Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is one of the most popular manga franchises to ever come out of Shonen Jump. Thanks to things such as the anime adaptation and plenty of story fidelity, the world of Jojo has gradually become more and more popular. To the point of becoming one of the most recognizable series out there. A lot of this is thanks to Hirohiko Araki, who has constantly evolved and improved his work in a way that keeps everyone completely interested.
However, while old fans know what has and hasn't changed, some new fans might not know.
10 Changed: The Art Style
One of the most striking and arguably the most praised thing about Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is the art evolution. When Hirohiko Araki first started his beloved classic with Part 1: Phantom Blood, the art had some striking but somewhat crude designs. From the overblown muscles to the exaggerated panel layout.
However, as Araki continued to evolve both his storytelling and framing with his art, things started to click. Creating some of the most beautiful and unique art styles that the world has ever seen. To this day, his art continues to get refined with each part.
9 Same: Unique Designs
When it comes to the designs of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Hirohiko Araki has always been consistent in giving them unique and interesting designs. Stretching all the way back to the first part and even to the point of Jojolion, Araki has consistently made characters look distinct enough to stand out decades later. By the third part onwards, it seems these designs have evolved in a way that has only been further refined.
8 Changed: The Writing Style
Similar to the art style of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Araki's writing capabilities have improved exponentially. If newcomers were to compare Phantom Blood to Jojolion, they would quickly realize how drastic the writing has changed since the beginning. From the length all the way to the way battles are being handled, it is almost as if it was written by a completely different writer. Going to show how important growth and evolution is for any creator.
7 Same: Consistently Bizarre
With a series like Jojo's Bizarre Adventures, it wouldn't exactly be true to its name if it didn't live up with the concept of "bizarre." Utilizing unique writing and concepts, Hirohiko Araki is able to create a universe where the really bizarre stuff takes center stage. Whether it's directly from the character designs, the type of stands being used, or even the awkward quirks. All of this done in a way that makes the world vibrant and alive.
6 Changed: Powers & Abilities
This is one of the more obvious but also important things that have changed with the franchise. During the first two parts of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, the abilities utilized by the characters is a power called Hamon. By utilizing breathing techniques and using the power of the sun, they are able to stop supernatural beings of the night.
However, as the series went on, villains like that stopped becoming prevalent and have been replaced by stand users. Stands themselves being a unique power that has stuck around to this day.
5 Same: Strategy Takes Precedence
One of the most unique elements of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is how the series is able to handle its battle sequences. Often in the battle manga, the reliance on power scaling and creeping can make the reader somewhat fatigued or makes the writing incredibly predictable. However, in Jojo, strategy takes plenty of precedences. To the point that even harmless stands can cause major problems for the protagonist. Which makes things very interesting.
4 Changed: No More Vampires
When Jojo's Bizarre Adventures first started with Phantom Blood, it was originally horror-inspired with the main threats being vampires. Over time, characters stronger than the vampires start to appear like the Pillar Men. However, during the first three parts, it is clear that the traces of the stone mask is prevalent. However, afterwards, the stories started to drift away from the vampires and began to have other distinct supernatural characters.
3 Same: Supernatural Elements
When it comes to Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, there will always be some element of the supernatural somewhere. Even though the franchise has since drifted off from vampirism or anything related to the night, there will still be something supernatural. Elements like the stands or new creatures such as Jojolion's rock humans. All of this allows the characters and the universe there a part of all the more unique and interesting.
2 Changed: Alternate Universe
One of the boldest and unique takes to happen with Hirohiko Araki is when he decided to take his story in a new direction. Literally. No longer taking place in the universe that fans were familiar with, he instead decided to have a clean slate and have it take place in a new universe.
However, while this may have detracted fans earlier on, this breath of fresh air also allowed Araki to experiment more freely. Showcasing his art and writing skills in new ways, while also allowing new takes on previous characters and settings.
1 Same: JoJo Versus A Villain
This is the most consistent element with Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. Although this is one of the more obvious facts on how the series is still the same, it isn't exactly that simple. With every part in the series, there has always been a different Jojo who has fought a villain. Each with their own beliefs and goals in mind.
As a result, things between the main character and the antagonist can be shaken up in a way that is extremely unique. However, that core trait is what makes this one of the most important arsenals behind Araki's writing. He knows exactly how to make the main character and their villain always be interesting.