JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Review: A Multi-Generational Epic of Style, Stands & Surrealism

1. Introduction

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, created by Hirohiko Araki, is a legendary anime and manga series known for its flamboyant style, generational storytelling, and unique combat mechanics. First published in 1987 and still ongoing, JoJo has become a cultural icon. With six animated parts (so far) and a constantly evolving cast of characters, it offers one of the most diverse and imaginative anime experiences of all time.

2. Plot Summary

The series follows the Joestar family across generations, with each part focusing on a new protagonist—each nicknamed "JoJo"—facing off against supernatural enemies and curses that tie into their bloodline.

From battling vampires in Victorian England to bizarre Stand duels across Italy and Egypt, the story is a wild, stylish rollercoaster of action, drama, and absurdity. Despite the shifts in time and characters, themes of family, destiny, and the power of will remain constant.

3. Main Characters

🧬 Joestar Bloodline:

• Jonathan Joestar – The noble gentleman and the first JoJo.

• Joseph Joestar – The witty, trickster hero of Parts 2 & 3.

• Jotaro Kujo – The iconic, stoic Stand user from Part 3.

• Josuke Higashikata – The pompadour-wearing delinquent with a kind heart.

• Giorno Giovanna – The son of Dio with Joestar blood and big dreams.

• Jolyne Cujoh – The first female JoJo, imprisoned and fierce.

• Johnny Joestar – The paraplegic jockey of the rebooted universe in Part 7.

🦹 Iconic Villains:

• Dio Brando (DIO) – The immortal arch-nemesis spanning generations.

• Kars – The ultimate life form.

• Yoshikage Kira – A serial killer who just wants to live peacefully.

• Enrico Pucci – The priest with divine ambitions.

• Funny Valentine – Patriotism turned to madness.

4. Arcs & Parts (The JoJo Timeline)

Each Part functions like its own saga:

• 🧛 Part 1: Phantom Blood – Vampires and Hamon.

• 🌪️ Part 2: Battle Tendency – Pillar Men and ancient threats.

• 🌍 Part 3: Stardust Crusaders – The iconic Egypt road trip to defeat DIO.

• ⛩️ Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable – Small-town mystery meets supernatural.

• 🇮🇹 Part 5: Golden Wind – Mafia, betrayal, and Giorno's rise.

• 🔒 Part 6: Stone Ocean – Jolyne’s prison break to save the universe.

• 🐎 Part 7: Steel Ball Run – A rebooted timeline with a wild west race.

• 💥 Part 8: JoJolion – Mystery, identity, and legacy.

5. Powers & Abilities

🔆 Hamon (Parts 1–2):

A life energy that channels the power of the sun to combat vampires.

🌀 Stands (Parts 3+):

Manifestations of one's soul with unique powers—ranging from time-stop to healing to fate manipulation.

Each Stand is named after music references (e.g., Killer Queen, Star Platinum, Made in Heaven), making the series a treasure trove for fans of pop culture and classic rock.

6. Top Battles & Moments

⚔️ Jotaro vs. DIO (Part 3) – Time-stopping clash of titans.

💥 Joseph vs. Kars (Part 2) – Outwitting the ultimate life form.

🧨 Josuke vs. Kira (Part 4) – The fate of Morioh.

🌟 Giorno vs. Diavolo (Part 5) – Golden Requiem's judgment.

🧩 Jolyne’s Final Battle (Part 6) – A sacrifice that reshapes destiny.

🏁 Steel Ball Run Race (Part 7) – Philosophy, speed, and sheer willpower.

7. Influence & Legacy

• Major influence on fashion, music, anime, and even memes (“It was me, Dio!”).

• Homages across games (Persona, FFXIV), shows (RWBY), and music (Lady Gaga).

• Pioneered stylized combat and character design in shonen anime.

• Inspired creators like Tite Kubo (Bleach) and Hideaki Anno (Evangelion).

8. Anime & Manga Status

📺 Anime (by David Production):

• Parts 1 through 6 are fully animated.

• Steel Ball Run (Part 7) is in production.

📘 Manga:

• Part 9: The JOJOLands is currently ongoing (2023–).

9. Where to Start Watching?

🎬 Start with Part 1 to appreciate the legacy and lore.

🌀 Or begin with Part 3 (Stardust Crusaders) for peak JoJo weirdness.

🧠 Read Steel Ball Run if you want top-tier storytelling and art.

10. Manga vs. Anime Differences

• Anime follows the manga closely with enhanced visuals and music.

• Some fights and dialog are adapted for better pacing or censorship.

• The manga’s art style evolves dramatically—especially from Part 4 onward.

11. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Movies

🎞️ Notable Adaptations:

• JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood (2007 movie) – Rare and not widely released.

• Live-Action Diamond is Unbreakable (2017) – Visually faithful but polarizing.

• 🌀 No standalone anime movies; main arcs are serialized.

12. Fan Theories & Speculations

🧬 The Joestar bloodline is cursed to repeat tragedy.

💿 Stand powers are tied to psychology, trauma, and desire.

🌠 Dio’s influence still echoes in The JOJOLands.

📖 Is Part 9 connected to the rebooted universe or a new timeline?

13. Theories About the Final War

• Will the Joestar bloodline reach a final confrontation with cosmic fate?

• Could DIO return in another form?

• Is the "heaven" Pucci sought still an endgame threat?

14. Live-Action Adaptation

🎥 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable Chapter I (2017):

• Pros: Stylish visuals, solid performances.

• Cons: Lack of bizarreness, limited scope.

• Verdict: A decent curiosity watch for diehard fans.

15. Ratings & Reviews

⭐ Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.6/10)

✅ Rating Breakdown:

📖 Story & Concepts: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.7/10)

🌀 Characters & Generational Themes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

⚔️ Battles & Creativity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.8/10)

🎨 Visuals & Art Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (9.2/10)

🎵 Soundtrack & Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

🔄 Rewatch & Meme Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (10/10)

16. Recommendations

✅ Love eccentric fashion and creative battles? This anime is your vibe.

✅ Into long-running epics with evolving protagonists? JoJo delivers.

✅ Fans of Hunter x Hunter, Baki, or Persona will feel right at home.

💬 Who’s your favorite JoJo? Which Stand ability would you want? Share your pick below! 🌀🎩💥