduced - even servants created from people can become nobles if they can become strong demons.
The story follows the main character, Issei Hyoudou. Issei is a preoccupied high school student who has never had a girlfriend. At the beginning of the light novel, a beautiful girl, Yuma Amano, invites Issei to meet with her, but kills him on the first date, explaining that the reason for everything is a certain "Holy Gear" that the Lord placed in Issei, and which poses a threat to the fallen angels. Before his death, Issei, without realizing it, summons the demon Rias Gremory, who decides to save him by turning him into a similar demon and making him her servant. He also becomes a member of the school's occult research club, which consists entirely of Gremory's subordinate demons. After learning from the Gremory that by becoming a noble, he can have his own servants and build his own harem, Issei is eager to climb the social ladder of demons. However, it turns out that his magical powers are less than those of a child and he cannot use even the simplest spells.
Terminology [ | ]
Several magical artifacts are actively used during the plot.
- Sacred Gear (jap. 神器(セイクリッド・ギア) Sekuriddo gia) - magical objects created by God and placed in the bodies of various people. Each holy gear grants its owner a certain magical ability. After the death of the owner, the mechanism passes into the body of another person. As the wearer becomes more proficient with their machine, the machine evolves and acquires new abilities. One of the stages of this evolution is the Balance Breaker. (jap. 禁手(バランス・ブレイカー) Baransu Bureika:, rus. Balance Breaker) .
- Evil Pieces (jap. 悪魔の駒(イーヴィル・ピース) I:viru Pi:su) - 16 chess pieces that every noble demon has. Each figure can be used to resurrect a person as a demon, and give him the ability corresponding to the figure. If a person has great potential, such as owning a rare Sacred Gear, it will take several figures to resurrect them.
- Holy Swords (jap. 聖剣 seiken) - Weapons endowed with holy power. Most of the existing swords are fakes that were modeled after the sword of God. Holy swords are divided into two types: the first type is ordinary swords used by exorcists to exorcise demons and fallen angels; the second type are "true" swords, which can only be used by a select few. Due to the use of holy power, these swords are extremely powerful weapons against demons and fallen angels. Even a small scratch is enough to inflict fatal damage on them. Known Holy Swords - Excalibur, Durandal, Ascalon, Caliburn, "sword of thunder".
Characters [ | ]
Demons [ | ]
One of the three races that inhabit the Underworld. During the War, both Satan and his proxies of the Demon Kings and most of the 72 Pureblood Demon Clans were lost. Therefore, the Kings and Satan were re-elected, and a mass conversion of strong representatives of other races began. "Converted" are placed below pureblood demons, but they are also given the opportunity to be promoted. The territory is divided among the surviving pureblood demon families. The capital was moved from Lucifaad to Lilith (both cities are in the territory of Satan).
Gremory clan [ | ]
Issei Hyoudou (jap. 兵藤一誠 Hyodo: Issei) - main character . A troubled schoolboy who, until recently, never had a girlfriend. His first girlfriend was a fallen angel, Raynar, who killed him on their first date. However, his dying wish to die on Rias' chest allowed him to summon a demon who saved his life by turning him into a demon and making him her servant. As a pawn, upon reaching enemy territory, it can become any piece except the king. Concerned and stupid, which he does not think to hide from others. He sets as his goal to create his own harem, but despite all the harassment from the girls around him, he remains a virgin. For the sake of Rias, he doesn't hesitate to make any sacrifice. He also protects Asia, but does not notice her feelings for himself. Possesses the holy mechanism Amplifier, doubling the user's strength every ten seconds. In theory, there is no limit to this doubling and Issei can gain strength enough to crush God. In practice, however, there is a limit to the force that the body can withstand. In addition to doubling the wearer's power, the Amplifier can also transfer accumulated power, enhancing allies' magical powers, as well as the power of the crucifix and holy water. Also, as a reward for the battle with Kokabiel, who was trying to unleash a new war, Issei was given the holy sword Ascalon, which previously belonged to George the Victorious. For extra power, Issei gave his left hand to the dragon dwelling in the Amplifier, and now instead of a hand he has a dragon paw. This paw is immune to holy power. Therefore, even though Issei is a demon, he can use holy items with his left hand. However, due to regular rituals to drain dragon energy, Issei's hand is in human form most of the time. Without hesitation, he makes any sacrifice for Rias. He also considers it his duty to protect Asia, but does not notice her feelings, attributing everything to the girl's kindness and her poor understanding of Japanese culture. He makes every effort to climb the social ladder and build his own harem. Wields the holy sword Ascalon, formerly owned by George the Victorious. The sword was given by the archangel Michael for the battle with Kokabiel, who was trying to unleash a new war. He also wields one of Longinus's thirteen weapons, holy gears with the power to kill God or Satan. His body was destroyed by Shalba Beelzebub, but after accidentally meeting the Dream Great Red Dragon, Ophis gained a new body with the help of the Infinity Dragon God. Confessed his love for Rias in the tenth volume. He died in volume 11, was resurrected with the help of Ophis and the great red dragon, helped in this by Drake and Drake's former owners, who liked Issei for his passion for boobs. Became famous among children after fighting the Sitri group. Based on his adventures, the Gremory House is filming a series that has become popular both in the Underworld and the hidden part of Kyoto, where he plays the main character named "Dragon Emperor of Boobs" And "Oppai Dragon" (jap. 乳龍帝おっぱいドラゴン Chichiryu:tei oppay-doragon) .
Voiced by: Yuuki Kaji.Rias Gremory (jap. リアス・グレモリー Riasu Guremori:) - the main character, a school idol, Issei's mistress. A demoness belonging to the noble family of Gremory, bearing the title of dukes. Sirzechs' younger sister Lucifer, currently bearing the name of Satan and the next head of the Gremory clan. Head of the school's occult research club. It is also assigned to the territory of the city in which Issei lives and ultimately his school is subordinate to her. In the demon team, he has the rank of king. She is in love with Issei and with the development of the plot, like Asia, she settled in his house. Reciprocated Issei's recognition. Due to the fact that her chest is the key to Issei's power-up, she has the nickname among enemies and in the series. "Switch Princess" (jap. スイッチ姫 Suitchi-hime) .
Voiced by: Yoko Hikasa.Akeno Himejima (jap. 姫島 朱乃 Himejima Akeno) She is a member of the Occult Research Club and the second most popular and powerful girl after Rias. The daughter of a human priestess and one of the leaders of the fallen angels, Barakiel. Extremely kind in relation to his comrades, but in battle turns into a sadist. In the demon team, she has the rank of queen and combines the abilities of all the weaker figures. Specializes in lightning attacks and has the nickname "Lightning Priestess". She is in love with Issei and tries every way to seduce him.
Voiced by: Shizuka Ito.Koneko Tojo (jap. 塔城 小猫 Tojo: Koneko) , real name Shirone (jap. 白音 Sirone) - Member of the occult research club, former nekomata. Despite being a tenth grader, she looks like a student elementary school. It is popular with both boys and girls and is considered the mascot of the school. According to one of the guys in love with her, her appearance and character strongly resemble Yuki Nagato. In the team of demons, she has the rank of a rook, which gives her great strength and protection in battle. Also in love with Issei; declared herself his future wife.
Voiced by: Ayana Taketatsu.Asia Argento (jap. アーシア・アルジェント A: sia Aruzento) - A nun that Issei accidentally ran into in the city. Arrived from abroad, so she does not know the culture of Japan well. Like Issei, the owner of the Twilight Healing Sacred Gear (jap. 聖母の微笑(トワイライト・ヒーリング) Towayraito chi:ringu) allowing her to heal both humans and demons. After the church discovered Asia's abilities, she was revered as a saint for a while. However, everyone saw in her not a person, but only a certain creature capable of healing people. Therefore, no one wanted to be friends with her. Moreover, after Asia healed the demon, the church considered her a witch. As a result, Asia was expelled from the church and picked up by fallen angels cooperating with exorcists expelled from the church. Raynar was later killed for her Sacred Gear. However, she was defeated in turn by Issei, and Rias revived Asia as a demon under her. In the demon team, Asia has taken on the role of an elephant whose task is to support the team. She is in love with Issei and takes up residence in his house, being introduced to his parents as his fiancee. In the sixth volume, she confessed her love to Issei.
Voiced by: Azumi Asakura.Gasper Vlady (jap. ギャスパー・ヴラディ Gyasupa: Wuradi) is a half-blood vampire, the second bishop in Rias's team. Hikikomori and lover of dressing in women's clothing. Along with this, a talented magician and one of the most successful in the conclusion of demon contracts. However, avoiding contact with other people, he concludes contracts exclusively through the Internet. Possesses the holy gear Forbidden Balor View (jap. 停止世界の邪眼(フォービドウン・バロール・ビュー) Fo:bidone Baro:ru Byu:) , allowing time to be stopped for anything in Gasper's field of vision. Since he is half human, the vampires despised him. At the same time, he was also considered a monster by people, especially those who accidentally fell under the influence of his holy mechanism. As a result, Gasper was killed by the vampire hunter and resurrected by Rias. Since he was not able to control his powers, at first the vampire lived in a room closed with a magical seal. In Volume 4, Rias received permission to remove the seal. In the beginning, he was afraid of his comrades, but soon after listening to Issei's words, he becomes his friend.
Voiced by: Ayane Sakura.Yuuto Kiba (jap. 木場 祐斗 Kiba Yu: that) - Member of the Occult Research Club. Extremely popular among schoolgirls, which is why Issei dislikes him, who has never been popular with the opposite sex, but despite this, Issei appreciates him and considers him a friend. Real name is Izai. From childhood he was brought up in the church. He was a diligent believer and a capable child, so he was chosen to participate in a special project to create artificial Excalibur carriers. However, the experiments ended in complete failure and the project was closed, some "elements" necessary for the use of holy swords were extracted from the experimental children, and the experimental subjects themselves were killed with a deadly gas. Thanks to the help of his comrades, Izai managed to escape, but by that time he had already managed to inhale a lethal portion poisonous gas. Already at his death, filled with hatred for the church and Excalibur, Rias Gremory found him and turned her servant into a demon, giving the new name "Kiba Yuuto". Since then, Kiba has followed her everywhere, acting as her "knight", while not forgetting the desire to take revenge on the "Excaliburs". In the demon team, he has the rank of horse, whose combat ability is tremendous speed. His Sword Birth Sacred Gear (魔剣創造(ソード・バース) So: do ba: su?) creates demonic swords with any desired property. With the Biblical God and Satan dead, by entering the Balance Breaker, Kiba can also create a sword that combines holy and demonic powers.
Voiced by: Kenji Nojima.Xenovia Quarta (jap. ゼノヴィア Zenovia) - originally an agent of the Catholic Church of the Vatican. In early childhood, she lost her parents and was brought up by one sister in the church. A very devout and fanatical believer. Even at a young age, she joined the ranks of the exorcists and fought against the enemies of the church. From birth, she has a talent in the possession of holy swords and became the owner of the legendary sword Durandal. Thanks to her efforts and strong faith, she received great trust from the church, and as a result, she, along with Irina Sido, was sent to pursue the criminal thief who stole the Excaliburs. Pursuing a criminal, she arrived in a Japanese town. In the process of confrontation for the legendary swords, she had to unite with the demons living on those lands and fight with Kokabiel. As a result, a terrible secret was revealed to her - the death of the biblical God and Satan. She lost her footing in life and her faith collapsed. In addition, for knowing this terrible secret, Xenovia was excommunicated from the church. In desperation and not knowing where to go, she asks Rias Gremory to take her in and turns into a demon, becoming Rias' second horse. Later he finds a new goal in life - the knowledge of female happiness, to conceive and raise a child. Considers Issei a suitable candidate for this.
Voiced by: Risa Taneda.Rossweisse (jap. ロスヴァイセ Rosuwaise) - the second rook of Rias, a former Valkyrie. Arrived in Japan as Odin's bodyguard, but he abandoned her. A specialist in Scandinavian magic, which is used more often than the powers of the demon. He tries to save money, usually buys everything he needs at sales and promotions. He wants to help his grandmother, who lives in the province of Valhalla. Since Volume 17, she has developed feelings for Issei.
Other demons [ | ]
Wali Lucifer (jap. ヴァーリ Wua:ri) ー The leader of the Vali team, who was previously affiliated with the Khaos Brigade. Half human, half demon. He is a descendant of the original Lucifer and the owner of the Vanishing Dragon - Albion. Owns one of the 13 Longinus - Divine Dividing Divine Separation. He is a direct competitor of Hyoudou Issei and Ddraig. Defeated Kokabiel on Azazel's orders. Possesses huge demonic energy thanks to which he can easily control his holy gear.
His Divine Dividing Sacred Gear is one of the 13 Longinus. Allows you to split the opponent's strength in half when physical contact with him, while half of the energy goes to Vali himself.
Voiced by: Ryota Osaka.Fallen angels [ | ]
One of three factions made up of angels who have lost God's grace due to having "dirty thoughts" that distract them from God's teachings in the Bible. Despite being cast out of Heaven, fallen angels and their subordinates usually choose churches as their bases. However, before that, they destroy all the icons there. On this moment, Fallen Angels are the smallest faction compared to the others.
Azazel (jap. アザゼル Azadzeru) - Leader of the Fallen Angels. Absolutely not interested in the resumption of the war. Engaged in collecting and studying the sacred mechanisms. He has advanced so far in his research that he is able to create his own Sacred Gears. Although, they are inferior in quality to those created by God. After the fallen angels, angels and demons have concluded official world, became the curator of the occult research club. In the 12th volume, he left the post of leader of the fallen angels.
Voiced by: Rikiya Koyama.Raynar/Yuma Amano (jap. レイナーレ Rayna:re) / Yuma Amano (jap. 天野夕麻 Amano Yuma) - The fallen angel who killed Issei. She pretended to be a girl in love with him and offered to meet, to which Issei agreed. She was Asia's guardian. She was defeated by Rias' team and then "died" at her hand.
Voiced by: Hitomi Nabatame.Barakiel (jap. バラキエル Barakieru) - one of the leaders of the fallen angels, was betrothed to a human priestess. Father of Akeno Himejima.
Voiced by: Tetsu Inada.Kokabiel (jap. コカビエル Kokabieru) - One of the leaders of the fallen angels. He wanted to unleash a new war between the three races. He was defeated by Vali Lucifer, who came to stop him on Azazel's orders. After being defeated at the hands of Vali, he was sealed in the Underworld at the bottom of Kokytos ("The River of Lamentation" is one of the rivers flowing in the Underworld).
Voiced by: Hiroki Yasumoto.Angels [ | ]
One of the three main races, along with demons and fallen angels. Angels are powerful beings who serve the God of the Bible and have the power to attack demons. After the death of the God of the Bible in the Three Race War, the angels were not able to increase their numbers in the usual way, but after the creation of the Holy Courage system, they gained the ability to reincarnate people into angels. Unlike demons and fallen angels, angels need to purify themselves through sex, but before that, their partner must also undergo a lengthy rite of purification (taking several hours).
archangel Michael (jap. ミカエル Mikaeru) - the strongest of the angels, after the death of the biblical God, he became in heaven. Loyal to Issei. He is trying with all his might to prevent a new war.
Voiced by: Yoshimasa Hosoya.Irina Sido (jap. 紫藤 イリナ Sido Irina) Issei's childhood friend, although Issei himself, not least because of her past bullying nature, considered her a boyfriend. Church agent and staunch Christian. She is one of those who received a holy particle for compatibility with Excalibur, and was the owner of Excalibur Imitation. Knowing how much Irina devoted herself to the faith, her partner Xenovia did not want to reveal to her the truth about the death of the biblical God. But having learned about this from the Archangel Michael, Irina, oddly enough, easily accepted this news, supplementing her faith in God with faith in Michael. With the help of the system, Holy Courage was turned into an angel, subordinate to the Archangel Michael, and received the rank of an ace. After conclusion the world of the Three Ras accompanies the Rias team everywhere as a representative of Heaven and restored the friendship with Xenovia that had cooled between them due to Xenovia's transformation into a demon, and also befriended Asia, forming the so-called Church Trio. In love with Issei since childhood.
Voiced by: Maaya Uchida.Dulio Gesualdo“Even before becoming an angel, Dulio was the strongest exorcist ever and was able to fight even against high level demons. Dulio is the strongest of the reincarnated angels, has 12 wings and is a Seraphim candidate.
dragons [ | ]
One of the most powerful creatures in High School DxD. They always act freely and selfishly. But despite this, dragons have a high level of intelligence. Dragons are creatures that represent power. Because of this, at all times, dragons have been admired, respected and feared. Dragons are the only creatures that didn't help any faction during the Great War, unlike youkai, European monsters, spirits, fairies, and other supernatural beings. However, some dragons did join one of the three factions. Unlike other races that have a long lifespan, dragons are immortal, although they can die if killed. Currently, almost all dragons are either sealed in Sacred Gears, dormant, or dead.
Drake (jap. ドライグ Doraigu) And Albion (jap. アルビオン Arubion) - two heavenly dragons. Drake, known as the Welsh Dragon and the Red Imperial Dragon, is sealed in Issei's Boost Gear. The Vanishing Dragon Albion is sealed in Vali's Dividing Gear. In the past, the Sky Dragons constantly fought among themselves, but their protracted battle was interrupted by the war of the three races. In anger, both dragons attacked the leaders of the three factions, causing their bodies to be destroyed and their souls subsequently placed in two separate Sacred Gears.
Voiced by: Ryota Takeuchi (Ddraig). Voiced by: Fumihiko Tachiki (Albion)tannin (jap. タンニーン Tunny:n) - also known as Meteor Flame Dragon (jap. 魔龍聖(ブレイズ・ミーティア・ドラゴン) Bureizu Mi: tia Doragon) And Holy Demon Dragon. A purple dragon and former Dragon King who reincarnated as an Ultimate Class Devil. At the request of Azazel, he undertakes to train Issei in the mountains so that he can achieve Balance Breaker. Befriended Issei since teaching him the necessary things. Tannin became a demon in order to gain access to the Underworld to save young dragons so that their race does not completely disappear, and also to grow special fruits for dragons on his land. It was later revealed in volume 14 that he is the queen of Mephisto Pheles.
Fujimi Fantasia Bunko Japan I "m Done Being Human! / I'm not human anymore!
"Ningen, Yamemashita!" (人間、やめました!)
"Tomodachi, Dekimashita!" (友達、できました!)
"Tomodachi, Sukuimasu!" (友達、救います!)
"Monotano, Taoshimasu!" (元カノ、倒します!)
"Akuma, Yatemasu!" (アクマ、やってます!)
"Tsukaima, Getto Shimasu!" (使い魔、ゲットします!)
"Kenka, Urimasu!" (喧嘩、売ります!)
"Shugyo: Hajimemashita!" (修行、はじめました!)
"Kessen, Hajimarimasu!" (決戦、始まります!)
"Jessan, Kessenchu: desu!" (絶賛、決戦中です!)
"Yakusoku, Mamori ni Kimashita!" (約束、守りに来ました!)
"Oppai, Minorimasu!" (おっぱい、実ります!)
"Oppai, Motomemasu!" (おっぱい、求めます!)
High School DxD New [ | ]
№ series |
Series name | Broadcast in Japan |
---|---|---|
1 | Another Disquieting Premonition! "Fuonna Yokan, Futabi desu!" (不穏な予感、再びです!)) | July 7, 2013 |
2 | The Holy Sword Is Here! "Seiken, Kimashita!" (聖剣、来ました!) | July 14, 2013 |
3 | I "ll Destroy the Holy Sword! / I will destroy the Holy Sword! "Seiken, Hakai Shimasu!" (聖剣、破壊します!) | July 21, 2013 |
4 | A Strong Enemy Appeared! "Kyo:iteki, Arawaremashita!" (強い敵、現れました!) | July 28, 2013 |
5 | Decisive Battle at Kuoh Academy!/Clash at Kuoh Academy! "Kessen, Kuoh: Gakuen!" (決戦、駒王学園!) | August 4, 2013 |
6 | Go! Occult Research Club!/Forward, Occult Research Club! "Ike! Okaruto Kenkyu: Boo!" (行け! オカルト研究部!) | August 11, 2013 |
7 | Summer! bathing suits! I "m in Trouble! / Summer! Swimwear! I have problems! "Natsu-desu! Mizugi-desu! Pinti-desu!" (夏です!水着です!ピンチです!) | August 18, 2013 |
8 | Open House Begins! "Jugyo: Sankan, Hajimarimasu!" (授業参観、はじまります!) | August 25, 2013 |
9 | I Have a Junior!/I have a kouhai! "Ko: hai, Dekimashita!" (後輩、できました!) | September 1, 2013 |
10 | Various Three-way Deadlocks! "Iroiro, Sansukumidesu!" (色々、三すくみです!) | September 8, 2013 |
11 | The Leaders" Summit Begins! "Toppu Kaidan, Hajimarimasu!" (トップ会談、はじまります!) | September 15, 2013 |
12 | Clash of the Twin Heavenly Dragons! "Nitenryu:, Gekitotsu!" (二天龍、激突!) | September 22, 2013 |
13 (OVA) | I "m Enveloped in Breasts! / I am surrounded by breasts! "Oppai, Tsutsumimasu!" ((おっぱい、包みます!) | March 15, 2015 |
High School DxD [ | ]
№ series |
Series name | Broadcast in Japan |
---|---|---|
1 | Summer break! Off to the Underworld!/Summer Vacation! Let's go to Hell! "Natsuyasumi, Meikai e GO!"(夏休み、冥界へGO) | April 4, 2015 |
2 | Young Devils Gather! "Wakate Akuma, Shugo: desu!" (若手悪魔、集合です) | April 11, 2015 |
3 | Cat and Dragon "Neko to Doragon" (猫とドラゴン)) | April 18, 2015 |
4 | Interception, Commence!/Start of interception! "Geigeki, Kaishi desu!" (迎撃、開始です!) | April 25, 2015 |
5 | The Last Day of Summer Break! "Natsuyasumi Saigo no Hidesu!" (夏休み最後の日です!) | May 2, 2015 |
6 | Second Semester has Started! "Nigakki, Hajimemashita!" (二学期, はじめました!) | May 9, 2015 |
7 | The Night Before Battle! "Taisen Zenya desu!" (対戦前夜です!) | May 16, 2015 |
8 | I "ll rescue Asia! / I will save Asia! "Ah, sia, Sukuimasu!" (アーシア、救います!) | May 23, 2015 |
9 | Dragon of Dragon "Doragon Obu Doragon" (ドラゴン・オブ・ドラゴン) | May 30, 2013 |
10 | Occult Research Club Vanishes!?/Is the Occult Research Club Disappearing? "Oka-ken Sho:shitsu!?" (オカ研消失!?) | June 6, 2015 |
11 | I Will Fight!/I will fight! "Ore, Tatakaimasu!" (俺、戦います!) | June 6, 2015 |
12 | Any Time, For All Time!/Always and forever! "Itsudemo, Itsumademo!" (いつでも、いつまでも!) | June 20, 2015 |
13 (OVA) | The Unresurrected Phoenix "Yomigaerarenai Phenikkusu" (蘇らない不死鳥) . |
1. What is a light novel? - Light novel (ラノベ (light novel) or ライノベ (rainobe)) or "Light novel", Light Novel (Japanese: ライトノベル Raito noberu?) - Japanese novels with illustrations, the main target audience of which is teenagers and young people. The term "Light Novel" comes from the English. light (easy, simplified) and novel (novel), literally meaning "light novel" and is an example of "wasei-eigo" - the term Japanese language composed of English words.
The style of illustrations in the light novel resembles manga frames, but the volume of illustrations relative to the text is very small, therefore the light novel is classified as prose, considering it the equivalent of a youth story. The works are often adapted into manga or anime series. The books are published in pocket size with 10.5 x 15 cm postcard pages) and are also published in installments in literary magazines such as Dragon Magazine, The Sneaker, Dengeki HP, or mixed content magazines: Comptiq "and" Dengeki G "s Magazine". As an example of the development of the ranobe, you can also use Ishibumi Issei's "High School DxD", which was later drawn into a manga and released into an anime.
Light novels have gained wide popularity in Japan, and publishers are constantly looking for new authors, for which they arrange annual competitions, the winners of which receive, in addition to cash prizes, the right to publish their book. The largest of these competitions, Dengeki shosetsu taisho, annually attracts more than two thousand authors. The number of authorized light novel translations per foreign languages small due to low demand and a much larger volume of translated text compared to manga.
Since light novels are primarily aimed at a youth audience, this determines some of the features of their design. Books are published in a small format, contain color or black and white illustrations, made in the same style as the images in manga and anime, the text is usually typed in a larger font (compared, for example, with the text of newspapers or "adult" books) . Many hieroglyphs are supplied with furigana, which, in addition to its direct purpose, is sometimes used to give words other, non-standard readings (for example, in the light novel “To Aru Majutsu no Index”, a considerable number of words, including the title of the work itself, were “re-voiced” in a similar way) . The writing style is often characterized by short (one or two sentences) paragraphs and heavy use of dialogue. These features are designed to help speed reading"light novel".
However, it would be a mistake to perceive the light novel as only a slightly more "verbose" variety of manga. The typical structure of a light novel is a few color illustrations at the beginning, followed by 200-400 pages of text, with only occasional black-and-white pictures. In a literary translation into Russian, the text of the page will be approximately 1500 characters. The volume of works as a whole is also very significant. For example, the already mentioned first volume of "Spice and Wolf" in an amateur translation into English language includes 65,485 words. The first volume of Zero no Tsukaima is 39,705 words. For comparison: the famous novel by Clive Lewis "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" contains 37,467 words in the original. Thus, in terms of its structure and volume, the light novel is rather a novel, albeit with certain stylistic features, rather than a story, and even more so, not a story.
(based on materials mad-otaku.2x2forum.ru/t636-topic)
2. Why should I read it? What new will I learn? - The light novel is the origin of the entire DxD universe. So, if you're curious to know how the author wanted to describe something, be sure to read it. Many twists and turns that occur in anime and light novels differ quite significantly. And also a lot of what is in the light novel was not filmed in the anime.
3. I watched the anime, which volume should I start reading from to find out the continuation of the story? - If you take it literally, then:
- Season 1 of the anime corresponds to volume 1 - 2 of the light novel
- Season 2 of the anime corresponds to volume 3 - 4 of the light novel
- Season 3 of the anime corresponds to volume 5 - 7 of the light novel
4. How many volumes have been released? - At the time of this writing (spring 2016), 21 volumes of the main story, so to speak, "numbered" were officially released, 2 volumes of branches from the main story (DxD DX) and 1 unofficial volume - an appendix to the main story (volume 12.5).
5. How quickly will transfers appear? - Translations are made by people for free, without pursuing commercial gain in their free time, so it is difficult to say or promise something about the timing - find out in official groups translation teams.
6. How can you speed up the appearance of translations? - Read what is, leave critical or laudatory comments about translations. Your answers, your criticism is the best indicator that the work is not in vain and is a powerful incentive to speed up translations.
7. I am a representative of another team, how can I add our translations to the site? - Ask for help
Hyoudou Issei (兵藤 一誠, Hyōdō Issei)
Rank: Low-class Devil → Middle-class Devil → High-class Devil
Role: Pawn (8 Pieces, later in volume 23 it is revealed that all 8 of them transformed into Mutation Pieces)
Species: Reincarnated Devil (Former human until Volume 11, Humanoid-Dragon from Volume 12)
Sacred Gear: Boosted Gear (Longinus)
weapon: Ascalon
power: Dress-Break, Pailingual, Trident, Dragon Breath, Dragon Deification, Penetrate, Blazing Inferno of Scorching Flames.
A second-year (third-year from Volume 23) high school student attending Kuoh Academy. He is known to be stupid, lecherous and a pervert among his peers. A normal high school student born in a normal family, but is in possession of the Sacred Gear "Boosted Gear" which is listed as one of the ultimate Sacred Gears(Longinus). He was killed by his first girlfriend, a Fallen Angel, and was revived as a Devil and a servant of Rias Gremory, his new master. Now he aims to become a Harem King by gaining a peerage, unaware of himself attracting girls around him.
Rias Gremory (リアス・グレモリー, Riasu Guremori)
Rank: High class Devil
Role: King
Species: Pure Devil
power: Power of Destruction
A third-year (University from Volume 23) student at Kuoh Academy and the Madonna of the academy. She comes from the old noble of pure Devils, the House of Gremory. She is a High-class Devil who is known as genius by many, and is nicknamed the "Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess". Her brother is, in fact, one of the Yondai-Maou, Lucifer, and both of them possess the Power of Destruction. She revives Issei as her servant after finding him dead, killed by a Fallen Angel and possessing a rare Sacred Gear. Kind and soft to her servants, becomes a totally different person when training or fighting.
Asia Argento (アーシア・アルジェント, Âshia Arujento)
Rank: Low-class Devil
Role: Bishop
Species:
Sacred Gear: Twilight Healing
A second-year (third-year from Volume 23) student at Kuoh Academy. Originally a sister who was known as a holy maiden for her healing powers. She was raised in an orphanage and was taken in by the Church after her powers were discovered. However, she was kicked out of the Church for healing a Devil, and was taken in by people affiliated with the Fallen Angels. She starts living with Issei after being saved from the Fallen Angels" grasp. As a person raised in the Church, she lacks common sense.
Himejima Akeno (姫島 朱乃, Himejima Akeno)
Rank: Low-class Devil → Middle-class Devil
Role: Queen
Species: Reincarnated Devil (Former half-human half-fallen angel)
power: Elemental magic (mainly thunder), Holy Lightning (From Volume 5 onwards)
A third-year (University from Volume 23) student and one of the "Two Great Onee-samas" of Kuoh Academy along with Rias. Called the ultimate "Queen" by other members. Born between a human mother and fallen angel father, after the death of her mother, she became Rias" servant. She is a friend close enough to call Rias by her name in private, yet calls her Buchou in presence of others and displays a master -servant relationship in public She persistently refuses to use her power of light, inherited from her father, but starts using it after being convinced by Issei.
Kiba Yuuto (木場 祐斗, Kiba Yūto)
Rank: Low-class Devil → Middle-class Devil
Role: Knight
Species: Reincarnated Devil (Former Human)
Sacred Gears: Sword Birth, Blade Blacksmith
weapons: Demonic Emperor Sword Gram, Balmung, Nothung, Tyrfing, and Dáinsleif(from Volume 12).
A second-year (third-year from Volume 23) student at Kuoh Academy. Self proclaimed best friend of Issei, and the school prince. He was a victim of the Holy Sword Project, where he was the only survivor. He became Rias" servant when she saved him from death, but still swore to extract his revenge on those who treated him as a test subject and disposed of his friends. He also harbours a great hatred towards the Holy Sword, Excalibur.
Toujou Koneko (塔城 小猫, Tōjō Koneko)
Rank: Low-class Devil
Role: Rook
Species: Reincarnated Devil (Former Nekomata)
power: Senjutsu, Youjutsu
A first-year (second-year from Volume 23) student at Kuoh Academy. Originally she was about to be executed by the Devils after her sister, Kuroka, killed her own master. The Maou, Lucifer, protected her, and left her under his sister "s, Rias" care - becoming her servant. She refused to use the power of senjutsu because she didn't want to become like her sister. She overcame her power along with Akeno after Issei made her overcome her own powers. She doesn't show any emotion at all, and says harsh things and hits Issei whenever he is doing or thinking something perverted. She shows the most concern for her comrades when they are in trouble.
Xenovia Quarta (ゼノヴィア・クァルタ, Zenovia Kwaruta)
Rank: Low-class Devil
Role: Knight
Species: Reincarnated Devil (Former Human)
weapon: Excalibur Destruction (Volume 3), The Holy Sword Durandal → Ex-Durandal → Excalibur and Durandal.
A Holy Sword user who was sent from the Church along with Irina to destroy or retrieve the stolen Excalibur swords. After she finds out that the God in the Bible died long time ago, she decides to join the Occult Research Club as Rias's servant. She tries to seduce Issei whenever she can because she wants to give birth to a strong baby.
Gasper Vladi (ギャスパー・ヴラディ, Gyasupā Buradi)
Rank: Low-class Devil
Role: Bishop
Species: Reincarnated Devil (Former Dhampir (half Human/half vampire))
power: Vampire's power
Sacred Gear: Forbidden Balor View → Forbiden Invade Valor The Beast (Longinus)(from volume 16)
A Dhampir (half Vampire and half Human) male cross-dresser who has the ability to stop the time of those he sees but he is unable to control it. He is sealed by Rias as ordered by the elders until she has grown up enough to control him. He is still unable to completely control his powers but can improve a lot by drinking Issei's blood.
Rossweisse (ロスヴァイセ, Rosuvaise)
Rank: Low-class Devil
Role: Rook
Species: Reincarnated Devil (Former Valkyrie)
power: Norse Magic, self-invented magic
Originally Odin's bodyguard. After the battle with Loki and Fenrir, Odin leaves her in Issei's town. She then gets persuaded by Rias to become her servant. She remains in Kuoh Academy as a teacher.
Shidou Irina (紫藤イリナ, Shido Irina)
Rank/Role: Ace of Spades (Michael's Brave Saint)
Species: Reincarnated Angel
weapon: Excalibur Mimic (Volume 3), Mass-produced Holy Demonic Sword, Hauteclere
Xenovia's partner and Issei's childhood friend. After finding out that the God in the Bible is dead, she still follows the teachings and is under the direct command of Michael. She was shocked to find out that Issei turned into a Devil. They are still friends despite that flaw.
Ravel Phoenix (レイヴェル・フェニックス, Reiveru Fenikkusu)
Rank: high class devil
Role: Bishop (Free)
Species: Pure Devil
power: Immortality, Aerokinesis, Pyrokinesis
Fourth child and only daughter of the Phoenix house, she started as her brother Riser's bishop, but after the duel between him and Issei, she fell in love and was traded to her mother, who doesn't participate in Rating Games, with the hope of one day becoming Issei's servant. She is currently his manager. She has transferred to Kuoh Academy, where she got into Koneko and Gasper's class, as well as becoming a member of the Occult Research Club and living at the Hyoudou residence. She started with a body type like Koneko's, but has grown since.
Ophis (オーフィス, fisu)
Rank/Role: God
Species: Dragon
power: Infinity, Snakes
One of the two most powerful dragons, along with Great Red, born in the dimensional gap. After losing to him, it was banished and has since tried to find a way to win over and return. Neither male nor female, it has currently taken the form of a little girl in goth clothes and has been recognized as female. Currently it has lost most of its powers due to being stolen using Samael's venom, being reduced to only twice the power of the Heavenly Dragons at their prime, and lives at the Hyodou residence as a kind of pet or mascot.
1. Okay, your question is really broad…so I’ll give a more general answer. If you've got a more specific question, feel free to ask.
Language: I’m going to assume that your question refers to fan-translation of light novels and manga. Most of these are released in Japanese, Chinese, or Korean as their original or licensed translation language. If you are interested in becoming a translator, you should be aiming for fluency in one or more of these languages. Learning a language takes time and devotion. Each language is different, and it also depends on how much time you can spare each day or week to learning. As far as these Asian (and Arabic) languages go, it usually takes 2 to 3 years (assuming time set aside for daily study) to reach an intermediate level (can read manga and novels) because they are so different from English.
Patience and perseverance: You will need patience when learning a language, and also when translating. You will get frustrated that you cannot read things, or aren't able to understand a sentence. You might spend hours mulling over a particular phrase. So be prepared for that, and have the mindset to see things through to the end.
2. I'm afraid things will be tougher for you if you don't want to spend any money on translating. Translation comes at the cost of your time to begin with, but in order to obtain the material that you want, you either have to buy it yourself (unless it is publicly available, e.g. a web novel), or get a copy from someone who has bought it and is willing to share. There are plenty of raw novels and manga available on jcafe24.net, and they are uploaded by generous contributors. You may also find them on other sites, though they may take some more digging. Do note though that not everything will be available for free – the series that you really want to translate may not have raws that you can access for free, and you will either be forced to buy it, or translate something else.
I can't speak for all translators, but I'm personally okay with sharing my raws with other translators and helping them out. I'm happy to see something that I like being translated, so I'd gladly share if asked. But each translator obviously buys the novels or manga that they want to read or work on, and it is less likely for a translator to have raws of a series that they are not working on. So if you were working together with other translators on the same project, they might be generous enough to share their raws, but they might not. And if you wanted to work on a project on your own, it's more likely that you'll have to buy the raws.