Kids these days, y’all know nothing about one of the longest-running and most highly regarded works of manga art, do ya? It’s been around since 1986!

I’m talking about JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure! But I’ll just be calling it JoJo from now on.
The fourth part of this series, Diamond Is Unbreakable, began airing this April, to high acclaim.
Are all the people around you telling you that it’s great, but you feel like starting watching it at this point is too big a hurdle?
Just for you, I, the wise and experienced MJA Ojisan will host this fantastic lecture series for all you JoJo rookies.
This course will be spread out over three installments. This is the third and final lesson.

Click HERE to see what’s so great about JoJo.
Click HERE to see the second part of what’s so great about JoJo.

Prof. MJA Ojisan:
UUURRRRYYY!!!!
Greetings, lads and lassies. It is I, professor MJA Ojisan!
This is the final installment in this series.
Until now, I’ve been telling you about some interesting aspects of the JoJo franchise.
In this installment, we will look at the main ideas of the various JoJo series, and deepen our knowledge of the franchise.
Without further ado, let’s begin.

Individual Series Introductions

Part 1 – Phantom Blood

19th century England is the stage for Part 1. The focus is on the battle before Jonathan Joestar, a young member of British royalty, and Dio Brando, an ambitious and charismatic man from the lower classes. A mystical Stone Mask and the Hamon martial arts provide the backdrop for their character development.

Part 2 – Battle Tendency

The stage this time is the United States in 1938. As rumor of a second world war breaking out spread, Jonathan’s grandson, Joseph Joestar, is training in the Hamon martial arts. The Pillar Men, entities with intelligence surpassing that of humans’ are unearthed. Joseph and his allies must find a way to stop the threat to mankind posed by the Pillar Men.

Part 3 – Stardust Crusaders

This time the stage is Japan in 1987 (or thereabouts). 100 years have passed since the time of Jonathan, and Dio has revived. As if resonating with the return of Dio, a stand begins to emerge in Jonathan’s grandson, Jotaro Kujo. Jotaro’s mother, Kudo Holly, is in danger. In order to save her, Jotaro must team up with his grandfather and head toward Dio’s hiding spot: Egypt.

Part 4 – Diamond Is Unbreakable

Part 4 is set in Japan in 1999. Joseph’s secret love child, Josuke Higashikata, lives in the town of Morioh, where incidents of strand usage are continually increasing. In order to investigate and protect the town, Josuke and his allies must battle the many stand users that dwell within Morioh.

Part 5 – Golden Wind

This time, the setting is Italy in 2001. Dio’s son, Giorno Giovanna, throws himself into the internal strifes of the Passione gang in order to protect his town.

Part 6 – Stone Ocean

Once again the stage turns to the United States, but this time in 2011. Jotaro’s daughter, Jolyne Cujoh, has fallen into a trap and is imprisoned as a result. Jolyne must avoid stand users intent on attacking her, while seeking out the unseen masterminds behind her imprisonment.

Part 7 – Steel Ball Run

Here again, this part takes place in the United States, this time San Diego Beach in 1890. The Steel Ball Run, the biggest race of the time, is taking place. Rotation Master Gyro Zeppeli and paralyzed ex-jockey Johnny Joestar both head to New York to fulfill their respective goals.

Part 8 – JoJolion

This part takes place in Morioh city, Japan. A terrible earthquake has caused faults known as “Wall Eyes.” Yasuho Hirose finds a young boy who has lost his memories.

(Source: Wikipedia) https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A7%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A7%E3%81%AE%E5%A5%87%E5%A6%99%E3%81%AA%E5%86%92%E9%99%BA

Summing Up

So, you’re wondering where you can pick up the JoJo franchise?

Haven’t you been listening, you rapscallions!? This is what I’m trying to tell you, you can start anywhere you like!
The anime sticks closely to the original manga, so why not start from the anime if that’s the easiest for you?

Now, I’m going to give you one more piece of advice.
I told you that the stands are an important element of the JoJo universe. Stands really start to appear in Part 3, so if you want to enjoy that aspect of it, start from there.
Of course, most major JoJo fans will tell you that Part 4 is the best one of all. You can jump into the story at any point, so you should be just fine to enjoy Part 4 without any prior viewing.
But then, if you want to really get into the deep nitty-gritty and get to know the entire JoJo universe, it’s of course a good idea to start right from Part 1. Part 1 is also where most of the famous lines are.

That’s all I have to say on the matter!
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to enjoy your JoJo viewing one hundredfold!
Today marks the start of a new life for you. A life where you can truly appreciate the JoJo universe.
Until next time!