JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Season 01 – Phantom Blood Arc Review

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If you, like me, have been putting off watching this show, then this review of Part I of Season 01 is for you. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, a story and a series that go back decades (late 1980s), one that has built up a dedicated following in its homeland of Japan and across the pond and elsewhere, is a great work. One that I, like some anime fans, put off watching for various reasons.

But then I finally decided to give it a try, and boy, was it the right decision. Having just finished the first season encompassing the two arcs, I can safely say that the show lives up to its reputation. Of course, this is not news for those who have followed the manga and know all about the escapades of the Joestar family. In this review of Part I of Season 1, we will get into the factors that make JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure a top anime.

JoJo – Both Bizarre and Beautiful

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Let’s get a couple of things straight: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure may seem uncanny, weird, and at times disturbing, but it is by no means ugly. There is a certain beauty to the world, the characters, and the various settings in which Jonathan Joestar’s story takes place. The animation is smooth, with great lighting, and is held together by an ever-evolving story. The conflict between Jonathan Joestar and his arch-nemesis Dio is a complex one. It is interesting, aggravating, scary, and wonderful. And that is what makes the world so enjoyable.

You come to like the characters and understand and affirm their motivations. Heck, if you are a certain kind of anime viewer, you might as well back Dio and follow the story from his perspective. He is no dumb, big bad guy who gets knocked out after a few episodes. There is a lot of thought that has gone into this show, and it shows. It is a visual treat and an engrossing tale.

The World of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure – A Sight to Behold

One point to consider is that if you are coming in fresh into the world of JoJo, or anime in general, then certain elements, notably the art style and presentation, might seem a bit too bold. JoJo’s animation, obviously inspired by the works of Hirohiko Araki, embodies a distinct charm that has its own taste. But once you get the hang of it (or get past it), the world where JoJo’s bizarre adventures take place becomes a sight to behold.

When one speaks of factors that set one anime apart from the rest, with respect to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures, there is no ambiguity about its distinct style, from character designs to pop-up images and guiding information. The show is keen to make the viewer feel entertained and informed. Its manga origins are indisputable. And this is where the anime truly shines. There is always a setup and a payoff. Things don’t just happen. The screenwriters of the show clearly were serious about being faithful to the source material story-wise and visually.

A Dark Chronological Adventure Tale

Our story begins in Victorian England. Where a nobleman of the name of George Joestar and his son Jonathan are tricked by the nefarious Dario Brando into adopting his son Dio as a gesture for ‘saving’ them. Which he never did. Fast forward 12 years, and Dio is being raised alongside Jonathan Joestar, with all the comforts. But Dio’s heart is evil. And it only grows harder and eventually feeds his thirst for power. His greed and dark ambition are taken to another level thanks to the Stone Mask. The other main ‘character’ in the story.

The first half of Season 01 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure follows the conflict between Jo and Dio. As each tries to match and surpass the other’s abilities and limits, this is a real battle that does not end until the last page. And it is a sight to behold. The action and intrigue are non-stop. So strap yourself in; you are in for a ride.

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