Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is an incredibly long-running franchise, having been around for well over two decades. However, to me, the biggest challenge in getting into the series isn't necessarily its length, but how long it takes for it to genuinely become good.
Make no mistake; the first three parts are entertaining in their own ways, but they feel dated and lackluster in terms of characterization and storytelling by today's standards. While I was entertained during the first three parts, I wasn't emotionally invested.
Then comes Part 4, and it truly surprised me with how much better the writing becomes.
Part 4 takes place once again in Japan, this time in a small town called Morioh. The story kicks off when Jotaro arrives in the town several years after Stardust Crusaders to find the illegitimate son of his grandfather, a teenager named Josuke Higashikata. Unsurprisingly, Josuke turns out to have a Stand, and from that point onward, both of them get caught up in shady dealings and eventually uncover a grisly series of murders, setting out to find the killer.
What really makes Part 4 shine is that, unlike the previous parts which were more or less just pure action, it focuses heavily on character development, making even the side characters surprisingly lively and memorable. The protagonist, Josuke, is a significant improvement over Jotaro, with a much more interesting Stand and is overall a far more memorable and charismatic main character, reminiscent of Joseph in some ways but different enough to stand on his own. The supporting cast is fantastic, from the wimp-turned-badass Koichi, the friend-turned-foe-but-still-just-as-dumb Okuyasu, the conceited and insufferable genius artist Rohan, and of course, the unforgettable main villain, Kira Yoshikage, who is one of the best antagonists in the entire series.
The fights and abilities are generally much more creative and interesting than those in Stardust Crusaders; Araki seemed to realize how open-ended the concept really was and strove to live up to the title of "Jojo's BIZARRE Adventure." The final fight with Kira is one of the best moments in the entire series.
This is also the part where the series' art starts developing its own identity; while the earlier volumes retain the Fist of the North Star look, it eventually transitions to a more realistic style with a much more extravagant and fabulous art direction, which the series is now famous for. The art in the later portions is genuinely quite nice, easily some of the better art Jump has ever had.
As good as Diamond is Unbreakable generally is, it does have its issues. Primarily, while the characters are great, it seems to sideline many of them as the story progresses, squandering their potential. Once the main plot with Kira begins, a lot of them simply stop mattering. Araki also encountered a problem with Jotaro's Stand being too overpowered, and it feels overly convenient that he isn't around most of the time, solving everything for the sake of maintaining dramatic tension. Additionally, it does take a little while for the "main plot" to actually start; while I found it very enjoyable leading up to that point, that's when it truly begins to shine.
Despite its flaws, Part 4 is easily a big improvement over the other parts in the areas that matter. Starting with DIU, the series generally gets a lot better, and the stories are no longer dated and bland.
This is a distinct segment from the earlier JoJo parts, where adventures typically involve extensive travel. However, in this part, the story unfolds entirely within Morioh City. Here, fate takes center stage as Stand users are inevitably drawn to one another.
Josuke, a regular high school student—well, regular except for possessing a Stand—leads an ordinary life until a particular individual arrives at his doorstep. This event alters his life and thrusts him into the unfolding drama.
A serial killer has been eluding capture for over 15 years. This enigmatic figure serves as the primary antagonist of our tale. Despite his menacing role, he harbors no desire for conflict, yearning instead for peace. Yet, circumstances entangle him in the action. His Stand, Killer Queen, stands out as my favorite due to its lethal efficiency and sheer coolness.
One issue that occasionally frustrates me is the continuation of the "villain of the week" formula from Part 3. While it can be tiresome at times, it aligns with JoJo's identity as a battle shonen. Araki skillfully executes this trope by ensuring each new villain poses a genuine threat to the heroes. The suspense lies in how our protagonists use their intelligence to overcome these challenges, making for thrilling scenarios.
Additionally, Stands are rapidly evolving in this part, introducing the concept of independent Stands.
I highly recommend this manga. Though it may progress slowly at times, it gains momentum towards the conclusion and delivers a satisfying experience overall.
DISCLAIMER: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is a currently ongoing series with (at the moment of writing), 7 complete parts and one ongoing one. It's important to first make the distinction that this is NOT one ongoing story split into parts, but rather 8 stories in the same universe following the Joestar bloodline, that share similar elements, plot points, and even motivations in some cases.
Due to that, this and my other JoJo reviews will follow an unique JoJo rating system, since in my opinion it cannot be easily compared to other manga, done in a beginner-friendly way so as to illustrate whether or not it is worth it to get invested in the series, and how it compares to other parts of it.
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Diamond is Unbreakable stands out from the rest of the JoJo series up until this point because it redefines the concept of "adventure." It's not about fighting a world-ending threat, nor is it about stopping someone from conquering the world. The adventure here is entirely self-contained within the small town of Morioh.
It revolves around our new Joestar, Josuke, making friends, navigating school life, and dealing with Stand users. From the very beginning, you'll notice the atmosphere is completely different, as there is no immediate, urgent threat—only smaller dangers posed by bad people using Stands for nefarious purposes. This marks a departure from the previous part's portrayal of enemy Stand users as hired henchmen and the main cast as "heroes." In this part, they're just regular students who want to do good.
You can really tell Araki learned quite a few things after finishing Stardust Crusaders, as Diamond is Unbreakable features a wealth of fascinating Stands. At this point, Stand fights essentially become puzzles where the characters must find an opening in the enemy's Stand ability to deal as much damage as possible before readjusting to the situation. This makes nearly every fight in this part incredibly entertaining. Thanks to Josuke's Stand ability—"repairing things to their original state"—there are countless creative possibilities in combat. One standout example involves destroying a bike to vault over a baby, then repairing it mid-air so he can fall back onto it and keep riding away.
As previously mentioned, Stand abilities are now more situational and, therefore, deadly. Because of this, the main cast has to use everything at their disposal to think outside the box and outsmart their opponents. Sometimes logically, sometimes in an "I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY JUST DID THAT" manner—in the best way possible.
The art shows a slight improvement from Stardust Crusaders, looking less stiff while remaining equally impressive and far more colorful. There's not much else to say here except that the designs of both characters and Stands continue to be strikingly imaginative.
The main cast is one of the most likable shonen casts I've encountered and ranks among the best in all of JoJo. Josuke may look like a delinquent, but he's a total goofball sweetheart, and everyone around him is made up of amazing friends and truly intriguing individuals. They feel like real people you might meet in school, which adds to how much you care about them. Additionally, the "Stand users of the week" are surprisingly engaging, and since they're actual characters rather than mere hired henchmen this time, their battles with the main cast feel far more enjoyable.
Most importantly, this part boasts what is arguably the best villain in JoJo. Unlike the world-ending threats from previous parts, this antagonist doesn't appear until halfway through the manga. When he does, it's immediately clear how formidable he is—not to the WORLD, but to this small town that you've grown to love. As a result, you're far more invested in seeing how they'll handle him than you were with villains who simply wanted to end the world.
There's really no concise way to sum up Diamond is Unbreakable, but if you enjoyed the concept of Stand fights and wished to see more of them, this will likely come as a very pleasant surprise. The cast is fantastic, the story is compelling, and it never tries too hard to be overly serious despite the urgency of the central plot.
In a bold and unexpected move, Araki transitions from the high-octane action of his previous shounen series, Stardust Crusaders, to deliver a slow-paced slice-of-life comedy interwoven with a murder mystery. Surprisingly, it works brilliantly. Diamond is Unbreakable stands as one of Araki's greatest achievements in his career.
STORY: 9/10
Set 11 years after Stardust Crusaders, Jotaro learns about Joseph's affair with a woman in the small Japanese town of Morioh, leading to the birth of Josuke Higashikata, the fourth Jojo. Jotaro travels there to investigate recent Stand activity and get acquainted with his new half-brother. Along the way, he assists Josuke and his quirky friends in taking down a Stand User serial killer terrorizing the town.
Diamond is Unbreakable boasts an almost flawless story. There's substantial character development and ample time spent building the world. The main plot doesn't fully kick in until halfway through the manga, but the buildup to Kira's introduction is masterfully done, making his debut all the more impactful. Character dynamics, chemistry, and interactions drive the narrative forward effectively. I deduct one point due to a significant unresolved plot point at the end, which I won't spoil here. However, seasoned Jojo fans likely know what I'm referring to.
ART: 10/10
The art in Diamond is Unbreakable represents the peak of Araki's artistic style. It undergoes three distinct transformations. Initially, it refines the aesthetic from Stardust Crusaders. Then, it adopts a more anime-inspired look with large, expressive eyes and meticulous facial details, resulting in some truly iconic reaction shots. Finally, it previews Araki's increasingly feminine art style seen in later parts. These shifts align perfectly with the tone of the story, and the character designs are impeccable.
CHARACTERS: 9/10
Every character in Diamond is Unbreakable is endearing in their own way, making it difficult to single out just a few as the "best." Koichi is easy to root for, and his Stand, Echoes, brings plenty of humor. Okuyasu is one of the greatest sidekicks ever created—essentially a Japanese version of Patrick Star—offering endless hilarity, entertainment, and stupidity. Rohan Kishibe is delightfully arrogant, and that's precisely what makes him so memorable. Even Jotaro undergoes significant character development, becoming my favorite Jojo during my first read-through of this part. A minor character, Tonio, quickly became one of my all-time favorites despite appearing in only five chapters. Some characters remain less prominent; without spoilers, Josuke's friend Shigechi exists primarily for plot purposes and is rather unlikable but fortunately doesn't stick around long. Similarly, Mikitaka (details omitted for spoilers) might feel underdeveloped or enigmatic to some readers when he appears later in the arc.
Josuke and Kira shine brightest among the cast. Josuke embodies the best qualities of the three preceding Jojos: he's aloof like Jonathan, cunning like Joseph, and fiercely formidable like Jotaro. Yet, he possesses his own distinct personality. His love for money drives much of his behavior, even if it means exploiting others—but he redeems himself in the end (unless you're Rohan). With the help of his Stand, Crazy Diamond, which can repair broken objects, Josuke forms an unmatched bond with Okuyasu, creating comedic gold through their dynamic.
Kira ranks among the finest Jojo villains. Despite being cruel and harboring disturbing tendencies—he murders women for their hands—he evokes sympathy due to his desire for a peaceful life. His villainy feels cartoonishly exaggerated yet genuinely menacing, akin to classic antagonists like Cobra Commander or Skeletor. His Stand, Killer Queen, amplifies this duality by granting the power to make people explode, underscoring both his absurdity and darkness.
ENJOYMENT: 10/10
Diamond is Unbreakable delivers relentless humor while maintaining a story capable of delivering emotional weight. Though it lacks DIO's WORLD-level spectacle, the concluding arc, Crazy Diamond is Unbreakable, paired with Kira's Bites the Dust, provides a fantastic and satisfying resolution. The emotional investment in these characters elevates the tension and payoff significantly.
OVERALL: 9/10
Diamond is Unbreakable offers one of the most enjoyable and entertaining experiences I've encountered. Featuring a near-perfect story arc, it boasts a remarkable ensemble of characters, Araki's artistic peak, and a narrative that seamlessly blends slice-of-life comedy with a gripping murder mystery. It draws comparisons to beloved works like Scooby-Doo, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Persona 4, Seinfeld, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, forming a near-ideal fusion of all five. This radical departure for Jojo proves to be an outstanding addition to the series, standing for a time as its pinnacle. Remarkably, it isn't even the best part of Jojo—a testament to the franchise's enduring greatness.
In the quaint Japanese town of Morioh, life unfolds in a predictable rhythm—people work, children attend school, and everything appears ordinary. That is, until Jotaro Kujo, a broad-shouldered figure exuding sheer presence, enters the scene. His arrival sets the stage for something... Bizarre.
The narrative structure of Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable mirrors Stardust Crusaders, with chapters detailing encounters between Stand users. However, these confrontations differ significantly; instead of feeling like minions dispatched by an overarching villain, there's an added layer of intrigue—Stand users are naturally drawn to one another. This removes some urgency but enriches the small-town setting where extraordinary individuals inevitably clash, creating thrilling and engaging battles. Moreover, almost every Stand introduced boasts unique abilities, with only Shining Diamond bearing any resemblance to previous ones, though its core power remains distinct.
A standout aspect is the dynamic cast of heroes. While I admire the Stardust Crusaders, this new group undoubtedly brims with more personality. Jotaro takes a step back, allowing Josuke Higashikata, his uncle, to take center stage. Josuke revitalizes the series as he feels more... authentic compared to his predecessors. He lacks Jotaro’s unyielding coolness but still commands moments of awe. He embodies the honorable spirit of his great-grandfather Jonathan yet balances it with leniency and occasional mischief. Though he shares Joseph’s penchant for troublemaking, he avoids becoming unlikeable. Supporting characters Koichi and Okuyasu serve as excellent foils—Koichi, the amiable counterpart to Josuke’s delinquent nature, and Okuyasu, the rebellious balance. Other ally Stand users shine uniquely, but none outshine Rohan Kishibe. This smug mangaka consistently delivers entertainment, whether coercing Koichi into accompanying him for manga research or engaging in tense standoffs with Josuke.
By the midpoint, the story seems to plateau, but then a formidable new antagonist emerges, matching Dio’s menace. The protagonists’ mission shifts to thwarting this threat, infusing the plot with tension as they piece together clues. It transforms into a murder mystery of sorts, with dramatic irony heightening suspense as the heroes inch closer to uncovering secrets already known to the audience.
Despite its charm, some issues arise. Certain instances see characters narrowly escaping death, which could have been emotionally impactful had they succumbed. Conversely, newly introduced characters sometimes meet untimely ends, making attachment risky. This doesn’t mean forming connections isn’t worthwhile—it just carries emotional stakes. Another concern involves a romance subplot that develops mid-story, raising eyebrows due to its questionable dynamics. Had the genders been reversed, social media backlash might have been fierce.
Regardless of these flaws (or perhaps overlooking them), Diamond is Unbreakable excels as a successor to Stardust Crusaders. It maintains Part 3’s momentum effectively, crucial given its substantial increase in length compared to earlier arcs. Highly recommended, particularly for fans of Persona 4, as both share comparable vibes.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 4
Diamond is Unbreakable
Story: Instead of having muscular men save the world from bloodthirsty monsters, this part features high schoolers hunting down a hand-obsessed serial killer. The narrative takes a completely different direction compared to the earlier parts, almost resembling a series of interconnected short stories, yet it remains exceptional.
Art: Araki-sensei altered his art style for this installment. While some fans adore it, others detest it passionately. Personally, I believe Araki-sensei did an admirable job with the artistic direction in this part.
Characters: The characters introduced here are incredibly vibrant and memorable. Yoshikage Kira, the antagonist, is masterfully crafted. Additionally, we meet standout figures like Josuke, Koichi, and Rohan, each bringing their unique flair. Not to mention the return of fan favorites such as Jotaro (the best JoJo) and Joseph, the old man.
Enjoyment: Although this part diverges significantly from its predecessors, I thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly the thrilling battle between Koichi, Jotaro, and Kira.
Overall: In my view, this part is solid and well-executed but seems to lack something when compared to the other arcs.
After reading part 3, which I personally didn't enjoy at all, my patience was rewarded with one of my favorite parts of Jojo, and one of the best mangas in general.
My biggest issues with Stardust Crusaders are the flat characters, poor pacing, and the so-so Stands. Diamond is Unbreakable shatters those weaknesses. While only two or three characters really go through any real, continuous arc, I enjoy all of them here, and they have clear personalities. While I don't like Yoshikage Kira as much as others, he's a great villain, and the minor villains are decent too. Jotaro feels more natural as the mentor who shows up on occasion. Okuyasu is an idiot, but he's my idiot. Koichi is a great character that sometimes feels more like the protagonist than our new Jojo. Josuke, our new protagonist, is goofy and fun, but he still feels like a normal kid, and part of the fun is seeing him learn to use his Stand in great ways.
And what a Stand he has. Stands are much more creative here than in part 3. The more limited and specific Stands allow for battles that are creative and exciting. There are many more unique battles than before as well. The Darby fights were the only ones in part 3 that felt truly different, but the Italian food arc of Part 4 is much different than the Love Deluxe arc, which is different than the Highway Star arc, and so on.
Now, what about the pacing? Well, this is actually much longer than part 3, but this slow pace works better here. Part 3 is supposed to be climactic and there's a ticking time bomb, so the unnecessary fights feel that much more unnecessary. In part 4, the scale is much smaller, and the story is almost slice-of-life. This is a surprisingly excellent genre blend. For many, the main villain not appearing until several volumes in may feel wrong, but it helps the tone of the story in my opinion. If we knew about Kira from the beginning, we'd never appreciate the slower moments.
Another thing is that overall, Part 4... makes more sense than the other parts. As much as I like Jojo, there's a decent amount of insanity, deus ex machina, plot holes, and contrivances. However, this is rarely in Diamond is Unbreakable. There is still the occasional lack of narrative tightness, but regardless, it never affects my enjoyment.
One other thing, the art is... amazing. This is some of the best weekly art I've ever seen. It does change from Araki's more masculine and edged style to the soft, somewhat feminine style that Araki is still developing today, but it looks good regardless, and the change is subtle enough that it doesn't take me out. Another thing is that sometimes when minor villains are defeated, they get shorter once they become 'good guys', which I like as an idea, but the first time I saw it I thought, 'who is this'? It was very odd and confusing, but since I pointed it out to you, you'll be fine reading it. (These characters are also short from the beginning in the anime, and the artstyle is also completely consistent throughout.)
You should read this. Should you read it as a standalone story and skip 1-3? You could watch a recap of the previous parts and then read this, but I don't recommend it. Reading all of Jojo is more satisfying anyway. I haven't watched much of the anime, but it seems to be a good adaptation that is more consistent with art, as I said before.
Part 4 of the JoJo series unfolds in the Japanese town of Morioh, where an unknown antagonist has been utilizing the bow and arrow from Part 3 to grant people Stands.
Morioh is also the hometown of our new protagonist, Josuke Higashikata, Joseph Joestar's son and, interestingly, Jotaro Kujo's uncle.
The story revolves around uncovering the whereabouts of the arrow and identifying the individual or individuals wielding it.
Many fans agree that Part 4 marks the transformation of JoJo into the series we know and adore today. It moves away from tarot-themed powers and fully embraces musical references for its characters and their stands. In doing so, Araki elevates his creativity, introducing some of the most peculiar stands found in this part of the manga.
This is also when we encounter one of the series' most cherished villains, Yoshikage Kira.
I highly recommend reading this part instead of watching the anime to experience the art style changes firsthand.
erm... what the sigma. I genuinely loved this part of Jojo. Honestly, I believe it's just the best part, period. I'll fight anyone who disagrees with me—maybe even in Roblox. Anyway, let's get back on track. The villains during the first half weren't bad but weren't great either, but everything changed when Yoshikage Kira, the ultimate sigma male, strolled onto the scene and proceeded to dominate all the beta male protagonists.
I really liked the Stands and their creative moves. Now, while most of the Jojo community thinks this is a "sleep fest" because it leans more into slice-of-life territory, I actually enjoyed those moments. They gave the main story a breather and allowed the characters to interact with each other, adding more personality and likeability.
Overall, *Jojo no Kimyou na Bouken: Part 4* is well deserving of a YO ANGELO out of 10. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to watching my sigma edits where Patrick Bateman and Yoshikage Kira are doing... things. *Insert one of those sigma edit songs here* (you know, at least one).
The element that captivates me the most about the Jojo's Bizarre Adventure franchise as a whole is how each part focuses on a distinct theme, all tied to its era and context.
Diamond is Unbreakable is the fourth installment, and although it lacks the thematic unity of Phantom Blood, the charm of Vento Aureo, or the overall quality of Steel Ball Run, it remains my favorite due to its treatment of themes, particularly in the second half.
The story unfolds in Morioh, a seemingly tranquil small town. As Stand-related threats begin to devastate the area, we encounter our group of protagonists, each striving to uncover the numerous mysteries surrounding their hometown.
The first half can be considered the weakest, featuring episodic battles that vary from excellent (Let's go to the mangaka House) to merely silly and poor (Tonio's Restaurant). The narrative sustains itself through character development as they face various challenges.
Josuke takes center stage as the protagonist here, and he is an exceptional one. Despite his outward brutish appearance, marked by his tall stature and yankee-like demeanor, Josuke is inherently gentle and kind, always ready to assist those around him, no matter what. This is mirrored in his Stand, Crazy Diamond, which has the power to restore things, described by Jotaro as "the kindest ability in the world" (Jotaro himself remains unremarkable, though he functions better as a sidekick).
Koichi is another intriguing character, whose frail appearance belies a strong determination and a profound sense of duty towards his friends. Both these characters contribute to the overarching theme of Diamond is Unbreakable: appearance.
Morioh boasts an unusually high disappearance rate compared to any other town, yet its residents seem indifferent. They prefer to maintain the facade; the exterior holds more importance than the interior. It's no surprise that many villains eventually become allies: once you see—and accept—the true nature of someone, that person tends to grow closer to you.
Enter Kira, a character who epitomizes this aspect of the story. A serial killer with a warped obsession with hands, he still yearns for a peaceful life. He realizes that to achieve this, he must remain invisible, cloaking his true self with a bland exterior. People only perceive the surface, after all. He goes so far as to alter his appearance entirely and start anew as someone else, adapting to the situation.
This is the thematic essence of Diamond is Unbreakable, and while it isn't flawlessly executed, it is present. What about the "surface level" elements? The battles are a mixed bag, and the formula of "villain of the week" grows tiresome after a few episodes. Nevertheless, the final showdown ranks among the best moments I've ever experienced in any manga.
Araki's art is sharp, even as this marks the transition from his 80s masculine style to a more 90s-friendly one. The seeds of the androgyny that would become Araki's hallmark are evident here and would flourish in VA. Still, his framing techniques are impressive, and his narrative flow remains as precise as ever.
"Goodbye Morioh - The Golden Heart." This is the title of the last chapter, aptly named since, following the cleansing, we can anticipate Morioh to be as peaceful as it appears. It marks the conclusion of a story that is interesting, enjoyable, and above all, exhilarating. Indeed, diamond sure is unbreakable.
Jojo Part 4, in my view, stands out as one of the best JJBA Parts. It mirrors the build-up seen in Phantom Blood and shares a strikingly similar style to Stardust Crusaders.
I absolutely adore the main cast of characters. Josuke is undeniably a "chad," Joseph remains quintessentially himself, and Koichi is brilliantly crafted—a shy and nervous character who can erupt into a fiery rampage when pushed too far. Okuyasu defied my initial expectations; he wasn't the "dumb" character I thought he'd be, and quickly became my favorite upon joining the group. It was also refreshing to see Jotaro show signs of maturity, though he's still clearly haunted by the events of Stardust Crusaders.
The art style is vibrantly colorful, which I believe Araki intentionally incorporated. The '90s were a colorful era for many who grew up before the internet age, and this town, with its bright exterior hiding darker secrets, perfectly captures that contrast.
Kira Yoshikage is an exceptionally well-written villain, striving to maintain a peaceful life while committing heinous crimes.
My experience reading this part was truly remarkable. I wholeheartedly recommend it—it’s incredible to read and even more captivating to watch. Do yourself a favor and dive into Diamond Is Unbreakable.
To those who were planning to read JoJo only until Part 3 to get acquainted with the series and felt let down by Josuke's attitude at the start, I urge you: KEEP READING. Josuke is a character who evolves at an incredible pace once he gets serious about fighting, and Part 4 becomes increasingly captivating with every chapter you turn.
The primary distinction between Part 3 and Part 4 lies in how the characters utilize their Stands. They are not merely employed for direct combat, making the battles far more intricate than in the previous installment. The characters truly shine in this part, combining their Stands to devise the most ingenious solutions to battle challenges ever witnessed.
This is an excellent manga; the only aspect that slightly dampens my enthusiasm is the beginning. However, it is outstanding from (a little ways into) the start right through to the very end.
Popular Reviews
Make no mistake; the first three parts are entertaining in their own ways, but they feel dated and lackluster in terms of characterization and storytelling by today's standards. While I was entertained during the first three parts, I wasn't emotionally invested.
Then comes Part 4, and it truly surprised me with how much better the writing becomes.
Part 4 takes place once again in Japan, this time in a small town called Morioh. The story kicks off when Jotaro arrives in the town several years after Stardust Crusaders to find the illegitimate son of his grandfather, a teenager named Josuke Higashikata. Unsurprisingly, Josuke turns out to have a Stand, and from that point onward, both of them get caught up in shady dealings and eventually uncover a grisly series of murders, setting out to find the killer.
What really makes Part 4 shine is that, unlike the previous parts which were more or less just pure action, it focuses heavily on character development, making even the side characters surprisingly lively and memorable. The protagonist, Josuke, is a significant improvement over Jotaro, with a much more interesting Stand and is overall a far more memorable and charismatic main character, reminiscent of Joseph in some ways but different enough to stand on his own. The supporting cast is fantastic, from the wimp-turned-badass Koichi, the friend-turned-foe-but-still-just-as-dumb Okuyasu, the conceited and insufferable genius artist Rohan, and of course, the unforgettable main villain, Kira Yoshikage, who is one of the best antagonists in the entire series.
The fights and abilities are generally much more creative and interesting than those in Stardust Crusaders; Araki seemed to realize how open-ended the concept really was and strove to live up to the title of "Jojo's BIZARRE Adventure." The final fight with Kira is one of the best moments in the entire series.
This is also the part where the series' art starts developing its own identity; while the earlier volumes retain the Fist of the North Star look, it eventually transitions to a more realistic style with a much more extravagant and fabulous art direction, which the series is now famous for. The art in the later portions is genuinely quite nice, easily some of the better art Jump has ever had.
As good as Diamond is Unbreakable generally is, it does have its issues. Primarily, while the characters are great, it seems to sideline many of them as the story progresses, squandering their potential. Once the main plot with Kira begins, a lot of them simply stop mattering. Araki also encountered a problem with Jotaro's Stand being too overpowered, and it feels overly convenient that he isn't around most of the time, solving everything for the sake of maintaining dramatic tension. Additionally, it does take a little while for the "main plot" to actually start; while I found it very enjoyable leading up to that point, that's when it truly begins to shine.
Despite its flaws, Part 4 is easily a big improvement over the other parts in the areas that matter. Starting with DIU, the series generally gets a lot better, and the stories are no longer dated and bland.
Josuke, a regular high school student—well, regular except for possessing a Stand—leads an ordinary life until a particular individual arrives at his doorstep. This event alters his life and thrusts him into the unfolding drama.
A serial killer has been eluding capture for over 15 years. This enigmatic figure serves as the primary antagonist of our tale. Despite his menacing role, he harbors no desire for conflict, yearning instead for peace. Yet, circumstances entangle him in the action. His Stand, Killer Queen, stands out as my favorite due to its lethal efficiency and sheer coolness.
One issue that occasionally frustrates me is the continuation of the "villain of the week" formula from Part 3. While it can be tiresome at times, it aligns with JoJo's identity as a battle shonen. Araki skillfully executes this trope by ensuring each new villain poses a genuine threat to the heroes. The suspense lies in how our protagonists use their intelligence to overcome these challenges, making for thrilling scenarios.
Additionally, Stands are rapidly evolving in this part, introducing the concept of independent Stands.
I highly recommend this manga. Though it may progress slowly at times, it gains momentum towards the conclusion and delivers a satisfying experience overall.
Due to that, this and my other JoJo reviews will follow an unique JoJo rating system, since in my opinion it cannot be easily compared to other manga, done in a beginner-friendly way so as to illustrate whether or not it is worth it to get invested in the series, and how it compares to other parts of it.
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Diamond is Unbreakable stands out from the rest of the JoJo series up until this point because it redefines the concept of "adventure." It's not about fighting a world-ending threat, nor is it about stopping someone from conquering the world. The adventure here is entirely self-contained within the small town of Morioh.
It revolves around our new Joestar, Josuke, making friends, navigating school life, and dealing with Stand users. From the very beginning, you'll notice the atmosphere is completely different, as there is no immediate, urgent threat—only smaller dangers posed by bad people using Stands for nefarious purposes. This marks a departure from the previous part's portrayal of enemy Stand users as hired henchmen and the main cast as "heroes." In this part, they're just regular students who want to do good.
You can really tell Araki learned quite a few things after finishing Stardust Crusaders, as Diamond is Unbreakable features a wealth of fascinating Stands. At this point, Stand fights essentially become puzzles where the characters must find an opening in the enemy's Stand ability to deal as much damage as possible before readjusting to the situation. This makes nearly every fight in this part incredibly entertaining. Thanks to Josuke's Stand ability—"repairing things to their original state"—there are countless creative possibilities in combat. One standout example involves destroying a bike to vault over a baby, then repairing it mid-air so he can fall back onto it and keep riding away.
As previously mentioned, Stand abilities are now more situational and, therefore, deadly. Because of this, the main cast has to use everything at their disposal to think outside the box and outsmart their opponents. Sometimes logically, sometimes in an "I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY JUST DID THAT" manner—in the best way possible.
The art shows a slight improvement from Stardust Crusaders, looking less stiff while remaining equally impressive and far more colorful. There's not much else to say here except that the designs of both characters and Stands continue to be strikingly imaginative.
The main cast is one of the most likable shonen casts I've encountered and ranks among the best in all of JoJo. Josuke may look like a delinquent, but he's a total goofball sweetheart, and everyone around him is made up of amazing friends and truly intriguing individuals. They feel like real people you might meet in school, which adds to how much you care about them. Additionally, the "Stand users of the week" are surprisingly engaging, and since they're actual characters rather than mere hired henchmen this time, their battles with the main cast feel far more enjoyable.
Most importantly, this part boasts what is arguably the best villain in JoJo. Unlike the world-ending threats from previous parts, this antagonist doesn't appear until halfway through the manga. When he does, it's immediately clear how formidable he is—not to the WORLD, but to this small town that you've grown to love. As a result, you're far more invested in seeing how they'll handle him than you were with villains who simply wanted to end the world.
There's really no concise way to sum up Diamond is Unbreakable, but if you enjoyed the concept of Stand fights and wished to see more of them, this will likely come as a very pleasant surprise. The cast is fantastic, the story is compelling, and it never tries too hard to be overly serious despite the urgency of the central plot.
STORY: 9/10
Set 11 years after Stardust Crusaders, Jotaro learns about Joseph's affair with a woman in the small Japanese town of Morioh, leading to the birth of Josuke Higashikata, the fourth Jojo. Jotaro travels there to investigate recent Stand activity and get acquainted with his new half-brother. Along the way, he assists Josuke and his quirky friends in taking down a Stand User serial killer terrorizing the town.
Diamond is Unbreakable boasts an almost flawless story. There's substantial character development and ample time spent building the world. The main plot doesn't fully kick in until halfway through the manga, but the buildup to Kira's introduction is masterfully done, making his debut all the more impactful. Character dynamics, chemistry, and interactions drive the narrative forward effectively. I deduct one point due to a significant unresolved plot point at the end, which I won't spoil here. However, seasoned Jojo fans likely know what I'm referring to.
ART: 10/10
The art in Diamond is Unbreakable represents the peak of Araki's artistic style. It undergoes three distinct transformations. Initially, it refines the aesthetic from Stardust Crusaders. Then, it adopts a more anime-inspired look with large, expressive eyes and meticulous facial details, resulting in some truly iconic reaction shots. Finally, it previews Araki's increasingly feminine art style seen in later parts. These shifts align perfectly with the tone of the story, and the character designs are impeccable.
CHARACTERS: 9/10
Every character in Diamond is Unbreakable is endearing in their own way, making it difficult to single out just a few as the "best." Koichi is easy to root for, and his Stand, Echoes, brings plenty of humor. Okuyasu is one of the greatest sidekicks ever created—essentially a Japanese version of Patrick Star—offering endless hilarity, entertainment, and stupidity. Rohan Kishibe is delightfully arrogant, and that's precisely what makes him so memorable. Even Jotaro undergoes significant character development, becoming my favorite Jojo during my first read-through of this part. A minor character, Tonio, quickly became one of my all-time favorites despite appearing in only five chapters. Some characters remain less prominent; without spoilers, Josuke's friend Shigechi exists primarily for plot purposes and is rather unlikable but fortunately doesn't stick around long. Similarly, Mikitaka (details omitted for spoilers) might feel underdeveloped or enigmatic to some readers when he appears later in the arc.
Josuke and Kira shine brightest among the cast. Josuke embodies the best qualities of the three preceding Jojos: he's aloof like Jonathan, cunning like Joseph, and fiercely formidable like Jotaro. Yet, he possesses his own distinct personality. His love for money drives much of his behavior, even if it means exploiting others—but he redeems himself in the end (unless you're Rohan). With the help of his Stand, Crazy Diamond, which can repair broken objects, Josuke forms an unmatched bond with Okuyasu, creating comedic gold through their dynamic.
Kira ranks among the finest Jojo villains. Despite being cruel and harboring disturbing tendencies—he murders women for their hands—he evokes sympathy due to his desire for a peaceful life. His villainy feels cartoonishly exaggerated yet genuinely menacing, akin to classic antagonists like Cobra Commander or Skeletor. His Stand, Killer Queen, amplifies this duality by granting the power to make people explode, underscoring both his absurdity and darkness.
ENJOYMENT: 10/10
Diamond is Unbreakable delivers relentless humor while maintaining a story capable of delivering emotional weight. Though it lacks DIO's WORLD-level spectacle, the concluding arc, Crazy Diamond is Unbreakable, paired with Kira's Bites the Dust, provides a fantastic and satisfying resolution. The emotional investment in these characters elevates the tension and payoff significantly.
OVERALL: 9/10
Diamond is Unbreakable offers one of the most enjoyable and entertaining experiences I've encountered. Featuring a near-perfect story arc, it boasts a remarkable ensemble of characters, Araki's artistic peak, and a narrative that seamlessly blends slice-of-life comedy with a gripping murder mystery. It draws comparisons to beloved works like Scooby-Doo, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Persona 4, Seinfeld, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, forming a near-ideal fusion of all five. This radical departure for Jojo proves to be an outstanding addition to the series, standing for a time as its pinnacle. Remarkably, it isn't even the best part of Jojo—a testament to the franchise's enduring greatness.
The narrative structure of Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable mirrors Stardust Crusaders, with chapters detailing encounters between Stand users. However, these confrontations differ significantly; instead of feeling like minions dispatched by an overarching villain, there's an added layer of intrigue—Stand users are naturally drawn to one another. This removes some urgency but enriches the small-town setting where extraordinary individuals inevitably clash, creating thrilling and engaging battles. Moreover, almost every Stand introduced boasts unique abilities, with only Shining Diamond bearing any resemblance to previous ones, though its core power remains distinct.
A standout aspect is the dynamic cast of heroes. While I admire the Stardust Crusaders, this new group undoubtedly brims with more personality. Jotaro takes a step back, allowing Josuke Higashikata, his uncle, to take center stage. Josuke revitalizes the series as he feels more... authentic compared to his predecessors. He lacks Jotaro’s unyielding coolness but still commands moments of awe. He embodies the honorable spirit of his great-grandfather Jonathan yet balances it with leniency and occasional mischief. Though he shares Joseph’s penchant for troublemaking, he avoids becoming unlikeable. Supporting characters Koichi and Okuyasu serve as excellent foils—Koichi, the amiable counterpart to Josuke’s delinquent nature, and Okuyasu, the rebellious balance. Other ally Stand users shine uniquely, but none outshine Rohan Kishibe. This smug mangaka consistently delivers entertainment, whether coercing Koichi into accompanying him for manga research or engaging in tense standoffs with Josuke.
By the midpoint, the story seems to plateau, but then a formidable new antagonist emerges, matching Dio’s menace. The protagonists’ mission shifts to thwarting this threat, infusing the plot with tension as they piece together clues. It transforms into a murder mystery of sorts, with dramatic irony heightening suspense as the heroes inch closer to uncovering secrets already known to the audience.
Despite its charm, some issues arise. Certain instances see characters narrowly escaping death, which could have been emotionally impactful had they succumbed. Conversely, newly introduced characters sometimes meet untimely ends, making attachment risky. This doesn’t mean forming connections isn’t worthwhile—it just carries emotional stakes. Another concern involves a romance subplot that develops mid-story, raising eyebrows due to its questionable dynamics. Had the genders been reversed, social media backlash might have been fierce.
Regardless of these flaws (or perhaps overlooking them), Diamond is Unbreakable excels as a successor to Stardust Crusaders. It maintains Part 3’s momentum effectively, crucial given its substantial increase in length compared to earlier arcs. Highly recommended, particularly for fans of Persona 4, as both share comparable vibes.
Diamond is Unbreakable
Story: Instead of having muscular men save the world from bloodthirsty monsters, this part features high schoolers hunting down a hand-obsessed serial killer. The narrative takes a completely different direction compared to the earlier parts, almost resembling a series of interconnected short stories, yet it remains exceptional.
Art: Araki-sensei altered his art style for this installment. While some fans adore it, others detest it passionately. Personally, I believe Araki-sensei did an admirable job with the artistic direction in this part.
Characters: The characters introduced here are incredibly vibrant and memorable. Yoshikage Kira, the antagonist, is masterfully crafted. Additionally, we meet standout figures like Josuke, Koichi, and Rohan, each bringing their unique flair. Not to mention the return of fan favorites such as Jotaro (the best JoJo) and Joseph, the old man.
Enjoyment: Although this part diverges significantly from its predecessors, I thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly the thrilling battle between Koichi, Jotaro, and Kira.
Overall: In my view, this part is solid and well-executed but seems to lack something when compared to the other arcs.
My biggest issues with Stardust Crusaders are the flat characters, poor pacing, and the so-so Stands. Diamond is Unbreakable shatters those weaknesses. While only two or three characters really go through any real, continuous arc, I enjoy all of them here, and they have clear personalities. While I don't like Yoshikage Kira as much as others, he's a great villain, and the minor villains are decent too. Jotaro feels more natural as the mentor who shows up on occasion. Okuyasu is an idiot, but he's my idiot. Koichi is a great character that sometimes feels more like the protagonist than our new Jojo. Josuke, our new protagonist, is goofy and fun, but he still feels like a normal kid, and part of the fun is seeing him learn to use his Stand in great ways.
And what a Stand he has. Stands are much more creative here than in part 3. The more limited and specific Stands allow for battles that are creative and exciting. There are many more unique battles than before as well. The Darby fights were the only ones in part 3 that felt truly different, but the Italian food arc of Part 4 is much different than the Love Deluxe arc, which is different than the Highway Star arc, and so on.
Now, what about the pacing? Well, this is actually much longer than part 3, but this slow pace works better here. Part 3 is supposed to be climactic and there's a ticking time bomb, so the unnecessary fights feel that much more unnecessary. In part 4, the scale is much smaller, and the story is almost slice-of-life. This is a surprisingly excellent genre blend. For many, the main villain not appearing until several volumes in may feel wrong, but it helps the tone of the story in my opinion. If we knew about Kira from the beginning, we'd never appreciate the slower moments.
Another thing is that overall, Part 4... makes more sense than the other parts. As much as I like Jojo, there's a decent amount of insanity, deus ex machina, plot holes, and contrivances. However, this is rarely in Diamond is Unbreakable. There is still the occasional lack of narrative tightness, but regardless, it never affects my enjoyment.
One other thing, the art is... amazing. This is some of the best weekly art I've ever seen. It does change from Araki's more masculine and edged style to the soft, somewhat feminine style that Araki is still developing today, but it looks good regardless, and the change is subtle enough that it doesn't take me out. Another thing is that sometimes when minor villains are defeated, they get shorter once they become 'good guys', which I like as an idea, but the first time I saw it I thought, 'who is this'? It was very odd and confusing, but since I pointed it out to you, you'll be fine reading it. (These characters are also short from the beginning in the anime, and the artstyle is also completely consistent throughout.)
You should read this. Should you read it as a standalone story and skip 1-3? You could watch a recap of the previous parts and then read this, but I don't recommend it. Reading all of Jojo is more satisfying anyway. I haven't watched much of the anime, but it seems to be a good adaptation that is more consistent with art, as I said before.
Morioh is also the hometown of our new protagonist, Josuke Higashikata, Joseph Joestar's son and, interestingly, Jotaro Kujo's uncle.
The story revolves around uncovering the whereabouts of the arrow and identifying the individual or individuals wielding it.
Many fans agree that Part 4 marks the transformation of JoJo into the series we know and adore today. It moves away from tarot-themed powers and fully embraces musical references for its characters and their stands. In doing so, Araki elevates his creativity, introducing some of the most peculiar stands found in this part of the manga.
This is also when we encounter one of the series' most cherished villains, Yoshikage Kira.
I highly recommend reading this part instead of watching the anime to experience the art style changes firsthand.
I really liked the Stands and their creative moves. Now, while most of the Jojo community thinks this is a "sleep fest" because it leans more into slice-of-life territory, I actually enjoyed those moments. They gave the main story a breather and allowed the characters to interact with each other, adding more personality and likeability.
Overall, *Jojo no Kimyou na Bouken: Part 4* is well deserving of a YO ANGELO out of 10. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to watching my sigma edits where Patrick Bateman and Yoshikage Kira are doing... things. *Insert one of those sigma edit songs here* (you know, at least one).
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Diamond is Unbreakable is the fourth installment, and although it lacks the thematic unity of Phantom Blood, the charm of Vento Aureo, or the overall quality of Steel Ball Run, it remains my favorite due to its treatment of themes, particularly in the second half.
The story unfolds in Morioh, a seemingly tranquil small town. As Stand-related threats begin to devastate the area, we encounter our group of protagonists, each striving to uncover the numerous mysteries surrounding their hometown.
The first half can be considered the weakest, featuring episodic battles that vary from excellent (Let's go to the mangaka House) to merely silly and poor (Tonio's Restaurant). The narrative sustains itself through character development as they face various challenges.
Josuke takes center stage as the protagonist here, and he is an exceptional one. Despite his outward brutish appearance, marked by his tall stature and yankee-like demeanor, Josuke is inherently gentle and kind, always ready to assist those around him, no matter what. This is mirrored in his Stand, Crazy Diamond, which has the power to restore things, described by Jotaro as "the kindest ability in the world" (Jotaro himself remains unremarkable, though he functions better as a sidekick).
Koichi is another intriguing character, whose frail appearance belies a strong determination and a profound sense of duty towards his friends. Both these characters contribute to the overarching theme of Diamond is Unbreakable: appearance.
Morioh boasts an unusually high disappearance rate compared to any other town, yet its residents seem indifferent. They prefer to maintain the facade; the exterior holds more importance than the interior. It's no surprise that many villains eventually become allies: once you see—and accept—the true nature of someone, that person tends to grow closer to you.
Enter Kira, a character who epitomizes this aspect of the story. A serial killer with a warped obsession with hands, he still yearns for a peaceful life. He realizes that to achieve this, he must remain invisible, cloaking his true self with a bland exterior. People only perceive the surface, after all. He goes so far as to alter his appearance entirely and start anew as someone else, adapting to the situation.
This is the thematic essence of Diamond is Unbreakable, and while it isn't flawlessly executed, it is present. What about the "surface level" elements? The battles are a mixed bag, and the formula of "villain of the week" grows tiresome after a few episodes. Nevertheless, the final showdown ranks among the best moments I've ever experienced in any manga.
Araki's art is sharp, even as this marks the transition from his 80s masculine style to a more 90s-friendly one. The seeds of the androgyny that would become Araki's hallmark are evident here and would flourish in VA. Still, his framing techniques are impressive, and his narrative flow remains as precise as ever.
"Goodbye Morioh - The Golden Heart." This is the title of the last chapter, aptly named since, following the cleansing, we can anticipate Morioh to be as peaceful as it appears. It marks the conclusion of a story that is interesting, enjoyable, and above all, exhilarating. Indeed, diamond sure is unbreakable.
I absolutely adore the main cast of characters. Josuke is undeniably a "chad," Joseph remains quintessentially himself, and Koichi is brilliantly crafted—a shy and nervous character who can erupt into a fiery rampage when pushed too far. Okuyasu defied my initial expectations; he wasn't the "dumb" character I thought he'd be, and quickly became my favorite upon joining the group. It was also refreshing to see Jotaro show signs of maturity, though he's still clearly haunted by the events of Stardust Crusaders.
The art style is vibrantly colorful, which I believe Araki intentionally incorporated. The '90s were a colorful era for many who grew up before the internet age, and this town, with its bright exterior hiding darker secrets, perfectly captures that contrast.
Kira Yoshikage is an exceptionally well-written villain, striving to maintain a peaceful life while committing heinous crimes.
My experience reading this part was truly remarkable. I wholeheartedly recommend it—it’s incredible to read and even more captivating to watch. Do yourself a favor and dive into Diamond Is Unbreakable.
The primary distinction between Part 3 and Part 4 lies in how the characters utilize their Stands. They are not merely employed for direct combat, making the battles far more intricate than in the previous installment. The characters truly shine in this part, combining their Stands to devise the most ingenious solutions to battle challenges ever witnessed.
This is an excellent manga; the only aspect that slightly dampens my enthusiasm is the beginning. However, it is outstanding from (a little ways into) the start right through to the very end.
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