JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is one of the most iconic, eccentric, and enduring manga and anime series ever created. Written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki, this multigenerational saga has captivated fans worldwide with its flamboyant characters, supernatural powers, bold fashion, and deeply emotional story arcs. From its beginnings as a manga to its massive pop culture status with the anime series and viral JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure memes, the franchise continues to grow in popularity.
In this article, we’ll explore the core elements of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, including the main characters, key arcs, famous names like Joseph Joestar and Kishibe Rohan, how it evolved into a TV phenomenon, and why it has become a treasure trove of internet memes.
Let’s dive deep into the world of JoJo!
-
What Is JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure?
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (JJBA) is a long-running manga series that began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1987. It’s known for its episodic nature and is divided into multiple story arcs, each focusing on a different member of the Joestar family bloodline. Every protagonist has a nickname that includes “JoJo,” derived from their name (e.g., Jonathan Joestar, Joseph Joestar, Jotaro Kujo, etc.).
Each part has its own unique plot, setting, and antagonist, but the stories are interwoven through lineage, fate, and recurring themes of justice, heroism, and legacy.
Main Themes in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure:
-
Legacy and family bloodlines
-
Good vs. evil
-
The concept of fate and destiny
-
Stand battles (psychic manifestations)
-
Style, fashion, and flamboyance
-
Surreal humor and unpredictability
-
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Manga: Origins and Evolution
The JoJo manga has spanned over three decades and includes nine main story arcs (as of 2025). It began with a traditional martial arts battle format in Phantom Blood and gradually evolved into Stand battles (psychic abilities unique to each character) starting from Part 3.
The manga’s visual style also changed dramatically over time. Early artwork had heavy muscular designs, resembling 80s Western action heroes, while later parts incorporated more stylized and fashionable aesthetics.
Popular Arcs in the Manga Include:
-
Phantom Blood (Part 1) – Jonathan Joestar vs. Dio Brando
-
Battle Tendency (Part 2) – Joseph Joestar and the Pillar Men
-
Stardust Crusaders (Part 3) – Jotaro Kujo and Dio’s return
-
Diamond Is Unbreakable (Part 4) – Josuke Higashikata vs. Kira
-
Golden Wind (Part 5) – Giorno Giovanna’s rise in Italy
-
Stone Ocean (Part 6) – Jolyne Cujoh in prison vs. Pucci
-
Steel Ball Run (Part 7) – Alternate universe, horse racing across America
-
JoJolion (Part 8) – Mystery, identity, and Stand battles in Morioh
-
The JOJOLands (Part 9) – The latest ongoing arc
-
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Characters: Who’s Who in the Joestar Legacy
One of the biggest attractions of the JoJo universe is its unforgettable cast of characters. Let’s look at some of the most notable names:
a. Joseph Joestar
Arguably one of the most beloved characters in the entire franchise, Joseph is the protagonist of Part 2: Battle Tendency and plays major roles in Parts 3 and 4. Known for his wit, comic timing, and battle intelligence, he uses the Ripple (Hamon) technique and later gains a Stand named Hermit Purple.
Why fans love him:
-
Hilarious catchphrases like “Your next line is…”
-
Unpredictable and clever
-
Represents the transition between Ripple and Stand abilities
b. Jotaro Kujo
Jotaro is the face of the franchise for many, especially anime watchers. As the protagonist of Stardust Crusaders, he introduces Star Platinum, one of the strongest Stands, capable of stopping time.
Jotaro is known for:
-
His stoic, cool personality
-
Iconic catchphrase “Yare Yare Daze”
-
Leadership and family loyalty
c. Kishibe Rohan
Introduced in Part 4: Diamond Is Unbreakable, Rohan is a manga artist with one of the most unique Stands—Heaven’s Door, which allows him to “read” and “write” into people’s memories like a book.
He’s become so popular that he got his own spin-off series, “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan,” including OVAs and a live-action Netflix adaptation.
d. Dio Brando
No article on JoJo characters is complete without the main antagonist of the early parts—Dio. First appearing in Phantom Blood and later returning in Stardust Crusaders, Dio is manipulative, charismatic, and the source of the Joestar family’s generational struggles.
Famous Dio moments include:
-
“It was me, Dio!”
-
Using the Stand “The World” to stop time
-
His vampire powers and ultimate ambition
e. Female Characters in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
While early parts were heavily male-dominated, JoJo’s has introduced several powerful female characters over time. Notable mentions:
-
Jolyne Cujoh: First female JoJo protagonist in Part 6: Stone Ocean
-
Erina Pendleton: Jonathan’s love interest and strong-willed survivor
-
Lisa Lisa: Joseph’s mentor and one of the first Ripple masters
-
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure TV Series: Anime Adaptation
The anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure by David Production began airing in 2012 and has become a critical and commercial success.
It covers the manga from Part 1 through Part 6 (as of now), with breathtaking animation, faithful character designs, dynamic Stand battles, and a distinct soundtrack for each arc. The anime helped rejuvenate interest in older parts of the manga and introduce a new generation to the franchise.
Reasons the TV series succeeded:
-
Faithful yet modernized adaptation
-
Memorable voice acting and direction
-
Iconic sound effects and music (e.g., “Sono Chi no Sadame,” “Il Vento d’Oro”)
-
Epic fight scenes with creative Stand powers
-
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Memes: Internet Goldmine
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has achieved legendary meme status on the internet. Thanks to its dramatic poses, exaggerated expressions, and quotable lines, it’s become a favorite among meme creators.
Popular JoJo Memes:
-
“Is that a JoJo reference?” – Used when anything remotely resembles JoJo
-
“You’re approaching me?” – Dio vs. Jotaro meme format
-
“It was me, Dio!” – Dio revealing his identity
-
JoJo poses – Fans and cosplayers imitate JoJo characters’ dramatic stances
-
Soundtrack memes – Scenes with “Giorno’s Theme” or “To Be Continued” overlays
The meme culture has helped the anime reach non-anime fans and created viral trends on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit.
-
Impact and Legacy of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s influence goes beyond manga and anime. Fashion designers, musicians, and artists have cited Araki’s work as inspiration. His art style has been showcased at the Louvre in France, and JoJo has even appeared in Gucci campaigns.
Legacy Highlights:
-
130+ million manga copies sold worldwide
-
Araki is the longest-running manga artist still actively creating
-
Spin-offs, live-actions, games, and merchandise
-
Global fan conventions and cosplays
-
Crossovers and JoJo-inspired works in other anime/games
-
How to Start Watching or Reading JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
For new fans, it might feel overwhelming to jump into JoJo due to its length and stylistic change across parts. Here’s a quick guide:
Start with:
-
The anime from Part 1 (Phantom Blood) for the full experience
-
Or, if you want to skip ahead, Part 3 (Stardust Crusaders) is the most iconic entry point
-
Read the manga on official sites like Shonen Jump or in physical volumes
Where to Watch:
-
Netflix (Parts 1–6)
-
Crunchyroll
-
Blu-ray/DVD box sets
-
What’s Next for JoJo in 2025?
The latest manga arc, The JOJOLands (Part 9), continues the legacy of the Joestar family in a new setting. It follows Jodio Joestar in a tropical crime world filled with Stand powers and treasure hunting.
Fans are also eagerly awaiting an anime adaptation of Steel Ball Run (Part 7), widely considered one of the best arcs in manga history. With the rise of platforms like Netflix, future JoJo content will likely be even more global and accessible.
Conclusion
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is more than just a manga or anime—it’s a cultural phenomenon. With its multigenerational saga, unforgettable characters like Joseph Joestar and Kishibe Rohan, hilarious memes, and a visually bold TV series, JoJo continues to win hearts and spark creativity worldwide.
Leave a Reply