Manga Review – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: A Manga That’s More Bizarre Than My Uncle’s Hawaiian Shirt Collection

Put your sunglasses on and strike a pose, because we’re about to get right into the wacky world of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, the manga hit series that’s more crazy than Yuno Gasai from Future Diary (ok, ok, maybe not that crazy!). But yes, if you’re looking for a story that follows the standard rules and laws of logic and reality, well, you might want to check out the dictionary instead.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a multigenerational saga that spans centuries and continents, following the adventures of the Joestar family, a lineage of buff, brash, and undeniably bizarre heroes who battle evil with the power of Hamon (aka sunlight energy) and Stands (aka psychic manifestations that look like they came straight out of a fever dream).

So grab a slice of pizza (extra pepperoni, please), and let’s talk about the eight (and counting!) story arcs of this manga masterpiece that’s as addictive as a bag of potato chips and twice as unpredictable.

A Family Affair: Joestars, JoBros, and the Jo-Mama (no seriously that’s her name)

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure isn’t your average family drama. We’re not talking about squabbles over inheritance or who forgot to put the toilet seat down. No, the Joestars are a different breed altogether. They’re ripped, righteous, and always ready to throw down with anyone who threatens their family or the innocent.

Each generation of Joestars has its own unique charm and fighting style. There’s Jonathan Joestar, the gentlemanly boxer who punches vampires in the face. Joseph Joestar, the wise-cracking trickster who outwits ancient Aztec gods. Jotaro Kujo, the stoic delinquent with a Stand that can stop time. And so many more, each with their own quirks and catchphrases.

The Eight (Completed) Arcs of Absolute Insanity

1. Phantom Blood: The one that started it all. Meet Jonathan Joestar and his vampiric nemesis, Dio Brando. It’s Victorian England with a heavy dose of (melodramatic) drama.
2. Battle Tendency: Joseph Joestar takes the stage, facing off against ancient super-beings known as the Pillar Men. It’s a non-stop rollercoaster of action and wit.
3. Stardust Crusaders: Jotaro Kujo travels to Egypt to save his mother and defeat Dio (yep, he’s back). Time-stopping Stands and globetrotting adventures galore.
4. Diamond is Unbreakable: Josuke Higashikata and his friends protect their town from Stand-using villains. Think small-town mysteries with a supernatural twist.
5. Golden Wind: Giorno Giovanna, Dio’s son, dreams of becoming a “Gang-Star” in Italy. Mafia, betrayal, and stylish battles define this arc.
6. Stone Ocean: Jolyne Cujoh, Jotaro’s daughter, fights for her freedom in a prison. It’s a jailbreak story with a bizarre twist.
7. Steel Ball Run: A race across America in the 19th century. Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli compete in the most dangerous race ever.
8. JoJolion: Set in an alternate universe, Josuke Higashikata (another one!) unravels mysteries in a town with a dark history.

The 9th arc – JOJOLands, is still in progress. And yes, since all the parts are self-contained – you can hop into any of the arcs and start reading!

The Power of Friendship, Sunlight, And Psychics

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is all about the power of friendship. The Joestars may be tough as nails, but they know they can’t face the forces of evil alone. They rely on their friends, their family, and their trusty stands to overcome any obstacle.

Speaking of Stands (Stands are pretty much psychic manifestations that can be as diverse and unpredictable as the Joestars themselves btw). They can range from a sword-wielding robot to a sentient plant to a literal steamroller. And don’t even get me started on the Stand that’s a colony of plankton that can control people’s minds.

A Visual Feast for the Eyes (And the Imagination)

One of the things that sets JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure apart from other manga is its unique art style. Hirohiko Araki, the creator of the series, isn’t afraid to experiment with bold colors, exaggerated poses, and fashion choices that would make even Lady Gaga blush.

The characters are all incredibly stylish, with outfits that range from Victorian-era suits to punk rock ensembles. And the Stands are even more outlandish, with designs that defy description. It’s a visual feast for the eyes, and it’s one of the reasons why JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is so instantly recognizable.

Over-the-Top Action That’ll Make Your Head Spin

If you’re a fan of action, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has got you covered. The battles are epic, over-the-top, and often defy the laws of physics. You’ll see everything from Stand-powered fistfights to high-speed car chases to battles on horseback in the middle of a desert.

But it’s not just the action that makes the battles so exciting. It’s the creativity and ingenuity that the characters display. They use their Stands in unexpected ways, coming up with clever strategies and outsmarting their opponents. Honestly, you never know what you’re going to get with JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The story is full of twists, turns, and unexpected developments. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Araki throws you a curveball that’ll leave you reeling.

But it’s this unpredictability that’s part of the series’ charm. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what’s going to happen next. And it makes for a truly unique reading experience.

Why You Should Read JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (Even If You Think It’s Weird)

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is not for everyone. It’s weird, wacky, and often downright nonsensical. But if you’re willing to embrace the absurdity, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most entertaining and unforgettable manga series ever created.

Here are just a few reasons why you should give JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure a chance:

• The characters are unforgettable: The Joestars are a lovable bunch of misfits, each with their own unique personality and charm.
• The art is visually stunning: Hirohiko Araki’s art style is a feast for the eyes. It’s bold, colorful, and incredibly stylish.
• The action is over-the-top and exciting: The battles in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure are epic and unpredictable. You never know what’s going to happen next.
• The story is full of twists and turns: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a rollercoaster ride of a story. You’ll be laughing one minute and crying the next.
• The series is a celebration of creativity and individuality: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure encourages you to embrace your own unique style and personality.

Frequently Asked Questions (Because I Know You’re Curious)

Is JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure still ongoing? Yes, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is still ongoing. The ninth part, The JOJOLands, began serialization in February 2023.

Should I read the manga or watch the anime? Both the manga and the anime are great, but the manga is generally considered the definitive version. It’s more detailed, more complete, and has a more consistent art style. With that said the anime is pretty EPIC with the animation and battles, and it does follow it closely.

Is JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure appropriate for all ages? JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure contains violence and some suggestive themes, so it’s not appropriate for young children. However, it’s generally considered appropriate for teenagers and adults.

So is it good?

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a wild, wacky, and wonderful manga series that’s unlike anything else you’ve ever read. It’s a mix of creativity, individuality…..and the power of friendship. If you’re looking for a manga that’ll make you laugh, cry, and cheer, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is the one for you.