Diabolik

Diabolik
Cover of Diabolik - Momenti disperati ("Diabolik - Desperate moments"), featuring the title character
Publication information
Publisher	Astorina
First appearance	1962
Created by	Angela and Luciana Giussani
In-story information
Full name	Unknown
Partnerships	Eva Kant
Abilities	Genius-level intellect Criminal mastermind Expert strategist and tactician Master martial artist, hand-to-hand combatant, marksman, swordsman, acrobat, and pilot Proficient scientist Master assassin

Diabolik (Italian: [djaˈbɔːlik, djaboˈlik]) is an Italian comic series created by sisters Angela and Luciana Giussani.^[1][2]

One of the most popular series in the history of Italian comics, Diabolik was created in 1962 and consists of more than 900 volumes, and has led to the birth of the fumetti neri comic subgenre. The series is named after its protagonist, an anti-heroic thief, inspired by several previous pulp fiction characters from Italy and other countries. Its stories consist of monthly black-and-white, digest-sized volumes.

The series takes place in the fictional town Clerville and stars the titular Diabolik, initially represented as a ruthless and cruel thief who does not hesitate to murder anyone in order to accomplish his deeds, aided by his partner and lover Eva Kant. Over time, the character evolved his personality, developing healthy roots and ethical principles such as honor, the sense of friendship and gratitude, and respect for noble souls. He focused on robbing and killing other criminals. Throughout his adventures, he is pursued mainly by the Inspector Ginko.

The series sold more than 150 million copies worldwide,^[3] becoming one of the best-known and best-selling comics series from Europe.^[4] Live-action film adaptations were made: Danger: Diabolik (1968) and a film trilogy consisting in Diabolik (2021), Diabolik - Ginko Attacks! (2022) and Diabolik - Who Are You? (2023). Its success had also inspired a radio show, an animated television series, video games, novels, and countless parodies.