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JoJo's Bizarre Thread [JJBA]
Tairu
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I'm not sure how many of you fine people have heard of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, the ongoing manga created by Hirohiko Araki, but let me tell you- it's awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hRXxnTue5w
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure has been continuously written since 1987 and can be a bit daunting for newcomers, especially because only one part has ever been officially released in English (Stardust Crusaders). But it is huge worldwide, having it's own video games, anime, toys, fashion line, and an exhibit at the Louvre! It is one of the most influential comics still ongoing.
To sum up the whole thing, it's a multigenerational fighting manga about the intertwining bloodlines of the englishman Jonathan Joestar and the vampire Dio Brando. It encompasses 8 "parts" (so far) each starring a different "JoJo" and spanning genres from horror, mystery, comedy, adventure and more.
It's a lot easier to enter into than it may seem, as each part can be read more or less stand-alone. And let me just say- it's worth it. There is no other comic in the world quite like JoJo. If you're a fan of Shounen Manga series, you may know how they tend to have tedious "training" stories and huge gaps in between the really juicy parts. Not JoJo. There is no training, no power levels- every battle in JoJo is fought by being really clever, and the stupidest powers (i.e. bubbles, making things soft, projectile finger nails) often have the greatest applications.
b]Part 1: Phantom Blood[/b
b]Part 2: Battle Tendency[/b
b]Part 3: Stardust Crusaders[/b
b]Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable (or Diamond is Not Crash)[/b
b]Part 5: Vento Aureo[/b
b]Part 6: Stone Ocean[/b
b]Part 7: Steel Ball Run[/b
b]Part 8: Jojolion[/b
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsxXvKnuZ7s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hRXxnTue5wJoJo's Bizarre Adventure has been continuously written since 1987 and can be a bit daunting for newcomers, especially because only one part has ever been officially released in English (Stardust Crusaders). But it is huge worldwide, having it's own video games, anime, toys, fashion line, and an exhibit at the Louvre! It is one of the most influential comics still ongoing.
To sum up the whole thing, it's a multigenerational fighting manga about the intertwining bloodlines of the englishman Jonathan Joestar and the vampire Dio Brando. It encompasses 8 "parts" (so far) each starring a different "JoJo" and spanning genres from horror, mystery, comedy, adventure and more.
It's a lot easier to enter into than it may seem, as each part can be read more or less stand-alone. And let me just say- it's worth it. There is no other comic in the world quite like JoJo. If you're a fan of Shounen Manga series, you may know how they tend to have tedious "training" stories and huge gaps in between the really juicy parts. Not JoJo. There is no training, no power levels- every battle in JoJo is fought by being really clever, and the stupidest powers (i.e. bubbles, making things soft, projectile finger nails) often have the greatest applications.
b]Part 1: Phantom Blood[/b
Should really be called: Dioracula
Starring: Jonathan Joestar
What it's about: Set in 1880, the prestigious Joestar family adopts the manipulative and cruel Dio Brando. Dio's goal is to make life miserable for Jonathan Joestar (nicknamed JoJo), his adoptive brother, until he is forced to hand over the reigns of the Joestar estate. In their adulthood, Dio takes possession of a mysterious mask that transforms him into a powerful vampire, and it's up to JoJo to put an end to his evil before he takes over the world. Along the way JoJo meets his mentor, Will A. Zepelli, who teaches the art of the ripple, a power that allows him to stand against Dio and his zombie army. He also befriends the street thug Speedwagon and the love of his life Erina Pendleton.
Part 1 isn't anyone's favorite part, but it is still damn entertaining in it's own way. More importantly, it sets the stage for the real bizarre stuff that comes next.
Phantom Blood was adapted into the first 9 episodes of the 2012 anime adaptation of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
Starring: Jonathan Joestar
What it's about: Set in 1880, the prestigious Joestar family adopts the manipulative and cruel Dio Brando. Dio's goal is to make life miserable for Jonathan Joestar (nicknamed JoJo), his adoptive brother, until he is forced to hand over the reigns of the Joestar estate. In their adulthood, Dio takes possession of a mysterious mask that transforms him into a powerful vampire, and it's up to JoJo to put an end to his evil before he takes over the world. Along the way JoJo meets his mentor, Will A. Zepelli, who teaches the art of the ripple, a power that allows him to stand against Dio and his zombie army. He also befriends the street thug Speedwagon and the love of his life Erina Pendleton.
Part 1 isn't anyone's favorite part, but it is still damn entertaining in it's own way. More importantly, it sets the stage for the real bizarre stuff that comes next.
Phantom Blood was adapted into the first 9 episodes of the 2012 anime adaptation of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
b]Part 2: Battle Tendency[/b
Should really be called: Part 2: Indiana JoJones and the Stone of Aja
Starring: Joseph Joestar
What it's about: In 1938 the grandson of Jonathan Joestar is pulled into an adventure by their family friend Speedwagon. This time around the world is threatened by three mostly nude pre-mayan superpowered beings called Pillarmen. The Pillarmen (named Santana, ACDC, Wham and Cars) are the original creators of the stone mask used by Dio Brando and seek a more powerful artifact- a precious red stone that can help them attain ultimate power. The new JoJo must master the art of the ripple and work together with Caesar Zepelli, the grandson of Will Zepelli, to stop them.
Part 2 is amazing. Where Jonathan Joestar was a pretty milquetoast hero, Joseph is a crazy, insanely clever, and on more than one occasion a huge dick. Also, his poses are great.
Battle Tendency was adapted into the latter 17 episodes of the 2012 anime adaptation of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
Starring: Joseph Joestar
What it's about: In 1938 the grandson of Jonathan Joestar is pulled into an adventure by their family friend Speedwagon. This time around the world is threatened by three mostly nude pre-mayan superpowered beings called Pillarmen. The Pillarmen (named Santana, ACDC, Wham and Cars) are the original creators of the stone mask used by Dio Brando and seek a more powerful artifact- a precious red stone that can help them attain ultimate power. The new JoJo must master the art of the ripple and work together with Caesar Zepelli, the grandson of Will Zepelli, to stop them.
Part 2 is amazing. Where Jonathan Joestar was a pretty milquetoast hero, Joseph is a crazy, insanely clever, and on more than one occasion a huge dick. Also, his poses are great.
Battle Tendency was adapted into the latter 17 episodes of the 2012 anime adaptation of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
b]Part 3: Stardust Crusaders[/b
Should really be called: Where in the World is Dio Sandiego?
Starring: Jotaro Kujo
Stand: Star Platinum
What it's about: The half-japanese grandson of Joseph Joestar must go on a globe-trotting adventure to stop the reawakened DIO in Cairo and save Jotaro's mother. Jotaro and his five companions all have new-found psychic powers called "stands" that only other stand-users can see and fight against. Of course, they encounter several other stand-users each with a unique ability which they have to combat.
Part 3 is by far the most popular segment of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and it happens to be the only one that has had an official release in English. Even if you don't know it, you've probably picked up several things about Stardust Crusaders sheerly through internet osmosis. Vampires on steamrollers going "WRRRRYYYY"? Thats JoJo. Jotaro Kujo was also referenced in the show Heroes. This also marks the first appearance of "stands" which quickly become the standard for every following part of JoJo and one of the biggest inspirations for the Persona franchise.
Stardust Crusaders was adapted into a 1993 anime OVA and will be the focus of the second season of the 2012 anime (coming out in April).
Starring: Jotaro Kujo
Stand: Star Platinum
What it's about: The half-japanese grandson of Joseph Joestar must go on a globe-trotting adventure to stop the reawakened DIO in Cairo and save Jotaro's mother. Jotaro and his five companions all have new-found psychic powers called "stands" that only other stand-users can see and fight against. Of course, they encounter several other stand-users each with a unique ability which they have to combat.
Part 3 is by far the most popular segment of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and it happens to be the only one that has had an official release in English. Even if you don't know it, you've probably picked up several things about Stardust Crusaders sheerly through internet osmosis. Vampires on steamrollers going "WRRRRYYYY"? Thats JoJo. Jotaro Kujo was also referenced in the show Heroes. This also marks the first appearance of "stands" which quickly become the standard for every following part of JoJo and one of the biggest inspirations for the Persona franchise.
Stardust Crusaders was adapted into a 1993 anime OVA and will be the focus of the second season of the 2012 anime (coming out in April).
b]Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable (or Diamond is Not Crash)[/b
Should really be called: Fast Times at Morioh High
Starring: Josuke Higashikata (Which becomes JoJo through some strange Japanese turn of phrase or something I don't know)
Stand: Crazy Diamond
What it's about: In the small Japanese town of Morioh, Josuke Higashikata (the ironically young uncle of Jotaro Kujo) has to solve a murder mystery along with his newly found friends. Also introduced is the Stand Arrow, an artifact that can awaken the inherent power in a person- if it doesn't kill them.
Part 4 is the most... traditionally manga-like part. It isn't on the same global scale as 2 or 3, and instead of constantly battling the characters sometimes just have wacky teenage hijinx. It's a really nice change of pace. More than that, it isn't a clear shot to get to the villain, they have to actually do detective work against someone who is good at covering their tracks. This part goes a lot crazier with stand powers than part 3 did.
Starring: Josuke Higashikata (Which becomes JoJo through some strange Japanese turn of phrase or something I don't know)
Stand: Crazy Diamond
What it's about: In the small Japanese town of Morioh, Josuke Higashikata (the ironically young uncle of Jotaro Kujo) has to solve a murder mystery along with his newly found friends. Also introduced is the Stand Arrow, an artifact that can awaken the inherent power in a person- if it doesn't kill them.
Part 4 is the most... traditionally manga-like part. It isn't on the same global scale as 2 or 3, and instead of constantly battling the characters sometimes just have wacky teenage hijinx. It's a really nice change of pace. More than that, it isn't a clear shot to get to the villain, they have to actually do detective work against someone who is good at covering their tracks. This part goes a lot crazier with stand powers than part 3 did.
b]Part 5: Vento Aureo[/b
Should really be called: The Goldfather
Starring: Giorno Giovanna
Stand: Gold Experience
What it's about: Giorno, son of Dio Brando, has a dream to become a GANG-STAR, the greatest mafia don in the history of Italy. But the path to gang-stardom won't be easy, as the current mafia boss has an insane(ly confusing) power that allows him to perfectly cover his tracks and kill whoever he wants. Giorno joins the small stand-user assassination squad called Passione who rebel against the mafia boss and discover a flaw in his seemingly perfect plan- he has a living daughter.
Part 5 is divisive. For several it is the worst part of JoJo, and for others the best. It seems to be more popular in Japan, where it got it's own video game adaptation and fashion line. Giorno can end up being a bit stiff much like Jonathan Joestar, but even a bad part of JoJo is still awesome.
Starring: Giorno Giovanna
Stand: Gold Experience
What it's about: Giorno, son of Dio Brando, has a dream to become a GANG-STAR, the greatest mafia don in the history of Italy. But the path to gang-stardom won't be easy, as the current mafia boss has an insane(ly confusing) power that allows him to perfectly cover his tracks and kill whoever he wants. Giorno joins the small stand-user assassination squad called Passione who rebel against the mafia boss and discover a flaw in his seemingly perfect plan- he has a living daughter.
Part 5 is divisive. For several it is the worst part of JoJo, and for others the best. It seems to be more popular in Japan, where it got it's own video game adaptation and fashion line. Giorno can end up being a bit stiff much like Jonathan Joestar, but even a bad part of JoJo is still awesome.
b]Part 6: Stone Ocean[/b
Should really be called: JoJackie Brown
Starring: Jolyne Cujoh
Stand: Stone Free
What it's about: Jolyne Cujoh, estranged daughter of Jotaro, gets put into the Green Dolphin Prison in Florida for a crime she didn't commit. The priest Enrico Pucci is secretly enacting a complex plot in the name of Dio Brando to destroy the Joestars and attain Heaven on Earth. When her father's soul is stolen by Pucci, Jolyne has to team up with other prison inmates to escape the prison and stop Pucci before it's too late.
Jolyne is my favorite JoJo hands down. Part 6 is by far the craziest in terms of stand battles and setting (Orlando Florida is the best location for a climactic battle). Hirohiko apparently fought very hard to have a leading lady who could put up a fight but not only did he manage one, but he snuck three in there! And they're all great. I have nothing but praise for Stone Ocean.
Starring: Jolyne Cujoh
Stand: Stone Free
What it's about: Jolyne Cujoh, estranged daughter of Jotaro, gets put into the Green Dolphin Prison in Florida for a crime she didn't commit. The priest Enrico Pucci is secretly enacting a complex plot in the name of Dio Brando to destroy the Joestars and attain Heaven on Earth. When her father's soul is stolen by Pucci, Jolyne has to team up with other prison inmates to escape the prison and stop Pucci before it's too late.
Jolyne is my favorite JoJo hands down. Part 6 is by far the craziest in terms of stand battles and setting (Orlando Florida is the best location for a climactic battle). Hirohiko apparently fought very hard to have a leading lady who could put up a fight but not only did he manage one, but he snuck three in there! And they're all great. I have nothing but praise for Stone Ocean.
b]Part 7: Steel Ball Run[/b
Should really be called: DjoDjo Unchained
Starring: Johnny Joestar
Stand: Tusk
What it's about: Set in an alternate JoJo universe, 1890. Wealthy and eccentric Stephen Steel calls upon racers from across the globe to join the first cross-country race in America, the Steel Ball Run. The prize is $50,000. Each contestant wants to win for their own reasons, but two in particular have intertwined fates. Johnny Joestar, former star jockey who was crippled from a gunshot, Gyro Zepelli, an Italian who seeking redemption (but not for himself). They get involved in a conspiracy involving their fellow racers, the President, and the fate of America itself.
Steel Ball Run is, in my opinion, the single best part of JoJo. It has the best art and the best story beats in the entire series. Also my favorite villain. Gyro is the coolest protagonist too, even if he isn't a JoJo.
Starring: Johnny Joestar
Stand: Tusk
What it's about: Set in an alternate JoJo universe, 1890. Wealthy and eccentric Stephen Steel calls upon racers from across the globe to join the first cross-country race in America, the Steel Ball Run. The prize is $50,000. Each contestant wants to win for their own reasons, but two in particular have intertwined fates. Johnny Joestar, former star jockey who was crippled from a gunshot, Gyro Zepelli, an Italian who seeking redemption (but not for himself). They get involved in a conspiracy involving their fellow racers, the President, and the fate of America itself.
Steel Ball Run is, in my opinion, the single best part of JoJo. It has the best art and the best story beats in the entire series. Also my favorite villain. Gyro is the coolest protagonist too, even if he isn't a JoJo.
b]Part 8: Jojolion[/b
Starring: Josuke Higashikata
Stand: Soft & Wet
What it's about: Set in the same universe as Steel Ball Run, in an alternate Morioh. In the wake of the 2011 quake, Yasuho Hirose uncovers a amnesiac boy wearing a sailor uniform from the rubble. He is adopted by the Higashikata family and named Josuke until he can recover his identity. But as he learns more and more about his past, it becomes inexplicably intertwined with his adoptive family, the Joestars, and the mysterious Wall Eyes that abound the town.
This is the most recent part, and it's only 29 chapters in. JoJo has become a monthly series so the plot isn't fully formed yet and the mysteries are plentiful. It's really good so far though.
Stand: Soft & Wet
What it's about: Set in the same universe as Steel Ball Run, in an alternate Morioh. In the wake of the 2011 quake, Yasuho Hirose uncovers a amnesiac boy wearing a sailor uniform from the rubble. He is adopted by the Higashikata family and named Josuke until he can recover his identity. But as he learns more and more about his past, it becomes inexplicably intertwined with his adoptive family, the Joestars, and the mysterious Wall Eyes that abound the town.
This is the most recent part, and it's only 29 chapters in. JoJo has become a monthly series so the plot isn't fully formed yet and the mysteries are plentiful. It's really good so far though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsxXvKnuZ7s Tairu on
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A terrible wrestler who cannot wrestle or even sing
This does look pretty cool though, like those bright colours. Purple and green! So Ditko!
Yussssssssss
I hope there's eventually a way to watch that legally.
But in terms of things you can legally purchase in English, I just got my copy of Rohan at the Louvre (the official louvre-sponsored JoJo hardcover comic)
It's a pretty great, if poorly-translated, supernatural mystery story. The art is amazing.
I've been following this since 2008 and just loved Stardust Crusaders to Steel Ball Run.
The first two arcs aren't that great and really feel like work that you need to get through in order to get the immense pay-off in Stardust Crusaders. Then each subsequent arc just feels better and better until Jojolion. Maybe it's just me, but it doesn't feel like that great of an arc.
And I like Jojolion but it is slower and the direction isn't as clear yet. It's a murder mystery like Part IV.. but in Part IV, you pretty much learn the identity of the villain right away and it's a journey for the characters to find him out. This time, the plot is waaaaaay more labyrinthine.
http://www.crunchyroll.com/jojos-bizarre-adventure
Part 1 is up, Part 2 will come out next week and Part 3 is airing every friday.
So far Stardust Crusaders is fantastic- but how much of it are they going to cram in there? It seems to have the opposite problem of the OVA, so far I can't think of anything they've cut. I am getting worried they'll have to split the season in half!
There aren't any images yet, but from the description i'm guessing they're bringing over JoJonium- which means we'll probably get Battle Tendency as well!
And, looking towards the future, hopefully JoJonium will extend beyond just Stardust Crusaders. Who knows, Viz might just bring over all of JoJo wholesale. It's too fucking good for it to be bogged down just from copyright issues.
So I finally finished Steel Ball Run last week and it was pretty damn amazing. Just started Part 4 before going to Jojolion because I was advised to skip it my first time around (wasn't a good translation around at the time). My brother also got ASB recently so that's been pretty fun, I'm slowly infecting all my friends with jojo fever (sup @Daypigeon)
It's not bad (I prefer the sub because the original va's are fantastic)
Support the dub and they'll probably license it out to someone and then dvds can happen!
Oh, and it's only available until tomorrow at midnight- no pressure
I'm liking it way, way better than the 2012 series
The anime is going to take a mid-season break just before they make it to Egypt, which makes sense. They're probably gonna come back with a new soundtrack and opening (this time probably with Iggy, like they teased in the first intro).
And part IV hasn't been greenlit yet which... makes me nervous. Theres no way the JoJo train can come to a stop though, not with this crazy momentum they have going. Right?
It did take them a while to officially greenlight Stardust once Battle Tendency was over. If/when Part IV comes around, it will probably be a year or so after Part III.
I know how you feel though. I was on pins and needles for months waiting for even a SLIGHT HINT that they were gonna do Part III. But I have faith they'll pull through.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-02-05/viz-media-named-master-merchandise-licensee-for-jojo-bizarre-adventure/.84122
Also the first three volumes of Jojonium are up on Amazon.