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Stone Ocean

Dio Brando/Games

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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 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 has an insatiable hunger for power. After becoming a vampire and later a Stand user, wielding the all-powerful The World, Dio has gathered many minions around him and is responsible for many major events of the series. His legacy and influence persists throughout the first six parts of JoJo, with characters either being related to him or heavily inspired by him.

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

Appearance

Phantom Blood

Dio Young Render.png
Dio acrylic.png

When he first arrives at the Joestar Mansion as a young child, Dio wears a typical formal boys 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 hasn't changed much. However, his overall physique and height increase significantly. During the events where 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. However, 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 has changed quite a bit as well after his first battle with Jonathan; most noticeable is the scarf around his neck. 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.

In an interview, Araki describes how the movie Blade Runner had influenced his work back when it premiered. He mentions Dio's blond hair and muscular build in particular as being influenced by the Blade Runner character, Roy Batty.[14]

Phantom Blood Outfits
Chapters: PB 1
Episodes: 1
Dio Gorgeous Irene.png
Dio Chess.png

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
Dio brando pb color v01 010.png
CS-Episode 1 (Dio 1).png

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

Chapters: PB 1
Episodes: 1
Dio plotting.png
Dio Young Render.png
MovieYoungDioAttireModel.png

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

Chapters: PB 2
Episodes: 1
Dio boxing.png
YoungDioA.png

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

Chapters: PB 4
Episodes: 1
Chapter 4 Cover B.jpg
DioVisit.png

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

Chapters: PB 6
Episodes: 2
Dio rugby.png
DioCatch.png

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

Chapters: PB 6
Episodes: 2
Adult Dio Outfit Manga.png
PBep2-11.png
MovieDioAdultAttire.jpg

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

Chapters: PB 9 - 16
Episodes: 2
Dio vampire.png
Effects.png
ExperimentOutfit.jpg

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

Chapters: PB 18
Episodes: 4
Dio wheelchair.png
Dio in a wheelchair anime.PNG

Cloath with a hoodie, metallic piece on the chest and metal prostetics on right leg.

Chapters: PB 24 - 28
PB Chapter 24 Dio Standing Ref.png
7 DioInFrontOfTheMoonPilot.png

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

Chapters: PB 37 - 41
Dio Fire and Ice Outfit.png

Similar to the previous one but without the scarf.

Episodes: PB 5 - 8
Dio acrylic.png

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 simplified top portion, sleeves connected to wristbands and boots up to his knees.

Chapters: PB 42 - 44
Episodes: 9
Dio head.png
PBep9-3.png
2kOVADioHeadJar.png

A decapitated head in a jar carried by Wang Chan.

Stardust Crusaders

DIO Anime Render.png

At the start of Part 3, DIO doesn't have a visible face as an effect of 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.[15] 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 Evil Incarnate DIO (邪悪の化身ディオ, Ja'aku no Keshin DIO) or Shadow DIO (影DIO).

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.[16] Many of his subordinates describe him as handsome,[17] beautiful[18] or awe inspiring in some fashion. Attacking his visage even severely enrages Vanilla Ice, one of his most loyal underlings.[19] 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.

Once revealed, DIO dons a jacket with a tight tank-top underneath, as well as chaps with an exposed crotch. His face is now in full-view, and on his head is a heart-adorned circlet to match his knee guards. This is his form during the beginning of the DIO's World story arc. In most depictions of him, DIO's outfit is tinted orange or yellow. He also wears a necklace covering his neck scar and heart motifs above his feet and on his pant legs, but he quickly stopped sporting them after his first stairway confrontation with Polnareff. When pursuing the Joestar group, DIO donned a cloak that he ended up discarding 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 latter half of the DIO's World story arc, often called High DIO (ハイDIO) in Japanese media.

Stardust Crusaders Outfits
Chapters: SC 1 - 125
Episodes: 1 - 42 & 44 (Flashback)
DIO Shadow SC Infobox Manga.jpg
DIO Shadow SC Infobox Anime.png
JoJo OVA OST SC.png

Outfit Dio wore throughout 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)
DIO Avdol flashback ch 120.png
SC Ep 3 Outfit Ref.png
2kDioPersuadeAvdol.png

His main outfit but with a vest.

Chapters: SC 17
SC Ch 17 DIO Outfit Ref.png

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

Chapters: SC 134 - 148
Episodes: 44 - 47
DIO VOL27 grandiose entrance.png
DIO Anime Render.png
'93DioEmerge.png

Outfit primarly during 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
DIO High.png
DIO High SC Infobox Anime.png
28 1993OVA Ep. 13.png

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

The series is known for alternating colors between media, the information presented below may or may not be canon.
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.
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.

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 set for himself the goal of becoming the richest, then the most powerful being on Earth. To do so, Dio used anything or anyone that he could in order 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 sought to become more and more powerful. Dio enjoys being in a position of power[13][21] and has repeatedly stated how great he felt being in a dominating position. On the contrary, Dio never tolerated that someone could stand up to him or equal him in power, and was enraged and deeply disturbed at the thought several times.

Throughout his life, Dio has tended to surround himself with witless cronies and later minions, who were attracted by his natural charisma. Not thinking much of them at first, he then selected those he deemed as particularly evil, claiming that an evil person wasn't bound by rules such as honor[22] and thus were stronger mentally. This belief culminated 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 an incredibly-selfish person, only looking over his own interest and overlooking those of others at best, trampling them on the ground at worst. 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 because he is primarily 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 were Jonathan Joestar, and Enrico Pucci; Dio recognizing Jonathan's worth as equal to his own, and having been friends with Pucci. Still, Dio stole the former's body and his friendship with the latter was proven nonetheless beneficial of 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 acted the model son and popular charismatic friend to Jonathan's father and entourage to better isolate him, and as a vampire, his charisma only increased as he appeared as a charming mysterious individual. However, his natural arrogance would lead him to openly insult and belittle his enemies, notably disparaging their insignificant strength before his vampiric or Stand powers. He is the type who would be comfortable being with a man or woman; however, he 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 a number of ways depending on the situation and his mood. When he was human, Dio was careful and methodical in trying to break Jonathan's spirit and slowly poisoned George for a sizeable period of time, only being thwarted due to unlucky twists of fate. As a vampire, DIO at first let his arrogance get the better of him and took a laissez-faire approach, only sending subordinates to kill the Joestar Group while he rested and recovered. However, his defeat by Jonathan taught him to be wary of the Joestar Family in its entirety, thus he would later ambush Jonathan. During the events of Stardust Crusaders, he would send his minions to delay the Joestars as much as possible to recover strength. During his final battle, his wariness, tactical acumen and arrogance would clash to make Dio alternate between meticulous approach 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.[7] In order to place himself in a better position to replace Jonathan Joestar and obtain the Joestar family fortune, Dio used the most underhanded means to break him mentally. These methods included: humiliating Jonathan in public sport fighting, ostracizing him from his friends,[13] and finally stealing Erina Pendleton's first kiss to drive a wedge in their budding relationship.[24] When he is eventually foiled, Dio opted to slowly poison George Joestar I and kill Jonathan with the Stone Mask to make both deaths seem natural and accidental.[20] Dio has shown a remarkable determination to reach his goal, never losing his drive despite the numerous defeats he suffers throughout Phantom Blood and always tried to find a way to get back at Jonathan for them.

Dio's lack of empathy is also apparent, since despite having lived for years with the kind Joestars, he never thought of them as anything more than obstacles, and is hinted to utterly resent the upper class he frequents. Dio had been maintaining a facade of a charming and agreeable person to everyone save Jonathan, yet never came close to anyone. At the end of the part, the only person Dio appreciated was Jonathan Joestar himself, begrudgingly acknowledging his valor as his archenemy[25] and "granting" him a painless death, and was even shocked to see him die.[26] Overjoyed to have changed into a powerful vampire, Dio spent his battles taunting various humans about their weaknesses and belittling them in favor of the apex predator vampires. Dio also sadistically changed a mother into a zombie just to watch her devour her own 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.[13]

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 beat him up, and violently slapping Erina.[21] He was also incredibly cruel to Jonathan's dog, Danny, going so far as kicking him on their first meeting.[7] When Dio was defeated by Jonathan, Dio secretly had Danny incinerated. He is shown to be utterly enraged when someone stands up to him, which is the cause for his outbursts. He himself acknowledged that his anger was a weakness,[27] but would be all his life unable to truly control himself.

Dio's personality could be explained by his poor childhood and the abusive relationship he shared with his father, Dario Brando. Speedwagon, however, rejected this as the cause of Dio's personality, claiming that Dio was simply born this way, and that his poverty had nothing to do with it. True to that, Dio was already an immoral person but then openly relinquishes his humanity in favor of becoming a vampire upon being cornered by the police.[28] 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 said much to Jonathan that his determination was equal to his own, earning him the dubious honor of serving as Dio's new host, after Dio was reduced by Jonathan to a head.[25]

Dio has expressed hatred for dogs, considering them vermin.[13]

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 did not change much since his burial at the bottom of the ocean for one hundred years, as he remained a remorseless and murderous megalomaniac, but nonetheless he had matured a little by recognizing valor in others and being generally more calm and level-headed.

DIO discussing the true nature of happiness with Polnareff

DIO does not appear frequently in Stardust Crusaders except towards the end, but is seen discussing various philosophies with Stand users he wishes to recruit, and with 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 as that he believes what he says, but 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 listened to Enya and was told that she'd already sent agents to deal with them, and quietly rested in his mansion to gain more strength. Furthermore, DIO learned his lesson and stops underestimating his opponents, being particularly careful around the Joestar bloodline. He nonetheless sneered at other Stand users' efforts to fight him, most notably Kakyoin's, whose discovery ended up being crucial in his defeat.

This time, DIO is far more calm and collected. Maybe due to knowing that his Stand The World is far above anyone's reach, DIO is more tolerant of people resisting him, and didn't react to Polnareff's taunts and insults. He even seems to appreciate Hol Horse's insubordination, which confirms the mercenary's strength, and let him go try to assassinate Jotaro. However, DIO is still callous about human life and killed anyone who would fail him, even Enya—who was, again, his closest adviser. The usually confident and cunning gambler Daniel D'Arby was driven to madness when he couldn't handle the pressure of possibly revealing DIO's Stand ability to Jotaro.

DIO's insanity in full view

True to himself, DIO is enjoying the fact that he is wielding the most powerful Stand in his organization, being unconcerned by the heroes' effort to discover his power as he thinks they are meaningless. 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 was 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 way to win and despises any concept of honor or revenge, ultimately using a cheap trick to blind Jotaro momentarily. However, this was all for naught since DIO would ultimately meet retribution by dying 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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(オ)が出会えるだろうか？)
”
DIO with Enrico Pucci

In flashbacks placed before the events of Part 3, DIO demonstrates a burgeoning ability to form genuine relationships in numerous conversations with Enrico Pucci. Intrigued by Pucci, who let him be despite suspiciously hiding in a church, DIO healed his crooked foot, a kind gesture, and gave him the head of an Arrow, which would grant him his own Stand, Whitesnake. During these flashbacks, DIO is able to open up with him on multiple subjects, confiding to Pucci that the priest's company could bring him peace. Once daring Pucci to steal his Stand, to Pucci's refusal, DIO thanked him for his fidelity, and even admitted that he feared the thought of Pucci betraying him.

It is debatable how good a friend DIO truly was, considering Pucci's good-willed nature during his youth gave way to a willingness to adopt DIO's skewed morals. DIO also seems to have built that friendship to further his ambitions, which calls into question how sincere it was. It is implied that he wanted to use his Stand to create a perfect world for himself and a handful of subordinates. He enlisted Pucci as his living "conscience", in case he would go crazy and veer "off track".

OVER HEAVEN

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

JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE 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 to be the real-life interpretation of DIO's Diary.

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 tries to devise a plan to use Stand power and human souls to bring about his idea of heaven.

Apparently, all throughout the events of Stardust Crusaders, DIO had been holding meetings with Enrico Pucci as well as devising ways on how to go to heaven. He then comes to the conclusion that in order to achieve true victory and witness heaven, DIO must guide Pucci to heaven, and not the other way around. Spliced between these events are all sorts of entries, such as memories of his past life as a human and later on a Vampire, the intricacies of the Stone Mask, his musings about the generational feud between him and the Joestar Family, the life his parents had in the slums of London, him interacting with his organization, and various philosophical matters.

For what it was worth, DIO appears to have genuinely cared about Enrico Pucci, and even more so about his plan to go to heaven, stating outright that he would sacrifice his organization, his vampiric abilities, his stand, everything - just to achieve his goal of creating his 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 was already brilliant but over time he's managed to acquire several powers, becoming a vampire and then 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 against 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.[29] This duration would have continued to increase, had DIO not been defeated. 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
TheWorldMangaAv.png
Debut
Chapter 210 / SC Episode 7
Type
Close-Range, Range Irrelevant, Natural Humanoid[30]
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.)

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. Case in point, it was during an experimental session during which DIO sought to test the limit of The World's speed and power that he discovered his time stop ability.

DIO with The World

To give himself an advantage, DIO has tried to keep the ability of The World a secret, only using it at key moments to psych out an opponent and perform incomprehensible sneak attacks, as well as only trusting its secret to a few confidants such as Enya the Hag and not hesitating to eliminate her as soon as she remotely risked to inform the Joestars of his timestop power. However, as soon as they understood its ability, DIO dropped the secret and showed a great degree of confidence about the supremacy of his power, ultimately not caring about his secret as he was convinced that no one could do anything about it. Thus, he began to liberally stop time against Jotaro. Thanks to the free time-frame of action granted by The World, DIO has made it possible 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 has shown a high degree of control over The World, using it to battle Jotaro's Star Platinum to a standstill, but showing superior technique in hand to hand combat by using low kicks to unbalance Star Platinum or feints to out-punch Star Platinum. However, his vampire constitution means that DIO never showed the same care at using The World defensively at he preferred to avoid being hit at all and regenerate by sucking blood.

Unlike every other enemy Stand user in Stardust Crusaders, DIO actively sought to improve his Stand's capabilities. He notably wanted the Joestar Group to come to him so that he could suck the blood of a Joestar and sync himself up with Jonathan's body to bolster his powers further. Araki himself has stated that DIO had the potential to stop time indefinitely.

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

Joestar Stand

Main article: Jonathan's Stand

When DIO awakened The World, Jonathan's body also awakened a Hermit Purple-like Stand power with semi-precognitive abilities.[31] Similar to Hermit Purple, it can produce psychic photographs by striking a camera or a crystal ball, which DIO used to track the Joestars and their friends' current location to send Stand users after them. DIO was even able to tell when Joseph used Hermit Purple to take a psychic photograph of him, and instinctively knew that his acquisition of a Stand also awoke Stand abilities in Jonathan's descendants.

Joestar Stand Link to this section
JoestarStandAv.png
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" and takes the form of a crown of thorns, along with also being able to watch the futures of anyone that is blood-related to Jonathan.

Concludes non-canon section.


Familial BondLink to this section
Debut: Chapter 117: The Man with the Star Birthmark / Stardust Crusaders Episode 1: A Man Possessed by an Evil Spirit
BirthmarkThumb.png
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 awakened and caused the living descendants to develop Stand powers. This also meant that DIO was able to sense their presence and vice versa; according to Joseph, DIO can only sense their presence and isn't able to pinpoint their location or tell them apart.[32]


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-AgingLink 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.[33] 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 StrengthLink to this sectionLink to this section
Dio strength.gif
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.[34]

  • Dio hierophant 01.gif

Superhuman Speed/AgilityLink to this sectionLink to this section
Dio jump.gif
Like all Vampires, Dio is exceptionally agile. He can jump high in the air, make long leaps or hang from the ceiling. On various ocassions he is shown gliding through the air, particularly during his fight with Jotaro, though it is unclear if this is the actual ability to fly or an exaggeration of his superhuman jumping capabilities, either through his Stand or by being a vampire. At one point, Speedwagon compares his speed to a cheetah's.[35]

  • DioSpeed.gif

Superhuman SensesLink to this section
Dio listen.gif
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.[36]
Blood SuckingLink to this sectionLink to this section
Dio suck blood.gif
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.
RegenerationLink to this sectionLink to this section
Dio regen.gif
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 appears to Jonathan as just a head.

  • Dio heal.gif

HypnosisLink to this section
Debut: Chapter 18: Jack the Ripper and Zeppeli the Strange, Part 1 / JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 4: Overdrive
DioHypnotism.gif
This ability is used twice, on Jack the Ripper and Poco. In the case of the former, Dio hypnotizes Jack to convince him to become his servant, allowing Dio to drain his blood and turn him into a zombie.[22] Poco was hypnotized to lure Jonathan's group into a graveyard trap, though his consciousness returned after being subjected to Jonathan's Ripple.[37] Later in his life DIO is shown consistently to have supernatural charisma, able to easily manipulate and control all but the strongest of wills, which may be an extension of this ability, or the inverse could be true - the hypnosis being an extension of his supernatural charisma.
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
Dio freeze.gif
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.[38] This ability can be circumvented if Ripple energy is channeled through items or fire.

  • DioFreezing.png
  • Dio destroying Dire's frozen body

    Dio destroying Dire's frozen body

Flesh TransmutationLink to this section
Debut: Chapter 37: The Three from a Faraway Land, Part 2 / JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Episode 8: Bloody Battle! JoJo & Dio
Chimera Zombies Anime.gif
Having extensive knowledge on the anatomies of organic beings, Dio can graft the body parts of different beings together. At first, he uses this ability to create hybrid animal chimeras that he keeps as pets. Some of his other zombies such as Page, Jones, Plant, and Bornnam may have also been created this way. Dio ultimately utilizes this power to graft his 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
DioSRSE.gif
Dio is able to pressurize bodily liquid in his eyeballs and then create small openings in his pupils, eventually unleashing two fluid jets. This ability, later referred to by Straizo as "Space Ripper Stingy Eyes",[39] is one of Dio's most lethal abilities, powerful enough to slice through stone.
The information below derives from a source which was not written by Araki. As such, it may not be considered canon.

It's unknown if DIO is able to use it with Jonathan's body as he never uses it in Stardust Crusaders, though he is able to utilize the ability with it in JoJo's Venture and the Stardust Crusaders drama CD.

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?!
Flesh Bud.png
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. These flesh buds pierce through the skull into part of the brain, making the victim compliant to Dio's charisma. As explained by Joseph, the parasite will gradually consume the victim's brain.

If anyone external attempts to remove the bud, it will sprout tentacles in an attempt to invade the intruder's brain as well.[40] If necessary, DIO can give permission to someone to activate the spore's tentacles from a close distance. The spores possess another effect in case DIO himself ever dies: according to Keicho Nijimura, DIO's cells mutated his father into a greenish unkillable animalistic form upon DIO's death. Presumably, this is a side effect of the flesh buds that all Stand users containing flesh buds suffer from.

The parasite does have weaknesses - while the parasite could not be removed by a normal human, as any inaccuracy could cause irreparable damage to the brain, it can be removed with extreme precision, such as that of Star Platinum,[41] 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 a Ripple user,[42] or by sunlight (as the bud is always seen to be obscured by the host's hair).[43]

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 reduce the host's Stand power.[44]

Concludes non-canon section.
HealingLink to this section
Debut: Stone Ocean Chapter 127: Heavy Weather, Part 3 / Stone Ocean Episode 31: Heavy Weather, Part 2
DIOHealingPucci.png
DIOHealingPucci (Anime).png
Dio seems to possess the ability to heal other people's wounds, as he is able to completely cure Pucci's wounded foot by simply touching it.[45] The origin of this power remains unknown, though it could be an extension of his transmutation capabilities or self-healing factor.


Personal Skills

Intelligence

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

As a child and teenager, Dio Brando managed to achieve academic excellence with ease, having planned to graduate from university as a top law student.

Otherwise, Dio is a cunning villain and proficient tactician in combat. Dio almost managed to get away with two murders, biding his time in order to have a perfect alibi and was only discovered by accident. Upon his return from the bottom of the ocean, DIO built in six years a powerful criminal empire spanning over several continents and which brought him many riches. In a fight, Dio is particularly cunning and perceptive, his ruthlessness making him able 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 plain sneak attacks. Dio has the habit of analyzing his opponents and determine quickly a counter to their strengths, such as freezing blood in order to stop the flow of the Ripple or forcing Jotaro's bluff by throwing multiple knives from all directions so that he's forced to act during the stopped time.

Naturally ambitious, Dio constantly seeks to improve himself and meticulously studies his abilities to make the most of them. As such, he developed a freezing power akin to the Pillar Men's Modes in just a month, and in six years, discovered enough about Stands to be able to fuse several together with souls in order to create the ultimate Stand. Arguably his most successful move, Dio experimented 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 has become a natural philosopher, arguing about the human condition with multiple people.

Other

  • Resilience: All prior to becoming a Vampire, Dio was already an able bare-handed fighter; a skill he says he developed in the slums of London. A good amateur sportsman, during a rugby game as a young adult, he is shown to have developed high athletic ability (as well as fantastic muscle mass).
  • Charisma: Dio is a cunning and charming individual. In addition to Stand users, whom Avdol and Joseph suggest he recruits through charm or charisma, he has seduced many women throughout his life.
  • Knowledge: Throughout both his humble youth and tempestuous maturity, Dio is often seen reading. During his pre-teens, 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 diary, incorporating vast, unknown information as to the deliberate creation of Stands of perfectly specific abilities.
  • Spiritual Connection: After stealing Jonathan's body, DIO began to share a spiritual connection with Jonathan's living descendants. He notably was instinctively aware of their presence and their well-being, allowing him to track them across Cairo. Joseph mentions that DIO probably cannot distinguish between him and Jotaro, and only feel their presence.

Weaknesses

  • Vampiric Body: Dio Brando's powers, however, are all 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-unliving body.
  • Jonathan's Body (formerly): When DIO first acquired Jonathan Joestar's body and resurfaced from the ocean, he was unable to use the full power of his Stand and heal effectively as he did before, thus needing to acquire blood from a live Joestar to compensate and fully synchronize with his new form. Once he negated this weakness by absorbing Joseph Joestar's blood, he, along with his Stand, managed to grow significantly stronger, being 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.[9] 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.[46] Even as an adult, he responded with rage and attacked a vagrant that mocked his mother.[47]
  • 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 drain Giorno's mother of her blood, had he not been killed himself by Jotaro.[48]
  • Ungalo, Donatello Versus, and Rikiel: Similar 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

  • Enrico Pucci: DIO's encounter with Pucci is presumably the most prominent example of humanity displayed by him, having healed Pucci's foot when they first meet. Through 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 forced Pucci's hand into his head and nearly had his Stand DISC removed to test Pucci's loyalty to him, having feared losing him and gave him a bone of his as a sign of apology.
  • 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 respected Ice's abilities, refusing to use the blood of someone of his caliber to heal himself.
  • 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 used 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 threatens him for it.
  • Cabbage and Stark: The two bullies were swayed into Dio's side as part of his plan in ruining Jonathan's life. While Dio had little interaction with them, the two have a high level of respect for him, expressing their admiration of him forcefully kissing Erina.
  • Hol Horse: DIO looked 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 grew to loathe the vampire and attempted to shoot him, only for DIO to use his power to intimidate Hol Horse into submission again, impressed by his courage.
  • Pet Shop: While not much is known about their relationship, DIO personally selected Pet Shop as the guardian of his temple while he was in Egypt.
  • Enya the Hag: Enya was 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 had Steely Dan secretly implanted her with a flesh bud to ensure her secrecy.
  • N'Doul: DIO was the first person to see N'Doul's worth which caused N'Doul to admire DIO. N'Doul was so loyal to DIO, that he killed himself in order to prevent himself from leaking valuable information.
  • Nukesaku: DIO had no respect for Nukesaku despite his loyalty, viewing him as disposable in his battle with the Joestar Group. When Nukesaku attempted to open DIO's coffin, assuming that he will save him, DIO used 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 was highly loyal to DIO, as shown when he framed Jolyne for murder and attempted to kill her and Jotaro to avenge him.

Enemies

  • Jonathan Joestar: One of the most impactful relationships Dio ever had was with his adoptive brother, Jonathan Joestar. He initially viewed 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 viewed him as more of a threat, feigning brotherly bonds in public, while secretly poisoning George Joestar in order to get his fortune quicker. He intended to kill Jonathan with the Stone Mask, but upon discovering the hidden power to unlock the vampire powers of man, he decided 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 would use Jonathan's body as a host, defining the destiny between him and the Joestar Family for centuries to come.
  • Will Anthonio Zeppeli: Due to Dio having used the Stone Mask and becoming a Vampire, Zeppeli immediately viewed Dio as an enemy once he learned about the incident at the Joestar Mansion and due to his own father using 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 nothing more than magic tricks.
  • Robert E. O. Speedwagon: After hearing from Jonathan what Dio was doing to George Joestar I, Speedwagon decided to help with finding the man that sold Dio the poison. Dio openly declares that after killing Jonathan, he would dispose of Speedwagon as well for being involved. After everything that had happened at the Joestar Mansion, Speedwagon went along with Jonathan and Zeppeli to defeat Dio, knowing that he was too dangerous now as a vampire to be left running around.
  • George Joestar: While George has always treated Dio with kindness and respect, Dio only saw George as a stepping stone in his quest for wealth. Thus, Dio feigned being the perfect ward to George, and even called him father despite having no such views. After Dio was exposed by Jonathan and Speedwagon for poisoning George, Dio saw no point in concealing his treachery and prepared to kill Jonathan to activate the Stone Mask, only for George to take the blow instead.
  • Erina Pendleton: Discovering that his adopted brother Jonathan had been going out with Erina, Dio decided to steal her first kiss to break Jonathan's spirit, only for his pride to be wounded when Erina washed her face with muddy water, prompting him to angrily slap her. Eight years later, Dio would later encounter 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.
  • Inspector Archer: Dio thought 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 called the police, Dio decided to use the Stone Mask, murdering his adoptive father and forcing the police to gun him down. Upon awakening as a Vampire, Dio immediately decapitated the inspector.
  • Poco: While the two never directly interacted, Dio saw Poco as nothing but a pawn, hypnotizing him into luring Jonathan and his allies into a trap. Once Jonathan freed Poco from his clutches, Dio saw no use for the boy and sicced his minions onto Jonathan, Zeppeli, and Speedwagon. After surviving, Poco confronted Dio in his castle, who summoned his zombies to kill him and the rest of Jonathan's allies.
  • Poco's Sister: Upon capturing Poco's sister, Dio initially acted cordially in her presence, mockingly referring to her as "mademoiselle". When Dio offered to grant her immortality by turning her into a vampire, the sister refused and slapped the vampire, calling him a monster. Amused by her defiance, Dio summoned Doobie to kill her before taking his leave. After being saved by Jonathan, she later confronted Dio, who summoned his zombies to kill her and the rest of Jonathan's allies.
  • Dire, Straizo, and Tonpetty: Being Ripple Warriors, the three knew the dangers of the Stone Mask and viewed Dio as an enemy because of his use of it. Out of the three of them, Dire was the one who really wanted to defeat Dio on his own, due to having been a friend of Zeppeli's for many years and Dio having a role in his death. While Dire fell at Dio's hands, he posthumously gained Dio's ire by wounding his eye. At the time, Straizo knew that defeating Dio was important. However, many years later, he would admit to the older Speedwagon that he was envious of Dio due to the fact he would never age while Straizo would. This envy became so much that he would later use the Stone Mask on himself just so he could become young again.
  • Wilson Phillips: DIO thought very little of Phillips, seeing him as a tool for him to chase after Joseph and Kakyoin while psychologically tormenting him. For example, 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 began to fear for his life after being pressured by the vampire's threats, eventually snapping when DIO decides to kill him anyway. DIO then disposed of Phillips by throwing him at Joseph and Kakyoin, forcing them to retreat to the rooftops.
  • Joseph Joestar: DIO needed Joseph in order to complete the merger of his head with Jonathan's body, secretly manipulating his minions to bring him closer and closer in order to drain his blood. At first, Joseph was unaware of his existence due to Speedwagon making sure to keep the secret of the Vampire's existence prior to his battle with Straizo. His hatred for DIO intensified, however, when he learnt the whole truth and that he had stolen the body of his grandfather, Jonathan Joestar, to use as his own. This hatred got to the breaking point when DIO's very existence threatened the life of Joseph's daughter Holy. Figuring out that since DIO was the cause of all the Stands in the Joestar family activating, it was more than likely that killing him would save Holy. That plan in mind, Joseph, along with his grandson Jotaro, his old friend Muhammad Avdol, and new ally Noriaki Kakyoin, decide to go to Egypt where DIO had gone to hide, and kill him.
  • Noriaki Kakyoin: Having met DIO on a holiday in Egypt with his family and then put under his control with a Flesh Bud, Kakyoin was loyal to him and would do anything he wanted. However, upon having the bud removed by Jotaro and seeing the harm DIO was causing towards the innocent Holy Kujo, who had shown him kindness as he was recovering at the Kujo residence, Kakyoin decided to go with Joseph, Jotaro, and Avdol to Egypt to defeat DIO. Upon confronting Kakyoin again, DIO saw him as a mere obstacle to eliminate, eventually killing him when he attempted to discover The World's power.
  • Jean Pierre Polnareff: Like Kakyoin, he too met DIO and was placed under his control. After having the Flesh Bud removed by Jotaro, Polnareff decided to join the team, though at first for his own goals, as Polnareff theorized that DIO would know where his sister's killer would be. Even after he avenged her sister's death, Polnareff chose to stay with the group to defeat DIO. After the deaths of both Avdol and Iggy, Polnareff vowed to defeat DIO no matter what. Confronting Polnareff, DIO offered him the chance of joining him again while using The World to intimidate him, only for Polnareff to refuse and engage the vampire himself, moments before his allies arrive. During the battle between DIO and Jotaro, Polnareff lunged at DIO to kill him, only to be stopped by The World before being knocked away.
  • Muhammad Avdol: Unlike Kakyoin and Polnareff, Avdol recognized who DIO was upon meeting him, due to having heard about DIO from Joseph. As such, Avdol knew the man was an enemy immediately and managed to escape from him before he could be put under his control. With DIO threatening Holy's life due to him activating all the Stands in the Joestar bloodline, Avdol, along with Jotaro, Joseph, and Kakyoin decided to journey to Egypt to defeat Dio.
  • Jotaro Kujo: Despite DIO viewing Jotaro as nothing but an extension of Jonathan, DIO was fully aware how much of a threat Jotaro was. While Jonathan was an opponent DIO respected, Jotaro was an opponent DIO slightly feared—since Jotaro could move in the stopped time—before growing to despise him. Jotaro himself, however, saw DIO as nothing but a necessary evil he has to defeat in order to save his mother. After DIO had apparently killed his grandfather Joseph and absorbed his blood right in front of him, Jotaro's hatred for DIO finally intensified to where, for the first time, Jotaro was visibly enraged and acted on anger. After being outwitted by Jotaro in a long and grueling fight, DIO, moments before his death, expressed his hatred of Jotaro, viewing him as an insult to his ego and an obstacle to his desire for victory.

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.
  • Daniel J. and Telence T. D'Arby: DIO saw the D'Arby brothers as important tools to enter into heaven. While he believed their souls were too impure to enter themselves, he acknowledged their ability to manipulate souls as useful for his own ascension.
  • Enya the Hag: While the novel doesn't add too much to their relationship, DIO states that he would've considered letting her bear his child if she was younger.
  • Dario Brando: While their relationship is about as negative as it is in the manga, it is revealed that he 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, and one of the reasons he wanted to get into heaven was to kill his father again, before merely looking at it as a side opportunity.
  • Dio's Mother: In the novel it is revealed that his 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 diary 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 casket on the boat where Jonathan died in order to escape the boat's explosion. DIO at first believes that Erina did this in hope DIO may return some day as a better man with Jonathan's body. He quickly dismisses the idea, stating that if it was the case that Erina reminded him of his mother.
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.
  • 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.
  • Mariah: DIO shows absolute faith in Mariah's abilities.
  • Will Zeppeli: While their relationship is essentially the same as in the manga, when Zeppeli encounters DIO from Stardust Crusaders, he will state 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.
Concludes non-canon section.

Chapters / Episodes

Book Icon.png Manga Appearances
Chapters in order of appearance

TV Icon.png Anime Appearances
Episodes in order of appearance

Book Icon.png Novel Appearances
Chapters in order of appearance

  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 1
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 2
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 3
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 4
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 5
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 6
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 7
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 8
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 9
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 10
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 11
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 12
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 13
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 14
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 15
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 16
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 17
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 18
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 19
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 20
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 21
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 22
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 23
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 24
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 25
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 26
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 27
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 28
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 29
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 30
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 31
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 32
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 33
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 34
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 35
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 36
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 37
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 38
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 39
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 40
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 41
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 42
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 43
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 44
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 45
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 46
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 47
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 48
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 49
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 50
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 51
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 52
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 53
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 54
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 55
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 56
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 57
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 58
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 59
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 60
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 61
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 62
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 63
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 64
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 65
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 66
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 67
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 68
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 69
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 70
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 71
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 72
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 73
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 74
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 75
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 76
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 77
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 78
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 79
  • OVER HEAVEN Chapter 80

TV Icon.png Live Action Appearances
Episodes in order of appearance

Quotes

Quote.png Quotes
  • “
    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.[49] 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.
    ”
  • “
    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 will kill 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

Quote.png Quotes
  • “
    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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(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
  • “
    Now that we 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
  • “
    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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(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
  • “
    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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(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? Being the tourist you are, do all streets look the same? (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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(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
  • “
    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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(オ)が…このＤ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(オ)がァ〜ッ)
    ”
    —DIO's last words, Chapter 264: DIO's World, Part 18

Quote.png Quotes
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    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Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(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

Quote.png 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.[50] 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. 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.[50]

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]

Dio's name in Phantom Blood is written normally, but is later spelled in English as "DIO" (Ｄ(デ)Ｉ(ィ)Ｏ(オ)) from Stardust Crusaders onward (as well as in one chapter of Phantom Blood[51]). This was probably done to accentuate his metamorphosis as a villain, as well as his more intimidating, fear-mongering, and overall villainous personality.

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.[52]

Name Variants

Dio Brando (ディオ・ブランドー)Link to this section
Official Usage:
Japan Japanese
United States of America English
Brazil Brazilian Portuguese
Denmark Danish
Netherlands Dutch
Spain European Spanish
France French
Germany German
Indonesia Indonesian
Italy Italian
Malaysia Malay
Poland Polish
Portugal Portuguese
Romania Romanian
Turkey Turkish
Vietnam Vietnamese
Used in Japan JoJo 6251, Japan JOJOVELLER, United States of America VIZ Media, various Netflix subtitles, and various Crunchyroll subtitles.
Name Variants:
Language Name Usage

Japan Romanization
Dio Burandō
N/A
Mexico Latin American Spanish
DIO
Used in Latin American Spanish Netflix subtitles.
Norway Norwegian
Sweden Swedish
DIO brando
Used in Norwegian & Swedish Netflix subtitles.
Finland Finnish
Dio Brandon
Used in Finnish Netflix subtitles.
Hungary Hungarian
Dio Brandót
Used in Hungarian Netflix subtitles.
Croatia Croatian
Dija Branda
Used in Croatian Netflix subtitles.
Czech Republic Czech
Dia Branda
Used in Czech Netflix subtitles.
Greece Greek
Ντίο Μπράντο (Dio Brando)
Used in Greek Netflix subtitles.
Ukraine Ukrainian
Дiо Брандо (Dio Brando)
Used in Ukrainian Netflix subtitles.
Russia Russian
Дио Брандо (Dio Brando)
Used in Russian Netflix subtitles.
China Chinese
迪奥布朗度 / 迪奥·布朗度 (Dior Brando)
Used in Traditional & Simplified Chinese subtitles.
South Korea Korean
디오 브란도 (Dio Brando)
Used in Korean Netflix subtitles.
Flag of the Arab League Arabic
ديو براندو (Dio Brando)
Used in Arabic Netflix subtitles.
Israel Hebrew
דיו ברנדו (Dio Brando)
Used in Hebrew Netflix subtitles.
Flag of Thailand Thai
ดีโอ บรันโด (Dio Brando)
Used in Thai Netflix 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.

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. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Chapter 1: Prologue
  8. ↑ JOJO magazine 2022 WINTER
  9. ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 Hirohiko Araki's Manga Techniques - Continued (JOJO magazine 2022 WINTER pg. 40-45)
  10. ↑ Stardust Crusader Model Sheet No.SC-MC000-00
  11. ↑ Chapter 440: Gold Experience, Part 1, p.11
  12. ↑ Chapter 1: Prologue, p.9
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Chapter 2: Dio Brando the Invader, Part 1
  14. ↑ Kotoba (March 2018)
  15. ↑ Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3 P.8.
  16. ↑ Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3 P.8-9.
  17. ↑ Chapter 204: "Bastet" Mariah, Part 6 P.7.
  18. ↑ Chapter 188: "The Fool" Iggy and "Geb" N'Doul, Part 6 P.11.
  19. ↑ Chapter 242: The Miasma of the Void, Vanilla Ice, Part 5 P.9.
  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. ↑ Chapter 3: Dio Brando the Invader, Part 2
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Chapter 42: Fire and Ice, Jonathan and Dio, Part 4
  26. ↑ Chapter 44: Fire and Ice, Jonathan and Dio, Part 6
  27. ↑ Chapter 5: Dio Brando the Invader, Part 4
  28. ↑ Chapter 11: The Stone Mask, Part 4
  29. ↑ JoJo 6251 Stand Encyclopedia, p.124
  30. ↑ JOJO A-GO!GO!: STANDS, p.104
  31. ↑ JOJO A-GO!GO! appendix note
  32. ↑ Chapter 251: DIO's World, Part 5 P.11.
  33. ↑ JoJo 6251, p.105
  34. ↑ Chapter 263: DIO's World, Part 17
  35. ↑ Chapter 39: Fire and Ice, Jonathan and Dio, Part 1
  36. ↑ Chapter 260: DIO's World, Part 14
  37. ↑ Chapter 24: Ripple Overdrive, Part 2
  38. ↑ Chapter 25: Ripple Overdrive, Part 3
  39. ↑ Chapter 50: Straizo vs. Joseph, Part 3
  40. ↑ Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3 Pages 12-16
  41. ↑ Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3 Page 15
  42. ↑ Chapter 120: Noriaki Kakyoin, Part 3 Page 16
  43. ↑ Stardust Crusaders Episode 5: Silver Chariot
  44. ↑ Over Heaven Chapter 10
  45. ↑ Stone Ocean Chapter 127: Heavy Weather, Part 3
  46. ↑ Chapter 7: A Letter from the Past, Part 2 P.2.
  47. ↑ Chapter 9: The Stone Mask, Part 2 P.14.
  48. ↑ V Jump Games Series - All of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Vento Aureo' Interview
  49. ↑ Meaning "miss" from French;an unmarried woman.
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 JoJo Could Have Ended With Part 4 (October 2012)
  51. ↑ Chapter 17: The Birth of DIO
  52. ↑ JoJo raDIO Episode 11

Site Navigation

Other languages:
English
BT, a protagonist in Gorgeous Irene, is a likely basis for young Dio.[1]

In Video Games

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (SNES)

DIO will sporadically appear throughout the game to taunt the heroes and comment on what tarot cards have been chosen for them. He appears as the final boss of the game and, unlike the manga, the entire Joestar group is pitted against him (this includes Jotaro, Joseph, Polnareff, Kakyoin and the then-meant-to-be-deceased Avdol and Iggy.) He primarily uses his Stand, The World, and its time stop ability to deal major damage to the player characters. However, he has the glaring weakness of taking much more damage from attacks dealt by Jotaro within his own stopped time.

Cult Jump (GB)

DIO appears as one of the ten characters from the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure franchise in the game.

Heritage for the Future (PS1/DC/Arcade)

Shadow Dio

Shadow Dio, or Ja'aku no Keshin Dio (邪悪の化身ディオ , lit. Evil's Incarnation Dio) in Japanese, is the form Dio takes for most of Part 3 while waiting for his body to completely assimilate. To reflect this, his moveset involves mainly open-hand light and heavy attacks and The World, depicted as a faint silhouette.

In the game where Active Stands are prevalent, he can deal a lot of damage with full offensive attacks without an Active Stand. He also has a reversal move, a reference to his encounter with Hol Horse, that helps this play style to be more effective, which can be used either for offense or defense.

While not shown in the manga or anime in earlier chapters, Shadow Dio is capable of throwing knives. These knives, while not too fast for up-close attacks, can push enemies further back and gives him a semblance of air defense. The angle of the knives can be varied (straight forward or in a fanned-spread either upward or forward, and he can throw knives twice. The first knife throw has a large amount of hitstun and can be used to ease into combos.

His eyebeam projectile can be charged to an incredibly powerful and unblockable level, sometimes causing a Stand Crash in one hit.

His Stand attacks are effective as surprises, and capable of juggling. Combined with his own attack, he deals a lot of damage in a short time, more so within The World, when he stops time. This can be used for a strong style of zoning. Even though he lacks the more defensive and utility-type traits of having an active Stand, he has a lot of creative combos, frame traps and lockdowns with his Stand attacks.

His Super Combo, "Punishment", deals heavy damage if it connects. However, it cannot be incorporated into combos easily and works better as a counter Super. His other Super Combo, called "Charisma", takes two levels of power, but the buds coming out of his hair are unblockable and home in on the enemy. The slow start-up animation of this move requires it to be a part of the combo, in order to perform the move without being interrupted by the enemy's attacks.

If Shadow Dio is transformed by Alessi's Stand, he will transform into Wang Chan carrying Dio's severed head in a jar from the final few chapters of Part 1.

DIO

This is the appearance DIO takes for the final chapters of Stardust Crusaders. A majority of his "open-handed" attacks are now properly clenched into fists (his light and hard attacks), signifying his better control over the body.

His moveset now resembles Jotaro's, with a few touches of his own. In contrast to Jotaro, DIO is more effective with his Stand on. His Stand combos are effective at dealing a lot of damage to the enemy in a short time. As such, DIO specializes in quick disposal of an enemy.

His Blazing Strikes can be manipulated to hit low, where the enemy must guard low. This makes his attacks unpredictable, keeping opponents on their toes. His Space Ripper Stingy Eyes attacks, now with different commands, are now completely unblockable, though the animation is notably slower and lack any ability to cause a Stand Crash right off.

His Road Roller, though weak in JoJo's Venture, now deals greater damage in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. His Chi no Shoukan (Bloody Summoning), added in the second game, requires the enemy to be hit before he sucks their blood. The scene when he connects with the move is considerably graphic, with a cutscreen of the enemy's face being punctured by DIO's fingers.

While he does have considerable damaging potential, he does have handicaps; His super moves cannot be integrated into combos in such a way that they will chain together. However, his super moves have a degree of invincibility, which increase his effectiveness in close-quarter battles, even when predictable. DIO players tend to rely on frame traps or mistakes from the enemy to inflict damage. To be able to use him well, DIO players must have the reflexes to perform their super moves at the right moment and often with right judgment.

His The World - Time Stop is particularly deadly at 10 levels of power. He can deploy a lot of knives (particularly the Active Stand version of the Super Move) repeatedly, especially point blank on the enemy, and perform Road Roller before the power gauge goes below level 1. If the enemy is big in size, the more the enemy will take damage from the knives. It is a gamble though to successfully perform The World against a human player, but the damage it inflicts is worth the effort.

His time stop ability can be foiled by attacks that bring total invincibility to its user, Vanilla Ice being one such character. True to the manga and anime, Jotaro also can usurp the timestop from DIO if he does his own timestop command in the right moment.

For the first round in the final battle against him, DIO will wear his jacket and his abilities will be limited. If he is first defeat, and regardless of how many rounds the player sets, he will shed his jacket declaring it to be the final round.

If DIO is hit by Alessi's Stand, he will turn into Nukesaku.

Vento Aureo (PS2)

DIO appears in the game's opening, during a scene where Giorno Giovanna looks at the picture of his father in his wallet (replicating the action taken in an early chapter from Vento Aureo).

Jump Super Stars (DS)

DIO is one of the many playable characters in Jump Super Stars. He can only be unlocked after clearing the game once.

He has three potential "battle panel" formations: a 4-block, a 5-block and a 6-block. All three have his characteristic "MUDAMUDA!" stream of punches as one special attack. His other special attack varies depending on the formation: With the 4-block, it's "The World, Circle of Knives", with the 5-block it's "The World, Road Roller" and with the 6-block, it's "The World, Time Stop". He also features in two "support panels" - the 2-block "Eye-Crushing Kick" and the 3-block "WRYAAAAA!" - and one "help panel" which renders the player's battle character immune from damage for a short period of time.

In terms of playing style, he is best for long-range attacks and uses a combination of punches and kicks. The World gives him a longer range than most characters, but at the cost of his speed. Dio is able to drains an opponent's health in close quarters (via sticking his fingers in their neck) and transfers it to himself. He can use "Space Ripper Stingy Eyes" as a regular attack, and has an aerial move which involves throwing knives.

Interestingly, he receives a power boost when his "battle panels" are placed beside those of Hao from Shaman King and/or Papillion from Busou Renkin. He is also able to perform a special tag-team attack with Sasuke from Naruto called "Sharingan World", whereby DIO's homing daggers and Sasuke's shuriken slice through all enemies on the screen.

Jump Ultimate Stars (DS)

DIO returns in the Jump Super Stars' sequel, Jump Ultimate Stars and retains his previous playing style.

In the game, DIO can receive a power boost when his panel is placed beside Giorno (whom asks if DIO is one person with two bodies), Jonathan (who mocks him with his iconic line "MUDAMUDA!") and Taizo from Taizo Mote King Saga (whom asks if DIO remembers how many pairs of underwear he had worn to date, parodying Dio's classic line).

DIO also provides an ally boost to Frieza from Dragon Ball Z (he asks Frieza if he also seeks for immortality) and Dr. Mashirito from DR.Slump (he asks if Mashirito has his ideology; after winning comes world domination, a goal shared by both villains).

Phantom Blood (PS2)

Dio appears in this game as multiple different playable versions such as "Young Dio", "Joestar Mansion Fight Dio" and "Vampire Dio". The game also has a mode called "DIO MODE", where the player faces all the battles from Dio's perspective (with new events, like Zeppeli surviving Tarkus' battle and then confronting Dio along Jonathan).

Notably in one variation of his final fight with Jonathan, Dio can instead briefly plant his head on the body of the drunken priest Styx before making his final move. The player can also win the boxing match between Jonathan and Dio, leading to a scene where Dio claims Jonathan cheated and hit him with a rock.

All-Star Battle (PS3)

Dio appears in the PS3 game as two separate fighters; the first being "Dio Brando" from Part 1, and the second being "DIO", from Part 3. This marks him as one of the only three characters with two incarnations, the others being Joseph Joestar and Yoshikage Kira.

Dio Brando

Dio Brando (from Part 1) uses the exclusive Vampirism Style as part of his moveset, which allows a number of his skills to drain the opponent's health and in one specific case, their Heart Heat Gauge.

Dio's moveset mostly comprises of the vampiric feats he had done in the original manga.

  • You worthless primate!: Dio bounds high into the air. Skills marked with a diamond can be instantly followed by this move as a cancel. This move can also be used to evade attacks.
  • Aerial Chain Beat: Dio can chain his normal attacks together in mid-air.
  • Punch right through you!: Dio runs and delivers two hits that down the opponent. The second hit is a middle attack that cannot be blocked if the opponent is crouching. Skills can be performed instantly following this move. (Comboable)
  • Vaporizing Freeze: After a short delay, Dio hits the opponent with a frozen leg, freezing them in the process and leaving them vulnerable. If Light, the attack becomes a middle attack that cannot be blocked if the opponent is crouching, hitting them with his knee. If Medium, the attack becomes a low attack that cannot be blocked if the opponent is not crouching, kicking them with his foot. This move is marked with a star and a diamond. (Comboable)
  • Frozen in your tracks!: A counter. Dio mockingly gestures the opponent toward him, and if hit with a non-Throw/HHA/GHA in that moment, he will freeze the opponent, leaving them vulnerable. This move is marked with a star. (Comboable)
  • KUA!: Dio delivers a spinning kick. This move has a follow-up skill and is marked with a diamond. (Comboable through Puttsun Cancel)
    • 5 or 6 broken ribs!: Dio delivers alternating knees into the opponent's torso. This move has two follow-up skills. (Comboable through Puttstun Cancel)
      • Think you can beat the great Dio?!: Dio grabs the opponent and freezes them, before uppercutting them high into the air with his other hand. This move is marked with a star and a diamond (Comboable through Puttstun Cancel)
      • WRYYY!!: Dio uses both hands to slam the opponent to the ground hard enough for them to bounce. This move has a delay, but is a middle attack that cannot be blocked if the opponent is crouching. This move is marked with a star and a diamond. (Comboable through Puttstun Cancel)
  • You weakling!: This move can only be used after a skill marked with a star lands. Dio plunges his fingers into his opponent and starts draining their blood. Dio drains the opponent's health to replenish his own.
  • MUDA, MUDA, MUDA!: This move can only be used after a skill marked with a star lands. Dio plunges his fingers into his opponent and starts draining their blood. Dio syphons the opponent's Heart Heat Gauge.
  • I'll suck you dry!: Dio lunges forward and stabs with his fingers. If it hits, he will recover health as he drains the opponent's.
  • Throw - You impudent fool!: Dio grabs the opponent by the neck with one hand, strangles them, and throws them away with much of his power.

Dio's HHA move is Space Ripper Stingy Eyes. Reassuring his opponent that they won't feel a thing, he fires high pressure fluid from his eyes in an attack akin to laser beams that will hit at any range instantly. If this move is used to K.O. Jonathan, a special animation will play where Jonathan futilely tries to block the beams and whispers "Erina..." as he falls.

Dio's GHA, "A cruel death awaits you!" has him lunge at the opponent with freezing arms. If he succeeds in landing the attack, the opponent will be completely frozen over, and Dio will mock them for their weakness before pummeling them ruthlessly with knees and fists. Uppercutting them into the air, he finishes by smashing their frozen form to bits between his hands while laughing (replicating Dire's defeat).

His alternate costumes comprise of several outfits he wore during Part 1: his first costume has his cape and feathered shoulder pads outfit (the same he wore during the night of his transformation) and the second one is his attire seen in his first battle against Zeppeli and Jonathan (similar to his default costume, but without the scarf).

DIO

DIO (from Part 3) is now of the Stand Style. DIO can turn The World on/off, changing movesets, as well as having access to the Stand Rush ability returning from the Capcom game, being able to attack in conjunction with his Stand.

During a fight, DIO can use several different attacks that were featured in Stardust Crusaders.

  • Throw - What just happened?: The World picks the opponent up by the neck and stops time. When time resumes, the opponent has been punched through the abdomen and is sent flying.

While The World is off:

  • "Right in front of me?!": Through stopping time, The World instantly appears in front of the opponent to strike them. (Comboable through Puttsun Cancel)
  • I'll give you one chance: DIO swaggers toward the opponent before stopping to pose. The effect of the skill is dependent on the attack button inputted.
    • Light - Attacks that do not result in a hard knockdown or blowback no longer phase him, though he still takes damage.
    • Medium - He will automatically perform a Stylish Dodge as soon as the opponent strikes him. This can only happen in the first half of his walking length, otherwise he is vulnerable.
    • Heavy - If he touches the opponent, he'll uppercut them into the air as a Throw. (Comboable through Puttsun Cancel)
  • "He's... gone!": DIO raises his finger before stopping time and reappearing a distance forward to deliver an upward smack. If Heavy is inputted, the move will simply result in a feint. (Comboable through Puttsun Cancel)
  • Oh, this suits me well!: DIO swings at the opponent open-handed. If he connects, he'll knock them to the ground, plunge his fingers into them, and start draining their blood. DIO drains the opponent's health to replenish his own.
    • This is the greatest high!: If performed on any of the Joestar lineage (Jonathan, Joseph, Jotaro, Josuke 4, Giorno, Jolyne; Does not work on Johnny Joestar and Josuke 8), DIO will follow-up by jabbing his finger into his head and twisting it as he laughs maniacally, granting him half a bar of his HHG. This action will only happen once the entire battle.
  • And one more just in case!: DIO summons The World to throw a knife.
  • An absolute end: This move can only be used when the opponent is down. DIO pulls out a sign and brings it down on them. This skill is a middle attack and can only be blocked if the opponent is standing.
  • So close!: This skill can only be used once DIO is hit by any non-Throw/HHA/GHA, or any attack that does not down or send him flying upon the first hit. DIO stops time in order to escape, appearing to the side of where he previously was in relation to the opponent (similar in effect to a Stylish Dodge). Its activation consumes two bars of the Heart Heat Gauge and 35% of the Guard Gauge in return for completely breaking out of an opponent's attack or combo, and functions in the exact same manner as Diavolo's "Such futility!" counter.

While The World is on:

  • MUDA MUDA MUDA MUDA!: The World rushes forward, advancing on the opponent and knocking them down. This ability can initiate Rush Mode. (Comboable through Puttsun Cancel)
  • My Stand's full power!: This move can only be used in mid-air. The World rapidly punches downward, before unleashing an upward kick that sends the opponent high into the air. A Stand Rush skill that DIO can disconnect from to attack the opponent while it is executing.
  • This is... The World!: After a brief delay, DIO and The World flash forward by stopping time as The World delivers a potent punch that sends the opponent flying far if successful. If Medium or Heavy is used, the attack is unblockable.

If DIO has at least two stocks of the Heart Heat Gauge, he can use the ability "Time, stop!". If the activating three-second animation plays uninterrupted, DIO will stop time for 4.6 - 6.9 seconds depending on how much of the HHG he has. All animations, including the HHG flame and the countdown on the battle timer, will temporarily cease, and the opponent in frozen in place and unable to move. Damage dealt to the opponent that is not a Throw, "I'll give you one chance", "Oh, this suits me well!", HHA, or GHA is reduced, but the opponent is otherwise completely at DIO's mercy. DIO is even capable of hitting opponents that were down when the ability was activated, 'resetting' them into a standing position on the first hit. Knives thrown using "And one more just in case!" or his HHA hang in the air, notably doing more damage if they hit the opponent after time resumes than if they were to have connected immediately. He may even use his HHA or GHA if he has enough of the HHG left to do so. If DIO's Throw, the attack variation of "I'll give you one chance", "Oh, this suits me well!", HHA, or GHA is used, time will immediately resume with the HHG drained to zero. When the ability ends, the opponent will suffer all damage dealt to them at once. If fighting against Jotaro or himself, DIO can use this ability to move within the other fighter's stopped time, and may even be the only one left moving should his opponent run out first. The ability is best used with normal attacks in mind in order to deal the most damage within the stopped time, as they do not take long to perform and their damage reduction is insubstantial.

DIO's HHA, "Scared, are we?" is similar to Shadow DIO's "Checkmate" super from the Capcom game. DIO tauntingly notes how pale his opponent has gotten and performs a roundhouse kick sliding forward. If this hits, the opponent is sent flying into the air as DIO stops time and throws 27 knives that surround them at most angles, before resuming time and letting them get skewered. If "Time, stop!" is active, the HHA will change to simply DIO and The World launching a multitude of knives in a fanning wave, but deal less damage. If quick enough, the HHA can be performed twice during stopped time if DIO's Heart Heat Gauge has three stocks, ultimately dealing more damage than the HHA's original version, but only if the knives don't immediately hit the opponent once thrown.

DIO's GHA, "It's a steam roller!", is his infamous climactic dropping of a steam roller. If The World's opening punch strikes the victim, DIO stops time, jumps high into the air where he can no longer be seen, and brings the now-memetic steam roller down on his victim. He then elbows the vehicle repeatedly, heavily denting it in the process, before jumping off and resuming time, thus allowing the vehicle to explode as it is crushing his opponent. If the same move is done against Jotaro, he summons Star Platinum to try to punch the roller away. Jotaro may initiate "I stopped time..." over the course of the GHA, and a special animation will play where DIO is blindsided by Jotaro stopping time. While this doesn't negate the damage of the whole attack, it does negate the damage of the steam roller's explosion that makes up more than half of the GHA's total damage.

DIO's alternate costumes include his jacket-less empowered, or 'High' form with straight, spikier hair (the same appearance after sucking Joseph's blood), his "Shadow DIO" form complete with a shadowed-obscured face (similar to his first few appearances in Part 3), his normal attire using an long cape (the one he wore up until Kakyoin's death, where he throws it away), and the outfit he wore on the cover of Over Heaven, complete with an updated hair style and color.

DIO (Part 3) is also the character with most unique pre-fight dialogues with other characters. This includes conversations with Jonathan, Jotaro, Old Joseph, Polnareff, Kakyoin, Avdol, Hol Horse, Vanilla Ice, Giorno, Enrico Pucci, and both parts of himself.

DIO (Part 3) was the most voted character for the fan-vote JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle League and even won the Tournament, beating Jotaro Kujo in the final match.

Stardust Shooters (Android/iOS)

DIO appears as one of the several Part 1 and Part 3 characters who possess a Metal Strike, with several different appearances.

For his Part 1 variations, his younger self's Finish Move attacks the opponent with a punch followed by a fingerprint (mimicking the same finishing blow he dealt to Jonathan in their first fight), while his vampire versions attack the opponent with his fingers while sucking their blood.

For his Part 3 variations, his Shadow Dio Finish Move makes him attack the opponent with his hair, while his normal version attacks the opponent with his Stand's "MUDAMUDAMUDA!" rush.

By being the greatest villain in the game, his Metal Strikers are naturally the hardest ones to obtain in the game, usually requiring special conditions and tasks to be earned.

J-Stars Victory VS (PS3/PS4/PS Vita)

Aside from being mentioned by Jonathan only once in Story Mode, he does not appear in any form in the game. However, hidden data was found in the game for him and Jotaro as playable characters (alongside other Weekly Shōnen Jump characters Yoh and Dai, from Shaman King and Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibōken respectively).

Eyes of Heaven (PS3/PS4)

Dio Brando (Part 1) was confirmed for the game alongside Iggy, N'Doul and Old Joseph, while DIO (Part 3) was confirmed alongside Vanilla Ice. He appears as one the 6 playable characters in the second demo.

Dio Brando

Dio Brando is of the Vampire style. As such, a number of his abilities allow him to not only steal opponents' health, but also to enter a Vampiric Power-Up Mode, boosting his movement speed and attack damage, among other things. All damage to him aside from Ripple-based will become "white damage", that can be healed over time, and inversely, Dio will take more damage from Ripple-based attacks.

  • Style Action - Behold this magnificent power!: Dio grabs the opponent and siphons their blood for his own health, an ability that can be easily incorporated into many of his combos. Successfully landing this attack with enter Dio into Vampiric Power-Up Mode. The skill will have no cooldown if Dio is already in Vampiric Power-Up Mode.
    • Vaporizing Freeze: While Vampiric Power-Up Mode is active, Dio gains the ability to freeze opponents if he guards before a non-projectile/DHA attack hits. (Comboable)
  • You Won't Feel a Thing!: Dio fires off Space Ripper Stingy Eyes, sending opponents reeling if it hits. If Vampiric Power-Up Mode is active, the execution speed and distance of the attack is increased, and opponents hit are instead left crumpling and open to further attack.
  • WRYYYYY!: Dio clasps his hands together and charges forward. If he connects with an opponent, he will pick them up by the neck and absorb their health, entering Vampiric Power-Up Mode if it is not already active. He will take more health if the activating button is rapidly pressed. If Vampiric Power-Up Mode is active, the attack becomes unblockable and Dio's charging distance is increased.
  • Weak! WEAK!: Dio performs alternating knee kicks that knock opponents into the air before leaping, allowing him to continue his combo from mid-air. The brief pause that occurs upon his landing can be cancelled with a jump. If Vampiric Power-Up Mode is active, Dio receives super armor (unflinching to opponents' attack) during the attack, and will execute the leap quicker.
  • MUDA MUDA MUDA!: Dio performs a single a knee kick, freezing opponents hit and leaving them vulnerable to further attack. If Vampiric Power-Up Mode is active, the attack will execute quicker.
  • EX - You Won't Feel a Thing!: The skill gains the benefits of Vampiric Power-Up Mode whether or not it is actually active. It will also execute quicker, and Dio is granted invincibility during the attack.
  • EX - WRYYYYY!: The attack executes quicker and Dio's charging distance is increased further. He is also able to absorb even more health.
  • Trait - A fall from this height is nothing to me!: Dio is able to walk on certain walls and columns around the stage, granting him the ability to reach different areas of stages without needing to go the conventional routes, or simply avoid attacks. Holding this activating button will allow him to climb higher, and he is able to attack from his vantage points.
  • Trait - I shall live for centuries... for eternity!: When Dio's health hits zero for the first time, if his partner is still alive, he will momentarily rise and fire Space Ripper Stingy Eyes one more time at the closest opponent before falling permanently, dealing considerable damage.
JoJolities
  • Prepare to be frozen in your tracks!: Dio must connect "MUDA MUDA MUDA!" 3 times.
  • Do you remember how many breads you have eaten in your life?: Dio must connect his Style Action 5 times.
  • I, Dio, will kill you!: Dio must Retire an opponent.
  • I reject my humanity!: Dio must retain a Vampiric Power-Up Mode for 20 counts of the battle timer.
  • You thought you stood a chance?: Dio must win within 50 counts of the battle timer.
Dual Heat Attacks
  • Solo - A cruel death awaits you!: It works the same as the one from All-Star Battle.
  • With DIO - The Sickest and the Strongest: Dio freezes the opponent and attempts to unleash Space Ripper Stingy Eyes, quickly interrupted by DIO stopping time and pummeling them with The World into the air. DIO resumes time as to allow Dio to fire off the attack, tilting his head to the side to avoid getting hit and watches as the beams obliterate the frozen opponent.

He has special dialogue when teamed up with Jonathan, where both, while showing great disdain for the other, reluctantly accept each other as partners.

Much like every character from Part 1 through Part 3, his main color scheme and outfit is based on his anime appearance.

Tournament

Dio Brando is paired with Joseph Joestar (Part 2) in the Eyes of Heaven Tournament, defeating Caesar Zeppeli and Shigekiyo Yangu in the first round, but eliminated by Kars and Pet Shop in the second.

DIO

DIO's Style Action is The World's signature time stop, which ties with AU Diego for the longest in the game among time-stopping characters (five seconds).

He also has special dialogue when paired with Jonathan: While Jonathan agrees to fight with DIO for the battle only, DIO notes that such a statement only proves that they are the same person. Aside from his Part 1 self, DIO also shares unique Duel Heat Attacks with Giorno Giovanna and Enrico Pucci, specifically the version of Pucci that has Made in Heaven as his Stand (New Moon Pucci):

  • With Himself: See "Dio Brando" section.
  • With Giorno: Gold Experience and The World pummel their target with steadily increasing power, yelling out their shared Stand Cry (MUDAMUDA) in unison before they deliver a powerful strike that sends the opponent reeling.
  • With New Moon Pucci: This DHA is only available with Pucci using Made in Heaven. DIO stops time and throws a barrage of knives. As the time resumes, Pucci speeds up the knives' flight using Made in Heaven, making them hit their target with more power. Pucci then uses MiH's power to allow DIO the ability to get close to the enemy with extreme haste and deliver a singular punch that launches them off.

When paired with anyone else, DIO's solo DHA, THE WORLD!, consists of him walking intimidatingly towards the opponent, stopping time and subsequently appearing from behind and using the The World to punch through the opponent.

Much like every character from Part 1 through Part 3, his main color scheme is based on his anime appearance.
Command List:
  • "This is... The World" An instant long distance punch. <Ground> <EX> 
  • "MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA!" Combo into a barrage of punches. <Ground/Air>
  • "He's gone!" Directional teleport. <Ground>
  • "There's no escape!" Throw Knives. <Ground> <EX>
  • "Vampirsm" Dio slowly regenerates health and is weak against Hamon. <Style>
  • "Oh, this suits me well!" Grapple/Drain Blood. [□+△+△] <Style> <Ground>
  • "Now THIS is my greatest high!" Boosts all stats if Joestar Blood is absorbed. <Style>
  • "Stop, Time!" Freeze Time for 5 seconds. <Style> <Ground>
  • "THE WORLD!" <Dual Heat Attack>
Tournament

DIO is paired with Jonathan in the Eyes of Heaven Tournament, defeating Will Zeppeli and Koichi Hirose in the first round and Wamuu and N'Doul in the second. In the semifinals, they defeated Mariah and Esidisi in the first round, but were eliminated by Kars and Pet Shop in the second.

In the semifinals, DIO is introduced in another team, paired with Jotaro. They defeat Mariah and Esidisi in the first round, but were eliminated by Jolyne Cujoh and Gyro Zeppeli in the second.

Heaven Ascension DIO

A version of DIO exclusive to Eyes of Heaven. Named "DIO, Gone to Heaven" in the English localization. Through having defeated the Joestars in an alternate universe, DIO eventually achieves his goal of "obtaining heaven" and as a result, obtains a new form and Stand, The World Over Heaven.

His role in the game's Story Mode is that of the game's main antagonist and final boss.

In popular culture

  • Zephyr, one of the bosses in the video game Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow as well as Portrait of Ruin, pays homage to Dio Brando. Besides a habit of bending over backwards, he has the ability to throw knives, as well as freeze time with a shout of Toki yo Tomare!!! ("Stop, O time!", translated to "Time, be still!" in the English dub of Portrait of Ruin, where Zephyr appears as a bonus boss.). He also faces the protagonist in a clock tower, a reference to Dio Brando's fight with Joseph Joestar and Kakyoin in the first half of the Dio's World story arc.
  • Sakuya Izayoi from the Touhou Project series is likely an homage to Dio. She is not a vampire, but the servant of Remilia Scarlet, who is a vampire. Her main power is manipulation of time - usually demonstrated by stopping it completely. She attacks by throwing knives as well. Some of her spell cards involve stopping time and making many knives appear around the player, and one of these cards is even named Illusion World "The World". In the fighting game spin-offs, she has many time stopping special moves, one of which is called "Sakuya's World", which acts in the same way as Dio's time stop move in the JoJo fighting game.
  • The characters Robo-Ky and Justice (Guilty Gear) from the 2D fighter series Guilty Gear (series) both make references to Dio's 'The World'- Robo-Ky in the form of the "Muda" battlecry with a barrage of punches in an Overdrive attack, and Justice in the form of a "WRYYYYYYYYY"-like battlecry and pose in both her victory poses and her most powerful Overdrive attack, Gamma Ray.
    • Furthermore, Dio's current seiyuu, Takehito Koyasu, also voices Zato-1/Eddie in this game, a necessary change after the death of Eddie/Zato-1's orignal voice actor, Kaneto Shiozawa.
  • In the online game, Erepublik, Dio Brando (in the form of DIO) is featured as a God Emperor of his own religion in Pakistan, referred to as "Dioism", as well as the President of a political party named the "Stardust Crusaders". Among other things within the game, Dio is also a Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
  • In the NBC drama, Heroes, a fictional Japanese salaryman named Hiro Nakamura is a fan of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. As well as the references detailed in Jotaro's page, a scene in Volume 2 has Hiro freeze time to steal the swords of a group of samurai. Although subtitled along the lines of "That was a bad idea", Hiro taunts the samurai by saying "Muda, muda, muda!!", DIO's battlecry from Stardust Crusaders.
  • In the popular pixal avatar site Gaia online, there are obtainable item series known as the "RIO Star" series. These items show resemblances to Dio's outfit in Stardust Crusaders. There are also "Back/Tails" accessories that are called "K.O. Star (Za Warudo)" and "K.O. Star (Time Stop)" which is obviously a reference to Dio's stand, The World (Za Warudo).
  • Cheria Barnes from Tales of Graces has a fighting style based off of Part 3 DIO's abilities. She attacks using throwing knives as well as stopping Time. However her main focus is to heal the rest of the party, in the story this is done by touching the effected area, much like how Dio healed Pucci's disfigured foot. 
  • Peacock, a playable character from Skullgirls, is able to make a steamroller fall on her opponents like Dio in fighting games. If the hit connects, the little fellow Avery has the same behavior and pummels the steamroller until it explodes as seen in this video. Valentine, another playable character, throws scalpels like Dio throws knifes. By setting up Valentine's scalpel throw as an assist move, and with good timing and luck getting the steam roller, it's possible to recreate the Road-roller combo from HftF since time freezes during the roller drop. The character Big Band can also turn his special move Super-Sonic Jazz into a flurry of punches similar to a Stand rush while crying "TUBATUBATUBATUBA!", a reference to Dio's own warcry.

WRYYYYY

"WRYYYYY!" (ウリイイイイイ, Uriiiii. Also pronounced Ree) is a shriek/war cry given off by vampires throughout JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. It is used to represent the frozen, possibly slowed and heavy breath of vampires, and frequently cued to strike fear into their opponents and/or the reader/viewer. While all vampires in the series are prone to doing so, this noise is most commonly associated with Dio Brando himself.

A resurgence of popular interest in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure occurred when "WRYYYYY!" began making the rounds as an Internet phenomenon on Futaba Channel imageboards. Sparked by a Flash movie called "Mudah.swf" which features stick figures performing the signature attacks of five different characters from Parts 3 and 5 of the series (This was due to the fact that only series 3 and 5 had games at the time). Dio Brando's clip features his use of The World (often pronounced intentionally as "Za Wārudo", to mimic how Dio pronounces it in Japanese) to freeze time, throwing a barrage of knives, and finishing his dying opponent off by dropping a steamroller on him, atop which he leans back and exclaims "WRYYYYY!". This proved hilariously random to those unfamiliar with JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Another phrase popularized by the animation is "Muda!" (which translates to "useless" or "futile" in Japanese) which is Dio's (not to mention The World's) battle cry.

The recent English publication of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (which begins at the start of the third arc) uses the spelling "WREEEEE!", which reinforces the proper pronunciation (at the cost of obscuring the connection to the Internet fad, however given the rather offensive nature of 4chan, where the meme was most popular, it is possible that it was a deliberate act of distancing itself from the fad and 4chan).

In All-Star Battle, and the anime, Dio does the noise with his own voice naturally as a violent scream, as opposed to the Capcom game making use of a voice synthesizer for extra shrieking effects.

As Giorno, Dio's son, uses "WRYYYYY!" during one of his fights, it is possible that the battle cry may be hereditary, since Giorno is not a vampire (but still may be a half-vampire). Another instance which supports this idea is when Dio's Steel Ball Run counterpart Diego also uses the WRYYYYY battle cry, during his battle against Valentine.

The World and Time Stop

As evidenced above, Dio's enunciation of his Stand and its power has also reached significant popularity, the full line in question being: THE WORLD, Time, stop! (世界(ザ・ワールド)! 時よ止まれ!, Za Warudo! Toki yo Tomare!). However it is a common misconception that the original Japanese of the line is Toki wo Tomare (時を止まれ) which is grammatically awkward as it would translate as "to stop time." The original line gives the impression that Dio is commanding time to stop.

The line is later followed by: Time resumes. (時は動き出す, Toki wa Ugokidasu) But most well known version is And now, Time resumes (そして、時は動き出す, Soshite Toki wa Ugokidasu) from Heritage for the Future.

Trivia

  • Dio's name is derived from the Italian word for "God", befitting his megalomaniac personality and his project to create a new world for him and his subordinates as implied in Stone Ocean.[2] His Heaven Acension DIO form also fits as well due to warping reality to his liking.
  • The style of Dio's name in Part 1 is written normally, whereas DIO's name in Part 3 onward is written in English and completely capitalized.[3]
    • Despite this, Giorno's picture of him has "Dio Brando" imprinted on it, even though his original name would have been long forgotten by then.
  • The trick DIO used on Hol Horse by instantly going through spider webs without damaging them is likely a reference to Bela Lugosi's first scenes in Dracula (1931).
  • The bridge Jotaro defeats DIO on is the Qasr al-Nil Bridge, which connects downtown Cairo to Gezira Island and the Zamalek district. Its coordinates are 30.043747°N 31.229464°E.
  • In Araki's top Ten Favourite Characters in 2000, DIO ranked as 10th, being the third main villain in the countdown.
  • Dio and Diego's themes in Eyes Of Heaven are remixes of each other. This is true for both Dio Brando and Scary Monsters Diego, as well as DIO and Alternate Diego.This makes sense as Diego is the reboot of sorts counterpart of Dio.
  • Araki considers Dio to be 'the true protagonist' of Phantom Blood. Araki developed Dio's character design before Jonathan. Dio also makes his debut first before Jonathan. Araki pondered in deciding what would be the scariest factor, and decided that "evil from the past" coming to get the present descendant would be the most frightening thing. Dio was developed with this in mind. After him, Jonathan Joestar of 'light' was designed to counter Dio's 'darkness'.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Gorgeous Irene Ch 1
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named jjnv3
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named DioRMX
  4. ↑ JOJOmenon
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