Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has kept audiences entertained for 35 years and it’s earned its spot in the pantheon of essential anime series. JoJo is such a creative and unusual riff on typical shonen and action tropes where it establishes an endlessly unique voice and it’s as if “JoJo” is its own genre.
JoJo has resonated so strongly and cultivated such a passionate fandom because it’s not afraid to take major risks and stray from the norm. There are some truly excellent anime out there that are essential viewing, but there’s a strong case to be made for why JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure earns the honor of being one of the medium’s greatest triumphs.
10 The Generational Structure To The Larger Story And Rotating Protagonists
There are many unique ways in which anime series differentiate themselves from the herd as they establish their own voices, but the very way in which JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is told is partly why it’s such a distinct series. Rather than tell a story that charts the progress of a single protagonist, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure divides itself into separate story sagas, each of which follows a different member of the Joestar family. JoJo is so rewarding because these stories can be appreciated on their own, but also admired as a single sprawling narrative.
9 Its Tendency To Hop Around The World And Explore New Environments
Anime can cover such limitless territory and cover fantastical worlds, yet it’s surprising to see how many series use Japan as their backdrop. There’s nothing wrong with Japan as an anime’s setting, but JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure also establishes its unique qualities by the different areas of the world that it covers. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure does eventually get to Japan, but the story begins in Victorian Era London, only to gradually shift over to Cairo, Egypt, Venice, Italy, and even Florida. These refreshing changes of pace give such life to JoJo.
8 The Exaggerated Nature Of The Characters And Their Wardrobe
Tone can make or break an anime and it’s an area where JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure absolutely triumphs. JoJo begins with very burly, masculine characters that aren’t out of place in an action series, but they also don highly irregular fashion as well as a penchant for stylish poses during the height of battle.
The heightened outfits and poses in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure have become one of the anime’s biggest calling cards. Far too often there are anime that take themselves too seriously, but JoJo understands how to have fun and undercut itself in a way that doesn’t cause the entire series to fall apart.
7 The Endless Creativity That Stands Provide
There are so many energy sources and attacks that power various shonen anime, but many of them can bear resemblance to each other, even if they have different names and principles behind them. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure begins with Hamon, but it’s not long until it champions Stands as its primary means of attack and defense. Stands resemble humanoid creatures, but they’re endlessly more creative than the attacks that are present in most anime. There’s a different quirk behind each Stand, as well as many different Stand types, which results in constantly fresh and unpredictable battles.
6 David Productions’ Art Style And Attention To Detail
Hirohiko Araki’s original art in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s manga is iconic, but there are plenty of anime adaptations that don’t do the source material justice because of an ill-prepared animation studio. Audiences have never been more aware of the studios that work on different anime and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is fortunate to have David Productions responsible for all of its seasons. David Productions lovingly replicates Araki’s style, but they find ways to enhance his ideas and add extra Easter Eggs for the hardcore fans. JoJo’s audience never has to worry about content being ruined because of David Productions’ sterling reputation.
5 Its Willingness To Switch Genres
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a shonen series that begins with very common action tropes as its driving force. The scope of JoJo expands in fulfilling ways, but it’s consistently entertaining as the series’ genre shifts in a natural way that allows the storytelling to evolve and not grow stagnant.
These genre shifts are sometimes subtle, but Steel Ball Run turns JoJo into a cross-country race, Diamond is Unbreakable embraces slice-of-life small town storytelling, and JoJolion unravels a massive mystery. The core of JoJo isn’t compromised, but these storytelling pivots bring such new potential to the narrative.
4 The Anime’s Use Of Music
Music is an integral part of the anime experience and there are lots of series that are elevated to a higher level through an effective soundtrack. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure names many of its characters and Stands after musicians and musical groups, but its opening and closing themes are always extravagant love letters to the series. JoJo also creatively utilizes popular English songs for its ending themes, which gives the anime even more of a personality. The musical themes that accompany the series’ main characters, like Giorno and Jolyne are endlessly catchy and passionate pieces.
3 It Has An Exceptional English Dub
Some anime audiences will refuse to check out dubbed versions of their favorite series, while other fans will only watch material that receives English dubs. There are merits to both versions, but if nothing else an English dub can be a fascinating lesson in localization and edits. Some excellent anime receive subpar dubs, whether it’s in terms of the translation or the vocal performances, which is always unfortunate. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure benefits from a very accurate English dub that’s lovingly put together. The dub captures the tone of the original but still puts its own stamp on it.
2 Its Expanded Universe Of Side Stories And Supplemental Materials
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is fortunate enough to have a number of story expansions that flesh out the franchise’s universe, as well as specific characters, in compelling ways outside of the core anime and manga. JoJo is so rewarding because, in addition to its anime, there’s the Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan OVA series, but also lots of light novels and spin-off manga that give audiences a lot more to consume. There are even JoJo video games that have original stories written by Araki that enrich the world.
1 There’s Still No End In Sight
There are some excellent anime series that have run their course and naturally dropped in popularity as new series come along. Alternatively, long-running anime that never finish can also result in repetitive and weak storytelling, but JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure continues to keep things feeling fresh. A major perk with the series is that there’s a lot to consume, but there’s still plenty more on the way. Araki’s manga is about to enter Part 9, while the anime is still adapting Part 6, Stone Ocean. Between the anime and manga, there’s still a lot more JoJo to come, which makes being a fan very exciting.