Set around the same time as Diamond is Unbreakable, Golden Wind follows the son of Dio (DIO) Brando and Jonathan Joestar (it’s complicated). Though less directionless, and more reliant on antics over thematics, Diamond is Unbreakable was the start of something exceptional for Araki. Stands are also vastly improved over part 3, with variety keeping the intrigue and excitement at a high throughout its long length. Then ends with smooth & bendy figures more akin to fashion models or diva stars. It starts with harsh, muscular forms reminiscent of Stardust Crusaders. The setting is confined to one town, allowing greater worldbuilding and a more slice-of-life structure.Īnd the megalomaniac villains of Dio, Kars, and DIO are replaced by the humble wants of a decadent man in Yoshikage Kira.ĭiamond is Unbreakable also stands out artistically from beginning to end. And is accompanied by the greater developed Jotaro to create a greater balance between protagonist personalities. Josuke is a fleshed-out iteration of the goofy Joestar seen in Battle Tendency. Set in the late-1990s in the fictional town of Morioh within Japan, Diamond is Unbreakable is a stark departure from formula in every respect.
And for a while, this part was considered his magnum opus – until he surprised everyone with a seventh. Unfortunately, its sense of setting and characterization takes a sideways step from Diamond is Unbreakable and Golden Wind, resulting in an anticlimax… however, with enough thought that bathos ends up turning into one of its strengths.Īraki’s style established in parts 4 and 5 is maintained her with slight variation. And the villain is unique in design, perspective, and execution. The Stand mechanics featured in Golden Wind are expanded, making this one of the most dynamic parts in terms of combat. Stone Ocean was intended as the climax to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and wraps up the trilogies of the Stone Mask and Stand Arrow with a tragically unforgettable arc. What initially starts as a prison break ends up turning into something far more dire, with the fate of the universe at stake. She’s on the brink of accepting her confinement when her father arrives. Set at the start of the century, Stone Ocean follows the daughter of Jotaro Kujo(Jolyne) who has been imprisoned for a murder she claims was not her fault. Nonetheless, it’s an immensely entertaining experience, only slightly ruined by pacing issues and those aforementioned growing pains. But still featured moments of questionable design and posture. The art style is suitably adjusted, perfected into the iconic style embolic of The Stone Mask Trilogy. But they come with their own growing pains that only iron out in the second half of Stardust Crusaders. The introduction of Stands (a far superior mechanic for combat writing than Hamon) was a brilliant move by Araki. Stardust Crusaders holds many of the same flaws of Phantom Blood, while also improving on them in every way. Jotaro himself is a nice blend between Jonathan and Joseph, and has went down as one of the best – particularly for his appearances in later parts. He starts by visiting his grandson, Jotaro Kujo of Japan, a calmfaced delinquent who’s recently developed a Stand.Īlongside a few other companions, the Stardust Crusaders must battle through many obstacles to reach DIO and put an end to his century-long tormenting of the Joestar bloodline. Set in the 1989, Stardust Crusaders takes us from Japan to Egypt and everywhere in-between, mimicking the style of a Verne novel in its direction.ĭio is back – or DIO, rather – and Joseph Joestar (protagonist of part 2: Battle Tendency, now an aged man) sees it as his responsibility to avenge his grandfather.
And it serves as a great precursor for part 2: Battle Tendency.Īlso the magic mechanic, Hamon, isn’t as effective and falls quite flat in this part. Nonetheless, the characters shine bright.
There are some great moments, but the pace and driving narrative is quite formulaic and boring. It’s the first necessary step towards the madness to come, and a brilliant base benchmark for Araki’s artistic abilities. Phantom Blood is the first and worst part of JoJos’s Bizarre Adventure. Not many mangakas would be willing to start all over again like Araki. What’s commendable is Araki’s willingness to drop entire characters and storylines – that had developed fans and reputation – in order to move onto the next part. But it doesn’t live long enough to leave a large impact on the reader, outside of the ending. There are some legendary scenes in this exceptionally short story. Set in the late Victorian 1800s, Phantom Blood is a story about Jonathan Joestar and his adopted brother, Dio Brando, and follows the rivalry between them.