JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 3: Stardust Crusaders

Years after an ancient evil was salvaged from the depths of the sea, Joutarou Kuujou sits peacefully within a Japanese jail cell. He's committed no crime yet demands he not be released, believing he's been possessed by an evil spirit capable of harming those around him. Concerned for her son, Holy Kuujou asks her father, Joseph Joestar, to convince Joutarou to leave the prison. Joseph informs his grandson that the "evil spirit" is in fact something called a "Stand," the physical manifestation of one's fighting spirit which can adopt a variety of deadly forms. After a fiery brawl with Joseph's friend Muhammad Avdol, Joutarou is forced out of his cell and begins learning how to control the power of his Stand.

However, when a Stand awakens within Holy and threatens to consume her in 50 days, Joutarou, his grandfather, and their allies must seek out and destroy the immortal vampire responsible for her condition. They must travel halfway across the world to Cairo, Egypt and along the way, do battle with ferocious Stand users set on thwarting them. If Joutarou and his allies fail in their mission, humanity is destined for a grim fate.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Joestar, Joseph Main

Ishizuka, Unshou Japanese

Kuujou, Joutarou Main

Ono, Daisuke Japanese

Kakyouin, Noriaki Main

Hirakawa, Daisuke Japanese

Polnareff, Jean Pierre Main

Komatsu, Fuminori Japanese

Avdol, Muhammad Main

Miyake, Kenta Japanese

Brando, Dio Supporting

Koyasu, Takehito Japanese

Horse, Hol Supporting

Kiuchi, Hidenobu Japanese

Narrator Supporting

Ookawa, Tooru Japanese

Q, Suzie Supporting

Kojima, Sachiko Japanese

Merlai, Anne Supporting

Kugimiya, Rie Japanese

Fukuda, Jun Producer

Oomori, Hiroyuki Producer

Kajita, Kouji Producer

Kasama, Nobutaka Producer

Reviews

Oct 7, 2024

raviwe

Recommended

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure stands, in my opinion, as the greatest manga I've had the pleasure of experiencing. However, Stardust Crusaders, despite being the most iconic part of the series, is not its best offering. It occupies an awkward position where it showcases many of the manga's signature elements but also highlights some of its weaker aspects. Though it's undeniably important for the development of the series, it's not as refined as later parts. The introduction of a new, experimental power system, combined with pacing issues, affects its overall quality. Nonetheless, this part is crucial as it wraps up the original trilogy and lays the groundwork ... for everything that comes after.

With that said, let’s delve into what Stardust Crusaders is about and the themes it explores. We'll also discuss how the beginning might be misleading, how effectively it tackles its thematic elements, and how it compares to other parts of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure as well as its anime adaptation.

So, what is this show about?

Every part of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure revolves around a central theme: a love for humanity, often tied to the concept of karma—how actions shape fate, family, and community. While each part introduces its own thematic elements, they all fit within this larger framework. Stardust Crusaders completes the first trilogy of the saga, primarily exploring the idea of heroism.

Jonathan Joestar embodies the traditional hero, representing honor and courage, albeit in a somewhat dated sense. Joseph Joestar builds on this by arguing that true heroism goes deeper than the simpler ideas symbolized by his grandfather — it only requires the more refined ideas, effort and will. Jotaro Kujo, the protagonist of Stardust Crusaders, goes even deeper, suggesting that the finer essence is rooted in patience and hope. In many ways, the initial trilogy was an exploration of the core values that make a hero.

However, honestly, you can forget about any of this in this one. The first half of SC simply doesn't achieve anything for any character, other than a French dude who you'll meet along the way.

First things later, let’s talk art direction.

This is one of the strongest points of this work. My god the sound engineering is awesome here, Jotaro's theme is an absolute banger and the opening is very good. Animation is very fluid, the color manages to add an artistic element that most adaptations have to lose in order to become believable.

So, how does it start?

Unfortunately, the opening chapters are among the weakest in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. The “monster of the week” formula is poorly executed.

The first chapter is exciting, bringing back Joseph Joestar and introducing our new protagonist, Jotaro, as well as a mysterious Egyptian man. The concept of stands is introduced well, and the use of Tarot cards adds an intriguing layer of symbolism. However, after the initial excitement, the narrative falls into a repetitive rhythm, with fight after fight, and little character development to carry it forward. Araki seems to forget to deepen the personalities of the characters, relying instead on the Tarot theme to provide characterization, which leaves much to be desired.

In terms of a starting point for new readers or viewers, Stardust Crusaders is one of the worst places to begin. It is longer and less engaging than the earlier parts. Please, do not start here.

Regarding the manga, it drags a little less in the manga. However, the anime does add a bit of character development. If you're willing to go back and forth, the first half is perhaps best enjoyed while doing something else— watch it while eating or before going to bed. Then continue from JJBA volume 20, chapter 182 (or SC Volume 8, chapter 69).

What about the characters?

The characters in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure are often the hidden gems of the series. They feel like real people who happen to enter and exit the narrative without always completing their arcs. This can leave some characters feeling as though they’ve departed too soon, but it also lends a sense of realism to the story, as though Araki is recounting a tale that actually happened, with characters who have their own stories beyond what we see.

Stands amplify this dynamic. Now, we get a glimpse of both the inner and outer selves of these characters, frequently without needing much dialogue. Stand battles also become puzzles, revealing the complexities of a character’s soul rather than relying purely on physical combat. This form of storytelling is especially strong in the second half of Stardust Crusaders, where character development is more intricately woven into the narrative. Unfortunately, the first half doesn’t achieve this as effectively, frequently relying too heavily on Tarot symbolism, which hampers the development of minor characters and even some major characters.

What about the story itself?

The story is largely episodic. The overarching goal of the journey is often forgotten, making the structure feel loose. However, the travel aspect adds a unique flavor. The world-building (or should I say exploring?) is excellent, with each new setting offering a chapter where the characters simply explore a foreign culture before being thrust into another bizarre encounter with a new stand user. These moments of cultural discovery are a real highlight and contribute to the appeal of even the weaker chapters.

Then, what did I think of it as a whole?

While Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is regularly seen as niche, it has much broader appeal than many realize, offering depth and strong writing beneath its bizarre exterior. This part is essential for understanding the evolution of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure as a whole, but otherwise the worst Araki has to offer.

I really don't know if you should watch this or read the manga. If there was an option, I'd say skip this, it is uninteresting in both mediums, but as an almost requirement for such a great masterpiece that comes later I'd say choose this adaptation: You can watch it while doing something else, and you'll recognize more of the memes.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Jun 8, 2024

LebronsHairline

Mixed Feelings

Short Review:
SDC just isn't as interesting as other parts of the series; it can actually be quite a bore sometimes unlike any other part in the franchise. I believe this is for two reasons: First, Jotaro is one of the least interesting and personable Jojos and he also is succeeding one of the best characters in the entire franchise, Joseph. Second, the arcs and villains leading up to the ending are just not that interesting. Maybe only a couple of the villains that the heroes fight along the way to Dio are memorable at all, and only superficially. Third, the rest of the supporting cast ... is not very cool. Yes, this might seem like a very shallow critique, but one of the main things that makes Jojo so unique and exciting is how — uniquely, in Araki's over the top yet sublime style — its characters are so badass. On top of that, the characters are not very fleshed out either, although this has never been a strength of the franchise to begin with.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Sep 22, 2021

youwantsauce

Not Recommended

When I think of the Jojos franchise the first thing that comes in my mind is "boring"
This shit is boring just boring.
There are many reasons for that.

First: incredibly repetitive, the plot is just a bunch of fight every damn episode until they find the main villain

Second: The plot is absolute garbage. The best way to describe this franchise is by saying that its like its written by a 12 year old or something

Third: The characters are really boring and generic. 99% of the characters are just onefaced and generic with really really boring and bad development

Fourth: The fights. They are the worst kind of ... fights there can be in anime. Slow, predictable, uninteresting, don't make sense and are interrupted by commentary.

Overall i suggest u to watch this if u want to go to sleep or something cause this shit is hot garbage

Reviewer’s Rating: 3

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