Diego Brando explained: The ruthless rival of Steel Ball Run

In Hirohiko Araki’s Steel Ball Run, there is one character who posed as a huge threat to Gyro Zeppeli and Johnny Joestar, and that is not Funny Valentine. Diego Brando isn’t just an alternate version of the classic DIO, but he’s something unique.

He is equal parts tragic and terrifying, as his journey from being a child born in poverty to the cold, calculating, dinosaur-turned-jockey juggernaut is one of Araki’s finest feats in character writing. And if there’s one thing that cements Diego as not only the best Dio but one of JoJo's greatest antagonists.

Diego Brando was born around 1870 in Great Britain. His life began not with a cry, but with betrayal. His parents, impoverished and desperate, buried him alive on a mountain to rid themselves of the burden. Miraculously, a storm washed away the earth covering baby Diego, and he floated down a river, only to be rescued by his remorseful mother. His father left the family without caring about their welfare.

When Diego was five, a farm worker who had arranged their employment attempted to exploit his mother for “favors.” After her refusal, the man spitefully sabotaged their only cups. When hot stew was served, Diego's mother, refusing to compromise their dignity, cupped the scalding food in her bare hands to feed her child. The resulting infection killed her a year later.

As a child, he cried watching his mother suffer. As an adult, he would swear never to suffer like that again. He began resenting those who looked down on the poor, those who took advantage of others, and vowed to rise above everyone, no matter the cost.

Diegoin Steel Ball Run began working with horses and eventually became one of Britain’s most celebrated jockeys. His talent was undeniable. Even as a child, he was scouted by the Joestar family and witnessed the death of Nicholas Joestar in a tragic horse accident.

This, and many other experiences, hardened Diego’s resolve to dominate the world of racing. Diego’s rise was also marked by manipulation. At age 20, he married an 83-year-old widow who died soon after, leaving him a sizable inheritance.

Diego Brando became the man who would do anything to climb the ladder. That is why when the Steel Ball Run was announced, it wasn’t just about prize money for Diego. It was about status, power, and surpassing all others.

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The evolution of Diego Brando: From rival to scary monster in Steel Ball Run

Throughout the early stages of the Steel Ball Run, Diego is a constant threat. He challenges Gyro Zeppeli and Johnny Joestar repeatedly and nearly wins the first stage. Then everything changes during the third stage.

Diego is attacked and transformed into a dinosaur-human hybrid by Dr. Ferdinand, Valentine’s subordinate. But in true Dio fashion, Diego doesn’t panic; rather, he adapts.

After Ferdinand’s defeat, Diego in Steel Ball Run retains the dinosaur Stand Scary Monsters, allowing him to morph himself and others into prehistoric predators. This transformation marks his evolution from mere rival to true monster, both literally and symbolically.

Later in the race, Diego strikes a deal with the primary antagonist of Steel Ball Run, President Funny Valentine. This partnership is tense, with both men seeking to use the other. Diego offers his services to collect the corpse parts in exchange for political power, the mayorship of Manhattan Island.

Valentine agrees, but remains wary. Diego, meanwhile, makes it clear: he has no intention of being a subordinate. He only aligns with those he intends to eventually surpass. It’s this pride and ambition, his defining traits, that make the eventual clash between Diego and Valentine inevitable.

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Why Diego Brando is one of Araki’s best characters

Diego Brando is more than a “villain.” He’s a deeply human character shaped by pain, pride, and the desire to be someone who cannot be cast aside. Araki uses Diego to explore themes of dignity, ambition, and the razor-thin line between genius and cruelty.

Unlike the Dio of Part 1 or 3, Diego doesn’t rule from a throne. He claws his way up from the mud. He doesn’t rely solely on power—he wins with strategy, adaptability, and overwhelming confidence.

The fact that Funny Valentine, being the most powerful antagonist in the franchise, chose another Diego from a parallel world as his backup plan says everything. Even Valentine knew that if he failed, Diego Brando would succeed.

Diego Brando’s character arc in Steel Ball Run is a masterclass in layered writing. He’s a man defined by loss but refuses to be a victim. He’s cruel but not senseless. Every action he takes, from every betrayal, alliance, and battle, is rooted in a deeply personal philosophy.