JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Set the Standard For Anime Villains with Dio: Here's Why

Every part of JoJo's Bizarre Adventurebrings with it an array of new, despicable villains, but one stands above them all as the most evil, not just in the series, but in anime in general. Dio is JoJo's most wicked character who is truly beyond redemption, and one insightful fan has just figured out exactly why.

According to a post by u/IgnotusCapillary, the reason Dio became the most popular, formidable villain in JoJo's is simple, and it has to do with why Dio carries out his villainous acts. There is no ulterior motive or hidden reason for Dio's destructive acts of malice, Dio is evil purely because he wants to be, and this is why his character is so genius.

Dio’s Character Is Straightforward but Genius, Because He Is Evil Out of Self-Interest

The Joestars Showed Dio Grace, and in Return, He Caused Them Nothing but Pain

Dio's childhood was difficult, because he lost his mother and was abused by his alcoholic father, Dario. After murdering Dario, Dio fled the situation and set his sights on the Joestar family, who, being very kind, loving individuals, took him in as one of their own. Some might argue that Dio's actions stem from his traumatic past, and although that may play some role in his turn to villainy, the crimes he committed while living with the Joestars prove Dio's evil intentions are not merely in retaliation against his father, but to hurt others and achieve power for himself.

The Joestars gave Dio everything he could want, yet he hated them and vowed to destroy their bloodline. Most people in Dio's situation would have been grateful beyond belief for the second chance at life the Joestars offered him, but rather than accept their graciousness humbly, Dio killed their dog, killed George Joestar, and eventually, killed Jonathan Joestar and took over his body. With these decisions, Dio rapidly shifted from a troubled teen to a callous serial killer, cementing his role in the story as a tyrannical monster who plans to reach Heaven and become the most powerful man in the world.

Despite His Evil Nature, Dio’s Personality Is Deceptively Charming

Dio Uses His Charisma To Manipulate Others Selfishly, Never Caring for Anyone but Himself

Dio Brando laughing and pointing in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure.

Despite Dio's evil, he is fairly well-liked by both fans and many characters in the JoJo's universe who are unaware of who he truly is beneath his charming outer personality. People are drawn to Dio because of his style, charisma, and the confidence he exudes, and he uses these strengths to his advantage, attracting women and henchmen, taking what he can from them, and then disposing of them after they can no longer help him further his evil scheme of world domination. As a person, Dio is vile, but as a character, he is one of the best-written and most iconic in JoJo's.

Dio was difficult for Jotaro and the Stardust Crusaders to defeat because he was able to recruit so many people to his self-serving cause using his charismatic attitude. Even after his death, Pucci continued the work Dio started because he was so inspired by the man, almost to the point of worshiping him. Dio continued to plague the Joestar family for six seasons of JoJo's, even from beyond the grave. The Joestars did nothing to deserve Dio's attempts, motivated by hatred, to eradicate their bloodline, and only someone as twisted as Dio could hold a completely undeserved grudge for so many generations.

Dio Has No Complex Motivation or Horrifying Backstory, He Just Wants To Be Evil

Although This Reasoning Is Simple, It Makes Dio Stand Out as a Different Type Of Villain

Dio's unique character design and style also make him a remarkable villain. Fashion is a major component of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure,and Dio is always dressed to the nines, even during a fight. His put-together physical appearance, the way he speaks and walks with confidence, and his impressive Stand, only further contribute to his charisma that masks the deep evil lurking beneath the surface. In every way, Dio is an absolute icon, and although he may not be as complex as some other anime villains, simplicity is the reason Dio works better than any other evil character in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Some anime villains are haunted by backstories of tragedy, making them more sympathetic. However, Dio is selfish and cruel purely for his own gain, not because he is dealing with major trauma. Although he did suffer during his youth, these circumstances do not seem to be a motivating factor to him anymore, and he openly admits he simply wants to rule the world. Dio also is not a villain who believes he is helping others but is misguided; he could not care less about anyone but himself. He is pure evil, through and through, and that is why he is JoJo's most interesting villain.

Source: u/IgnotusCapillary on Reddit