JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Why Dio’s legacy still defines the series will need two more

As a long-time fan of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, there is something unforgettable about Dio’s character. I have watched many antagonists rise and fall, yet none managed to leave a lasting mark. This is not only implied personally to me, but also in the storyline. Araki ensured that Dio wouldn't be seen as just a character.

Even with minimal screentime, Dio remains a shadow looming over the Joestar bloodline. I think that Dio made his presence known or felt since the first part till JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean and beyond. And it was possible because he was why the Joestar family was cursed for generations.

From the first step he took into the Joestar estate in Phantom Blood, I knew he was trouble. Within a few minutes of entering, he kicked a dog without remorse. This kind of abuse towards animals represents the kind of person he is.

While I understand he grew up knowing only poverty, there was no end to his greed. He takes George Joestar’s affection. He tries to take the Joestar name. He poisons George to inherit the family fortune. And when that’s not enough, he turns himself into a vampire to become truly unstoppable.

What makes him terrifying is not just the fact that he is an incredibly powerful villain, but his unchecked ambitions. He desperately wants to take everything. Initially, it was just inheriting everything, but then Dio soon became obsessed with first taking away everything Jonathan stands for.

Even when Jonathan kept on defeating him, he was ultimately not successful. Because even though he was defeated, he escaped by stealing Jonathan’s body. For the next hundred years, Dio was patiently waiting to be let out of the coffin he was trapped in and made his return during JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders.

To be honest, I don’t think there’s any anime character as flamboyant as Dio. Every time he is on screen, he makes sure to look majestic as one could be. Even after returning after a hundred years, it seemed as if he cared about fashion and posing.

He’s a villain, sure, but he’s a fabulous villain. Even when he’s threatening your favorite characters, you can’t help but admire his confidence. His comeback was also iconic because, in addition to being a vampire, he had Stand power.

In my opinion, the World is arguably the most powerful Stand of its time. Its ability to stop time changed the very structure of battles in JoJo’s. Every villain that comes after him is undoubtedly strong, but they lack the charm of Dio.

Dio's influence lives on, even without him, in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

What has fascinated me about Dio is how he continued to influence events in the story even after dying. In Diamond Is Unbreakable, he’s gone, but the events of Stardust Crusaders continue to ripple. In Golden Wind, his influence is everywhere, through Giorno, his biological son, who inherits his ambition but not his cruelty. That contrast alone is powerful storytelling.

I believe a story is as great as the villain in it. They challenge the heroes by pushing them to their limits and testing their morals at every step. And Dio constantly did that. Fans have also noticed that since he was reintroduced in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, he has taken in loyal followers who put their lives on the line to serve him.

It could be due to manipulation, but he was open to anyone with the power of a Stand to be part of his mission. It seems like JoJo’s is known for being over the top, and no one gave it justice like Dio did.

Final thoughts

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JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is one show that has immortalized a villain. Although Dio is dead, he is eternal. Even if he doesn't appear on screen, we continue to see the ripple effects of his actions. Dio Brando wasn’t just a villain. He was the villain.

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