Known for its fast-paced action and charismatic characters displaying iconic poses, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures – written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki – is one of the current longest-running manga series, started in 1985 and counting 134 volumes to date. While it has long been considered a classic in Japan, it’s only in the last 10 years or so that the series has become a worldwide success, thanks largely to the anime adaptation, the first season of which aired in 2012. The manga is actually being published on the English market by Viz Media, in hardcover format.
Reading such a long saga can be a challenge for new readers, but fortunately the series is divided into several parts – 9 so far – which, although connected to each other, can easily be read independently. Each chapter takes place in a different time and place, has an original cast of characters, and tells its own story with its own conclusion. Here’s a quick overview of the plot and strengths of each part, to help you figure out what’s the best place to start if you ever want to explore this long saga.
Part 1: Phantom Blood
Japan: vol.1-5 / US: Part 1, vol.1-3
In late 19th century England, Jonathan Joestar, son of a wealthy landowner, sees young Dio Brando enter his life, adopted by his father to pay off an old family debt. While Jonathan does his best to welcome his new brother, Dio is determined do anything to usurp his position as heir to the Joestar family. Even if it means donning a mysterious Stone Mask and becoming a vampire! Will Jonathan find the strength to thwart his ruthless plans?
Dating back almost 40 years, Part 1 may seem a little daunting at first glance, not least because of its seemingly straightforward scenario and art that hasn’t aged very well… And yet, after just a few pages, you’ll find yourself swept away by the frenetic pace of the narrative, the dynamic page layout, and the often-implausible situations. In addition to laying the groundwork for this long-running saga, Phantom Blood also boasts the introduction of Dio, arguably the most charismatic character in the whole series. This arc was made into several anime series and films, and video games, as well as a musical in early 2024.
Part 2: Battle Tendency
Japan: vol.6-12 / US: Part 2, vol.1-4
Several decades have passed since the final showdown between Jonathan and Dio. In the 1930s, in the midst of the Great Depression, Joseph Joestar, Jonathan’s grandson, is a brash young man with an innate talent for harnessing a sunlight-based energy called Hamon (the Ripple). A battle with a vampire in the middle of New York sets him on the trail of the mysterious Pillar Men, who are believed to hold the secret of the Stone Masks, in order to lift the veil of the curse that seems to weigh heavily on his family. From the United States to Switzerland, through South America and Italy, Jospeh embarks on an adventure full of pitfalls and encounters that will culminate in a confrontation with these legendary and seemingly invincible beings.
At the time of its publication in 1987, skipping generations and changing the main character after only a few volumes of a series was a real innovation in the world of manga. With Part 2, Araki perfected the charm of the previous volumes and explored new ideas, refining the elements that would become emblematic themes of the saga, such as travel, family, generations, characters named after musicians, and, of course, self-improvement. Battle Tendency is a story arc that’s often overlooked, but one that’s still very enjoyable to read, and one that undoubtedly foreshadows things to come in the series.
Part 3: Stardust Crusaders
Japan: vol.13-28 / US: Part 3, vol.1-10
In the late 1980s in Tokyo, Jotaro Kujo, a young high school student with a thuggish look, refuses to leave his cell after being arrested, claiming to be possessed by an evil spirit. His grandfather, Joseph Joestar, arrives from the U.S. to tell him that it’s actually a Stand – a physical manifestation of his fighting spirit that takes the form of an astral body with incredible powers. This power was apparently triggered by the alleged reawakening of Dio, the family’s hereditary enemy, and manifests itself in all members of the Joestar line. The only problem is that Holy, Joseph’s daughter and Jotaro‘s mother, is unable to resist these new powers and develops a terrible fever, putting her life in danger. The grandfather and his grandson must travel to Egypt, to confront Dio as soon as possible in hopes of saving her. Will they be able to reach Holy in time, despite the many Stand Users in their way?
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures found its first real success with Part 3, which is also the fan-favorite arc of the series. In this installment, Araki introduces the Stands – visual manifestations of the characters’ powers. Initially simple, super-powered psychic doubles, they would evolve into more elaborate, abstract forms as the saga progressed. As Araki’s style matures, he brilliantly adapts the codes of classic shonen manga to his unique storytelling while continuing to give free rein to his imagination. The goal of our heroes’ quest is made clear from the get-go, as they face new and more powerful enemies until they reach the final boss, but the author manages to surprise us in his exploration of the characters’ powers. Stardust Crusaders was originally intended to be the conclusion of the series, which was planned as a trilogy. However, the success of this road trip with its colorful characters breathed new life into the series and ensured its longevity.
Part 4 : Diamond is Unbreakable
Japan: vol.29-46 / US: Part 4, vol.1-9
1999. It’s back-to-school time in the small town of Morioh in northeastern Japan. Jotaro has come to meet Josuke Higashitaka, a high school student who, to his surprise, turns out to be his uncle. He’s here to warn him of a mysterious Stand User/serial killer who threatens the tranquility of this peaceful rural town. Will Josuke find the courage to protect his town and his loved ones from the various Stand Users who are beginning to show up? And will he and his friends be able to uncover the identity of the mysterious killer hiding among them?
Same foundations, same concepts, same themes, but a different approach. Though the Stands are back, with this fourth installment, Araki leaves behind road trips and adventures in exotic locales for a story set entirely in a small town in the Japanese countryside. As the plot unfolds, we learn more about the town’s various neighborhoods, its history and urban legends, as well as its inhabitants. In addition to the breathtaking action scenes that are a trademark of the series, readers can also witness scenes of everyday life, often disrupted by the appearance of a new Stand User. Despite the slower pacing, the series never loses the reader’s attention, thanks in large part to the mystery of a killer lurking in the shadows. The colorful characters continue to find inventive ways to use their powers on a daily basis.
I’ll be back soon with Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure overview covering Parts 5-9! But, for now, you can visit Viz Media’s Jojo page, or you can explore the official Japanese website!
Manga Spotlight © Omniverse Comics Guide 2024
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