the world of jojo's bizarre adventure often presents a seemingly straightforward moral spectrum, particularly in its earlier installments. characters like dio brando, yoshikage kira, and diavolo stand in stark opposition to protagonists such as josuke higashikata and giorno giovanna, who embody heroic ideals, albeit sometimes unconventionally.
josuke's delinquent exterior, for instance, serves as a proxy for a deeper message about looking beyond superficial appearances. however, beneath this apparent simplicity lies a rich tapestry of character motivations and relationships that invite deeper analysis, including the possibility of queer readings, especially concerning dio.
dialogue on desire and devotion: an interview with araki
in a significant interview conducted during the run of steel ball run, the seventh part of jojo's bizarre adventure, creator hirohiko araki engaged with sociologist junko kaneda, a scholar specializing in anime fandoms and boys' love (yaoi).
this conversation, published in the magazine eureka, delved into the nuanced interpretations of the series' characters, with a particular focus on dio. kaneda, known for her work within fandom spaces, directly addressed the speculative queer readings surrounding dio and his relationship with father enrico pucci.
pucci's unwavering devotion: a central theme
the bond between dio and pucci became a cornerstone of part 6, stone ocean, forming the bedrock of pucci's elaborate "heaven plan." their connection had long been a subject of fervent fan discussion and speculation.
pucci's expressed adoration for dio, coupled with certain manga panels depicting them sharing a bed, fueled these interpretations.
kaneda, in the interview, sought clarification from araki on these specific narrative elements. araki, while maintaining a degree of playful ambiguity, offered insights that significantly contributed to understanding these character dynamics.
when kaneda discussed dio's ambition and his willingness to embrace morally grey areas to achieve his goals, araki's response suggested a broad capacity for affection:
whether it be women or men, he can go for both.
this statement, within the context of their discussion, opened the door to broader interpretations of dio's character beyond conventional heterosexual frameworks.
araki's willingness to explore dio's upbringing and motivations further solidified this perspective. while he coyly denied a singular intended interpretation of a queer nature, his open-mindedness towards such readings was evident.
redefining the villain: dio beyond simple evil
the discussion between araki and kaneda offered a more complex lens through which to view dio brando, challenging the perception of him as a purely archetypal villain.
dio emerged during an era when hyper-masculinity, exemplified by figures like arnold schwarzenegger and sylvester stallone, permeated popular culture. shōnen manga at the time often featured straightforward good versus evil narratives.
in this context, it's understandable why fans might default to viewing dio as inherently evil.
his initial actions at the joestar mansion, such as kicking jonathan's dog out of sheer provocation, serve as a potent symbol of his antagonism. some fans, perhaps overlooking the intricate character development, might even suggest skipping the early parts of the series.
kaneda offered an alternative perspective, suggesting that dio's early dispossession fueled a profound desire to possess everything.
araki readily acknowledged this analysis, which extended to dio's general patterns of desire:
kaneda: his love is a bit different from the sort of love jonathan and such have, right?
araiki: jonathan and the others' love is far deeper than dio's.they don't run purely on desire like dio.
kaneda: true. it certainly feels like it's not loving, but taking.
this insight into dio's drivenness by desire shapes his personality and objectives, moving beyond a simplistic "good vs. evil" dichotomy.
his embrace of antisocial desires, while common among some shōnen antagonists, is presented with a unique intensity in dio.
araiki's reflections on dio and pucci's relationship
reflecting on part 6, araki commented on the potential for exploring the dio-pucci dynamic further:
well, i suppose father pucci, pursuing the princess he would never obtain, really was the juiciest character of part 6.
and i was glad that dio responded with "i was afraid of losing you."
araiki: i think if dio had been alive at that point, i could've pushed a little bit more in that direction.
kaneda: i suppose so. i think for dio, their relationship was casual.there must have been a sort of feeling like "you don't know anything about my life, so don't worship me like a god."
this exchange highlights araki's acknowledgment of the emotional depth within their interactions, particularly dio's expressed fear of loss.
the idea that dio might have been able to further express these sentiments had he been alive during the events of stone ocean suggests a deliberate exploration of his emotional capacity.
the nature of dio's affection: taking versus giving
a significant aspect of the interview centered on dio's capacity for love.
kaneda characterized dio as someone who "takes rather than gives," a sentiment araki supported. this aligns with araki's earlier portrayal of dio as unburdened by societal norms regarding romantic relationships and gender preferences.
this interpretation of dio's motivations offers a more compelling avenue for understanding his character.
rather than simply being a villain driven by malice, his actions can be seen as stemming from a deep-seated desire and a unique approach to connection. his "drivenness by desire" becomes a defining characteristic that shapes his personality and his grander ambitions.
dio and pucci's shared moments and mutual respect
the manga presents several instances that underscore the unique bond between dio and pucci.
dio's appreciation for pucci is evident in his dialogue and actions. he is shown discussing art and sculptures with pucci, drawing parallels between these creative expressions and his stand abilities. in a particularly striking moment, dio firmly grasps pucci's hand, inquiring if pucci might betray him.
pucci's response is one of unwavering loyalty, likening his love for dio to his love for god and asserting that betrayal has never crossed his mind.
dio, in turn, apologizes for any perceived insult and offers pucci a piece of his own bone as a token of his regard. this gesture signifies a profound level of respect and vulnerability from dio, who rarely shows such deference.
further instances highlight their unusual connection.
dio admits to never meeting anyone who could put him at ease through conversation until he met pucci. this statement suggests a unique emotional resonance between the two characters. the mutual devotion, shared goals, and complementary philosophies further contribute to the strong shipping culture surrounding dio and pucci within the fandom, evidenced by tags like "DioPucci" on platforms like ao3, tumblr, and instagram.
examining the nuances of their relationship
the specific dialogue concerning pucci's stand, white snake, and its ability to transmute souls into objects, further fuels the speculative interpretations.
dio's challenge to pucci to use this ability on him signifies a deep level of trust and a desire to be understood on a fundamental level. it suggests a willingness to be vulnerable and to allow pucci to access his innermost being.
pucci stands out as one of the few individuals, alongside jonathan joestar, to whom dio exhibits genuine respect.
this respect is mutual, with both characters sharing a profound understanding and commitment to their respective ambitions. the instances of apology and the offering of a physical piece of himself demonstrate dio's willingness to bridge emotional distances and express affection, even in his typically grandiose manner.
while dio's outward persona is often characterized by arrogance and a ruthless pursuit of power, his interactions with pucci reveal a more complex emotional landscape.
the depth of their connection, explored through both narrative events and creator commentary, continues to be a rich source of discussion and interpretation for fans of jojo's bizarre adventure, inviting a reconsideration of the series' characterizations and the potential for diverse readings of their relationships.