So, you’ve been running around New Eridu and bumped into a certain corporate climber named Damian. He’s sharp, he’s questionable, and honestly, he sounds way too familiar to ignore. If you’ve been scratching your head trying to place that smooth, slightly manipulative voice, you aren't alone.
The Damian ZZZ English VA is none other than Aaron Dismuke.
Yeah, that Aaron Dismuke. The guy who has been a staple in the anime world since he was literally a child. If you grew up on Fullmetal Alchemist, you know him as the original Alphonse Elric. Nowadays, he's voicing some of the biggest "problematic favorites" in gaming and anime.
Who is Damian Blackwood anyway?
Before we get into the man behind the mic, let’s talk about the man on the screen. Damian Blackwood is one of those characters you love to side-eye. He’s a high-ranking official within TOPS—specifically tied to the Porcelumex branch. He isn't exactly a "hero." He's a corporate rat. But he’s a charismatic corporate rat.
He’s got that "I’m just doing my job while potentially selling you out" energy.
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In the story, he’s often seen navigating the messy politics of New Eridu. Most players first really took notice of him during the 2.0 updates and the drama surrounding the Krampus faction. He's morally grey, leaning into the "lesser of two evils" trope that HoYoverse loves to play with. Is he going to be playable? The community is split. Some think he's just a high-tier NPC destined for a tragic end, while others are convinced he’ll eventually lead a team, maybe even alongside that "murder rabbit" Thiren people keep theorizing about.
Why Aaron Dismuke is the perfect fit
Aaron Dismuke has this specific quality to his voice. It's sophisticated but has a hidden edge.
It’s the kind of voice that makes you trust him even when your brain is screaming that he’s probably hiding a contract that gives him 90% of your earnings.
A legendary career path
Aaron didn't just stumble into Zenless Zone Zero. He’s a veteran.
- The Alphonse Era: He started at age 12. Most of us were struggling with middle school math while he was voicing a soul trapped in a giant suit of armor.
- The Modern Heavy Hitters: You might recognize him as Senku Ishigami from Dr. Stone. The "get excited" energy is a far cry from Damian’s corporate drone vibe, but it shows his range.
- The Villainous Streak: He also voices Shigaraki in My Hero Academia. That raspy, unhinged tone is the complete opposite of Damian’s polished delivery, yet you can still hear that signature Dismuke texture.
In Zenless Zone Zero, Aaron plays Damian with a restrained, "professional" mask. It's a performance that relies on what isn't being said.
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The "VA Double-Take" in ZZZ
One of the funniest things about ZZZ is realizing how many actors are pulling double duty or appearing in other HoYo games.
While Aaron is busy making Damian sound like the world's most stressed executive, his colleagues are everywhere. You’ve got Alejandro Saab (Anton) who is basically the "Voice of HoYoverse" at this point, and Aleks Le (Lighter) who is constantly memeing on social media.
Interestingly, Aaron has a history of playing these types of roles. Characters who are smart, perhaps a bit arrogant, but ultimately vital to the plot. Damian fits right into that lineage.
Is Damian actually going to be playable?
Let's get real for a second. We’ve seen this before in Genshin and Star Rail. A cool NPC shows up, gets a top-tier voice actor, and everyone assumes they’re coming to the gacha.
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Damian has a unique design. He doesn't look like "Generic NPC #4." He has those distinct wrinkles between his eyes, a sharp suit, and a very specific color palette. Usually, when HoYoverse spends that much effort on a face and hires someone like Aaron Dismuke, there’s a plan.
Whether he becomes a playable Agent or stays as a pivotal story NPC, his voice is a huge part of why the community is so obsessed with his "corporate malewife" energy.
What you should do next
If you’re a fan of Aaron’s work as the Damian ZZZ English VA, your best bet is to dive deeper into the New Eridu lore. Check out the archive in Random Play to re-listen to his dialogue—there are often subtle hints in his tone that suggest he knows way more about the Hollows than he’s letting on.
Keep an eye on the official Zenless Zone Zero social media accounts for cast reveals. They’ve been slow-rolling the official credits for some NPCs, but the community has already done the heavy lifting of confirming Aaron's involvement. If you haven't seen his work in Dr. Stone or Fullmetal Alchemist, go watch a few episodes. It’ll make his performance as Damian feel even more impressive when you realize just how much he can change his vocal profile.
For now, just enjoy the corporate sass. Damian might be a rat, but thanks to Aaron Dismuke, he's the most listenable rat in the city.
Actionable Insights:
- Verify Credits: Check the in-game "More Info" or "Gallery" sections after major patches, as HoYoverse often updates VA credits once a character becomes more prominent.
- Follow the Actor: Aaron Dismuke is active in the convention circuit; following his official social media can often provide "behind the scenes" tidbits about recording for major games like ZZZ.
- Compare Performances: Listen to Damian's lines side-by-side with Senku (Dr. Stone) to appreciate the subtle shift from "eccentric scientist" to "calculated corporate official."