The anime adaptation of High School DxD has (for better or worse) quickly become a household name in the comedy and harem genres. Given the series' mature nature -- to say nothing of its outrageous character designs and aesthetics -- the title's popularity should come as no surprise. However, despite appearances to the contrary, High School DxD has plenty more to offer than unadulterated fan service.
In addition to employing a creative, chess-inspired power hierarchy and reimagining creatures from the darker side of Judeo-Christian storytelling, High School DxD also hosts a vast, varied cast of characters. Among them is Asia Argento. Though she isn't necessarily a skilled fighter, Asia is a pivotal member of the core protagonists, and one of the franchise's most interesting characters.
Who Is Asia Argento?
Asia Argento is one of the female protagonists of High School DxD. She's one of Hyoudou Issei's (many) love interests, and one of the most innocent and compassionate members of the main cast. As an infant, Asia was left on the steps of a Catholic church and subsequently raised as a nun. As such, she often has difficulty navigating social and romantic situations. Asia's innocence and naiveté are often at the root of comedic, compromising misunderstandings. However, her earnest, kindhearted nature also proves beneficial to Hyoudou and his team.
Asia Argento's Powers
Unlike the other female protagonists of High School DxD, Asia Argento isn't a particularly skilled fighter. That said, she's still an invaluable member of Hyoudou's peerage.
Asia possesses an incredibly rare Sacred Gear known as Twilight Healing. With this, she can heal not only humans, but Devils, Angels and Fallen Angels. Because of her unerringly kind nature, Asia uses this power to heal any and all injured beings, regardless of their affiliation. She first learned to utilize this ability as a child when she healed an injured puppy. Later in life, she was seen using her power to heal an evil being --a Devil named Diodora Astaroth -- and consequently excommunicated from the church. Having lost the only home she ever knew, Asia turned to the Fallen Angels for support.
In addition to her Sacred Gear, Asia has a unique talent for taming and summoning dragons. Most notably, she's made a pact with the Sprite Dragon Rassei. Typically Devils have great difficulty taming Sprite Dragons, as they are more compatible with those who are pure of heart. The fact that Asia bonded to Rassei so quickly speaks to the strength and purity of her personality.
Asia Argento's Death & Resurrection, Explained
During a battle between Hyoudou Issei and the Fallen Angel Raynare, Asia is struck and killed. However, upon realizing the value of her Twilight Healing ability, she is later resurrected as a Devil by Rias Gremory. While Asia is grateful to Rias for reviving her, she also harbors conflicted feelings about having transitioned from being a nun -- a servant of God -- to a Devil.
This internal conflict sets Asia apart from the rest of High School DxD's cast. Even though she's now a Devil -- a creature of darkness -- and despite having been excommunicated by the church, Asia still holds and values a belief in God. She also prays to God, despite the headaches that ensue.
Who Are Asia Argento's Voice Actors?
Asia is voiced by award-winning Japanese voice actor Asakura Azumi (The Irregular at Magic High School, A Certain Scientific Railgun, and Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions). Her career has spanned nearly 20 years and includes feature film and video game performances as well. In the Korean dub of High School DxD, Asia is voiced by Jeong Mi Sook, a powerhouse performer in Korean film and television.
To date, two actors have lent their voices for Asia Argento's English dub. Initially, relative newcomer Chloe Daniels voiced her; however, as of Season 4, Asia's English voice has been provided by veteran performer Leah Clark. Audiences will recognize Clark's voice from such roles as Maron from Dragon Ball Z and Hanajima Megumi from the 2019 reboot of Fruits Basket, to name a couple of her credits. According to a tweet from 2018, since Daniels had difficulty recording the broadcast regularly, Clark was asked to step in.
While the ongoing pandemic has delayed Season 5 considerably, High School DxD's popularity has been unaffected. Thanks to dynamic, layered characters like Asia Argento, fans are patiently -- if anxiously -- awaiting the new season's release with loyalty unabated.
