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OVER HEAVEN

Dio Brando

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For a similarly named character, see Part 7 SpoilersDiego Brando
SPOILER WARNING: Part 1-6 spoiler details may follow.
“
Useless, useless!!! (無駄 無駄!!!)
”
Dio Brando (ディオ・ブランドー, Dio Burandō), later known simply as DIO (DIO(ディオ)), is the main antagonist of the first and third parts of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series, Phantom Blood and Stardust Crusaders, as well as the first main antagonist of the series overall. He is also a postmortem primary antagonist in the sixth part of the series, Stone Ocean.

Originally a man of low birth but peerless ambition, Dio is a cunning villain of little conscience and an insatiable hunger for power. After becoming a vampire, Dio sets out to conquer the world with an army of zombies at his command, bringing a lifelong feud between himself and his brother by adoption, Jonathan Joestar, to a head. He later becomes a Stand user wielding the all-powerful The World, and is responsible for setting many of the series's major events in motion. His legacy and influence persists throughout the first six parts of JoJo, with many characters either being related to him or inspired by his charisma and malice.

He is also the main protagonist of the light novel OVER HEAVEN, the main antagonist of JORGE JOESTAR, and a postmortem primary antagonist in the spin-off manga Crazy Diamond's Demonic Heartbreak.

Appearance

Phantom Blood

YoungAdult

When he first arrives at the Joestar Mansion as a young child, Dio wears a typical formal boy's attire from that era; a blue coat, white dress shirt, a tie, suspenders, breeches, and a pair of striped socks. He has blond hair and three moles on the lobe of his left ear. When boxing, he wears a shirt with folded sleeves, overalls, and boxing gloves.

Aside from replacing his coat with a vest, as an adult, Dio's attire doesn't change much. However, his overall physique and height increase significantly. After Jonathan sets out to find the antidote for his father's illness, Dio dons a top hat and a new, flamboyant-looking cloak that has feathers jutting out of the shoulders. Dio undergoes drastic physical changes upon using the Stone Mask to transform himself into a vampire. His formerly clean hair becomes messy and unkempt, his eyes become sharper and adopt a darker outline, and he develops fangs. His clothing also changes quite a bit after his first battle with Jonathan; most noticeable is the scarf around his neck. In his penultimate confrontation with Jonathan, he wears an ornate dual-colored shirt and matching breeches, a large pair of boots, vambraces, and two suspenders attached to a band around his waist.

Phantom Blood Outfits
Chapters: PB 1
Episodes: 1
MangaAnime

A formal uniform made up of a dress shirt, suspenders, breeches, striped socks, and shoes. This outfit is seen at the start of Phantom Blood when Dio and his father interact on the latter's deathbed. In the anime this is Dio's main attire as a child, but without the coat and tie.

Chapters: PB 1
Episodes: 1
MangaAnime

Trenchcoat and scarf worn over his previous clothing, Dio wears this while visiting his father's grave.

Chapters: PB 1
Episodes: 1
MangaAnimeFilm

A typical formal boy's attire from that era; a coat, white dress shirt, a tie, suspenders, breeches, and a pair of striped socks.

Chapters: PB 2
Episodes: 1
MangaAnime

Same outfit as before but without a coat and wearing boxing gloves for a ring match with Jonathan.

Chapters: PB 4
Episodes: 1
MangaAnime

Similar to his first outfit but without suspenders. The left shoulder gets ripped after kissing Erina.

Chapters: PB 6
Episodes: 2
MangaAnime

Dio's first outfit as an adult consisting of a striped shirt, shorts, and striped socks.

Chapters: PB 6
Episodes: 2
MangaAnimeFilm

Similar to his childhood outfit but replaced his coat with a vest.

Chapters: PB 9 - 16
Episodes: 2
MangaAnimeFilm

A dark coat with feathers on shoulders. Initially seen with a hat. After becoming a vampire he loses the top portion of his suit making him expose his chest.

Chapters: PB 18
Episodes: 4
MangaAnime

Clothes with a hoodie, metallic piece on the chest, and metal prosthetics on the right leg.

Chapters: PB 24 - 28
MangaFilm

Ornate dual-colored shirt and matching breeches, a large pair of boots, vambraces, two suspenders attached to a band around his waist, and a scarf around his neck.

Chapters: PB 37 - 41

Similar to the previous one but without the scarf.


Episodes: PB 5 - 8

Dio's main attire as a vampire in anime. It's a reimagined version of his outfit in his castle from the manga but with a simplified top portion, sleeves connected to wristbands and boots up to his knees.

Chapters: PB 42 - 44
Episodes: 9
MangaAnimeOVA

A decapitated head in a jar carried by Wang Chan.

Stardust Crusaders

At the start of Part 3, DIO's face is hidden by the shadowy darkness of his mansion. He has shoulder-length blond hair and is often topless, exposing Jonathan's muscular body (on which his head is attached in place). Due to prolonged attachment, Jonathan's body has become pale, so pale that it seems transparent.[13] He wears pants with suspenders, boots, shiny cuffs on both wrists, and heart-shaped knee guards. This form of DIO is commonly referred to as Shadow DIO (影DIO) or Evil Incarnate DIO (邪悪の化身ディオ, Ja'aku no Keshin DIO), the names having originated from its appearances in JoJo's Venture and Heritage for the Future respectively.

Due to his nature as a vampire, DIO is often stated to be a very attractive being, described by Avdol as exuding a bewitching sensuality, speaking with a deeply soothing voice and possessing a piercing gaze.[14] Many of his subordinates describe him as handsome,[15] beautiful[16] or awe inspiring in some fashion. Attacking his visage even severely enrages Vanilla Ice, one of his most loyal underlings.[17] Supernatural charisma helped DIO build his army and despite the fear that his mere presence instills, many of the people who encounter him feel a bizarre sense of calm from it.

When he finally confronts the Joestar Group, DIO dons a jacket with a tight tank-top underneath, along with chaps with an exposed crotch. His face is now in full view, and heart motifs adorn his knee guards and the circlet on his head. Initially, he also wears a necklace covering his neck scar, but he stops wearing it after his first confrontation with Polnareff. When pursuing the Joestar group, DIO dons a cloak, which he discards during his confrontation with Kakyoin.

After draining Joseph Joestar's blood, DIO's appearance changes again, but remains similar to his revealed form, minus the jacket and the heart-shaped headband that was destroyed by Star Platinum's attacks. He now sports a deranged and homicidal look and mannerisms, having lost his suave touch. His hair is disheveled and mostly oriented upwards, while his lips are darker and seem adorned with lipstick. This is his main form during the final part of the DIO's World story arc, often referred to as High DIO (ハイDIO) or High-Voltage DIO[18] in Japanese media. In an interview, Araki describes how the character Roy Batty from the movie Blade Runner had influenced DIO's short, blond hair and muscular build.[19]

DIO's postmortem appearances in later parts are primarily based on his initial revealed design. In Stone Ocean, DIO lacks his jacket during flashbacks to his conversations with Enrico Pucci; on one occasion, he wears a cut-out tank top with black armbands, studded black wristbands, and a jeweled ring on his left hand.

Stardust Crusaders Outfits
Chapters: SC 1 - 125
Episodes: 1 - 42 & 44 (Flashback)
MangaAnimeOVA

Outfit DIO wore throughout the majority of Stardust Crusaders. Pants with suspenders, boots, shiny cuffs on both wrists, and heart-shaped knee guards. Exposed top and face covered in darkness except in episode 44.

Chapters: SC 7 (Flashback)
Episodes: 3 (Flashback)
MangaAnimeOVA

His main outfit but with a vest.

Chapters: SC 17

His main outfit but with a choker connecting to his pants.

Chapters: SC 134 - 148
Episodes: 44 - 47
MangaAnimeOVA

Outfit primarily during the DIO's World story arc. Jacket with a tight tank-top underneath, as well as chaps with an exposed crotch. After leaving his mansion is seen with a cape up to his fight with Kakyoin.

Chapters: SC 148 - 152
Episodes: 47 - 48
MangaAnimeOVA

Appearance similar to the previous one after draining Joseph's blood but without the jacket and the heart-shaped headband. In addition his hair is disheveled and mostly oriented upwards, while his lips are darker and seem adorned with lipstick.

Color Schemes

Part 1Part 3
The series is known for alternating colors between media, the information presented below may or may not be canon.
Colored MangaFilmAnimePB (PS2)All-Star BattleEyes of Heaven
Skin(Fair)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Light Brown)
Childhood Outfit
(Light purple suit and orange vest over beige shirt and purple tie.)
Combat Outfit
(Green and purple shirt under gold suspenders with yellow pants and green shoes.)
Skin(Fair, pale as a vampire)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Blue, Red as a vampire)
Childhood Outfit
(Light brown suit and brown vest over white shirt and dark orange tie.)
Combat Outfit
(White and purple suit with gold trim and accessories. Brown shoes.)
Skin(Pale)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Orange)
Childhood Outfit
(Navy suit over white shirt and blood-red tie.)
Combat Outfit
(Crimson and white suit with purple scarf under brown vest. Brown shoes.)
Skin(Fair)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Brown)
Childhood Outfit
(Burgundy suit and brown vest over light gray shirt and blood-red tie.)
Combat Outfit
(Light yellow and blue suit with gold accessories. Brown shoes.)
Skin(Pale)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Blood-red)
Outfit
(Gold suit with red accessories and purple scarf. Black shoes.)
Skin(Pale)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Maroon)
Outfit
(Magenta-red and white suit with purple scarf under brown vest. Brown shoes.)
The series is known for alternating colors between media, the information presented below may or may not be canon.
Colored MangaOVAAnimeSFC GameCapcom FightersAll-Star BattleEyes of Heaven
Skin(Fair, black lipstick while "high")
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Gold)
Outfit
(Yellow coat and chaps over a black shirt with green accessories, and gold shoes and cuffs. Yellow cape.)
Skin(Slightly Tan)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Red)
Outfit
(Orange coat and pants over a brownish-black shirt with light brown accessories, and brown shoes and cuffs. Orange/red cape.)
Skin(Pale, green lipstick while "high")
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Yellow-orange, Magenta while "high")
Outfit
(Orange coat and chaps over a black shirt with green accessories, and brown shoes and cuffs. Red cape.)
Skin(Slightly Tan)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Brown)
Outfit
(Yellow coat and chaps over a dark gray shirt with green accessories.)
Skin(Fair)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Orange)
Outfit
(Yellow-orange coat and chaps over a dark gray shirt with green accessories, and bronze shoes and cuffs.)
Skin(Fair, purple lipstick)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Yellow)
Outfit
(Yellow coat and chaps over a dark green shirt with green accessories, and gold shoes and cuffs.)
Skin(Fair)
Hair(Blond)
Eyes(Yellow)
Outfit
(Yellow coat and chaps over a black shirt with green accessories, and gold shoes and cuffs.)

Personality

“
Isolation makes a man hollow! I'll turn him into a powerless fool!
”
—Dio Brando, Chapter 2: Dio Brando the Invader, Part 1

Dio is consistently manipulative and violently domineering, and has repeatedly shown a lack of conscience and empathy. He is described by Hirohiko Araki as essentially being a parasite, concealing his true nature to infiltrate the Joestar family, and taking everything he can while plotting a takeover.[8]

DIO is ecstatic when he sees his power growing further

Dio's most recognizable characteristics are his boundless ambition and his love of power. Abused by his father and having lived in the most miserable living conditions,[20] Dio sets for himself the goal of becoming the richest, then the most powerful being on Earth. To do so, Dio uses anything or anyone that he can to further his goals, disregarding any kind of morality that would restrain the range of actions available to him. Using either manipulation, seduction, or plain violence, Dio constantly seeks to become more and more powerful. Dio enjoys being in a position of power[12][21] and has repeatedly stated how great he felt being in a dominating position. On the contrary, Dio never considers anyone to be able to stand up to him or equal him in power and becomes enraged and deeply disturbed at the thought.

Throughout his life, Dio surrounds himself with witless cronies and minions, who are attracted by his natural charisma. He prefers attracting those he deems as particularly evil, claiming that evil people aren't bound by rules such as honor[22] and thus are stronger mentally. This belief culminates in including the absorption of 36 souls of sinners, or, as he claims, particularly strong souls, to unlock a power greater than that of his Stand, The World.

Dio planning to mentally break Jonathan and usurp his place upon meeting him

Naturally, Dio is incredibly selfish, focused solely on his own interests—at best ignoring those of others, and at worst, trampling them underfoot. Due to his composed nature, Dio can and will manipulate and take what he can from all sorts of people, using any method, as long as the person suits his present desires or he is interested in their capabilities. Dio is the type who is incapable of loving another person wholeheartedly.[23] The only people he can be said to have held some type of affection for are Jonathan Joestar and Enrico Pucci, as Dio comes to recognize Jonathan's worth as equal to his own and deems Pucci as a friend. Still, Dio steals the former's body, and his friendship with the latter is proven nonetheless beneficial to a grander plan to further himself.

DIO "charming" Kakyoin to his side

When interacting with someone, Dio will constantly try to manipulate them and sway them into his side, using a veneer of gentleness and his natural charm to make people admire and like him. For instance, he acts as the model son and popular charismatic friend to Jonathan's father and entourage to better isolate him, and as a vampire, his charisma only increases as he appears as a charming mysterious individual. However, his natural arrogance leads him to openly insult and belittle his enemies, notably disparaging their insignificant strength before his vampiric or Stand powers. He is the type who is comfortable being with a man or woman, but will do anything to get what he wants and would "absolutely never pour 100% of his love into a specific person."[23]

Dio approaches obstacles and problems in several ways, depending on the situation and his mood. Before his vampiric transformation, Dio is careful and methodical in trying to break Jonathan's spirit, and slowly poisons George for a sizeable time, only being thwarted due to unlucky twists of fate. As a vampire, Dio at first lets his arrogance get the better of him and takes a laissez-faire approach, only sending subordinates to kill Jonathan's party while he rests and recovers. However, his defeat by Jonathan teaches him to be wary of the Joestar family in its entirety, and so he later ambushes Jonathan and company. During the events of Stardust Crusaders, he sends his minions to delay the Joestars as much as possible to recover strength. In the final battle with Jotaro, his wariness, tactical acumen, and arrogance clash as DIO alternates between meticulous approaches and overconfident attacks.

Phantom Blood

“
I reject my humanity! JoJo! I will transcend humanity! (おれは人間をやめるぞ！ジョジョーッ!!おれは人間を超越するッ！)
”
—Dio before donning the Stone Mask, Chapter 11: The Stone Mask, Part 4

In Phantom Blood, Dio is ambitious, selfish, arrogant, callous, and megalomaniacal, seemingly able to do anything to achieve his aims.

Dio drops all pretense of good

His natural ruthlessness is exposed very early when plans to exploit the Joestar family despite them being kind enough to adopt him.[24] To better position himself to replace Jonathan Joestar and seize the Joestar family fortune, Dio resorts to the most underhanded tactics to break him mentally. These methods include humiliating Jonathan in public sport fighting, ostracizing him from his friends,[12] and finally stealing Erina Pendleton's first kiss to drive a wedge in their budding relationship.[25] When he is eventually foiled, Dio opts to slowly poison George Joestar I and kill Jonathan with the Stone Mask to make both deaths seem natural and accidental.[20] Dio shows a remarkable determination to reach his goal, never losing his drive despite the numerous defeats he suffers throughout Phantom Blood and always trying to find a way to get back at Jonathan for them.

Dio's lack of empathy is also apparent, as despite living for years with the kind Joestars, he never thinks of them as anything more than obstacles, and is hinted to utterly resent the upper class he frequents. As a human, Dio maintains a facade of a charming and agreeable person to everyone aside from Jonathan, and yet never becomes close with anyone. At the end of the part, the only person Dio appreciates is Jonathan Joestar himself, begrudgingly acknowledging his valor as his archenemy,[26] attempting to "grant" him a painless death, and even being shocked at his death.[27] Overjoyed to have changed into a powerful vampire, Dio spends his later battles in the part taunting various humans about their weaknesses and belittling them in favor of the apex predator vampires. Dio also sadistically changes a mother into a zombie just to watch her devour her baby. When in a position of strength, he also tends to torment them further, such as sneakily sticking his thumb into Jonathan's eye during a punch.[12]

Dio slapping Erina in a fit of anger

Dio shows a lack of restraint in his violence, and is prone to murderous outbursts even as far as his childhood, notably trying to stab Jonathan when he beats him up, and violently slapping Erina.[21] He is also incredibly cruel to Jonathan's dog, Danny, going so far as kicking him on their first meeting.[24] When Dio is defeated by Jonathan, Dio secretly has Danny incinerated. He is shown to be utterly enraged when someone stands up to him, which is the cause of his outbursts. He acknowledges that his anger was a weakness,[28] but remains unable to truly control himself throughout his life.

Dio's personality may be explained by his poor childhood and the abusive relationship he shared with his father, Dario Brando. Speedwagon, however, rejects this as the cause of Dio's personality, claiming that Dio was simply born this way and that his poverty has nothing to do with it. True to that, Dio, already an immoral person, openly relinquishes his humanity in favor of becoming a vampire upon being cornered by the police.[29] He trades his underhanded scheming persona for a more arrogant and hedonistic personality that is dismissive of humanity and revels in evil. Nonetheless, Dio respects determination and sees Jonathan's determination as equal to his own, earning him the dubious honor of serving as Dio's new host after being reduced to a head.[26]

Dio has expressed hatred for dogs, considering them vermin.[12]

Stardust Crusaders

“
Everyone survives in pursuit of peace of mind... Aren't you uneasy, preparing to fight me, knowing you may die? If you join me, I will give you peace of mind that will last forever. (安心を求める事そ人間の目的だ。そこでだ……わたしに仕えることに何の不安感があるのだ？わたしに仕えるだけで他の全ての安心が簡単に手に入るぞ)
”
—DIO to Polnareff, Chapter 248: DIO's World, Part 2

Reappearing in Stardust Crusaders, DIO shows little change since his burial at the bottom of the ocean for one hundred years, as he remains a remorseless and murderous megalomaniac. Nonetheless, he has matured a little by recognizing valor in others, and is generally more calm and level-headed.

DIO discussing the true nature of happiness with Polnareff

DIO does not appear frequently in Stardust Crusaders until the end. However, he is seen discussing various philosophies with Stand users he wishes to recruit and his already-loyal followers, particularly Enya the Hag, who serves as his main adviser. It seems equally likely that DIO does this to manipulate and persuade them as he believes what he says, but he nonetheless acknowledges the power and valor simple humans can have, notably respecting one's willingness to die for his goal. Wishing to quickly dispose of the Joestars, he listens to Enya and quietly rests in his mansion to gain more strength. Furthermore, DIO ceases to underestimate his opponents, being particularly careful around the Joestar bloodline. He nonetheless sneers at other Stand users' efforts to fight him, most notably Kakyoin's, whose discovery ended up being crucial in his defeat.

Perhaps due to knowing that his Stand The World is far above anyone's reach, DIO is more tolerant of people resisting him and does not react to Polnareff's taunts and insults. He even seems to appreciate Hol Horse's insubordination, seeing it as confirmation of the mercenary's strength. However, DIO is still callous about human life and will kill anyone who fails him, even Enya, his closest adviser. The usually confident and cunning gambler Daniel D'Arby is driven to madness under the pressure of possibly revealing DIO's Stand ability to Jotaro.

DIO's insanity in full view

True to his personality, DIO enjoys the fact that he wields the most powerful Stand in his organization, being unconcerned by the heroes' seemingly meaningless effort to discover his power. When Jotaro reveals himself to be able to move within the stopped time, DIO is initially very distraught but recomposes himself quickly, devising other plans to get rid of Jotaro by exploiting his advantage. The full scale of his insanity is visible when overjoyed to have completely fused with Jonathan's body and being at full power, DIO declares that he is experiencing "the greatest high" and delightfully drills his index finger into his skull.

DIO’s final speech exposes that he is still willing to use any method to win and despises any concept of honor or revenge, ultimately using a cheap trick to blind Jotaro momentarily. However, this is all for naught, as DIO ultimately meets his end at Jotaro's hand.

Stone Ocean

“
What you can find beyond the powers of my Stand is the way forward for humanity. What you need is a trustworthy friend. Will I, DIO, be able to meet someone like this one day? (我がスタンドの先にあるものこそが人間がさらに先に進むべき道なのである。必要なものは信頼できる友である。いつかそのような者にこのDIO(ディオ)が出会えるだろうか？)
”
DIO with Enrico Pucci

In flashbacks to events before his death, DIO demonstrates a burgeoning ability to form genuine relationships in numerous conversations with Enrico Pucci. Intrigued by Pucci, who lets him be despite him suspiciously hiding in a church, DIO heals his crooked foot and gives him the head of an Arrow, which would later awaken his own Stand, Whitesnake. During these flashbacks, DIO can open up with him on multiple subjects, confiding to Pucci that the priest's company could bring him peace. He even dares Pucci to steal his Stand, and upon the latter's refusal, admits that he fears the thought of Pucci betraying him.

It is debatable how good a friend DIO truly is, considering Pucci's good-willed nature during his youth gives way to a willingness to adopt DIO's skewed morals. DIO's friendship with Pucci also serves him by furthering his ambitions of achieving "heaven," as described in his notebook, which calls into question how sincere it was.

OVER HEAVEN

The information below derives from OVER HEAVEN which was not written by Araki. As such, it may not be considered canon.

OVER HEAVEN offers an interpretation of Dio Brando's character by mixing elements present in the original material and plot points introduced by the light novel, which serves as the real-life interpretation of his notebook.

In the novel, DIO has seemingly matured past his megalomania and, due to his mother's kindness and influence on him during his younger years, developed an extreme fixation on the concept of "heaven"—an idea he revisits when he becomes embroiled in the world of Stands. After discovering the power human souls possess, as well as the possibility that these souls can be harnessed and controlled for one's benefit, DIO devises a plan to use Stand power and human souls to bring about his idea of heaven.

Throughout the events of Stardust Crusaders, DIO holds meetings with Enrico Pucci while devising his plan to go to heaven. Ultimately, he concludes that to achieve true victory and witness heaven, DIO must guide Pucci to heaven, not the other way around. Between these musings and his dealings with his servants are all sorts of tangents, including thoughts of his past life as a human and later on a vampire, the intricacies of the Stone Mask, the generational feud between him and the Joestar family, the life his parents had in the slums of London, and various philosophical matters.

For what it's worth, DIO appears to genuinely care about Enrico Pucci, and even more so about his plan to go to heaven. As DIO states outright, he is willing to sacrifice his organization, his vampiric abilities, his Stand, everything—to achieve his goal of creating heaven on earth.

Concludes non-canon section.

Abilities

“
Invulnerability! Eternal life! Stand power! Here lies the proof that none shall surpass the mighty DIO! (不死身ッ！！不老不死ッ！スタンドパワーッ！これで何者もこのＤ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(オ)を超える者はいないことが証明されたッ！)
”
—DIO, Chapter 263: DIO's World, Part 17

DIO is one of the most powerful characters in the series. As a human, he is already brilliant, but over time he manages to acquire further power, eventually becoming both a vampire and a Stand user.

Stands

The World

Main article: The World

DIO's Stand is The World, a close-ranged Stand with comparable if not superior strength and speed to Jotaro Kujo's Star Platinum.

About a year after gaining his Stand, DIO discovered its signature ability of stopping time. At first, he could only do this for a very short amount of time, but by the end of Part 3, he is able to stop time for a maximum of 9 seconds.[30] It is implied that this duration would further increase if not for DIO's death. When stopping time, DIO gives the impression that he is teleporting or otherwise moving at impossible speeds.

The World (ザ・ワールド（世界）)Link to this section
Debut
Chapter 210 / SC Episode 7
Type
Close-Range, Range Irrelevant, Natural Humanoid[31]
Ability
Stopping Time
Cry
MUDAMUDAMUDA ... !
PWR
A
SPD
A
RNG
C
STA
A
PRC
B
DEV
B

The ability is best known for DIO's activation and cancellation phrases, "The World! Time, stop!" (世界(ザ・ワールド)！ 時よ止まれ！, Za Warudo! Toki yo tomare!) and "Time resumes," (時は動き出す, Toki wa ugokidasu.) respectively.

Mastery

Having had ample time to rest and train with The World, DIO is shown to have been thorough in exploring his Stand's abilities; it was during an experimental session during which DIO sought to test the limit of The World's speed and power that he discovered its time-stop ability.

DIO with The World

To give himself an advantage, DIO keeps The World's ability a closely-guarded secret, only using it at key moments to psych out an opponent and perform incomprehensible sneak attacks. He only entrusts his Stand's secret to a few confidants such as Enya the Hag, who he will not hesitate to eliminate as soon as a remote chance of informing his enemies of his power appears. However, as soon as the Joestar group understands his ability, DIO drops his former secrecy and shows a great degree of confidence in the supremacy of his power, ultimately not caring about his secret due to his conviction that no one can overcome it. Thus, he begins to liberally stop time against Jotaro. Thanks to the free time-frame of action granted by The World, DIO is able to instantly reposition himself to avoid attacks or set himself up to attack, kill enemies instantly, or even displace his opponents to toy with them.

DIO demonstrates a high degree of control over The World, using it to battle Jotaro's Star Platinum to a stand-off, but showing superior technique in hand to hand combat by using low kicks and feints to outmatch Star Platinum. However, his vampiric constitution allows DIO to disregard any of The World's defensive uses, as he can easily regenerate any wounds he sustains by sucking the blood of others.

Unlike every other enemy Stand user in Stardust Crusaders, DIO actively seeks to improve his Stand's capabilities. He notably awaits the Joestar group's arrival, eager to suck the blood of a Joestar and fully synchronize with Jonathan's body to bolster his powers further. Araki himself has stated that DIO has the potential to stop time indefinitely.

Moreover, DIO searches for a way to unlock a power even more powerful than The World, using esoteric knowledge to divine a plan to create another, even mightier Stand.

Jonathan's Stand

Main article: Jonathan's Stand

When DIO awakens The World, Jonathan's body also awakens a Hermit Purple-like Stand power with semi-precognitive abilities.[32] Similar to Hermit Purple, it can produce psychic photographs by striking a camera or a crystal ball, which DIO uses to track the Joestars and their friends' current location to send Stand users after them. DIO is even able to tell when Joseph uses Hermit Purple to take a psychic photograph of him, and instinctively knows that his acquisition of a Stand has also awakened Stand abilities in Jonathan's descendants.

Joestar Stand Link to this section
Debut
Chapter 122 / SC Episode 3
Type
Close-Range, Reconnaissance, Natural Non-Humanoid
Ability
Spirit Photography
The information below derives from a source which was not written by Araki. As such, it may not be considered canon.

In the light novel OVER HEAVEN, this Stand shares the same name as Hermit Purple and is called "Hermit Purple #2." In JORGE JOESTAR, this Stand is instead named "The Passion". It takes the form of a crown of thorns and also has the ability to watch the futures of anyone related to Jonathan by blood.

Concludes non-canon section.


Familial Bond Link to this section
Debut: Chapter 117: The Man with the Star Birthmark / Stardust Crusaders Episode 1: A Man Possessed by an Evil Spirit

By taking over Jonathan Joestar's body, DIO shares a spiritual connection to the Joestar Family and bears the Star Birthmark. After DIO's reemergence, the spiritual power inside the Joestars awakens and causes the living descendants to develop Stand powers. This also means that DIO is able to sense their presence and vice versa, though according to Joseph, DIO can only sense their presence and isn't able to pinpoint their location or tell them apart.[33]


Vampiric Abilities

Main article: Vampire

Becoming a vampire as a young adult, Dio Brando displays a broad range of fantastic, supernatural abilities, explained as expressions of the full, unbound potential of the human body. However, he is consequently severely restricted by his vulnerability to sunlight and the Ripple.

Anti-Aging Link to this sectionLink to this section

As part of its immortality, the body of a vampire forfeits natural decay, essentially preventing the host from dying of old age. Those transformed at a younger age will naturally preserve their looks, while those who are older will rejuvenate their bodies and take on the appearance of a young adult.[34] This characteristic allows DIO to retain his youth and survive at the bottom of the ocean for a century. Even over 100 years after his birth, DIO continues to appear as though he is in his 20s.

Superhuman Strength Link to this sectionLink to this section
DescriptionExamples
Dio attains massive strength as a Vampire, allowing him to perform incredible feats, such as walking on walls and deflecting powerful attacks such as Hierophant Green's Emerald Splash. After absorbing Joseph's blood, he is powerful enough to pick up and drop a road roller on Jotaro.[35]
Superhuman Speed/Agility Link to this sectionLink to this section
DescriptionExamples
Like all Vampires, Dio is exceptionally agile. He can jump high in the air, make long leaps, or hang from the ceiling. At one point, Speedwagon compares his speed to a cheetah's.[36]
Superhuman Senses Link to this section

Dio appears to have senses beyond human levels, as demonstrated when he places his head on the ground to hear Jotaro's heartbeat from a few meters away.[37]

Blood Sucking Link to this sectionLink to this section

All vampires, including DIO, consume the blood of living creatures to sustain themselves. Unlike traditional vampires, they suck their victims' blood with their hands, digging the fingers directly inside the target to suck their blood. Blood consumption will strengthen a vampire and heal them if they were weakened before. In a weakened state, a vampire will instinctively crave blood and may attack any victim to regenerate.

Regeneration Link to this sectionLink to this section
DescriptionExamples
Dio can regenerate his body faster than fire can consume it. His body is able to live even after having vital body parts amputated, and he is even capable of controlling his detached body parts. The extent of Dio's inability to be killed is demonstrated when he cuts off his own head to escape disintegration by Jonathan's Ripple energy.
Hypnosis Link to this section
Debut: Chapter 18: Jack the Ripper and Zeppeli the Strange, Part 1 / JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 4: Overdrive

Dio is able to hypnotize living people into obeying his commands, visually represented by beams appearing from his eyes. The effect is shown to wear off if the hypnotized person is struck with Ripple energy. Dio uses this ability to convince Jack the Ripper to become his servant, and later to lure Jonathan's group into a graveyard trap by having Poco steal their luggage.[22][38] Later in his life, DIO develops a supernatural charisma that, when combined with buds made of his own flesh, renders his hypnosis abilities all but redundant.

Vaporization Freezing Technique(気化冷凍法 Kikareitōhō) Link to this section
Debut: Chapter 25: Ripple Overdrive, Part 3 / JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 5: The Dark Knights
DescriptionExamples

By vaporizing the moisture in his body, Dio can absorb heat from any living being he comes into physical contact with, freezing them and stifling their blood flow.[39] This ability can be circumvented if Ripple energy is channeled through items or fire.

The information below derives from OVER HEAVEN which was not written by Araki. As such, it may not be considered canon.

In the light novel OVER HEAVEN, DIO claims that he is unable to use the technique due to the nature of Jonathan's body, and that he considers it a relic of the past regardless.[40]

Concludes non-canon section.
  • Dio destroying Dire's frozen body
    Dio destroying Dire's frozen body
Flesh Transmutation Link to this section
Debut: Chapter 37: The Three from a Faraway Land, Part 2 / JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 8: Bloody Battle! JoJo & Dio

Having extensive knowledge on the anatomies of organic beings, Dio can graft the body parts of different beings together. Initially, he uses this ability to create hybrid animal chimeras that he keeps as pets, as well as deformed zombies such as Doobie, Page, Jones, Plant, and Bornnam. Dio later utilizes this power to graft his own head onto Jonathan's body.

Space Ripper Stingy Eyes(空裂眼刺驚(スペースリパー・スティンギーアイズ) Supēsu Ripā Sutingī Aizu) Link to this section
Debut: Chapter 41: Fire and Ice, Jonathan and Dio, Part 3 / JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 8: Bloody Battle! JoJo & Dio

Dio is able to pressurize bodily liquid in his eyeballs and then create small openings in his pupils, unleashing two fluid jets with enough power to slice through stone. This ability is later referred to by Straizo as "Space Ripper Stingy Eyes."[41] Dio can also aim this attack to some degree, as he targets Jonathan's brain when he uses it in his final confrontation against the Ripple user.

The information below derives from a source which was not written by Araki. As such, it may not be considered canon.

It is unknown if DIO is able to use Space Ripper Stingy Eyes after taking over Jonathan's body, as he never uses it in Stardust Crusaders. However, he does utilize the ability in JoJo's Venture and the drama CD adaptation of Stardust Crusaders.

Concludes non-canon section.
Flesh Buds(肉の芽 Niku no Me) Link to this section
Debut: Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3 / Stardust Crusaders Episode 2: Who Will Be the Judge?!

DIO is able to manipulate his hair to create parasites, which he can then insert into a human's head, to control even those that he cannot otherwise manipulate. Usually inserted beneath the victim's hair, these flesh buds pierce through the skull into part of the brain, making the victim especially compliant to DIO's charisma. As explained by Joseph, the parasite will then begin to gradually consume the victim's brain.

If anyone besides the victim attempts to remove the bud, it sprouts tentacles in an attempt to invade the intruder's brain as well.[42] The spore's tentacles can also be activated directly to kill its host by any organism capable of manipulating life at a cellular level. The spores come with an additional side effect if DIO himself ever dies: according to Keicho Nijimura, DIO's cells mutate his father into an unkillable animalistic form upon DIO's death.

The parasite does have weaknesses - while the parasite cannot be removed by a normal human, as any inaccuracy can cause irreparable damage to the victim's brain, it can be removed with extreme precision such as that of Star Platinum,[43] though the person operating needs to be wary of the bud's tentacles. Once it is removed, since the bud is made of vampiric cells, it can then safely be disintegrated by either a Ripple user[44] or the sun's light.[45]

The information below derives from OVER HEAVEN which was not written by Araki. As such, it may not be considered canon.

In the light novel OVER HEAVEN, it is stated that flesh buds limit the power of their host's Stand.[46]

Concludes non-canon section.
Healing Link to this section
Debut: Stone Ocean Chapter 127: Heavy Weather, Part 3 / Stone Ocean Episode 31: Heavy Weather, Part 2

Dio possesses the ability to heal other people's wounds, as demonstrated when he completely cures Pucci's twisted foot by simply touching it.[47] The process is shown to be quick and painless, as Pucci does not notice the result until after the process is complete.


Personal Skills

Intelligence

Dio is naturally intelligent, displaying cunning and perceptiveness as well as imagination repeatedly.

As a child and teenager, Dio Brando manages to achieve academic excellence with ease, apparently planning to graduate from university as a top law student.

Dio is otherwise a cunning villain and proficient tactician in combat. Dio almost manages to get away with two murders, biding his time in order to have a perfect alibi and only being discovered by accident. Within six years after his resurfacing from the bottom of the ocean, DIO builds a powerful criminal empire spanning over several continents that brings him many riches. In a fight, Dio is particularly cunning and perceptive, his ruthlessness allowing him to exploit dishonorable and downright inhuman tactics to get ahead, such as leading his enemies into a trap, using hapless civilians as projectiles and sources of energy, or using plain sneak attacks. Dio also has a habit of analyzing his opponents and quickly determining counters to their strengths, such as freezing blood in order to stop the flow of the Ripple or throwing multiple knives to force Jotaro to use up his movement in stopped time.

Naturally ambitious, Dio constantly seeks to improve himself and meticulously studies his abilities to make the most of them. As such, he develops a freezing power akin to the Pillar Men's Modes soon after becoming a vampire, and later devises a feasible plan to fuse several souls with his own Stand in order to create the ultimate Stand. Dio also experiments with fusing two organisms with his vampiric abilities, later using that knowledge to steal Jonathan's body.

Though he doesn't show it often, Dio is a natural philosopher, arguing about the human condition with multiple people.

Other

  • Resilience: Prior to becoming a Vampire, Dio was already an able bare-handed fighter, a skill he says he developed in the slums of London. He is a good amateur sportsman as well: during a rugby game as a young adult, he is shown to have developed high athletic ability and fantastic muscle mass.
  • Charisma: Dio is a cunning and charming individual. In addition to Stand users, whom Avdol and Joseph suggest he recruits through charisma, he seduces many women throughout his life.
  • Knowledge: Throughout both his humble youth and tempestuous maturity, Dio is often seen reading. During his pre-teen years, he is seen playing chess with adults. In Stone Ocean, in conversation with Enrico Pucci, he is shown to have accumulated some wisdom within the world of Stands. Importantly, Dio is able to concoct a plan, contained in his notebook, incorporating vast, unknown information as to the deliberate creation of Stands of perfectly specific abilities.

Weaknesses

  • Vampiric Body: Dio Brando's powers all come at the expense of having a body sustained by sheer willpower alone, rather than vital energy. A sufficiently powerful force of vitality - specifically sunlight or the Ripple - will negate the sustaining force's presence and disintegrate his long-dead body.
  • Jonathan's Body: When DIO first acquires Jonathan Joestar's body and resurfaces from the ocean, he is unable to use the full power of his Stand and heal as effectively as he did before, and thus needs to acquire blood from a live Joestar to compensate and fully synchronize with his new form. Once he negates this weakness by absorbing Joseph Joestar's blood, he, along with his Stand, manage to grow significantly stronger, and become able to stop time for more than 5 seconds and recover from injuries quickly.

Relationships

Family

  • Dario Brando: Dio hated his father and saw Dario only as a stepping stone in his path to ascend in society. Dio's hatred stems from the abuse Dario dealt Dio's mother with his alcoholism, as well as Dio himself, to the point where he secretly poisoned to death and tricked Dario into thinking he was sick. He emphasizes this by spitting on his father's grave before leaving for the Joestar mansion.
  • Dio's Mother: Though most of his contempt was reserved for his father, he resented his mother as well for devoting herself to such a horrible man.[8][a] However, Dio still showed signs that he cared about her and was upset about her untimely death, as he was brought to tears when his father ordered him to sell her dress for alcohol money.[48] Even as an adult, he responds with rage and attacks a vagrant for mocking his mother.[49]
  • Giorno Giovanna: DIO is not shown to have interacted with his son, Giorno, although Giorno keeps a photo of him in his wallet. It is unknown where Giorno got it from or if he knows of the kind of person his father was. Also of note is that DIO would have drained Giorno's mother of her blood as well, had he not been killed himself by Jotaro.[50]
  • Ungalo, Donatello Versus, and Rikiel: Similarly to Giorno's case, the mothers of all three men were left alive. However, none of them inherited Jonathan's spirit. All three only learned of their true father's identity after their fated encounter with Pucci.

Allies

  • Cabbage and Stark: The two bullies are swayed into Dio's side as part of his plan to ruin Jonathan's life. While Dio has little interaction with them, the two have a high level of respect for him, expressing their admiration of him forcefully kissing Erina.
  • Wang Chan: While at first a provider of his secret poison that was crucial in killing Dario and attempting to kill George, after becoming a vampire, Dio uses him as a scout and aide once his head is chopped off. Despite his dependence on Wang Chan, Dio doesn't take his insults to Jonathan lightly and rebukes him for it.
  • Enya the Hag: Enya is one of DIO's most loyal followers and supporters, having introduced him to the concept of Stands and giving him his own with the Bow and Arrow. Despite her loyalty, DIO has Steely Dan secretly implant her with a flesh bud to ensure the secrecy of his own Stand's ability.
  • Hol Horse: DIO looks down on Hol Horse, viewing him as a coward for failing to kill the Joestar Group twice and threatening to kill him if he does so again. Initially intimidated by DIO, Hol Horse grows to loathe the vampire and attempts to shoot him, only for DIO to use his power to intimidate Hol Horse into submission again, though he is impressed by his courage.
  • N'Doul: DIO is the first person to see N'Doul's worth, which causes N'Doul to admire DIO. N'Doul is so loyal to DIO that he kills himself in order to prevent himself from leaking valuable information.
  • Pet Shop: While not much is known about their relationship, DIO personally selects Pet Shop as the guardian of his mansion while he lurks in Egypt.
  • Vanilla Ice: While the former is fanatically loyal to his cause, even willing to chop off his head to prove his worth, DIO annoyingly notes that Vanilla Ice often forgets about the doors after he uses his Stand, Cream, to travel via making a hole in the wall. Still, DIO highly respects Ice's abilities, refusing to use the blood of someone of his caliber to heal himself.
  • Nukesaku: DIO has no respect for Nukesaku despite his loyalty, viewing him as disposable in his battle with the Joestar Group. When Nukesaku attempts to open DIO's coffin, assuming that he will save him, DIO instead uses The World to dismember Nukesaku before placing him in the coffin to intimidate the group.
  • Johngalli A.: While there is no on-screen interaction between them, Johngalli is highly loyal to DIO, as shown when he frames Jolyne for murder and attempts to kill her and Jotaro to avenge his master.
  • Enrico Pucci: DIO's encounter with Pucci is presumably the most prominent example of humanity displayed by him, with him healing Pucci's foot when they first meet. During the time he spends with Pucci, DIO comes to trust him enough to allow Pucci into his plan to obtain heaven, and later inherit it after his own death. At one point, DIO forces Pucci's hand into his head and has him nearly remove his Stand DISC to test his loyalty; emphasizing his fear of losing him and giving him one of his bones as a sign of apology.

Enemies

  • George Joestar: While George always treats Dio with kindness and respect, Dio only sees George as a stepping stone in his quest for wealth. Thus, Dio feigns being the perfect ward to George, and even calls him his father despite having no such feelings. After Dio is exposed by Jonathan and Speedwagon for poisoning George, Dio sees no point in concealing his treachery and prepares to kill Jonathan to activate the Stone Mask, only for George to take the blow instead.
  • Jonathan Joestar: One of the most impactful relationships Dio has is with his adoptive brother, Jonathan Joestar. He initially views his adoptive brother as a stepping stone and pest to be driven to despair and abused in order to gain the Joestar family fortune. After being beaten once, he views him as more of a threat, feigning brotherly bonds in public, while secretly poisoning George Joestar in order to get his fortune quicker. He intends to kill Jonathan with the Stone Mask, but upon discovering its hidden power to transform humans into vampires, he instead decides to use it on himself in order to become one. After another failed attempt to kill his adopted brother, due to his ego, Dio decides to have others face him rather than turn Jonathan into a zombie himself. After being bested by Jonathan, he quickly changes his mind, only to be thwarted once again. In their final confrontation, Dio admits he respects Jonathan in a twisted sense (to the point of scolding Wang Chan for taunting him) and is genuinely shocked when Jonathan dies. Dio then uses Jonathan's body as a host, defining the destiny between him and the Joestar Family for centuries to come.
  • Erina Pendleton: Discovering that his adopted brother Jonathan has been going out with Erina, Dio decides to steal her first kiss to break Jonathan's spirit, only for his pride to be wounded when Erina washes her face with muddy water, prompting him to angrily slap her. Eight years later, Dio later encounters the newly-wed Erina again during his invasion of the ship to finish off her husband Jonathan, taunting her with the threat of taking over Jonathan's body.
  • Robert E. O. Speedwagon: After hearing from Jonathan what Dio was doing to George Joestar I, Speedwagon decides to help the gentleman find the man that sold Dio the poison. Dio openly declares that after killing Jonathan, he will dispose of Speedwagon as well for being involved. After the battle at the Joestar Mansion, Speedwagon tags along with Jonathan and Zeppeli to defeat Dio, knowing that he is too dangerous to be left alive.
  • Inspector Archer: Dio thinks lowly of the inspector, seeing him and the police as obstacles in his path to achieve greater power. After failing to convince Jonathan when he calls the police, Dio decides to use the Stone Mask, murdering his adoptive father and forcing the police to gun him down. Upon awakening as a vampire, Dio immediately decapitates the inspector.
  • Will Anthonio Zeppeli: Due to Dio having used the Stone Mask and becoming a Vampire, Zeppeli immediately views Dio as an enemy once he learns about the incident at the Joestar Mansion, his own father once having used the same mask to become a vampire himself. Dio himself is dismissive of Zeppeli's hatred towards his vampiric ways and connection to the Stone Mask, only viewing Zeppeli's mastery of the unfamiliar Ripple as magic trickery.
  • Poco: While the two never directly interact, Dio saw Poco as nothing but a pawn, and hypnotizes him into luring Jonathan and his allies into a trap. Once Jonathan frees Poco from Dio's clutches, Dio sees no use for the boy and sicced his minions onto Jonathan's group. After surviving, Poco joins the others as they confront Dio, who summons his zombies to attack them.
  • Poco's Sister: Upon capturing Poco's sister, Dio initially acts cordially in her presence, mockingly referring to her as "mademoiselle." When Dio offers to grant her immortality by turning her into a vampire, the sister refuses and slaps the vampire, calling him a monster. Amused by her defiance, Dio summons Doobie to kill her before taking his leave. After being saved by Jonathan, she joins the others as they confront Dio, who summons his zombies to attack them.
  • Dire, Straizo, and Tonpetty: Being Ripple Warriors, the three know the dangers of the Stone Mask and view Dio as an enemy because of his use of it. Out of the three of them, Dire is the one who most wants to defeat Dio, due to having been a friend of Zeppeli, who Dio had executed, for many years. Though Dire falls at Dio's hands, he posthumously gains Dio's ire by wounding his eye. During the battle, Straizo focuses on defeating Dio; many years later, however, he would admit to an older Speedwagon that he was envious of Dio's immunity to the aging process, driving him to later use the Stone Mask on himself just to become young again.
  • Joseph Joestar: Joseph's hatred for DIO, his ancestral archenemy, only intensifies when he learns that the vampire is still alive and has stolen the body of his grandfather, Jonathan Joestar, for himself. When DIO's very existence begins to threaten the life of Joseph's daughter, Holy, the three (and Kakyoin) set out to kill DIO, as his death will save Holy's life. For his part, DIO sees Joseph as an extension of Jonathan's feud with him, and his Stand, Hermit Purple, as the least of his concerns. Nevertheless, requiring a Joestar's blood to synchronize with Jonathan's body, DIO pursues Joseph first after forcing him to flee from his mansion, and eventually succeeds in draining him of his blood.
  • Jotaro Kujo: Though DIO views Jotaro as nothing but an extension of Jonathan, he is also fully aware of the threat he poses. Though Jonathan is an opponent DIO respects, Jotaro becomes an opponent DIO slightly fears, especially after Jotaro proves he can move in DIO's stopped time. As such, DIO takes no chances when dealing with Jotaro, even unsuccessfully attempting to detect his enemy playing dead before trying to cut his head off. Jotaro himself, however, sees DIO as nothing but a necessary evil he has to defeat in order to save his mother. After DIO kills his grandfather Joseph and absorbs his blood right in front of him, Jotaro's hatred for DIO finally intensifies to the point that, for the first time, he becomes visibly enraged and acts on his anger. After being cornered by Jotaro in a long and grueling fight, DIO, moments before his death, expresses his hatred of Jotaro, viewing him as an insult to his ego and an obstacle to his desire for victory.
  • Muhammad Avdol: Unlike Kakyoin and Polnareff, Avdol recognized DIO upon meeting him, having heard about him from Joseph. As such, Avdol saw him as an enemy immediately and escaped before he could be put under his control. When DIO's power threatens Holy's life due to her inheritance of a Stand, Avdol journeys to Egypt with Jotaro, Joseph, and Kakyoin to defeat him.
  • Noriaki Kakyoin: DIO first appeared before Kakyoin on a holiday in Egypt with his family and put him under his control with a flesh bud. Kakyoin is initially loyal to him, committing to anything he demanded of him. However, upon having the bud removed by Jotaro and seeing the harm DIO was causing towards the innocent Holy Kujo, Kakyoin decides to go with Joseph, Jotaro, and Avdol to Egypt to defeat DIO. When facing off against Telence T. D'Arby, Kakyoin remembers how DIO won him over and scorns himself for giving into his fear at the time. Upon confronting Kakyoin again, DIO sees him as a mere obstacle to eliminate, eventually killing him when he attempts to discover The World's power.
  • Jean Pierre Polnareff: Like Kakyoin, Polnareff was also swayed by DIO and placed under his control with a flesh bud. After the flesh bud is removed, Polnareff decides to join the team, though at first for his own goals, as Polnareff theorizes that DIO knows his sister's killer. Even after avenging her sister's death, Polnareff chooses to stay with the group to defeat DIO. Upon finally confronting Polnareff, DIO offers him the chance of joining him again while using The World to intimidate him, only for Polnareff to refuse, seeing his former servitude as a fate worse than death and his current mission as a righteous one. Polnareff then attempts to engage the vampire himself, though his allies arrive before either party can attack. During the battle between DIO and Jotaro, Polnareff lunges at DIO to kill him, only to knocked away by The World before he can finish the job.
  • Wilson Phillips: DIO thinks very little of Phillips, seeing him as a tool for him to chase after Joseph and Kakyoin while psychologically tormenting him. He repeatedly threatens the senator with death, uses The World to prevent him from escaping, and forces him to run over a crowd of civilians as a shortcut. Initially addressing DIO in a carefree manner, Phillips begins to fear for his life after being pressured by the vampire's threats, eventually snapping when DIO decides to kill him anyway. DIO then disposes of Phillips by throwing him at Joseph and Kakyoin, forcing them to retreat to the rooftops.

Relationships in OVER HEAVEN

The information below derives from OVER HEAVEN which was not written by Araki. As such, it may not be considered canon.
  • Dario Brando: While their relationship is about as negative as it is in the manga, it is revealed that DIO hated his father for allowing him to enter the Joestar Mansion because he thought that one act of kindness allowed Dario to get into heaven. In fact, one of the reasons he seeks to enter heaven is to kill his father again, though he comes to see it as a mere side opportunity.
  • Dio's Mother: In the novel, it is revealed that DIO's mother taught him everything he knew about the world. While DIO is unsure if heaven really exists, he believes that her death saved her from her living hell of a life. It is revealed that the words in his notebook are from a nursery song she sung him.
  • Unborn Sibling: It is revealed that Dio's mother was pregnant with an unborn sibling, but ended up miscarrying them.
  • Erina Pendleton: DIO respects Erina's strength and, in some ways, saw her as a bigger threat than Jonathan. DIO theorizes that Erina Joestar placed both him, herself, and the infant Lisa Lisa in the coffin on the boat where Jonathan died in order to escape the boat's explosion, in the hope that DIO might return some day as a better man with Jonathan's body. The idea reminds him of his own mother.
  • Enya the Hag: While the novel doesn't add too much to their relationship, DIO states that he would've consider letting her bear his child if she was younger.
  • Daniel J. and Telence T. D'Arby: DIO sees the D'Arby brothers as important tools to enter into heaven. While he believes their souls are too impure to enter themselves, he acknowledges their ability to manipulate souls as useful for his own ascension.
Concludes non-canon section.

Relationships in Eyes of Heaven

The information below derives from Eyes of Heaven which was not written and only supervised by Araki. As such, it may not be considered canon.
  • Will Zeppeli: While their relationship is essentially the same as in the manga, when Zeppeli encounters DIO from Stardust Crusaders, he states that Dio seems even eviler and wonders if the Stone Mask is responsible, while DIO believes Zeppeli is even less of a threat than before since he acquired The World.
  • Kars, Esidisi and Wamuu: Dio recognizes each of them as Pillar Men and seeks to kill them. Kars says he isn't half bad for a vampire and would make a fine pawn, Esidisi sees him as a lowly vampire fit for nothing more than food, and Wamuu views himself as Dio's master while being intrigued by his Vaporizing Freeze, an ability which he had never seen before.
  • Mariah: DIO shows absolute faith in Mariah's abilities.
  • Giorno Giovanna: Intrigued that he had a son with such capabilities, he acknowledges Giorno's power if he wins. He has no problems fighting alongside him, as evidenced by their combined attack.
Concludes non-canon section.

Chapters / Episodes

Manga Appearances
Chapters in order of appearance
Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5Part 6Part 7Part 8Spin-Off
Anime Appearances
Episodes in order of appearance
Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5Part 6OVA
Novel Appearances
Chapters in order of appearance
Misc.JJBAOVER HEAVENJORGEEl AlephIggy the Stray DogCrazy Heartbreakers
Live Action Appearances
Episodes in order of appearance

Quotes

Part 1Part 3Part 6JORGE
Quotes
Show AllEnglishJapaneseRomaji
  • “
    You want me to be rich? Ha! I'll do it, then! I'll accept your inheritance! I could make it on my own, but I'll take whatever help I can get! (一番の金持ちになれだと？ああ！なってやるとも！おまえの「遺産」受けとるぜ！ひとりでも生きられるが利用できるものはなんでも利用してやる！)
    ”
    —Dio to Dario Brando's grave, Chapter 1: Prologue
  • “
    So... did you kiss JoJo yet? Probably not. Your first kiss wasn't with JoJo! It was I, Dio! (君…もうジョジョとキスはしたのかい？まだだよなァ。初めての相手はジョジョではないッ！このディオだッ！)
    ”
  • “
    I'll beat you once and for all! Fair and square! I'll teach JoJo so his whole body will remember: he can't beat Dio! In a fight or in life! (徹底的にたたきのめしてやるッ！それも正正堂堂とな！そうする事によって『自分はもうこのディオには勝てない』…という事を ジョジョ自身の体で覚えるからだッ！ケンカでも人生でもなッ！)
    ”
  • “
    Alright! I'm burning with power! I love this feeling! (いいぞォ！新たな力がわいてくる いい感触だッ！)
    ”
    —Dio to Jonathan, Chapter 4: Dio Brando the Invader, Part 3
  • “
    H- How? H- How?! How could scum like you do this to me, Dio?! (こ…こんな、こ…こんな！こんなカスみたいなヤツにこのディオがッ！)
    ”
    —Dio to Jonathan, Chapter 4: Dio Brando the Invader, Part 3
  • “
    The wailing of starving stray dogs... This severely cold winter! They're also desperately trying to survive! (餓えた野犬の慟哭か…酷寒の冬！ヤツラも生き抜こうと必死なのか！)
    ”
    —Dio, Chapter 8: The Stone Mask, Part 1
  • “
    I reject my humanity, JoJo!! I'll transcend humanity! (おれは人間をやめるぞ！ジョジョーッ!!おれは人間を超越するッ！)
    ”
    —Dio before donning the Stone Mask, Chapter 11: The Stone Mask, Part 4
  • “
    Rework your strategy all you want. There is a limit to what you humans can do. (策を弄すれば弄するほど 人間には限界があるのだよ)
    ”
    —Dio to Jonathan and Speedwagon, Chapter 14: Youth with Dio, Part 3
  • “
    Good(グッド) Bye(バイ) JoJooo(ジョジオー)!
    ”
    —Dio to Jonathan, Chapter 14: Youth with Dio, Part 3
  • “
    Most people have some good in their heart! Therefore, they cannot act all out! They fear the most wonderful evil! However! There are those rare men who have not a strap of good in them... the elite of the evil! Like me... and like you... So how about it? Will you become my servant? Will you submit to me, Dio, Jack of the darkness? (たいていの人間は心に善のタガがあるッ！そのため思い切った行動がとれんッ！すばらしい悪への恐れがあるのだッ！だが！ごくまれに善なるタガのない人間がいる…悪のエリート！おれや…君がそうだ…どうだ？このディオの下僕にならないか？このディオに服従するのだ、闇のジャック！)
    ”
  • “
    This is what they call the food chain... pigs eat grass as humans eat pigs. And now we eat those humans... I suppose feeding on humans makes us the true emperors... (食物連鎖というのがあったな…草はブタに食われブタは人間に食われる。我我はその人間を糧としてるわけか…人間を食料にしてこそ「真の帝王」…)
    ”
  • “
    The blood of the living is power! To live eternally is what I desire! (生き血こそ力！永遠こそ望みッ！)
    ”
  • “
    The sun has set... It's time for your lives to sink as well! (陽は落ちた…きさまの生命も没する時だ！！)
    ”
  • “
    I am biological perfection, a new creature to whom the future is open... Is such a being fit to walk the same ground as a human? How rude you are! (おれは生物界の頂点…………未来を拓く新しい生物となった……人間ごときと対等の地におりていけるか！無礼者がッ！)
    ”
  • “
    Can you remember how many loaves of bread you've eaten in your entire life? (おまえは今まで食ったパンの枚数をおぼえているのか？)
    ”
  • “
    Ripple? Breathing? Heheh... If you're going to blow air... you might as well be blowing a fanfare for me! (「波紋」？「呼吸法」だと？フーフー、吹くなら…このおれのためにファンファーレでも吹いてるのが似あっているぞッ！)
    ”
  • “
    There is no point for me, Dio, to grace you all with my presence any longer! I shall commence turning all of the residents of Windknights Lot into zombies! It will only take one day and one night! Then, the zombies will spread to all of England!
    ”
    —Dio Brando, Chapter 28: Tarkus and the Dark Knight Bruford, Part 3
  • “
    Hmph! As I said, I wouldn't lay a finger on him. You, his own mother, devoured him yourself! A tragedy of your own choosing... This town is mine, and it didn't even take a full night.
    ”
    —Dio Brando, Chapter 36: The Three from a Faraway Land, Part 1
  • “
    Let's say... this flower here... If you were a flower, you'd be about as young as this one. Think long and hard, mademoiselle.[c] If this flower were to continue blooming, it would only do so to dry up and wither away... don't you find that sad? […] How now mademoiselle? Can you make a choice for me? Wouldn't you like to live forever at your current age? Although, I, Dio, am not the type to force friendships on others or anything like that. Utilize your free will-- you decide your own fate.
    ”
  • “
    The ill-mannered have no right to live.
    ”
    —Dio Brando, Chapter 37: The Three from a Faraway Land, Part 2
  • “
    JoJo, speaking frankly... Before now, I didn't want to kill you by my own hand. We grew up in the same house as childhood friends... so turning you into an undead didn't seem like any fun. That's why I sent those two knights to kill you... But it looks like I was being too nice. Seeing you alive makes me realize my inner weakness as emperor... Now, I will rip you to shreds without hesitation! (ジョジョ…正直いうとだ…おれはなさっき おまえをこの手に かけたくなかったのだ。幼なじみで共に同じ家で育ったおまえを 亡者(アンデッド)にしてもおもしろくも なんともないんでな…だからあの2騎士に処刑をまかせてしまった…だがな…最後のつめで おれはあまかった…生きているきさまをみて、それは 帝王としてのこのディオの精神的弱さと悟ったよ…今！ためらいもなくきさまを惨殺処刑してくれよう！)
    ”
    —Dio to Jonathan, Chapter 38: The Three from a Faraway Land, Part 3
  • “
    Weakling, weakling! Did you think you ever stood a chance?! Fool! (貧弱貧弱ゥ…ちょいとでもおれにかなうとでも思ったか！マヌケがァ〜！)
    ”
  • “
    Can a monkey reach a human? Compared to me, Dio... you are but a monkey, JoJo! (猿(モンキー)が人間に追いつけるかーッ？おまえはこのディオにとってのモンキーなんだよジョジョォォォォーーーーーッ!!)
    ”
    —Dio to Jonathan, Chapter 40: Fire and Ice, Jonathan and Dio, Part 2
  • “
    JoJo... Without you, I, Dio, would not have gained the power of the Stone Mask... and yet, because of you, the world isn't mine yet! If there is a God that controls our fate, there's never been a relationship as calculated as ours! We are one and the same in this world of ours! In other words... I will take the body of the one man I admire in this world, and live gorgeously for all time! That is Dio's destiny! There will be no pain! That is my final courtesy to my one and only rival! Live as my body, JoJo! (ジョジョ おまえがいなかったらこのディオに仮面の力は手に入らなかっただろう…しかし おまえがいたからいまだ世界は おれのものになっていない！神が いるとして運命を操作しているとしたら！おれたちほど よく計算された関係は あるまいッ！おれたちはこの世に おいて ふたりでひとり！つまり…おれは この世で ただひとり尊敬する人間のボディ（肉体）を手に入れ絢爛たる永遠を生きる！それが このディオの運命なのだ！苦痛は 与えん！それが我が好敵手への最後の礼儀！我が肉体となって生きよ！ジョジョー！！)
    ”
  • “
    Hmph... If only he didn't try to dodge. I wanted to shoot him right between the eyes... No pain... A shot that would've killed him instantly.
    ”
  • “
    Your everday life was snatched away and now you're in hell... You can't comprehend what's happening and you can't speak... am I right? Did JoJo not tell you of how I lurked in the darkness? I'm in a pitiful state right now, but you probably remember who I am... Right, Erina Pendleton? Or, it seems you've married, so I suppose I should call you Mrs. Erina Joestar...
    ”
    —Dio Brando, Chapter 43: Fire and Ice, Jonathan and Dio, Part 5
  • “
    Hey, Wang Chan. I won't stand for any humiliation of JoJo! He is the one that put me in this position, and I respect that... so take off his head, quickly and painlessly!
    ”
    —Dio Brando, Chapter 43: Fire and Ice, Jonathan and Dio, Part 5
Quotes
Show AllEnglishJapaneseRomaji
  • “
    This fate must be destroyed, this connection must be erased... I've already taken the first step! (始末すべき宿命、抹消すべき因縁…すでに 手は打った！！)
    ”
    —DIO about the Joestar family, Chapter 117: The Man with the Star Birthmark
  • “
    Jonathan's bloodline... must be eliminated. (ジョナサンの一族は…排除せねば)
    ”
    —DIO, Chapter 118: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 1
  • “
    When one falls in battle and fails to attain their goals... one feels frustrated and hurt... and when met with a fight in the future, fear takes over the body. I believe that to "live" is to overcome "fear". The one who stands at the top of the world must know no fear! (戦いに敗れ欲するものが手に入らなかった場合…挫折感と敗北感を味わい傷つき…そして 次なる戦いのとき「恐怖」を感じることになる…おれは「恐怖」を克服することこそが「生きる」ことだと思う。世界の頂点に立つ者は！ほんのちっぽけな「恐怖」をも持たぬ者ッ！)
    ”
    —DIO to Enya the Hag, Chapter 130: Strength, Part 1
  • “
    Let me make this clear! I am not afraid of the Joestars! But they must not be underestimated! I, DIO, feel the need to remove the Joestars from the wheels of my fate. (正確に言おう！ジョースターに恐怖しているのではない！ジョースターの血統はあなどれんということだ！このDIO(ディオ)の運命の歯車からジョースターを取りのぞく必要を感じるのだ)
    ”
    —DIO to Enya, Chapter 130: Strength, Part 1
  • “
    Heheheheh... I'll give you one chance. Take two steps down the stairs, and I'll allow you to join me again. On the contrary, if you wish to die, take a step up the stairs. (フフフフ、ひとりチャンスをやろう。その階段を二段おりろ、再びわたしの仲間にしてやろう。逆に死にたければ…足をあげて階段を登れ)
    ”
  • “
    Every human being lives to overcome anxiety and find desire peace of mind. Acquiring fame, dominating others, and earning money is done to resolve anxiety. Marriage and friendship serve to resolve anxiety. Helping people, making war and peace... all of this is to resolve anxiety. Seeking peace of mind is the ultimate goal of all human beings. (「人間は誰でも不安や恐怖を克服して安心を得るために生きる」。名声を手に入れたり 人を支配したり 金もうけをするのも安心するためだ。結婚したり　友人をつくったりするのも安心するためだ。人のために役立つだとか　愛と平和のためにだとか　すべて自分を安心させるためだ。安心を求める事こそ人間の目的だ)
    ”
    —DIO to Polnareff, Chapter 248: DIO's World, Part 2
  • “
    So, then... What objection do you have to serving me? You can easily obtain all those things that bring peace of mind simply by serving me. (そこでだ……わたしに仕えることに何の不安感があるのだ？わたしに仕えるだけで他の全ての安心が簡単に手に入るぞ)
    ”
    —DIO to Polnareff, Chapter 248: DIO's World, Part 2
  • “
    You fool. Know this... The true power of The World is exactly that: the power to dominate the world! (マヌケが…知るがいい…「世界(ザ・ワールド)」の真の能力は…まさに！「世界を支配する」能力だということを！)
    ”
    —DIO to Noriaki Kakyoin, Chapter 253: DIO's World, Part 7
  • “
    This is The World... Though, since time has stopped for you, you can neither see nor feel it... (これが…「世界(ザ・ワールド)」だ。もっとも「時間の止まっている」おまえには見えもせず感じもしないだろうがな…)
    ”
    —DIO to Kakyoin in frozen time, Chapter 253: DIO's World, Part 7
  • “
    At first, I could only stop time long enough to blink. But as my neck wound healed, I was able to stop time for two, then three seconds. Now, I can stop time for five seconds... It's strange to think of it as five seconds, considering that time itself is stopped. Regardless, it feels like five seconds. Heheh... Soon, I'll be able to stop time for one minute, ten minutes, even an hour someday! I can't wait! I'll gradually be able to stop time longer and longer! (最初は まばたきほどの一瞬しか止められぬ能力だった。しかし…この首のキズがなじんでくるにつれ、2秒…3秒と長く止められるようになった。今では5秒は止めていられる…時が止まっているのに5秒と考えるのはおかしいが。とにかく、5秒ほどだ…フフ。いずれは一分…一〇分…一時間と思いのままとめられるようになってやろう…楽しみだ…だんだん長く時間を止めるのはな…)
    ”
    —DIO, Chapter 255: DIO's World, Part 9
  • “
    Oh? You're approaching me? Instead of running away you're coming right to me? (ほう…向かってくるのか……逃げずにこのDIO(ディオ)に近づいてくるのか…)
    ”
  • “
    Even though your grandfather, Joseph, told you the secret of The World, like an exam student scrambling to finish the problems on an exam until the last moments before the chime... (せっかく祖父のジョセフがわたしの「世界」の正体を、試験終了チャイム直前まで問題を解いている受験生のような必死こいた気分で教えてくれたというのに)
    ”
    —DIO, Chapter 256: DIO's World, Part 10
  • “
    Oh ho! Then come as close as you like. (ほほお～っ　では十分近づくがよい)
    ”
    —DIO, Chapter 256: DIO's World, Part 10
  • “
    Now that I know, I'm satisfied... The playtime service is now over... Jotaro, I'll put an end to this quickly. (もうわかった…満足だ…ここらで遊びのサービス時間は終わりだ…承太郎、一気にとどめを刺してくれる)
    ”
    —DIO to Jotaro Kujo, Chapter 256: DIO's World, Part 10
  • “
    After what happened 100 years ago, I swore I would show no mercy to those of the Joestar bloodline, and kill them with a single blow. The World's true power will finish you off! (一〇〇年前の因縁があるだけにジョースターの血統の者だけは手かげんせずに一気に殺すと決めていた。とどめを刺すのはやはり「世界(ザ・ワールド)」の真の能力ッ！)
    ”
    —DIO to Jotaro, Chapter 256: DIO's World, Part 10
  • “
    The World! Time, stop! (「世界(ザ・ワールド)」ッ！ 時よ止まれ！)
    ”
    —DIO stopping time, Chapter 256: DIO's World, Part 10
  • “
    I, DIO, have far surpassed all living things and Stand users! And now, I can stop time for 5 seconds, and that length continues to grow! (このDIO(ディオ)は全ての生物や全てのスタンド使いをブッち切りで超越したのだ！そして 今では5秒とだんだん長く時を止めていられる！)
    ”
    —DIO, Chapter 257: DIO's World, Part 11
  • “
    Damn him... To think that one of the Joestar descendants could enter... my world of stopped time...! (こともあろうに！…このジョースターの末裔が…『我が…止まった時の世界に…』入門してくるとは…！)
    ”
    —DIO about Jotaro, Chapter 258: DIO's World, Part 12
  • “
    Hmph! You can't escape! If this were a game of chess or shogi, I would call this checkmate! (フン！逃がれることはできんッ！きさまはチェスや将棋でいう『詰み(チェック・メイト)』にはまったのだッ！)
    ”
    —DIO to Jotaro, Chapter 258: DIO's World, Part 12
  • “
    Time resumes. (時は動き出す)
    ”
    —DIO resuming time, Chapter 258: DIO's World, Part 12
  • “
    Those automobiles are convenient machines, but the roads are congested when everyone has one. Stopped time is a realm for one man... DIO, and DIO alone. (思うに自動車という機械は便利なものだが誰も彼もが乗るから道路が混雑してしまう。止まった時の中はひとり…このDIO(ディオ)だけだ)
    ”
    —DIO, Chapter 259: DIO's World, Part 13
  • “
    I, DIO, cannot be assassinated... And once I'm through with you, your "Joestar Egypt Tour Group" will finally be annihilated... (このDIO(ディオ)を暗殺することはできん…「ジョースター・エジプト・ツアー御一行様」はきさまにとどめを刺して全滅の最後というわけだな…)
    ”
    —DIO to Polnareff, Chapter 259: DIO's World, Part 13
  • “
    You fell for it, Jotaro! This is my escape route... You've lost this battle of wits against me, DIO! Don't you recognize the street you've thrown me down? Or being the tourist you are, do all these streets look the same to you? (かかったな！承太郎ッ！これが我が『逃走経路』だ…きさまは このDIO(ディオ)との知恵比べに負けたのだッ！オレが吹っ飛ばされてゆくこの通りに見おぼえはないか？旅行者のおまえにはどの通りも同じに見えるのか？)
    ”
    —DIO to Jotaro, Chapter 261: DIO's World, Part 15
  • “
    That's right! My escape route is drinking Joseph Joestar's blood! (そうだ、ジョセフ・ジョースターの血を吸うための『逃走経路』だ！)
    ”
    —DIO to Jotaro, Chapter 261: DIO's World, Part 15
  • “
    The Joestar Family has always been a nuisance to me, like dog shit on the street... But at the very end, it seems that the Joestar family was destined to serve me, DIO! (ジョースターの血統というのは我が運命という路上にころがる犬のクソのようにジャマなもんだったが…最後の最後は、このこのDIO(ディオ)に利用されるのがジョースターの宿命だったようだ…)
    ”
    —DIO to Jotaro, Chapter 262: DIO's World, Part 16
  • “
    WRYYYYYYYYYY! (WRYYYYYYYYYY(ウリイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイイ)ーッ!)
    ”
  • “
    This is the greatest high! Hahahahaha! (最高に「ハイ！」ってやつだアハハハハハーッ)
    ”
    —DIO, Chapter 263: DIO's World, Part 17
  • “
    It's a road roller! (ロードローラーだッ！)
    ”
  • “
    Invulnerability! Eternal life! Stand power! Here lies the proof that none shall surpass the mighty DIO! (不死身ッ！！不老不死ッ！スタンドパワーッ！これで何者もこのDIO(ディオ)を超える者はいないことが証明されたッ！)
    ”
    —DIO, Chapter 263: DIO's World, Part 17
  • “
    Puny humans! I will rule you all! Bow before my power and knowledge! (とるにたらぬ人間どもよ！支配してやるぞッ！！我が「知」と「力」のもとにひれ伏すがいいぞッ！)
    ”
    —DIO, Chapter 263: DIO's World, Part 17
  • “
    I- I can't move! I- Impossible! (う...動けんッ！ば...ばかな)
    ”
  • “
    You think like a mortal, with such a short time to live... Phrases like "a bad taste in one's mouth" or "kill without regret"... That reasoning is as compelling as rat shit in the bathroom, and it'll be your demise! I, DIO, don't think like that... All I have is one simple goal... Just one! To win and to dominate! That's it... That's all that can fulfill me! The process... How I do it... doesn't matter at all! (ごく短い時の流れでしか生きない人間の考え方をする…『あと味のよくないものを残す』とか『人生に悔いを残さない』だとか…便所のネズミのクソにも匹敵するそのくだらない物の考え方が命とりよ！このDIO(ディオ)にはそれはない…あるのはシンプルなたったひとつの思想だけだ…たったひとつ！『勝利して支配する』！それだけよ…それだけが満足感よ！過程や…！方法なぞ…！どうでもよいのだァーッ)
    ”
    —DIO, Chapter 264: DIO's World, Part 18
  • “
    What?! I- Impossible! I... I am DIO! I am DIO! (なああにィィイイイッ！ば…ばかなッ！…こ…このDIO(ディオ)が…このDIO(ディオ)がァ〜ッ)
    ”
    —DIO's last words, Chapter 264: DIO's World, Part 18
Quotes
Show AllEnglishJapaneseRomaji
  • “
    There might be a way to go to Heaven. (『天国へ行く方法』があるかもしれない.)
    ”
  • “
    The Heaven I'm talking about pertains to the soul, and where it goes... I'm not telling you to die. The power of your soul should evolve along with it. And I'm talking about where it ends up. I think you understand what I'm saying... True happiness lies there... if one can get to Heaven. (わたしの言ってる「天国」とは「精神」に関する事だよ精神の向かう所…死ねって事じゃあない。精神の「力」も進化するはずだ。そして それの行きつく所って意味さ。君ならわたしの言ってる事が わかると思うが…本当の幸福がそこにはある…「天国」へ行く事ができればな)
    ”
    —DIO to Pucci, Stone Ocean Chapter 48: Torrential Downpour Warning, Part 1
  • “
    I know that happiness cannot be attained by having an invincible body, or earning a lot of money, or even being the ruler of the human race. The true victor is the one who sees Heaven... I will get there, at any cost. (幸福とは無敵の肉体や大金を持つ事や人の頂点に立つ事では得られないというのはわかったいる。真の勝利者とは「天国」を見た者の事だ…どんな犠牲を払ってもわたしは そこえ行く)
    ”
    —DIO to Pucci, Stone Ocean Chapter 48: Torrential Downpour Warning, Part 1
  • “
    No matter who it is, each individual will always end up in the right place for their individual traits. Kings have kingly skills, cooks have cooking skills... That's what it means to live. (どんな者だろうと、人にはそれぞれその個性にあった適材適所がある。王には王の、料理人には料理人の…それが生きるという事だ)
    ”
  • “
    What I need is my Stand: The World. What lies beyond my Stand is the way forward for humanity. What I need is a trustworthy friend. He must be a man who can control his desires. A man without a lust for power, honor, or wealth. He must be a man who puts the laws of God before the laws of men. Will I, DIO, meet a man like this someday? (必要なものは『わたしのスタンド』である。『ザ・ワールド』。我がスタンドの先にあるものこそが人間がさらに先に進むべき道なのである。必要なものは信頼できる友である。彼は欲望をコントロールできる人間でなくてはならない。権力欲や名誉欲金欲・色欲のない人間で。彼は人の法よりも神の法を尊ぶ人間でなくてはならない。いつかそのような者にこのDIO(ディオ)が出会えるだろうか？)
    ”
  • “
    Whatever is born will awaken. It will recognize the 14 phrases that my trusted friend will utter... I will trust my friend and become his friend. Finally, what I need is an appropriate location. Go to 28 degrees 24 minutes north latitude, 80 degrees 36 minutes west longitude... Wait there for the new moon... That will be the time for heaven... (「生まれたもの」は目醒める。信頼できる友が発する14の言葉に知性を示してい…『友』はわたしを信頼しわたしは『友』になる。最後に必要なものは場所である。北緯28度24分西経80度36分へ行き…次の「新月」の時を待て……それが『天国の時』であろう……)
    ”
  • “
    Do you believe in gravity? That there might be a reason why you tripped over me, of all people? (君は「引力」を信じるか？わたしに 躓いて転んだ事に意味がある事を！？)
    ”
    —DIO to Pucci, Stone Ocean Chapter 127: Heavy Weather, Part 3
Quotes
  • “
    Wa ha ha ha ha! I can eat him! I can eat the ultimate being and make his flesh my own! Blood! I just have to make the blood agree with me! Ha ha ha! Blood is everything! Becoming a vampire was the best decision I ever made! He's delicious! Cars is the best meal I've ever had! Ha ha ha ha! Hahh ha ha ha ha ! I've never felt better! WRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
    ”
    —Dio, JORGE JOESTAR Chapter 15: Beyond
  • “
    Your species has worn the crown long enough. It's time to meet the new boss, Kars.
    ”
    —Dio, JORGE JOESTAR Chapter 16: Beyond II
  • “
    Bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! I am the true emperor! I am the pinnacle of all creation! Everything in this world, no matter which loop of history, no matter which parallel world, all of it is Dio's to control!
    ”
    —Dio, JORGE JOESTAR Chapter 16: Beyond II

Creation and Development

B.T.

Dio was created as an extension of B.T., the protagonist in Cool Shock B.T., though Dio is much more evil.[51] When writing Dio, Araki was inspired by wondering about the motivations of serial killers and also because FBI psychological profiling was a popular topic during that time.[1]

Hirohiko Araki personally wanted to draw Dio the most and developed his character design first, with Jonathan created as the character that would counter him. Dio's visual design and family background were also created to contrast with Jonathan. Since Jonathan has black hair, Dio was made to have blond hair. Moreover, since Jonathan was the son of a nobleman, Araki made Dio be raised in a poor, miserable family.[8] He wanted to depict Dio as someone who always surpasses Jonathan. The first thing he thought of was to make him embody the "attractiveness of evil", as it was a shonen manga tradition to have attractive villains. He took inspiration from foreign singers to design how Dio looked like, making him a "beautiful, attractive young man."[8]

Dio's name was chosen to contrast with "JoJo", going for letters that didn't make a rounded sound and using many voiced consonants. The name carries the nuance of "god" from Italian, but also felt familiar to Araki because of Ronnie James Dio.[8] In Phantom Blood, Dio's name is written normally in Japanese. From Stardust Crusaders onward (and occasionally in Phantom Blood[26][52]), he abandons his last name and his first name is spelled in English as "DIO" (DIO(ディオ)). This was likely done to accentuate his metamorphosis into a vampire, as well as his more intimidating, fear-mongering, and overall villainous personality.

While Phantom Blood was being serialized, Araki hadn't actually prepared a weakness for Dio and had difficulty coming up with a way for him to be defeated.[1]

Araki pondered in deciding what would be the scariest factor Dio would have, and decided that "evil from the past" coming to get the present descendant would be the most frightening thing.[51] When DIO returned in Stardust Crusaders, Araki was eager to finally be able to draw him again. However, his editor, Ryosuke Kabashima, advised against it. He warned Araki that if he were to reveal DIO too soon, then readers would solely focus on the final boss, rather than the enemies in front of them. Consequently, Araki chose to have DIO's face remain in shadow until the Joestar Group reached Egypt, where the final showdown takes place.[53] Araki stated that if he were to depict DIO in the modern era, he would likely delve deeper into what made him so evil, including more of his upbringing and family relationships.[54]

Casting

Takehito Koyasu is the voice actor for Dio Brando in various media. He's also voiced Diego Brando (as well as Parallel World Diego) and Heaven-Attained DIO in All-Star Battle and Eyes of Heaven.

When reading the Phantom Blood manga, Koyasu reads it from Dio's point of view instead of Jonathan's. He mentions that he barely read the script and would read the manga instead. He also mentions that recording the lines for Episode 3 felt a bit unusual for him, as he experienced an illusion which he never felt in his 26 years of voicing. He actually felt as if the studio was engulfed in flames and that he had become Dio fighting Kazuyuki Okitsu who had become Jonathan. He felt a rush of adrenaline during these scenes, mentioning that he had a runner's high.[55]

Name Variants

Dio Brando (ディオ・ブランドー)Link to this section
Name Variants:
Language Name Usage

Japan Romanization
Dio Burandō
N/A
Japan Japanese
Mexico Latin American Spanish
DIO(ディオ)
Common nickname from Stardust Crusaders onward. Also used in Chapter 42, the title of Chapter 17, and the Weekly Shonen Jump title of Chapter 39. Exclusively used in Netflix's Latin American Spanish subtitles.
Japan Japanese
Dio Joestar (ディオ・ジョースター)
Legal name after his adoption in OVER HEAVEN.
China Chinese
Dior Brando
Spelled like the fashion brand. Used in the Chinese release.
Croatia Croatian
Dija Branda
Used in Netflix's Croatian subtitles.
Czech Republic Czech
Dia Branda
Used in Netflix's Czech subtitles.
Norway Norwegian
Sweden Swedish
DIO brando
Used in Netflix's Norwegian and Swedish subtitles.
Translations:
Language Name Usage

Flag of Thailand Thai
ดีโอ บรันโด (Dio Brando)
Used in Netflix's Thai subtitles.
China Simplified Chinese
迪奥·布朗度 (Dior Brando)
Used in Netflix's Simplified Chinese subtitles.
China Traditional Chinese
迪奥布朗度 (Dior Brando)
Used in Netflix's Traditional Chinese subtitles.
South Korea Korean
디오 브란도 (Dio Brando)
Used in Netflix's Korean subtitles.
Russia Russian
Дио Брандо (Dio Brando)
Used in Netflix's Russian subtitles.
Flag of the Arab League Arabic
ديو براندو (Dio Brando)
Used in Netflix's Arabic subtitles.
Greece Greek
Ντίο Μπράντο (Dio Brando)
Used in Netflix's Greek subtitles.
Israel Hebrew
דיו ברנדו (Dio Brando)
Used in Netflix's Hebrew subtitles.
Hungary Hungarian
Dio Brandót
Used in Netflix's Hungarian subtitles.
Ukraine Ukrainian
Дiо Брандо (Dio Brando)
Used in Netflix's Ukrainian subtitles.

Trivia

  • In Araki's Top Ten Favorite Characters in 2000, DIO is ranked at number 10, being the third main villain in the countdown.
  • In Eyes of Heaven, Dio Brando and Diego Brando's themes are remixes of each other. This is also the case for DIO and Parallel World Diego.
  • DIO's outfit design in Stardust Crusaders appears to be taking inspiration from an outfit singer David Bowie wore during the Glass Spider Tour in 1987 that includes a golden bolero jacket, a shiny black top, golden chaps, a colorful belt with straps and golden cowboy boots. The way DIO appears to Polnareff on top of the stairs in Chapter 247 is also very reminiscent of the scenography of Bowie's first appearance in that specific costume during the concert.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Information from the Character Profile sheets may or may not be considered canon if they didn't appear in the manga. According to Araki in Hirohiko Araki's New Manga Techniques - Chapter 1: What Can Be Changed and What Should Stay Consistent, "the Character Profile is like a sketch—a rough outline of the character. Characters grow and evolve as they live out their lives within the manga. As the story progresses, certain aspects of the profile may no longer align."
  2. ↑ Initially Dio's voice was stated to be "Soft" in his character sheet published in JOJO magazine 2022 WINTER.
  3. ↑ "Mademoiselle" is a French word meaning "miss," an unmarried woman.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 JoJonium Volume 3 (Dio Brando) - Special Interview
  2. ↑ Phantom Blood PS2 (October 2006)
  3. ↑ The Miasma of the Void, Vanilla Ice - Vol.9 "Shueisha Jump Remix Stardust Crusaders Edition" P170 The Secret of JOJO Characters
  4. ↑ JoJo 6251, p.103
  5. ↑ JJBA Artbook: JoJo 6251, page 151
  6. ↑ Stone Ocean Chapter 152: Made in Heaven, Part 4 (Note: Originally 1988; Changed in later chapters)
  7. ↑ Hirohiko Araki refers to Dio as a man throughout the series and in external media such as his books, but this symbol is used in his Character Profile sheet in Hirohiko Araki's New Manga Techniques Chapter 2 and JOJO magazine 2022 WINTER pg. 42-43.
  8. ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 Hirohiko Araki's New Manga Techniques Chapter 2 - "This is Dio Brando's Character Profile!"
  9. ↑ Stardust Crusader Model Sheet No.SC-MC000-00
  10. ↑ Chapter 440: Gold Experience, Part 1, p.11
  11. ↑ Chapter 1: Prologue, p.9
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Chapter 2: Dio Brando the Invader, Part 1
  13. ↑ Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3 P.8.
  14. ↑ Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3 P.8-9.
  15. ↑ Chapter 204: "Bastet" Mariah, Part 6 P.7.
  16. ↑ Chapter 188: "The Fool" Iggy and "Geb" N'Doul, Part 6 P.11.
  17. ↑ Chapter 242: The Miasma of the Void, Vanilla Ice, Part 5 P.9.
  18. ↑ JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Last Survivor PV3
  19. ↑ Kotoba (March 2018)
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Chapter 7: A Letter from the Past, Part 2
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Chapter 4: Dio Brando the Invader, Part 3
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Chapter 18: Jack the Ripper and Zeppeli the Strange, Part 1
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Eureka (November 2007)
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Chapter 1: Prologue
  25. ↑ Chapter 3: Dio Brando the Invader, Part 2
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 Chapter 42: Fire and Ice, Jonathan and Dio, Part 4
  27. ↑ Chapter 44: Fire and Ice, Jonathan and Dio, Part 6
  28. ↑ Chapter 5: Dio Brando the Invader, Part 4
  29. ↑ Chapter 11: The Stone Mask, Part 4
  30. ↑ JoJo 6251 Stand Encyclopedia, p.124
  31. ↑ JOJO A-GO!GO!: STANDS, p.104
  32. ↑ JOJO A-GO!GO! appendix note
  33. ↑ Chapter 251: DIO's World, Part 5 P.11.
  34. ↑ JoJo 6251, p.105
  35. ↑ Chapter 263: DIO's World, Part 17
  36. ↑ Chapter 39: Fire and Ice, Jonathan and Dio, Part 1
  37. ↑ Chapter 260: DIO's World, Part 14
  38. ↑ Chapter 24: Ripple Overdrive, Part 2
  39. ↑ Chapter 25: Ripple Overdrive, Part 3
  40. ↑ OVER HEAVEN Chapter 69
  41. ↑ Chapter 50: Straizo vs. Joseph, Part 3
  42. ↑ Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3 Pages 12-16
  43. ↑ Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3, p.15
  44. ↑ Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3 Page 16
  45. ↑ Stardust Crusaders Episode 5: Silver Chariot
  46. ↑ OVER HEAVEN Chapter 10
  47. ↑ Stone Ocean Chapter 127: Heavy Weather, Part 3
  48. ↑ Chapter 7: A Letter from the Past, Part 2 P.2.
  49. ↑ Chapter 9: The Stone Mask, Part 2 P.14.
  50. ↑ GioGio's Bizarre Adventure Strategy Guide (September 2002)
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 JoJo Could Have Ended with Part 4 (October 2012)
  52. ↑ Chapter 17: The Birth of DIO
  53. ↑ Hirohiko Araki's New Manga Techniques - "About the Enemies of JoJo Throughout History"
  54. ↑ Hirohiko Araki's New Manga Techniques - "On the Timeless Nature of Villains"
  55. ↑ JoJo raDIO Episode 11

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