Who Is Diabolik? Meet the Beguiling Master Thief Based on One of Italy’s Most Popular Comics

Despite being the star of one of Italy’s longest-running comic books, dating back to 1962, it's possible that you’ve never heard of Diabolik. But given his backstory, arsenal of skills and gadgets, and intriguing antihero persona, Diabolik deserves a place among the most well-known Marvel and DC characters. More than 50 years after Mario Brava’s first film adaptation of the comic, the Manetti Brothers (Love and Bullets, U.S. Palmese) put a fresh spin on the master thief with their 2021 film Diabolik, the first in a slick trilogy that recalls the heyday of the Euro caper flick.

But just who is Diabolik?

Created by sisters Angela and Luciana Giussani, the character of Diabolik is part Danny Ocean with his penchant for stealing big-ticket items, part Batman with his armory of high-tech gadgets, and part James Bond with his love of vintage high-speed cars. His vehicle of choice is a black 1961 Jaguar E-Type, a nod to his name taken from a black jaguar native to the island where he was raised.

After surviving a shipwreck as a baby, Diabolik was found and raised by a man known as King, the head of a shadowy criminal organization hidden away on the island. Under King’s tutelage, Diabolik learns a set of criminal skills that enables him to become a professional thief and master of disguise. Initially, he uses his skills for personal gain, but over time develops a strict moral code that leads him to steal solely from criminals. Equally ruthless and honorable, Diabolik is like Catwoman and Robin Hood’s highly skilled, sometimes deadly, Adonis-like son. 

In the comic books and films, Diabolik lives in the fictional Clerville, a city comparable to Geneva, Switzerland. Like any dashing leading man, he needs an equally gorgeous love interest and a worthy adversary to keep him in a perpetual game of cat and mouse. The former is a widow named Eva Kant, a skilled criminal in her own right who becomes Diabolik’s lover and accomplice. The latter is Inspector Ginko, a dogged police detective who is the only one who comes close to taking Diabolik down, but is inevitably thwarted each time. 

Kino Film Collection is thrilled to be home to all three films in the Manetti Brothers’ trilogy, starting with the eponymous Diabolik. Get to know the character that sold more than 150 million comic books worldwide.

Diabolik (2021)

Based on the iconic Italian comic book series, this new adaptation returns to the comic’s noirish roots with eye-popping production design that’s demanded of a Diabolik tale. Set in 1960s Clerville, the forthcoming visit of heiress Eva Kant, who possesses a famous pink diamond, catches the attention of Diabolik (Luca Marinelli), the infallible and elusive thief whose real identity is unknown.

Diabolik: Ginko Attacks! (2022)

Diabolik (Giacomo Gianniotti) and Eva Kant (Miriam Leone) seem to have planned the perfect heist, but a trap set by the cunning Inspector Ginko puts their partnership to the test. Feeling betrayed, Eva offers to help the inspector capture Diabolik. But Ginko must also deal with the unexpected arrival of the Duchess of Vallenberg (Monica Bellucci)...

COMING AUGUST 21

Diabolik: Who Are You? (2023)

Captured by a ruthless gang of criminals, master thief Diabolik (Giacomo Gianniotti) and Inspector Ginko find themselves face to face, locked in a cell with no way out. Certain of facing an inevitable death, Diabolik reveals his mysterious origin story. Meanwhile, Eva Kant (Miriam Leone) and Altea (Monica Bellucci) are desperately looking for them. Will the paths of the two rivals cross again?

COMING AUGUST 28