Jojos Bizarre Adventure Was Better Before Stands
By Marcus Chen | Jojos Bizarre Adventure Was Better Before Stands
The sun-kissed streets of Morioh, where the air is thick with anticipation and the whispers of legend. It’s here that we find ourselves immersed in the world of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, a tale of love, family, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. For decades, this beloved manga and anime series has captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
At its core, Jojo’s is a story about the bonds of family and friendship, forged in the fire of adversity and strengthened by the unyielding passion of its characters. But what happens when the very fabric of this narrative is altered? When the Stands, those mystical and often bizarre manifestations of a Stand user’s psychic energy, take center stage?
I’ll be the first to admit it – I was initially enchanted by the Stands. Who wouldn’t want to possess an otherworldly being that can manipulate reality itself? The likes of Star Platinum, Hierophant Green, and Crazy Diamond are undeniably cool, their abilities as mesmerizing as they are often incomprehensible. But as the series progressed, I began to feel a creeping sense of unease – the Stands were becoming too much.
In Jojo’s early days, it was the humans that took center stage. Jonathan Joestar’s unwavering dedication to justice, Jotaro Kujo’s stoic determination, and Josuke Higashikata’s goofy yet unshakeable optimism all served as a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable danger, humanity can triumph over the forces of darkness. The Stands were merely an extension of their powers – an integral part of the narrative, but not the focal point.
However, as the series progressed, the Stands became increasingly dominant. Their abilities, though often awe-inspiring, began to overshadow those of their human counterparts. It was as if the very essence of Jojo’s had shifted, with the Stands now serving as the true stars of the show. Don’t get me wrong – I still find the likes of Silver Chariot and Tusk a thrill to watch in action. But at what cost?
The problem lies in the way the Stands have come to define our understanding of Jojo’s. When an episode revolves around a Stand battle, rather than the intricate web of relationships between its human users, it can feel like we’re being sold a watered-down version of the series’ true magic. The characters, once so richly nuanced and multifaceted, begin to take a backseat to their Stand counterparts.
It’s not just the Stands themselves that have become the focus – but also the way they’ve been marketed and merchandised. T-shirts, keychains, and figurines adorned with the likes of Crazy Diamond and Gold Experience are ubiquitous, often at the expense of more traditional merchandise featuring the series’ beloved human protagonists.
Now, I’m not advocating for a complete return to the good old days when the Stands were merely an afterthought. Jojo’s has always been a show that defies categorization – equal parts action-adventure, supernatural drama, and coming-of-age tale. But by elevating the Stands to the point of singularity, we risk losing sight of what truly makes this series tick.
Take, for example, the iconic battle between Jotaro Kujo and Yoshikage Kira in Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable. While the Stand battles are certainly thrilling, it’s the tender moments shared between Jotaro and his sister, Shizuka – as well as the quietly determined interactions with Koichi Hirose – that truly make this episode shine.
In an era where social media platforms celebrate their most flashy, over-the-top content above all else, it’s refreshing to see a series like Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure proudly embracing its quieter, more intimate moments. It’s here that we find the true heart of Jojo’s – in the relationships between its characters, forged through blood, sweat, and tears.
So, what can we learn from this? That even in the most seemingly chaotic of narratives, there lies a hidden harmony waiting to be uncovered? That sometimes, it’s not about the flashiest, most spectacular moments, but rather the quiet, unassuming ones that truly make us feel something?
As I sit here, listening to the opening theme song of Part 3: Stardust Crusaders on repeat, I’m reminded of why Jojo’s remains one of my all-time favorite series. The music is like a warm hug – enveloping and comforting, with just a hint of menace lurking beneath its cheerful surface.
As I ponder the role of Stands in this beloved franchise, I find myself drawn to the words of Araki Hirohiko himself: “I think it’s okay if people don’t understand what Stand powers are. If they can feel something deep inside themselves when watching an episode… that’s all that matters.”
So I ask you – dear reader, have you ever stopped to consider the true magic of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure? Is it the flashy, over-the-top battles with Stands, or is it something far more subtle and profound?
Perhaps the answer lies in a quiet moment shared between two characters – a single glance exchanged beneath the stars, a hand placed gently on another’s shoulder – these are the moments that truly make Jojo’s shine.
