Feb 20, 2021
I'm surprised this series isn't up there with Steel Ball Run. This sequel, for me anyway, takes all the great points of SBR and adds on to the winning formula to produce a modern masterpiece.
This review will contain spoilers for SBR
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Story: 9/10
JoJolion differs from the SBR story, in which the Saint's Corpse MacGuffins take the characters on a high-stakes, "world-spanning" quest. In Part 8, the author takes a different approach: villains come after the protagonist with little explanation from early on in the story, and he needs to find out why that is by following the evidence. A lot of elements remind me of Part
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4: all the major events occur one city, and the stakes do not feel as grand as when Dio was the antagonist. This aspect is a strong point to the story, acting as a refreshing distinction from the rest of JoJo. The overall plot, and the gradual uncovering of evidence, gives the story an air of mystery and suspense, and gives the words "Bizarre Adventure" another connotation.
I've seen many people complain about the initial slower pace of the story, as it takes a while for more meaningful enemies to appear. However, the Shakedown Road arc, during which important exposition occurs, takes place earlier than Part 7's turning point, the Scary Monsters arc. Some may lament the non-stop Shonen battle format from the past, but I assure you that the initial set-up pays off. I believe the main issue was some people were anticipating too much early on with the monthly release format. Looking back, the fact that the author took his time was great for the overall pacing; however, this must have been the source of frustration of many used to the former weekly schedule on Shonen Jump.
Final point to add: when looking back at the story, you realize how well thought out the plot of the story is. In chapter 105, there are callbacks, and explanations to mysterious events which took place in the first few pages of the story. At no point did I feel the story went on pointless tangent. Even though one arc, the Milagro Man, did not add much to the plot, it served as an important moment to shine some light on one of the side characters.
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Art: 10/10
Hirohiko Araki has this interesting style which is highly stylistic and detailed. Although jarring at first, the way he illustrates people's faces and their outfits adds to the flair of Jojolion. It's rare for an author to actually draw proper noses and mouths on characters, and the proportions of the character's bodies are well-conceived and look closer to reality than many other manga artists'.
If you enjoy splash panels and pages (illustrations which cover a page or more), well get ready, as there tends to be at least one per chapter. The perspective, detail and stylishness of these drawings add to the experience.
And for SBR readers, a lot of the same-face issues are fixed fairly early on.
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Characters: 10/10
Josuke, the protagonist starts off with no memories of his past. Although he may seem dry at first, there is a clear evolution in his attitudes and character as he learns and experiences different things.
Yasuho, the deuteragonist, is also great, and she acts as an interesting foil for the MC. This character shows the male author is able to write female characters competently: two thumbs up.
The first antagonists are initially pretty bland in terms of personality, probably to maintain the initial mystery of different plot points. However, as time goes on and we learn more and more, they become gradually fleshed out.
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Enjoyment: 10/10
The story seems to be reaching its climax, and I anticipate every single chapter release at this point. All the events which preceded helped to build the story up to this point, and I wish more people can enjoy what I consider the most gripping JoJo part yet. The author's decision to reboot the story was his best yet!
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Overall: 10/10
For all the reasons listed above. When the anime adaptation eventually comes out years from now, people will (hopefully) recognize this as a modern classic.
Tl;Dr: YES, go read it! You won't regret it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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