The long-running smash hit manga JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and its anime adaptation, have captured the imagination of anime fans everywhere. For decades, fans have cheered as each new hero takes on the forces of evil, from vampires to Aztec gods to serial killers and mafia bosses. Each arc of JoJo has its own hero and support crew, and new enemies to fight.

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The adventure launches with Phantom Blood, a short arc exploring Jonathan Joestar's battle against his foster brother turned vampire, Dio Brando. 50 years later, Joseph Joestar battles the Pillar Men in the second arc, Battle Tendency. There are good reasons for JoJo fans to love the second arc, and a few reasons why this arc reall isn't the best. What might they be?

10 Best: It has good humor

The second arc of JoJo never becomes ridculous enough so that it starts mocking itself, but all the same, it's an improvement over the droll Phantom Blood. The humor here is spot-on, and Joseph is a cheery and fun-loving fellow who knows when to take things seriously... and when not to! The sequence where he poses as a Mexican woman is a riot, and Joseph crashing his own funeral later on is quite a scene. And Joseph's many other moments where he comments on or reacts to the things around him really make him easy to like.

9 Worst: The Pillar Men are shallow opponents

All tremble before the Pillar Men! Because they're ancient bodybuilders with scary magic powers! And they control vampires! And... they want to ressurect some ancient Aztec vampire kingdom? The four Pillar Men are fun to watch in the moment, but very little of them will stick with the viewer after Battle Tendency ends. By contrast, Dio is a tragic figure who was seduced by power and evil, and Kira is a fascinating man, whose stark humanity makes him all the more sinister. But the Pillar Men are just B-movie opponents.

8 Best: the Wamuu race/battle

wamuu pillar man

Although the Pillar Men are forgettable, B-movie monsters, at least they're a thrill to watch in battle. Each of them (Santana, Kars, Esidisi, and Wamuu) all have unique powers, and Wamuu's battle in particular is a standout in Battle Tendency. He and Joseph race around a track with chariots, and they can pick up weapons and do battle before the sun rises. Both combatants are clever and determined warriors, and Joseph's final triumph feels very earned. Tricks and exploits will win the day!

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7 Worst: It's brief

Battle Tendency shares many of the merits and demerits of Phantom Blood, including a rather short runtime. True, part 2 is several episodes longer than part 1, and that may be enough for some viewers. But with this part's short length, there's not much time for anything except Joseph battling the Pillar Men, learning Hamon, and meeting Caesar and Lisa Lisa. It's more like a movie, and we part ways with 1930s-era Joseph much too soon. Yes, we meet him again in Stardust Crusaders, but a few more young-Joseph adventures would be welcome.

6 Best: more depth to Hamon

Hamon from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Arguably, Hamon (or Ripple) isn't nearly as interesting and clever as stands are. But at least Battle Tendency does take the time to explore and flesh out the battle technique known as Hamon. This power, as Jonathan and now Joseph learned to use, is based on life and breathing power, and it is devastating against vampires. Joseph starts part 2 as a skilled user, and he and Caesar learn the full potential of Hamon at the hands of Lisa Lisa. It's also great fun to watch Joseph use Hamon in those metal "clacker" balls of his, which are much more powerful than they look!

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5 Worst: it feels like stock Shonen action

To be fair, this anime really is a Shonen series, and that means that it's locked into some conventions. But the other arcs of JoJo feel unique and creative about it, while Battle Tendency (and Phantom Blood too) really stay on the rails. Too much, it could be said. This second arc has everything from a "cool rival" figure in Caesar to an unconventional teacher (Lisa Lisa) to a grueling training session to prepare the good guys for battle after suffering defeat. Not to mention the worn-out cliche that the hero is obsessed with food.

4 Best: the heartbreak of Caesar's death

Tragedy strikes later in Battle Tendency, when Joseph's friend and rival Caesar Zeppeli charges into the enemy's lair and loses his life. But Caesar fought bravely to the end, and when Joseph and Lisa Lisa find his body, they're devastated. Through them, the viewer can really feel the heartbreak and bid Caesar a teary farewell. And it's touching how Joseph borrowed Caesar's headband as a tribute to his fallen friend. Revenge came not long after that!

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3 Worst: plain plot

This ties into several other points made on this list. Aside from Joseph's humor and Wamuu's race/battle, Battle Tendency does little to deviate from standard action fantasy tropes and conventions. The final bad guy has a super-duper "final form," and the good guy is presumed dead... until he pops out of nowhere, and he survievd the final battle through a miracle. Not to mention the very worn-out idea of mad scientists resurrecting something they don't understand, only for it to go on a rampage. Fortunately, Stardust Crusaders and later plots think up better ideas than that.

2 Best: stylish outfits

This entire anime series is known for its visual flair, and that really shines in Battle Tendency's costume design. Joseph has a stylish and practical outfit on, and he looks tough but flamboyant at the same time (same for Caesar). And Lisa Lisa is a pretty sharp dresser, including her use of a Hamon-charged scarf. Meanwhile, the scientists and soldiers in Stroheim's unit are all in uniform, which represents their military unity and cold purpose vs the free-spirited Joseph, Caesar, and Lisa Lisa. The contrast is interesting to see.

1 Worst: No stands

Here is another way that Battle Tendency is like Phantom Blood: there are no stands! When this series was coming out, fans probably didn't mind, since they hadn't seen stands yet and didn't know what was to come. But someone getting into the series now will know that stands appear later, and Hamon may feel simple and dull by the end of the second arc. Yes, this power gets some development here in Battle Tendency, but there isn't much else to it. Bring out the stands already!

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