
Issei Hyoudou
Issei Hyoudou |
|
---|---|
![]() |
|
Kana: | 兵藤一誠(full Kanji) イッセー (alternate reading, Katakana) |
Rōmaji: | Hyōdō Issei (full Romaji) Issē (alternate Romaji) |
Profile | |
Race: | Reincarnated Devil FormerHumanoid Dragon FormerHuman |
Gender: | Male |
Age: | 17 (Vol 1-22) 18 (Vol 22-Present) |
Nicknames: |
Partner (Ddraig) Darling (Irina/Akeno) Husband (Akeno) Red Dragon Emperor (w/Ddraig) Welsh Dragon (w/ Ddraig) The Strongest Red Emperor Dragon in History (Thanatos) The Most Dangerous Red Dragon Emperor (Cao Cao) Satan (Rizevim) Crimson Heavenly Dragon Crimson Dragon Emperor (Sirzechs) The Demonic Dragon Who Manifested the Power of Infinity and Dreams (Tartarus) Red Dragon Emperor of the Blazing Truth (Hades/Nyx)[1] Red Dragon (w/Ddraig) Hero of the Underworld (UnderworldResidents/Arthur) Hope of the Underworld (Sirzechs) Lover of the Heiress of the House of Gremory (UnderworldResidents/Grayfia) Breast Dragon Emperor (w/ Ddraig)[2] |
Hair Color: | Brown |
Eye Color: | Brown |
Equipment & Abilities: | |
Personal Status | |
Relatives: | Juzo Hyoudou(Grandfather) † Unnamed Grandmother Unnamed Grand-Uncles Gorou Hyoudou(Father) Miki Hyoudou(Mother) Two Unborn Older Siblings † Asia Argento(Foster Sister) |
Affiliations: |
Hyoudou Family
Hyoudou Residence Kuoh Academy(Third-Year High School Student) Occult Research Club Rias Gremory’s Peerage Gremory Clan(Future Member) Issei Hyoudou’s Peerage(King) Team Red Dragon Emperor of the Blazing Truth(Leader) D×D Three Factions(Underworld) Kuoh Town Ravel Phenex(Manager) Le Fay Pendragon(Contracted Magician) Tiamat(Obligee) Azazel(Former Mentor) Issei Hyoudou Company(President) Gremory Large Enterprise(Branch Manager) |
Status: | Alive |
Ranking: | |
Voice Actor(s): |
Yuki Kaji(Japanese)
Scott Freeman(English, Season 1-2) Jessie James Grelle(English, Season 3 onwards) Su Jin Kang (Korean) |
“ | ” | |
— Issei Hyoudou
|
Appearance

Issei’s full appearance.
Issei Hyoudou is an average-height high school student with a distinctive look: he sports short, spiky brown hair with two short locks at the back, paired with light brown eyes. Over time, particularly after his intense training with Tannin, Issei’s build has become notably more muscular and toned.
Though he has worn various outfits throughout High School DxD, Issei is most frequently seen in the Kuoh Academy boys’ uniform. His version of the uniform consists of a black blazer (sometimes depicted with hints of purple or gray) with white accents, layered over a white dress shirt accented in black with a black ribbon collar. While most students stick to the traditional uniform, Issei adds his own flair: he wears a red T-shirt under his dress shirt and swaps out the standard brown dress shoes for a pair of blue-and-white sneakers.
In his battle history, Issei underwent significant transformations. Before a rematch against Riser, his left arm morphed into a dragon’s arm, requiring frequent rituals from Rias and Akeno to maintain its human appearance. Following a near-death encounter, Issei gained a completely new body, courtesy of Great Red and Ophis, granting him the ability to partially transform into a dragon.
Despite his unconventional style and supernatural traits, his paternal grandmother has commented on his “manly expressions.” Physically, Issei stands at 170 cm (5’7″) and weighs between 62–65 kg (137–140 lbs), reflecting his evolution from a typical student to a more formidable figure in the series.
Personality
Issei Hyoudou is known for his unapologetically straightforward and unabashedly perverted nature, traits he openly acknowledges and even takes pride in. Obsessed with female beauty and driven by a longstanding dream of creating a harem, Issei is infamous at Kuoh Academy as a member of the “Perverted Trio.” Yet beneath this provocative exterior lies a courageous, selfless, and unwaveringly loyal individual who will do anything to protect those he cares about—even at the risk of his own life.
Despite being labeled the “weakest Red Dragon Emperor,” Issei is unique among his predecessors for his kindness. Unlike former Red Dragon Emperors consumed by Boosted Gear’s curse of power and vengeance, Issei’s natural empathy allows him to avoid this fate. Instead, he uses his strength to help others, supporting his friends like Yuuto Kiba, Koneko Toujou, and Akeno Himejima in overcoming past traumas. His compassionate nature has earned him deep friendships, as well as the affection and trust of the girls in the Occult Research Club and even the approval of high-ranking Devils in Rias’ family. Issei’s kindness has influenced others profoundly, including former enemies like Cao Cao, who admitted that his life might have taken a different path had he met Issei earlier.
Issei struggles with insecurities rooted in past betrayals, particularly his traumatic experience with Raynare. This incident left him wary of expressing his feelings, as he fears rejection or deception. As a result, he often misinterprets the affection of the girls around him, believing they are merely teasing. His fear gradually eases after heartfelt reassurances from Akeno, Asia, and Koneko, leading to a breakthrough when he finally confesses his love to Rias. Though he understands their romantic intentions, he still occasionally feels bewildered by their rivalry for his attention.
In truth, Issei desires genuine love beyond his playful persona, showing his softer, more innocent side to those who understand him. His early ambition of forming a harem evolves into a vision of creating an unbeatable peerage with whom he can compete in Rating Games. Alongside this goal, he nurtures a strong rivalry with Vali Lucifer, the Vanishing Dragon Emperor, aspiring to one day defeat him in battle.
Issei’s dedication to peace stems from witnessing countless battles and near-death experiences. Though naturally a pacifist, he has developed a respect for powerful opponents with strong convictions, finding joy in challenging and defeating them—much like his admiration for Sairaorg Bael, a fellow talentless fighter who rose to greatness. Issei’s diligence and work ethic are unmatched, as he tirelessly trains and studies to fulfill his ambitions despite his initial lack of talent.
His ability to earn trust and form alliances is extraordinary, with figures like Azazel noting his talent for winning people over and attracting powerful allies. This gift is so profound that the memories of past Red Dragon Emperors even shielded him from Samael’s curse, reflecting their respect for him. Issei’s charisma and kindness have drawn many to his side, from his friends in the Occult Research Club to supernatural allies, making him a unifying figure even among former foes.
As a hero to the children of the Underworld, known affectionately as the “Oppai Dragon,” Issei embraces his role as their protector, determined to safeguard their dreams. In battle, Issei’s fierce loyalty drives him forward, though he sometimes acts recklessly when his friends are in danger. However, he has grown more tactical over time, learning to use strategy as well as strength.
Issei’s values shine in his refusal to kill unnecessarily, preferring to give his enemies a second chance or leave them to face justice. Nonetheless, he can be merciless when those he loves are threatened, revealing a fierce, vengeful side against adversaries who cause harm to his friends. Despite this, Issei remains fundamentally kind-hearted, maintaining his vision of a peaceful future where he can live happily alongside those he loves, always pushing forward in his quest to achieve his dreams.
History
Before Issei was born, his parents endured the heartbreak of two miscarriages, making his third conception a time of deep hope and cautious optimism. During this pregnancy, Issei’s father spent hours pacing in front of a nearby Shinto shrine, praying sincerely for his child’s safe arrival. When their son was finally born, they named him Issei, meaning “honesty,” as a tribute to his father’s earnest wishes.
As a child, Issei was close friends with Irina Shidou, who lived in the same neighborhood. Though he remembers her only vaguely, Issei always thought of Irina as “one of the guys” when they played together—an impression that lingered until she moved to England for her father’s work. During their friendship, Issei and Irina shared many childhood memories, including attending church with her family on occasion and even staying over at each other’s houses. On one memorable sleepover, Irina gave him a kiss while he slept, a sweet yet subtle foreshadowing of their future connection.
Issei’s fascination with women began unexpectedly in his early years. He once encountered an eccentric old man who entertained Issei and his friends with elaborate tales about women, sparking what would eventually grow into his well-known fascination and slightly exaggerated admiration for female beauty.
In middle school, Issei met Matsuda and Motohama, two like-minded friends with whom he would eventually form the infamous “Perverted Trio” at Kuoh Academy. Starting their high school journey together a year before the main events of the story, the trio quickly became notorious across campus for their antics, forever cementing their shared reputation as the school’s most unashamedly curious—and perennially unlucky—group of admirers.
Powers & Abilities
Equipment
-
Boosted Gear
- Description: A left-handed red gauntlet, the Boosted Gear is Issei’s main weapon and one of the 13 Longinus. It contains the soul of the Welsh Dragon, Ddraig.
- Abilities:
- Power Doubling: Doubles Issei’s power every 10 seconds until reaching his limit.
- Transfer: Allows him to transfer multiplied power to other individuals or items.
- Penetrate: Bypasses all defenses, including Sacred Gear abilities and barriers.
- Dress Break: A technique that lets Issei see through women’s clothing.
Boosted Gear: Scale Mail
- Description: This is the Balance Breaker form of the Boosted Gear, manifesting as a red dragon armor.
- Capabilities:
- Combat Enhancement: Significantly increases Issei’s strength and destructive capability, enabling him to erase a mountain with a basic blast.
- Temporary Flight: Initially allows enhanced speed and temporary flight, later adding retractable wings.
- Activation: Achieved through various means, including emotional triggers and training.
Dividing Gear
- Description: A white gauntlet that allows access to the powers of Albion (the Divine Dividing).
- Abilities:
- Division and Absorption: Grants the ability to divide and absorb power from opponents.
- Drawbacks: Reduces Issei’s lifespan and was initially banned by Azazel.
- Dividing Wyvern Fairy: After Ddraig and Albion reconcile, this form allows him to summon small White Wyverns with unique abilities.
Juggernaut Drive
- Description: A powerful form that temporarily releases the seals on the Heavenly Dragons, granting immense power.
- Drawbacks: Causes severe damage to Issei’s sanity and lifespan.
- Abilities: Transforms Scale Mail into a more organic state, enhancing speed and combat capabilities dramatically.
Longinus Smasher
- Description: A powerful finishing move activated through the Boosted Gear.
- Effect: Releases an enormous amount of destructive power, capable of altering environments.
Illegal Move Triaina
- Description: A technique that allows Scale Mail to transform into three different forms (Knight, Rook, and Bishop).
- Forms:
- Welsh Sonic Boost Knight: High speed but low defense.
- Welsh Dragonic Rook: High power and defense but low mobility.
- Welsh Blaster Bishop: High demonic power, with powerful cannons for attack.
Cardinal Crimson Promotion
- Description: The ultimate form of Scale Mail, incorporating the traits of all three Evil Pieces.
- Abilities: Balanced and powerful, allowing enhanced use of the Illegal Move Triaina abilities.
Ascalon
- Description: Issei’s second weapon, a holy sword with dragon-slaying properties.
- Use: Channels its power through punches and can be infused into other attacks.
Ascalon II
- Description: A long sword with a holy aura, specifically designed as a dragon sword.
- Abilities: Stores within the Boosted Gear for easy access.
Mjolnir Replica
- Description: A temporary replica of Thor’s hammer, allowing for powerful attacks.
- Usage: Initially could not be wielded due to Issei’s perverted thoughts but was used successfully after a blessing.
Diabolos Dragon God
- Description: An upgraded form that releases Ophis’ power, transforming Issei’s Scale Mail into crimson and black armor.
- Abilities: Grants access to extraordinary power but is challenging to maintain, requiring careful management of stamina.
Infinity Blaster
- Description: An enhanced version of the Crimson Blaster that delivers devastating energy blasts.
- Effects: Can severely injure powerful foes, but drastically shortens the duration Issei can maintain his armor.
Blazing Inferno of Scorching Flames
- Description: An ability sealed by the God of the Bible, capable of incinerating anything in its path.
- Effects: The flames persist even after reducing targets to ashes.
Apocalypse AnswerArms
- Description: A fusion form with Issei’s familiar, Ryuuteimaru, using Great Red’s power.
- Abilities: Capable of overwhelming even powerful entities like Tartarus, but with high stamina costs.
Promotion and Castling
- Promotion: Issei can temporarily gain the traits of other pieces (Queen, Rook, Knight, Bishop).
- Castling: A strategic move allowing Issei to swap places with a Rook during battle.