Nero

Lore & Background

Nero's story is deeply rooted in love and protection, inspired by manga artist Ramo Nakajima's Amagasaki City series theme: 'I love you, so I protect the city you love.' Initially introduced as a weak character who develops new powers primarily through his Devil Bringer ability, he eventually reaches Dante's level. In Devil May Cry 4, Nero protects his childhood friend Kyrie from demons, leading to his arm becoming the Devil Bringer when she is endangered. He learns that demon influx was arranged by Sanctus, who resurrected as a demon via scientist Agnus. Revealed as Sparda's descendant, Nero is used as bait but ultimately saves Kyrie and destroys Sanctus with Dante's help. By Devil May Cry 5, the narrative emphasizes Nero's anger at Dante's initial treatment of him. The climax sees Nero awakening his demonic powers to end the struggle between Dante and Vergil, a moment designed to give the story depth and emphasize the power needed to face his father, Urizen. His relationship with his family was inspired by a mecha anime where a missing father returns with a giant robot targeting his son.

In Their Own Story

The events of Devil May Cry 4 begin with Nero injured while protecting Kyrie from demons. Later, during a mass at the Order of the Sword, his arm transforms into the Devil Bringer when Kyrie faces danger again. Operating with a lone-wolf reputation, he is tasked to capture Dante but discovers Sanctus's plot to use him as a vessel for the Savior. After Dante sabotages these plans, Nero frees himself to save Kyrie and destroy both Sanctus and the Savior. He parts on good terms with Dante, who convinces him to keep the Yamato sword. In Devil May Cry 5, Nero fights Urizen but cannot defeat his father initially due to a lack of power. The game's design ensures his new powers only become available near the end, enhancing replay value and highlighting the necessity of facing Vergil. This struggle culminates in a final confrontation where Nero awakens his full potential, resolving the conflict between the brothers.

Reader's Guide

Nero was created to be distinct from Dante, with director Hideaki Itsuno aiming for a younger character who acquires new powers throughout the narrative. His gameplay in Devil May Cry 5 emphasizes anger and features the Devil Breaker, a prosthetic arm replacing the original Devil Bringer, which is useful in combat. Purchasers of the deluxe edition received four Devil Breaker weapons, including a Mega Buster based on Mega Man 11. Most of Nero's moves are named after casino terms, a choice writer Bingo Morihashi felt suited his personality. Visually, Nero was redesigned for Devil May Cry 5 to contrast with Dante's older look; since his name means 'black' in Italian, he wears black clothing. His face was modeled on actor Karlo Baker for realism. While early designs looked more like Vergil, the final design resembled Dante. Although fans speculated about his lineage based on similarities and the Devil Trigger in DMC4, Capcom officially confirmed in June 2018 that Nero is Vergil's son.

Did You Know?

• Nero's name was originally planned to be after Auguste Rodin before the team settled on the Roman emperor for simplicity.
• Johnny Yong Bosch considers Nero his favorite role, even more than Ichigo Kurosaki or Vash the Stampede.
• In June 2018, Capcom officially confirmed that Nero is Vergil's son, resolving long-standing fan speculation from Devil May Cry 4.
• The Devil Bringer was originally intended to be part of Dante's mechanics before staff decided a character who cannot transform into a demon developing a demonic arm would be more interesting.
• Most of Nero's moves are named after casino terms because writer Bingo Morihashi thought it suited the character's personality.