5 Reasons Why "Featuring Dante From DMC" Is The Internet's Favorite Gaming Meme (Plus 2025 Updates)
The phrase "Featuring Dante from the Devil May Cry series" has transcended its humble origins as a simple marketing label to become one of the most enduring and hilarious meta-memes in video game history. What started as a confusing and overly prominent seal on a game's box art has evolved into a universal punchline, signifying unexpected or forced crossovers, and a testament to the iconic status of the cocky demon hunter himself. As of December 2025, the character of Dante is more relevant than ever, with major new media projects bringing the Legendary Dark Knight’s son back into the spotlight.
This article dives deep into the true origin of the "Featuring Dante" phenomenon, explains its lasting appeal, and details the most current, up-to-date information on Dante's latest appearances, including the highly anticipated 2025 Netflix anime and the persistent rumors surrounding a potential Devil May Cry 6. Prepare to learn why this meme is more than just a joke—it’s a cornerstone of modern gaming culture and a constant source of curiosity for new fans.
Dante: The Legendary Dark Knight's Son (Biography Profile)
Dante is the central protagonist of the Devil May Cry (DMC) franchise, a half-human, half-demon hybrid known for his signature white hair, red trench coat, and easy-going, cocky attitude. His existence is a direct result of the legendary conflict between the demon world and the human realm.
- Full Name: Dante
- Aliases: Tony Redgrave, The Legendary Devil Hunter, The Son of Sparda, The Strongest Demon Hunter.
- Species: Nephilim (Half-Demon, Half-Human).
- Parents: Sparda (Demon) and Eva (Human).
- Sibling: Vergil (Twin Brother).
- Occupation: Private Investigator / Devil Hunter.
- Agency: Devil May Cry (also known as Devil May Cry Agency).
- Signature Weapons: Rebellion (Sword), Ebony and Ivory (Dual Pistols).
- First Appearance: Devil May Cry (2001).
- Voice Actor: Reuben Langdon (in the main series).
Born alongside his twin brother Vergil, Dante’s mother, Eva, was killed by demons seeking revenge on Sparda, the Legendary Dark Knight who rebelled against his own kind to save humanity. This tragedy separated the brothers and set Dante on his path as a mercenary demon hunter, operating his "Devil May Cry" business to protect the human world from demonic incursions. His character is defined by his stylish combat, immense power, and a playful disregard for danger, often punctuating his victories with his famous catchphrase: "Jackpot!"
The Absurd Origin of "Featuring Dante from the Devil May Cry Series"
The meme’s genesis is a perfect storm of bizarre marketing and an unexpected crossover that confused and delighted gamers in equal measure. The source material is the game Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne (SMT III), a dark, post-apocalyptic role-playing game from Atlus.
1. A Baffling Box Art Seal
The phrase originated on the box art for the European and North American release of Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne for the PlayStation 2. Unlike a subtle logo, the phrase was encased in a prominent, almost garish red seal, declaring to the world: "Featuring Dante from the Devil May Cry Series."
The sheer prominence of the seal was what launched the meme. It felt like an over-the-top, desperate marketing attempt to leverage a major character from a different company (Capcom) to sell a niche JRPG (Atlus). The absurdity of a dark, philosophical SMT game needing to loudly advertise the inclusion of a cocky, stylish demon hunter was instantly recognized by the gaming community.
2. The Crossover That Shouldn't Have Worked
Dante's appearance in SMT III: Nocturne was a surprising and unique collaboration. He appears as a powerful, optional boss and a recruitable ally who challenges the protagonist, the Demi-Fiend. His inclusion was part of a deal between Capcom and Atlus, where Atlus's lead designer, Kazuma Kaneko, would create the demon forms for Dante and Vergil in the upcoming Devil May Cry 3 in exchange for Dante's cameo in Nocturne.
The contrast between Dante's over-the-top, spectacle-fighter style and SMT's grim, turn-based combat was jarring, yet memorable. The meme became a shorthand for any time a popular character is shoehorned into a completely unrelated property, often humorously edited onto movie posters, album covers, or other video game boxes.
3. The HD Remaster Rebirth
The meme received a massive resurgence with the release of the Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne HD Remaster. The original Japanese version of the game featured a different character, Raidou Kuzunoha, a detective from the Devil Summoner series. For the HD Remaster, Atlus leaned into the joke: Raidou was included in the base game, but Dante was brought back as paid DLC via the "Maniac Pack."
This decision—making the meme-worthy character an optional purchase—only fueled the community's adoration, proving that Atlus was fully aware of the meme's power and chose to monetize the very joke that made the original game famous in the West. The HD Remaster ensured that "Featuring Dante" remains a current and relevant gaming joke for a new generation of players.
Why the Meme Is Still Relevant: Dante's Latest Appearances
The "Featuring Dante" meme continues to thrive because the character himself remains a major figure in gaming, with several high-profile projects keeping him in the public eye. The most significant news, as of December 2025, centers on his jump to streaming entertainment.
The Netflix Devil May Cry Anime (April 2025 Launch)
The biggest update for Dante fans is the upcoming Netflix anime adaptation of the Devil May Cry series, which is officially slated for a launch in April 2025. This project is part of a "multiverse" created by Adi Shankar, the producer behind the successful Castlevania animated series.
- Tone and Style: The full trailer and promotional materials have showcased Dante's signature stylish action and cocky demeanor.
- Music Choice: In a move that surprised and delighted long-time fans, the opening credits for the series feature the song "Rollin'" by Limp Bizkit, a nostalgic nod to the early 2000s era when the first DMC game launched.
- Season 2 Tease: Early looks at Dante for a potential Season 2 have already been released, showing him acquiring his iconic pistols, Ebony and Ivory, from the character Nell Goldstein, suggesting a deep dive into the franchise's lore.
The new anime, with its high production value and reverence for the source material, ensures that Dante will be "featuring" prominently in pop culture throughout 2025 and beyond.
The Devil May Cry 6 Rumor Mill
The possibility of a new mainline game, Devil May Cry 6, remains a hot topic, fueled in part by a minor slip-up from Dante's long-time voice actor, Reuben Langdon. While discussing the new anime, Langdon accidentally mentioned the next game, causing a stir among the fanbase. Although Capcom has not officially announced a sequel to Devil May Cry 5, the success of the last installment and the persistent, high-level rumors keep the hope for a new stylish action game very much alive.
The character of Dante, alongside his twin brother Vergil and his nephew Nero, continues to be a driving force for the franchise. Whether he's unexpectedly crashing a dark RPG or starring in a major streaming series, the constant presence of the Legendary Devil Hunter in new media ensures that the joke "Featuring Dante from the Devil May Cry series" will never truly die—it will simply update with the latest context.
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