Vanilla Ice

"One by one, each of you shall fall in line, as I scatter your atomic fragments across the deepest recesses of the void."

- Vanilla Ice to the Joestar Group, Chapter 240

Vanilla Ice (ヴァニラ・アイス) is an antagonist featured in Stardust Crusaders.

He is the last vampire created by Dio Brando and one of the penultimate Stand Users the Joestar Group faces upon infiltrating Dio's Mansion. After the group splits up, he is sent to eliminate Avdol, Polnareff, and Iggy.

He is a Stand user controlling his void-based stand ability, Cream.

Appearance
Vanilla Ice is a tall, muscular man with wavy, collarbone-length hair. He wears a pair of metallic, heart-shaped earrings, and a light headpiece carrying a heart crossing his forehead.

His outfit consists of a dark, leather-tailed, open waistcoat on top of a long-sleeved leotard. Across his right shoulder is a metallic strap connected to a large heart over his right breast and the letters "VI". There is a smaller heart at the base of his abdomen, secured by a band around his waist acting as a belt. Bare-legged, he wears dark, mid-calf-high boots. In the manga, he also wears gloves, whereas he doesn't in the anime.

In All Star Battle and the OVA, Vanilla Ice's leotard is sleeveless and he has wristbands.

Personality
Vanilla Ice is defined by his fanatical and single-minded loyalty to Dio Brando. When Dio relates that he might want blood to heal, Vanilla Ice uses his Stand to sever his own head and fill an urn with his own blood. This is heavily implied to be a test of loyalty, as Dio promptly revives Vanilla Ice as a vampire without drinking the offered blood.

Although Vanilla Ice is normally a calm, reasoning and collected individual, he flies into a tremendous rage when DIO is disrespected in any way, shape or form. When Iggy creates a sand construct of Dio in an attempt to take Vanilla Ice off-guard, the latter immediately abandoned his Stand in favor of beating Iggy to death with his bare hands and feet, stating that Iggy deserved a more drawn-out death than the simple annihilation brought on by Cream's void form, while blaming the dog for everything.

It is also implied that Vanilla Ice is somewhat absent-minded, being prone to using his Stand's void form to punch through walls instead of simply using doors.

Ice’s blind loyalty towards DIO is also what leads to his downfall, such as being unaware of his transformation into a vampire by his master and being too late to realize what he's become when Polnareff found out Ice's current state and weakness.

Abilities
Vanilla Ice's stand, the profoundly destructive Cream, can swallow itself and its master to become an orb that disintegrates everything in its path. Its main weakness is that it cannot see where it is going when in orb form, forcing Ice to temporarily expose himself in order to plot Cream's course.

After being made into a vampire by Dio, Vanilla Ice adopts a standard set of vampiric powers and weaknesses, such as immortality, increased durability, strength, speed and the weakness to sunlight.

Stardust Crusaders
Vanilla Ice is introduced as a human, reporting the defeat of Telence T. D'Arby to Dio, outside the door to his chambers. After being allowed to enter, Ice was told the reason for D'Arby's defeat was because he was unwilling to give his life for DIO. He was then asked if he would surrender his blood in order to heal Dio's neck wound. Without hesitation, Vanilla Ice proves his loyalty by decapitating himself, letting his blood to spill into an urn for Brando to drink.

Dio, amused by this, refuses to take the blood of such a devout servant and decides to heal himself using someone else instead. Vanilla Ice is brought back to life from the blood his master poured into his body. After his revival, he was dispatched to take care of the Joestars. He activated his Stand, Cream, before leaving to do Dio's bidding (prompting him to lament that he forgot to use the door in his haste).

Vanilla Ice's first targets were Iggy, Jean Pierre Polnareff and Muhammad Avdol. Though he was aiming to dispatch all of them at once with a surprise attack, he only manages to kill Avdol, in which he shoved Polnareff and Iggy out of the way before the attack hit.

In a rage, Polnareff retaliated with a barrage from Silver Chariot, wounding Vanilla Ice's shoulder and demolishing the wall of the room he was in. After nearly being killed by another of Ice's attacks, he and Iggy fled. Instead of pursuing them directly, Vanilla Ice sent Cream to the front door, where he waited in his Stand's void form. Contrary to his expectations, the duo decided to go for Dio instead of fleeing - thus, Vanilla Ice gave chase, destroying most of the mansion with his Stand's powers. After getting ahead of them, Ice erases part of Polnareff's foot to prevent him from running away again.

Thanks to a distraction from Silver Chariot, Iggy uses The Fool to hide and to create a replica of DIO to trick Vanilla Ice. Although briefly shocked by his master's appearance, Vanilla Ice quickly destroyed the clone; he explained that he saw through the ruse because of the sunlight in the room and because he knew DIO trusted him too much to interfere in the battle. Enraged because he had to destroy DIO's image in self-defense, Vanilla Ice exited Cream and viciously beat Iggy to the point of near-death. After turning his attention to Polnareff, he was skewered in the mouth by Silver Chariot's sword after using the sand in the room to track Cream's movements. Due to Ice's newfound immortality, he survived the attack and destroyed part of Polnareff's left hand by drawing it into Cream's mouth.

He then wounded Polnareff in a quick succession of attacks, breaking his right arm and absorbing part of his leg and cheek. He then began moving in a spiral movement around the room with Polnareff and Iggy at the center; by doing so, Vanilla Ice would kill them without leaving himself vulnerable. Unable to escape, Polnareff told Iggy to use his powers to escape and warn the others - but the dog's pride caused him to save Polnareff instead. This resulted in Ice disintegrating Iggy's lower half, prompting an enraged Polnareff to skewer Vanilla Ice through the head and snap his neck.

However, Vanilla Ice rose once again, more determined than ever to finish off his enemy. Unfortunately for him, Polnareff had finally deduced that Vanilla Ice was turned into a vampire by DIO, due to Vanilla Ice's ability to recover from several fatal injuries. With that in mind, Polnareff avenges his fallen comrades by taking advantage of Vanilla Ice's newfound fatal weakness to sunlight, using Silver Chariot to slice a nearby curtain and flood the room with sunlight, which vaporizes much of Ice's right arm and right leg. After curtly goading Ice to attack him, Polnareff uses Silver Chariot to nudge the crippled vampire into the light - disintegrating him instantly and putting an end to Dio Brando's line of enemy stand users.

In the OVA
Vanilla Ice appears in the 1993 episodes of the OVA, his sole appearance being in the episode "The Warrior of the Void: Vanilla Ice". He serves the same purpose as in the manga: A servant of DIO who battles Polnareff and kills Avdol and Iggy.

In the OVA, Ice slices Iggy in half and kicks the dying dog's corpse into a wall out of anger for the dog daring to defy Dio.

His death in the OVA differs heavily from the manga. In the OVA, Polnareff repeatedly stabs Ice in a rage after seeing him murder Iggy, before slicing Ice's head in half.

JoJo RPG (SFC)
Vanilla Ice appears as the game's penultimate boss before DIO. As a boss, Vanilla Ice is the second most difficult character to beat, as he has a large amount of health. He uses his Stand to attack.

The main difference from the original story is that all 6 heroes battle Ice at once and that he does not kill Avdol and Iggy straight away. Instead, both can stay alive for the remainder of the game.

Heritage for the Future (PS1/DC/Arcade)
Vanilla Ice appears in two "forms" in Heritage for the Future. The first is the standard character which can be selected on the main menu for Story Mode or versus play, and the second functions as the "sub-boss" of the game, appearing before the final battle with DIO.

These two "forms" are more or less identical in appearance, but the sub-boss version of Ice can use alternate special attacks and super moves that do greatly increased damage. As a CPU boss, he uses his Stand's void more often to attack, generally by either moving in a straight line on the bottom of the screen or sweeping from top to bottom in an arc. His super moves both involve more drastic movements, with one having him void-warp around in a spiraling circle, just like in the manga and anime.

Vanilla Ice's Story Mode starts after the Joestar party has infiltrated DIO's mansion in Egypt. The vampire is able to eliminate one hero after another, until he fights Jotaro Kujo himself to the death. Afterwards, Ice reports his success to DIO. According to his ending, the vampire blood which transformed Ice took complete control of him afterwards, and he became DIO's slave forever.

When other characters (such as fellow villains) fight him in the game's Story Mode, the spiraling grooves from his attacks are not present in the stage.

Strategy
Vanilla Ice is predictably one of the most powerful fighters in Heritage for the Future, arguably much more deadly than his sub-boss version if used by a skilled player.

Aside from commanding a powerful array of physical attacks, Vanilla's specialty, much like in the manga, is to use the powers of the "void" to crash into his opponents and damage them. He can take the form of the void ball while on the ground, in mid-air, and even change directions in the middle of a charge. This allows a player with quick reflexes to counter an oncoming attack, juggle an opponent into the air with careful timing, or even retreat in the face of danger.

Caution is advised, however, because unlike the manga, Vanilla Ice is STILL vulnerable while in his "void ball" form, and can be hit by projectile attacks (or even certain physical attacks, if the angle is correct).

Ice can also take the full form of his Stand Cream, who possesses very powerful and far-reaching attacks, but it comes at a steep penalty in speed and some mobility.

As noted before, Ice really shines in the hands of experienced players, as he benefits greatly from the Tandem mechanic. Unlike other fighters, who can attack faster when using the Tandem, this ability allows Ice and Cream to attack the opponent simultaneously for long and brutal combos. While this takes careful timing to execute properly, Ice is more than capable of depleting half of the opponent's energy in a single flurry of blows.

All of this gives Vanilla Ice the tools to be one of the most deadly characters in-game, when played properly.

All Star Battle (PS3)
Vanilla Ice returns as DLC character in the PS3 title. He was confirmed along with Anasui for the 4th campaign. He, DIO, and Old Joseph Joestar are the only characters to have two different Styles (Stand and Vampirism Powers in the case of Ice and DIO).

Most of his attacks from the previous game returns, but made slower to balance him out. Exclusive to Vanilla Ice is a Stand Power Gauge, which shows how much Cream can be used and slowly regenerates when it is not full; Ice always starts the match with the gauge half-full. Only one ability may be used when Cream is active; Ice is unable to use his Throw, HHA, or GHA while inside Cream. The Stand Power Gauge also depletes if Cream blocks or takes damage. When empty, Ice will automatically exit Cream. Of special note is that Cream is the tallest entity in the game while active, being slightly taller than even Wamuu.

While Cream is off:
 * You wretched beast!: This move can only be used when the opponent is down. Ice rapidly kicks them multiple times.


 * How dare you!: Vanilla Ice delivers a rising uppercut in a classic "Shoryuken"-style move. This move is marked with a star. (Comboable through Puttsun Cancel)
 * This vicious arm!: Vanilla Ice summons Cream to deliver a chopping combo, knocking the opponent down on the final hit. If Medium or Heavy is inputted, the attack has a delay but puts up a guard before executing. This move is marked with a star. (Comboable through Puttsun Cancel)

While Cream is on: Vanilla Ice's HHA, "The great void rises!", has him enter Cream as it flies forward and reaches out. If it connects, Cream violently devours the opponent before spitting them out, reminiscent of his devouring of Avdol's freshly severed arms. The HHA has no way to be comboed into as it has a delay, and is not a part of Easy Beat as a result. However, it is a Throw and thus is unblockable, and completely restores Ice's Stand Power Gauge to full if successful.
 * Lord DIO: This move can only be used following those marked with a star. Ice grabs the opponent by the neck/torso and starts draining their blood (much like DIO did to Joseph; This also marks the first time in any JoJo media that Ice is seen draining blood).
 * Start with the legs!: Vanilla Ice summons Cream and sends it into the ground. The attack button inputted alters the ability's ranges, and the second input changes the direction of attack. The attack is unblockable and can hit a downed opponent. (Comboable through Puttsun Cancel)
 * Light - Cream reappears right in front of Ice; The Stand moves towards Ice before disappearing back into the ground.
 * Medium - Cream reappears at mid-range; The Stand shoots straight up, doubling as an anti-air before disappearing back into the ground.
 * Heavy - Cream reappears at long-range; The Stand moves forward before disappearing back into the ground.
 * Throw - I swear I'll kill you!: Vanilla Ice lifts the opponent by the neck before summoning Cream to collide with them.
 * Once and for all!: Spending a 1/5th of the Stand Power Gauge, Cream swallows itself and moves toward the opponent, dealing heavy damage on hit and knocking the opponent into the air. The directional button combined with attack button inputted alters Cream's path and speed. Backward makes Cream move slower, and forward makes it move faster. The attack can be used multiple times without stopping in order to juggle the opponent or hit them multiple times in a single motion. It also grants invincibility while in effect, is unblockable, and can hit a downed opponent. If the entire Stand Power Gauge is used up in a single combo with every attack hitting, the total damage dealt is even superior to Ice's GHA. The downside to such a singularly powerful move, however, is that the lengthily telegraphed start-up animation makes Ice easily susceptible to counters and parries when using it, with little-to-no ability to feint.
 * Light - Cream moves a short distance forward. This version can be jumped over, but is more controlled when trying to juggle the opponent.
 * Medium - Cream moves upward at an angle, doubling as an anti-air. This version can be avoided if the opponent is far enough.
 * Heavy - Cream rapidly moves forward a considerable distance. This version is easily jumped over and is less controlled when trying to juggle to the opponent, but is otherwise the most aggressive version of the attack.

Vanilla Ice's GHA, "Spirit of Emptiness", has him enter Cream as it swallows itself and flies in a vertical circle. If it connects, Cream will knock the opponent off-balance. When they regain footing, they will have realized too late that Cream is carving an inescapable closing spiral on them. When the Stand reaches them, it viciously and mercilessly thrashes them into the air before a final upward hit sends them away (in the exact same fashion he assaulted an injured Polnareff and his earring, as well as in the Capcom game).

Vanilla Ice has special intro dialogue with Part 3 DIO before the fight starts, wherein both men acknowledge this fight as a training match. When Ice wins, he reaffirms his eternal loyalty to DIO.

Although his default hair color is dirty blond in ASB, his unlockable Color D changes his hair color to white and his clothes to pink, the same ones seen in the Capcom games and the OVA.

In the English localization of the game, the subtitles of his default opening line read "Let's kick it one time...", a clear reference to the opening lyrics for his namesake's, Vanilla Ice's song, Ice Ice Baby.

Eyes of Heaven (PS3/PS4)
Vanilla Ice was confirmed for the game alongside DIO.

Ice is both a Stand User and a Vampire. As a Vampire, he is able to steal opponents' health. All damage to him aside from Ripple-based will become "white damage", that can be healed over time, and inversely, Ice will take more damage from Ripple-based attacks. As a Stand User, Vanilla Ice is one of many characters with wildly varied abilities that grant him uniqueness in battle, and more specifically is he a Mode User. The player can switch control between Ice and Cream to alter the character's abilities, with Stand Mode being the more powerful. While in Normal Mode: While in Stand Mode:
 * Style Action - I don't know where it leads, but it's a pitch black space...: Control is switched between Vanilla Ice and Cream as Ice enters the Stand. Cream has slow speed, but can ascend, and deals the majority of Ice's damage. Ice will return to Normal Mode either by manually inputting the Style Action, or when his stamina runs out. If Cream is attacked by any attack that would deal a knockdown, Ice is forced out of the Stand early.
 * Trait - Pissed: If DIO is Ice's partner and falls first in battle, "You foul creature!" will permanently become its EX variation during Ice's Soul Successions.
 * Dual Heat Attack - Spirit of Emptiness: It works the same as the one from All Star Battle, with the exception that Cream only rams the opponent once with enough power to send them flying.
 * Lord DIO...: Ice stabs his arm forward. If he connects with an opponent, he will grab them by the neck/torso and absorb their health.
 * You foul creature!: Ice rapidly kicks opponents multiple times, dealing 6 hits. This attack can also hit opponents that are down. If "Pissed" is active, he will instead kick 11 times and delivers each individual kick much faster.
 * EX - Lord DIO...: Ice gains invincibility while he stabs his arm, and he will absorb considerably more health.
 * EX - You foul creature!: Ice kicks the opponent 11 times and delivers each individual kick much faster.
 * Now I've taken your legs!: Cream enters the void and dives underground. If Ice is locked on, Cream will reappear at his target's feet in an unblockable attack regardless of range, otherwise simply reappearing on the spot. Opponents hit by the move will suffer slowed movement speed for a short period of time.
 * It's time to settle this once and for all!: Cream swallows itself and charges forward, dealing heavy damage on hit and sending opponents flying. Cream can be steered with the movement stick. Backward makes Cream move slower, and forward makes it move faster. The attack grants invincibility while in effect, is unblockable, and can hit downed opponents. However, Cream's stamina consumption is increased as long as the skill is active. If Cream hits a wall or the borders of the stage, it will simply return by popping out of the ground at a nearby location. The skill can be deactivated manually by reinputting the activating button.
 * Corner, then kill.: Cream disappears into the void and reappears at specific points in the stage represented by anchor icons. This allows for quick escapes and inversely can be used to get closer to opponents just as fast. The skill by itself will not deliver an attack, but a Powerful Attack can be inputted to do so. The additional attack is unblockable.
 * EX - Now I've taken your legs!: The skill executes quicker and the damage is increased.
 * EX - It's time to settle this once and for all!: Cream's charge speed is increased.

JoJolities

 * You brought this on yourself! It's all your fault!: Ice must connect the EX variation of "You foul creature!". (200 Points)
 * It's no use... you won't get far on those legs.: Ice must connect "Now I've taken your legs!" 3 times. (200 Points)
 * I'm going to toss you into the void.: Ice must connect "It's time to settle this once and for all!" 3 times. (300 Points)
 * Whoever's reading this: Turn around, and you die.: Ice must Backstab 5 times. (500 Points)
 * They were crushed into tiny pieces... and died.: Ice must Retire an opponent with a Dual Heat Attack. (800 Points)

Unlike the previous game, his main color scheme is now based on his anime appearance, including the effects of Cream's ability (turning from a deep red to the purple and black color).

Story mode
In the story mode, he is revived by DIO (in his Heaven Ascension form, but from alternate world where he finally conquered the world) and now able to fight in a daylight thanks DIO's new godlike powers on him, similar to the way how Kars becomes immune to the daylight after using the Red Stone of Aja implanted Stone Mask on him. He is seen in the last part of Chapter 2, set in Part 5/Vento Aureo timeline in Italy, backing a now revived and brainwashed Bruno Bucciarati to kill the heroes and to get the Saint's Corpse from them. However, he and Bucciarati are defeated by Polnareff and Giorno Giovanna as they retreat via teleportation by DIO. Before Ice retreat after Bucciarati first, he is asked by Polnareff about his true loyalty, the late-DIO or "that man". However, Ice only says that he is only loyal to one person, without telling them "that man" they speak of is none other than his master DIO, Ice knows this and departs afterward.

Tournament
Vanilla Ice is paired with Jotaro in the Eyes of Heaven Tournament, defeating Hol Horse and Yukako Yamagishi in the first round, but is eliminated by Jolyne Cujoh and Gyro Zeppeli in the second.

Trivia

 * Vanilla Ice's Stand, Cream, is the first Stand to be named after a band rather than a tarot card or an Egyptian god.
 * In All Star Battle, Ice can drain blood from his opponent despite that in canon, he has no idea that he is a Vampire. This was most likely added to justify his use of the Vampirism Style along with the Stand Style. Though it could also be reflexive, as the first instinct of the homeless man DIO turns into a Vampire using the Stone Mask in Phantom Blood was to drain blood from DIO, despite there being no way either one of them knew what was going on.

Gallery
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Trivia

 * Vanilla Ice is one of the only significant named characters to have their deaths altered between two separate pieces of media; being killed directly by Jean Pierre Polnareff's Stand, Silver Chariot, in the OVA and disintegrated in a beam of sunlight by Polnareff instead in the original manga and 2014-15 anime adaptation.