JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to know before starting Hirohiko Araki's legendary manga and anime series. From Stands to the Joestar bloodline, this guide covers the essentials for newcomers.
1. What Is JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
The foundation of a 35-year manga phenomenon
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki. It was first published in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1987 and has continued through nine distinct story arcs, called "Parts," each following a different member of the Joestar family. The series is famous for its inventive combat system (Stands), dramatic posing, fashion-forward character designs, and genuinely unpredictable storytelling. What sets JoJo apart from other battle manga is that every Part introduces a new protagonist, setting, and power system while maintaining a shared bloodline and thematic continuity. The series spans generations, from Victorian-era England to modern-day Japan, and even alternate universes. The anime adaptation by David Production has brought the earlier Parts to a global audience, making JoJo one of the most recognized manga franchises worldwide.
Tip for Newcomers
JoJo Parts are largely self-contained. If Part 1 feels slow (it was written in 1987), try Part 3 instead — Stands debut there, and the series finds its modern identity. You can always come back to the earlier Parts later.
2. Hamon & Vampires (Parts 1-2)
The breathing technique that started it all
Before Stands, JoJo's power system was Hamon (also called Ripple), a martial art that uses controlled breathing to generate energy similar to sunlight. Hamon users can channel this energy through their fists, weapons, and even bubbles to destroy vampires and other undead creatures. Part 1 (Phantom Blood, 1987) introduces Jonathan Joestar, who learns Hamon from his master Will A. Zeppeli to defeat his adoptive brother Dio Brando after Dio becomes a vampire. Part 2 (Battle Tendency, 1988) follows Joseph Joestar, Jonathan's grandson, who faces the Pillar Men — ancient superhuman beings who created the Stone Mask. Joseph fights with clever trickery and Hamon techniques rather than raw power, making him one of the most entertaining protagonists in the series.
Tip for Newcomers
Part 2 is widely considered the best of the pre-Stand era. Joseph's cunning fighting style and the high stakes of the Pillar Men arc make Battle Tendency a fan favorite. If Part 1 feels dated, push through — Part 2 is a major step up in pacing and humor.
3. Stand System Explained
The psychic manifestation of fighting spirit
Stands (officially called "Stand" or "Standing" in the manga) are visual manifestations of a user's life energy or fighting spirit. A Stand is typically a humanoid figure that appears beside the user, each with a unique ability and a set of statistical ratings in Power, Speed, Range, Durability, Precision, and Development Potential. Only Stand users can see other Stands — ordinary people see nothing when a Stand attacks. The rules of Stands are remarkably consistent: a Stand's damage reflects onto its user, most Stands have limited range from their user, and each Stand has strictly defined capabilities that the characters must use creatively rather than relying on power-ups. Stands debuted at the start of Part 3 (Stardust Crusaders, 1989) and became the primary power system for every Part afterward, replacing Hamon entirely.
Tip for Newcomers
JoJo Stand battles are less about who is stronger and more about how the user applies their ability creatively. This makes every fight feel like a puzzle rather than a power level competition — expect clever solutions over brute force.
4. Stand Types & Evolution
From close-range powerhouses to reality-warping abilities
Stands fall into several broad categories based on their behavior and abilities. Close-range Stands like Star Platinum and Crazy Diamond fight at close quarters with high speed and power. Long-range Stands such as Hierophant Green and Aerosmith can attack from a distance, often with projectiles or autonomous sub-Stands. Bound Stands are attached to objects or locations, while Colony Stands consist of many small units. Some Stands evolve over time — a Stand may achieve a "Requiem" evolution when pierced by the Requiem Arrow, gaining an entirely new ability. Stands can also be transferred through bloodlines (the Joestars share Stand-bonding traits), and certain Stands like Gold Experience Requiem or Made in Heaven are so powerful they reshape reality itself. This diversity keeps every Part's battles fresh and unpredictable.
Tip for Newcomers
Pay attention to a Stand's stat sheet when it appears in the manga or anime. The "Range" stat in particular explains why certain fights play out the way they do — D'Arby's Stand has immense range, while Star Platinum can only reach about two meters.
5. The Joestar Bloodline
Six generations of bizarre adventures
The Joestar family is marked by a star-shaped birthmark on the back of the left shoulder and a habit of encountering supernatural threats. The bloodline begins with Jonathan Joestar (Part 1), passes to his grandson Joseph Joestar (Part 2), and continues to Joseph's grandson Jotaro Kujo (Part 3). Part 4 follows Josuke Higashikata, Joseph's illegitimate son. Part 5 centers on Giorno Giovanna, the son of Dio Brando (who stole Jonathan's body), making him a Joestar by blood. Part 6 follows Jolyne Cujoh, Jotaro's daughter and the first female JoJo protagonist. Parts 7-9 exist in an alternate universe with reimagined versions of classic characters. The brand is defined by the recurring "JoJo" nickname — characters whose names can be shortened to a "JoJo" sound, hence the series title.
Tip for Newcomers
Each Part has its own distinct tone. Part 4 is a murder mystery in a small town. Part 5 is a mafia crime drama. Part 6 is a prison escape thriller. Not every Part will click on the first try — and that is perfectly fine.
6. Watching & Reading Order
Two paths through the same bizarre world
The anime adaptation covers Parts 1 through 6, produced by David Production between 2012 and 2023. The recommended watching order is simple: start with Phantom Blood (Part 1, episodes 1-9), then Battle Tendency (Part 2, episodes 10-26), Stardust Crusaders (Part 3, 48 episodes), Diamond is Unbreakable (Part 4, 39 episodes), Golden Wind (Part 5, 39 episodes), and finally Stone Ocean (Part 6, 38 episodes). If you prefer reading, the manga extends through Part 9 (The JOJOLands, currently serializing). The manga has superior pacing in several arcs — particularly Part 6, where the anime adaptation trimmed content. Parts 7 (Steel Ball Run) and 8 (JoJolion) are manga-only and widely considered among the best work Araki has ever produced. Most fans agree that Steel Ball Run is the peak of the series.
Tip for Newcomers
If you are torn between watching and reading: watch the anime for Parts 1-3 (excellent adaptation with iconic sound design and color direction), then switch to the manga for Part 4 onward. The Stand cry sound effects in the anime are legendary.
7. Dio & The Pillar Men
The villains that shape the Joestar destiny
Dio Brando is the central antagonist of the first three Parts and arguably the most iconic villain in manga history. Introduced in Part 1 as Jonathan Joestar's jealous adoptive brother, Dio becomes a vampire using an ancient Stone Mask and continues to influence events for over one hundred years. His Stand, The World, can stop time for up to nine seconds. The Pillar Men, introduced in Part 2, are the ancient race who created the Stone Masks. They are superhuman beings who can manipulate their bodies at will and absorb nutrients from any living creature. The four Pillar Men — Kars, Esidisi, Wamuu, and Santana — each have distinct powers and personalities. The rivalry between the Joestar family and Dio defines the narrative arc from Part 1 through Part 6, with Dio's influence reaching its conclusion in Stone Ocean.
Tip for Newcomers
Pay close attention to Dio's character in Part 1. His manipulative, ambitious personality sets the stage for everything that follows. The infamous "Road Roller" scene in Part 3 is one of the most referenced moments in anime history.
8. Art Style & Cultural Impact
How Araki's fashion-forward art changed manga forever
Hirohiko Araki's art style is instantly recognizable and has evolved dramatically over the series' 35-year run. Early Parts resemble the muscular, action-heavy style typical of late-80s Jump manga, while later Parts shift toward slender, fashion-model proportions inspired by Araki's interest in Italian menswear and classical sculpture. Araki cites Michelangelo, Gucci, and Western horror films as major influences. The series is famous for its "JoJo poses" — dramatic, anatomically improbable stances that characters strike during battles — which have become an internet meme and cultural phenomenon in their own right. JoJo's influence extends far beyond manga: references appear in video games like Super Smash Bros., the Persona series (which was directly inspired by Stands), and major Western media. Araki was awarded the Medal of Honor from the Japanese government in 2024 for contributions to arts and culture.
Tip for Newcomers
The poses are not just for show — they serve a narrative purpose. Araki uses striking body language to communicate a character's personality, emotional state, and fighting style in a single frame. Try recreating one; it is harder than it looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to watch Parts 1 and 2 before Part 3?
Yes, but for different reasons. Part 1 establishes the Joestar-Dio rivalry that drives the entire series. Part 2 introduces characters who return in later Parts (especially Joseph Joestar). That said, if Part 1 feels too slow, you can start with Part 2 without missing much — Part 1 is summarized in the first episode of the Stardust Crusaders anime.
Is the anime finished?
The anime covers Parts 1 through 6. Part 6 (Stone Ocean) concluded in 2023. Parts 7, 8, and 9 are manga-only at this time. There has been no official announcement about a Part 7 anime adaptation, though fan demand is extremely high. Steel Ball Run (Part 7) is widely expected to receive an anime adaptation given its popularity.
What is the best JoJo Part for a beginner?
Part 3 (Stardust Crusaders) is the most accessible entry point for modern readers because it introduces Stands and features a straightforward "journey to defeat the villain" structure. However, Part 4 (Diamond is Unbreakable) is often recommended for its self-contained story and smaller cast. Most fans agree the series improves with each Part, so reading from the beginning is ultimately the most rewarding experience.
How are Stands named?
Stands are named after Western music — bands, songs, albums, and musicians. Examples include Star Platinum (a play on tarot and music), Crazy Diamond (a play on Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"), Killer Queen (Queen), and Gold Experience (Prince). This naming convention started with tarot cards in Part 3 and shifted to music references in Part 4 onward due to Araki's personal music collection.