Overview of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

May 14, 2025

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Overview & Key Arcs

Phantom Blood

  • Created by: Hiroo Araki
  • Setting:
    • Phantom Blood: 1880s England
    • Battle Tendency: 1930s Europe
  • Manga Publication:
    • Serialized in Shueisha's Weekly ShĹŤnen Jump from Jan 1, 1987, to Oct 26, 1987.
  • Anime Broadcast:
    • Aired on Tokyo MX from October 6, 2012, to April 6, 2013.

Story Summary

  • 1868: George Joestar is saved by Dario Brando, adopts his son Dio.
  • Dio's Evil: Dio manipulates and torments Jonathan Joestar (JoJo), aiming to take over the Joestar family fortune through poisons and an ancient stone mask.
  • Dio's Transformation: The mask turns Dio into a vampire, escalating his evil acts.
  • Hamon Technique: Jonathan learns Hamon, an energy technique, to fight Dio with allies Zeppeli and Speedwagon.
  • Climactic Battle: Jonathan confronts Dio, seemingly defeating him.
  • Aftermath: Despite Jonathan’s death, Dio survives, setting up future conflicts.

Battle Tendency

  • Timeline: 1939
  • Main Character: Joseph Joestar (Jonathan's grandson)
  • Antagonists: The Pillar Men, ancient beings seeking the Red Stone of Aja for ultimate power.

Key Events

  • Joseph & Caesar: Partner with Lisa Lisa to combat the Pillar Men.
  • Pillar Men: Santana, ACDC, Wamuu, and Kars each present unique challenges.
  • Joseph's Strategy: Uses wit and Hamon to outsmart enemies.
  • Final Battle: Kars becomes the ultimate life form but is defeated by Joseph through a volcanic eruption.

Stardust Crusaders

  • Setting: 1989
  • New Concept: Introduction of 'Stands'
  • Goal: Defeat resurrected Dio Brando from Egypt.

Major Plot Points

  • Stand Users: Joseph Joestar, Jotaro Kujo, and allies combat Dio's servants.
  • World Journey: From Japan to Egypt, facing numerous Stand battles.
  • Dio's Defeat: Jotaro uses Star Platinum to defeat Dio, saving his mother.

Diamond is Unbreakable

  • Setting: 1999, Morioh, Japan
  • Key Character: Josuke Higashikata, Jotaro's uncle
  • Main Threat: Serial killer Yoshikage Kira

Highlights

  • Stand Battles: Various local Stand users challenge Josuke and friends.
  • Kira's Stand: Killer Queen introduces a deadly new threat.
  • Resolution: Josuke and allies expose and defeat Kira, saving Morioh.

Golden Wind

  • Setting: Italy
  • Protagonist: Giorno Giovanna (Dio’s son)
  • Ambition: To reform the mafia from within.

Key Plot Elements

  • Passione Mafia: Giorno joins Bruno Bucciarati's group to protect Trish, the boss's daughter.
  • Mafia Conflict: Internal struggles and assassin threats target Giorno’s group.
  • Doppio/Diavolo: The mysterious boss with a time-erasing Stand, King Crimson.
  • Final Battle: Giorno evolves Gold Experience to defeat Diavolo, ending his reign.

Stone Ocean

  • Year: 2011
  • Focus: Jolyne Cujoh, daughter of Jotaro Kujo
  • Setting: Green Dolphin Street Prison

Storyline

  • Jolyne's Imprisonment: Framed and sentenced; gains Stand powers via a pendant.
  • Main Villain: Enrico Pucci, a priest and Dio’s disciple aiming to reset the universe.
  • Climax: Jolyne and allies battle Pucci; struggle to stop his plan to achieve 'Heaven'.
  • Universe Reset: Ends with a new reality free from Pucci’s influence.

Conclusion

  • Narrative Complexity: JoJo’s series spans generations, featuring bizarre, creative storytelling and imaginative Stand abilities.
  • Cultural Impact: The franchise has become a staple in anime and manga culture, celebrated for its unique style and humor.