Coming off Jojo Part 1, Part 2 of Jojo, known as Battle Tendency, is where Araki truly began to shape what the series would become. Although there are no Stands in Battle Tendency, this part feels much closer to the later installments than Part 1. It's also an enhancement over Part 1 of Jojo in nearly every aspect.
I'll focus only on the key characters. Joseph Joestar closely resembles his grandfather Jonathan in physique but differs greatly in personality. Joseph is bold, quirky, and clever, and his actions make watching him both thrilling and amusing. His companions, Caesar and Lisa Lisa, are interesting characters; however, Lisa Lisa lacks a substantial character arc, and Caesar's journey follows a standard rival-to-friend narrative. Stroheim is fantastic. Wham stands out as the best villain, and Esidisi is simply peculiar. Kars is intriguing but not fully developed. These characters are enjoyable yet mostly superficial. Given the story's length, it's understandable, but more development would have been beneficial.
The battles in this part are utterly wild. Hamon is pushed to its limits here. Half the time, Joseph behaves so absurdly and outrageously that you don't even question the events because they're so engaging. The other half involves clever strategies that are equally entertaining. Some might view this as a drawback, but for me, it works because I root for Joseph and his team as the underdogs. This madness extends beyond the battles, maintaining a consistent tone throughout.
The plot of Part 2 is fairly dynamic yet straightforward. Joseph transitions from seeking revenge to fighting for survival and ultimately for honor. It's a simple progression, but I believe Joseph does grow in this arc. Most characters feel significant, including Speedwagon, who proves more useful here compared to Part 1, despite having a smaller role. The ring poison element is somewhat contrived, but it enables some excellent moments.
The artwork shows great improvement. While it still features some odd anatomical quirks, it's markedly better than before and remains intricately detailed. The only area where Phantom Blood surpasses Battle Tendency is the rivalry and final battle between Dio and Jonathan, which outshine Joseph and Kars' conclusion.
Battle Tendency is a delightful adventure that may lack depth but is highly entertaining nonetheless. I strongly recommend it.
It's... roughly on par with Phantom Blood in terms of quality. It's quite entertaining but still feels awkward in certain parts, and it certainly isn't a masterpiece in any particular area. People often say the biggest improvement is in the main character department, but I'm not entirely convinced. Sure, Joseph has more attitude compared to his grandfather, but he's just your typical rash and stubborn shounen protagonist archetype. In fact, I think I prefer Jonathan for being more composed and subdued. Additionally, the villains are weaker this time around.
That said, the side characters are better. Stronheim, Caesar, and Lisa Lisa made for a fun group, and Speedwagon remains ever-present (I'm guessing it's a recurring theme in this series for surviving characters to reappear in future parts, much older). Part 3 appears to be where the series truly comes into its own, so I'm hoping for a significant step up in quality from here.
<p>Simply amazing, even though the Stands aren't part of the plot yet, the creativity, the battles, and especially the BIZARRE elements are all very well placed, each in its own spot. Watching the descendant of Jonathan Joestar face creatures far stronger than him, using only tricks and cunning, made Joseph my favorite JOJO! Not to mention his partner, Caesar, who has connections to a character from Part 1, creating a strong bridge between the two parts. Caesar's personality is very well developed as you read; at first, you might think he's just an annoying character there to make you angry, but later his backstory is explored, along with the development of his relationship with Joseph!</p>
Introduction:
After reading Phantom Blood, I was definitely interested in diving into Battle Tendency. However, I had concerns that it might not live up to my expectations, given how average Phantom Blood felt. Happily, Battle Tendency far exceeded what I anticipated.
Story:
At first glance, the story seems fairly straightforward. But as with any JoJo part, explaining it makes you sound like a madman. Without spoiling anything, I'll say the narrative is solid and not overly complex.
8/10
Art:
The art has noticeably improved from Phantom Blood. While Araki retains his signature style, proportions are more consistent and less erratic (not in a good way this time). The volume covers are also quite impressive.
7/10
Character:
The protagonist of Battle Tendency is Jonathan's grandson, Joseph Joestar. Joseph is easily my favorite main character in all of anime and possibly the funniest lead I've encountered in manga. The villains are strong too, with only four of them allowing Araki to flesh them out thoroughly. Santana serves as an excellent introduction to the Pillar Men, Esidisi showcases Joseph's Hamon skills effectively, Wamuu is likable with two fantastic battles, and Kars stands as a compelling main antagonist with a great backstory. The supporting cast isn't spectacular but remains solid.
9/10
Enjoyment:
There’s not much to elaborate on here—the comedy in this arc is outstanding. While Joseph Joestar may not appeal to everyone, I found his jokes hilarious.
10/10
Overall:
This part is undoubtedly superior to Phantom Blood thanks to Battle Tendency's knack for humor.
Story: 8/10
Art: 7/10
Character: 9/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Average: 8.5/10
Overall: 9/10
Battle Tendency is the second arc of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga, spanning chapters 45 to 113 (volumes 5-12), crafted by Hirohiko Araki. Set in 1939, fifty years after the events of Phantom Blood, this story follows Joseph "JoJo" Joestar, the grandson of Jonathan Joestar. Following the incidents involving DIO and the stone mask, the creators of the latter, the Pillar Men, awaken from their two-thousand-year slumber with the ambition to become “Ultimate Life Forms.”
In my opinion, Battle Tendency is exceptional. It delivers an immensely enjoyable adventure while rectifying the shortcomings of its predecessor. The new main character is more interesting and humorous, the supporting characters are better developed, the scope is broader, the villains are genuinely menacing, and the fight scenes are cleverly executed. It's a grand spectacle of absurdity that builds to a thrilling finale.
Joseph Joestar is the standout character of Part 2. Unlike the gentlemanly Jonathan, Joseph is an intelligent and creative fighter with an immature, comedic personality. He is an engaging character to follow through the story's events and battles, employing tactics and bluffs while utilizing a variety of objects to his advantage. His fights are epic, enjoyable, and infused with solid humor.
Most of the battles in Battle Tendency are fantastic and climactic. The fight between Joseph and Wamuu stands out as one of the best—a thrilling chariot battle with vampire horses. A mental duel between two brilliant fighters keeps you guessing who will outwit the other first. This part is also the last to focus on Hamon as the primary superpower before transitioning to Stands. Although Hamon had a brief run, it reached its peak in Part 2 and would have grown stale if continued.
Araki’s art hasn't evolved much since Phantom Blood, but it remains excellent. Character designs have improved, particularly the Pillar Men, who boast incredible designs and numerous dynamic poses. The series' exploration of various settings such as Mexico, Italy, and Switzerland adds excitement.
The supporting characters in Part 2 are remarkable, receiving more screen time and development than those in Part 1. Lisa Lisa serves as the mentor and stood out during the series' publication due to the rarity of female fighters at the time. Cesar A. Zeppeli is a womanizer, rival, and best friend to Joseph, forming great chemistry with him. As a member of the Zeppeli family, there's an implication that it's their destiny to conclude the chapter of the stone masks. Stroheim is an eccentric cyborg Nazi, and the Pillar Men, though not as iconic as DIO, each have distinct personalities and fighting styles.
Battle Tendency is one of the most enjoyable mangas I've read. The adventure, fights, and characters are all excellent. It's a worthwhile journey that I highly recommend, whether through reading the manga or watching the superb anime adaptation by David Production. I rate Battle Tendency a 9/10.
The widely adored Battle Tendency stands in stark contrast to the earnest yet awkward Phantom Blood. It's the Part that showcased the vast diversity JoJo's Bizarre Adventure would encompass and introduced us to Araki's distinct charm. Even with a story less heavy and impactful compared to its predecessor, Battle Tendency has garnered far greater success and critical acclaim. Its complexity and humor, I believe, are at the heart of this difference.
Joseph Joestar is the complete opposite of his grandfather—a perpetually lucky (his recurring joke being his survival of numerous plane crashes) and streetwise brawler. He grows into his heroism rather than starting with it, leaning more towards an old-school "anti-hero" archetype like Spider-Man, Bilbo Baggins, or Mrs. Brisby. Not as physically powerful, Joseph relies on often absurd strategies and psychological tactics to win his battles. This becomes a crucial element in the JoJo series moving forward, soon reaching a higher level of refinement. Still, these intellectual twists are mostly humorous and occasionally thrilling, though sometimes Joseph's plans feel almost nihilistically flawless. At times, it seems Joseph Joestar might be the smartest man alive, given how swiftly and effectively he devises plans that work (he even outsmarts a villain with a canonical IQ of "at least 400"). This is all part of Joseph's character arc and adds a unique and amusing dimension, so it isn't too problematic, but there are moments where it feels lazy and diminishes the tension in some battles.
The supporting cast here is much stronger than in Part 1, which greatly enhances the narrative. Strong friendships and memorable side characters become a staple of the JoJo series, making their debut in Part 2. This makes the Part feel more assured and gives it a distinct identity compared to its predecessor. Empathy is a major theme throughout Battle Tendency, alongside fate (a recurring theme in Araki's works). Sincere connections between people who appear different in demeanor, race, or species underpin Battle Tendency. This is evident on a large scale, but becomes even clearer in the small, incidental moments where characters overcome prejudices or bridge perceived differences. Such likable and distinctive characters are essential for this concept to resonate.
Some flaws from Phantom Blood carry over into Part 2. Araki's art style isn't traditionally expressive, and his paneling and artwork haven't reached their peak yet. There are also issues specific to Part 2. Joseph looks too similar to Jonathan, a similarity Araki himself regrets. The main antagonist is rather forgettable. The basic storyline lacks the resonance of Phantom Blood (Battle Tendency's strength lies in its details). However, these shortcomings seem overshadowed by one of Araki's legendary escalating climaxes—a moment so special and inspired that no spoiler-free explanation can do it justice.
Though Part 2 doesn't bear the weight of defining the franchise as Part 1 does, it begins to shape its cultural identity. It's truly beautiful.
Following up to the successful Phantom Blood, Hirohiko Araki delivers a perfect example of an excellent sequel: taking everything great from the first and building on it, while improving upon its flaws. What Araki crafts is one of the finest direct sequels in manga history.
Story: 8/10
Battle Tendency picks up 50 years after the events of Phantom Blood, around 1940. After the conclusion of Phantom Blood, Speedwagon relocates to America and becomes an immensely wealthy oil tycoon. He establishes the Speedwagon Foundation with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the Joestar family and eradicating all vampires. Jonathan's wife, Erina, raises her grandson, Joseph Joestar—the second true Jojo. Joseph moves to America as Speedwagon uncovers frozen vampires in Mexico. However, Nazis led by Rudol von Stroheim kidnap him, inadvertently awakening the vampires, known as the Pillar Men. Now, they must join forces with Speedwagon, Joseph, Caesar (Zeppeli's grandson), and a mysterious martial artist named Lisa Lisa to stop the Pillar Men (Santana, Wham, ACDC, and Kars) from destroying the world. It's an incredibly entertaining story that never slows down, unlike Phantom Blood. Much more comedic than its predecessor, the dramatic moments still pack a punch. The climax, though absurd to the extreme, is undeniably epic and hilariously over-the-top.
Art: 8/10
The art has significantly improved since Phantom Blood. Araki continues with his overly macho man style but handles anatomy slightly better. There isn't much else to say here other than it's a substantial improvement over Phantom Blood while retaining its unique style—a style Araki won't drastically alter until Part 4.
Characters: 8/10
For the most part, the characters are highly enjoyable. Speedwagon is essentially useless, but this fits his character, who is not only frail and timid to begin with but is now around 89 years old. Von Stroheim, especially when he becomes a cyborg, is simply fantastic, and his claims of Nazi German superiority seem justified. Caesar plays a role similar to his grandfather's in Phantom Blood but is far more youthful and hotheaded, making him an ideal counterpart to Joseph. The Pillar Men are pure hype, and Wham, in particular, ranks among the best Jojo antagonists ever. I didn't care much for Lisa Lisa or Smokey Brown (a kid Joseph takes along after attempting to pickpocket him).
But then there's Joseph. Addressing the criticisms that Jonathan was "too dull" and "too one-dimensional," Joseph is a vibrant character and unlike Jonathan, a trickster. Instead of fighting honorably, Joseph delights in crafting elaborate deceptions to infuriate his enemies. His trademark line, "Your next line will be...," is hilarious. Essentially, everything about him is funny, whether cross-dressing to infiltrate a Nazi camp or throwing dismembered arms to choke foes. It's impossible not to be drawn into following this wild character thanks to his boundless charisma, wackiness, and flamboyance.
Enjoyment: 9/10
Battle Tendency is a highly entertaining story arc for all the reasons mentioned above. It feels much more like a "bizarre adventure" than Phantom Blood did, delivering everything expected and more. It's very, very silly, but that's the charm. And even with the comedy, there are some genuinely powerful dramatic moments, and it's overall exceptionally well-written, as one would expect from Araki.
Overall: 8/10
Great fights, great characters, great art—Battle Tendency is just a lot of fun. A more than worthy successor to Phantom Blood, it's akin to the Terminator 2 of manga.
<p>Battle Tendency is one of the manga series I believe significantly improved after Part 1. Enter Joseph Joestar, a protagonist who is charming, humorous, and incredibly clever/creative. Joseph in Battle Tendency is undoubtedly one of the funniest characters I've encountered in both manga and anime. He's immensely enjoyable and charismatic, making him a delight to watch, and he will always remain entertaining to rewatch. When I first started watching JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, I felt that Joseph was a character I could genuinely relate to. The plot of the manga, which involves traveling to different countries and the characters' return as crucial elements to the storyline, was something I thoroughly enjoyed. Araki did an outstanding job crafting this story. Among the pre-stand JoJo parts, I would say this has one of the best art styles I've ever seen used in JoJo. All the characters exhibit some form of personality (even the side characters, and why not, the background characters too). Overall, it deserves a solid 8/10 from me.</p>
Part 1 took place in 19th Century England, while Part 2 was set in the late 1930s, just before World War II, spanning from America to Italy. In Part 1, Jonathan Joestar, the first Jojo, was a noble gentleman. In Part 2, Joseph Joestar, the second Jojo and Jonathan's grandson, was a hot-headed, smart, and talented kid who could use Hamon special techniques without training. He loved comics, and it caught my eye that he had a Superman comic in his hands during a flight scene on a plane. By the way, Jonathan and Joseph look visually identical.
I didn't enjoy Part 2 as much as Part 1 because Part 1 had a purely evil villain named Dio, and the ending was bittersweet. I prefer villains with no trace of goodness, and I actually like bad endings more than anything, but a sour ending was close enough to win my sympathy. The naive elements in Part 2 bothered me more for some reason. The villains were larger-than-life: Santana, Wamuu, Esidisi, and their master Kars, known as the Four Pillar Men. These Pillar Men were god-like beings, each with their own special powers, making them bigger threats than Part 1's villain, Dio, who was "just" a vampire. After all, each installment needs to be bigger, and some of the villains in Part 2 had a sense of honor, which made them less appealing to me compared to the purely evil Dio.
The Stone Mask from Part 1 is connected to the Pillar Men, by the way.
Do the names Dio, Esidisi, and Zeppeli sound familiar? If you're into Rock and Metal music, they should. These names are inspired by none other than the famous Metal band Dio, AC/DC (Esidisi), and the Rock band Led Zeppelin (Zeppeli). Mangaka Hirohiko Araki is a Rock and Metal music enthusiast, just like many of his readers, including myself.
Jojo Parts 1 and 2 aren't for everyone. If you can endure or even enjoy some naivety, such as characters falling for half an hour and fights continuing mid-fall, or the outrageously naive ways they survive falls, Joseph's battle strategies, Caesar's bubbles, etc., then you might like Jojo Parts 1 and 2. I started reading Jojo because people said it got really good with Part 3: Stardust Crusaders, so I continued reading in anticipation of better parts. I'm currently waiting for Part 3 to be fully published in English so I can read it from start to finish without long breaks.
Story - 9
This is an extraordinary sequence. Alongside introducing a fresh narrative style, it's executed impeccably and cohesively. Naturally, everything unfolds as a sequence, presenting a more expansive and refined version of Part 1.
Art - 10
JoJo at its finest. The artwork radiates charisma with timeless linework, featuring almost no poorly crafted or disproportionate illustrations. It's truly remarkable.
Character - 9
Although some characters are less memorable, the majority are outstanding and brimming with charm, as well as being thoroughly developed. Joseph remains the quintessential JoJo to this day, and his allies are incredibly captivating and well-written.
Enjoyment - 9
Highly entertaining to read and follow, it may lack the grandeur of entire arcs from Part 1, but it still delivers engaging storylines with certain sections feeling somewhat prolonged.
Overall - 9
A superb installment, showcasing one of the best JoJos, a compelling and charismatic plot. The manga is exceptionally enjoyable and so much more... It's truly exceptional.
<p>"Battle Tendency" is a work that, after chapter 18, feels like a mental trick from Araki and might be rated as low as 1/10 overall. However, what about the chapters crafted with care directly by Araki? Those chapters are undoubtedly the pinnacle of manga and rank as the second best in literature due to their sheer fun, uniqueness, bizarreness, complexity, density, and quality. Indeed, reading these chapters is akin to diving into one of those classic literary masterpieces. But here's the twist: it surpasses them. Why? Because unlike some of those overrated classics, this is meticulously crafted, offering top-notch entertainment while genuinely enriching or at least satisfying the reader with its high-quality content. These chapters are the sole reason I rate this manga a 7/10.</p>
Part 1 of JoJo is quite distinct from this one. The focus here is primarily on its main character rather than its villain. The ensemble of characters orbits around Joseph and the narrative, unlike in Part 1, where it felt like everything revolved around Dio and his malevolent plans, which made Jonathan seem underwhelming as a character from a writing perspective.
On top of that, he was already a somewhat "boring" archetype to begin with, so he was at a disadvantage right from the start.
Here, though, we see a complete turnaround. Joseph grabs your attention right from the beginning, and his strategies, courage, and even his meme-worthy moments (yes, indeed) keep you hooked—forever, really. He remains my favorite JoJo for good reason. Part 2 is an ABSOLUTE MUST-READ.
Popular Reviews
I'll focus only on the key characters. Joseph Joestar closely resembles his grandfather Jonathan in physique but differs greatly in personality. Joseph is bold, quirky, and clever, and his actions make watching him both thrilling and amusing. His companions, Caesar and Lisa Lisa, are interesting characters; however, Lisa Lisa lacks a substantial character arc, and Caesar's journey follows a standard rival-to-friend narrative. Stroheim is fantastic. Wham stands out as the best villain, and Esidisi is simply peculiar. Kars is intriguing but not fully developed. These characters are enjoyable yet mostly superficial. Given the story's length, it's understandable, but more development would have been beneficial.
The battles in this part are utterly wild. Hamon is pushed to its limits here. Half the time, Joseph behaves so absurdly and outrageously that you don't even question the events because they're so engaging. The other half involves clever strategies that are equally entertaining. Some might view this as a drawback, but for me, it works because I root for Joseph and his team as the underdogs. This madness extends beyond the battles, maintaining a consistent tone throughout.
The plot of Part 2 is fairly dynamic yet straightforward. Joseph transitions from seeking revenge to fighting for survival and ultimately for honor. It's a simple progression, but I believe Joseph does grow in this arc. Most characters feel significant, including Speedwagon, who proves more useful here compared to Part 1, despite having a smaller role. The ring poison element is somewhat contrived, but it enables some excellent moments.
The artwork shows great improvement. While it still features some odd anatomical quirks, it's markedly better than before and remains intricately detailed. The only area where Phantom Blood surpasses Battle Tendency is the rivalry and final battle between Dio and Jonathan, which outshine Joseph and Kars' conclusion.
Battle Tendency is a delightful adventure that may lack depth but is highly entertaining nonetheless. I strongly recommend it.
That said, the side characters are better. Stronheim, Caesar, and Lisa Lisa made for a fun group, and Speedwagon remains ever-present (I'm guessing it's a recurring theme in this series for surviving characters to reappear in future parts, much older). Part 3 appears to be where the series truly comes into its own, so I'm hoping for a significant step up in quality from here.
<p>
After reading Phantom Blood, I was definitely interested in diving into Battle Tendency. However, I had concerns that it might not live up to my expectations, given how average Phantom Blood felt. Happily, Battle Tendency far exceeded what I anticipated.
Story:
At first glance, the story seems fairly straightforward. But as with any JoJo part, explaining it makes you sound like a madman. Without spoiling anything, I'll say the narrative is solid and not overly complex.
8/10
Art:
The art has noticeably improved from Phantom Blood. While Araki retains his signature style, proportions are more consistent and less erratic (not in a good way this time). The volume covers are also quite impressive.
7/10
Character:
The protagonist of Battle Tendency is Jonathan's grandson, Joseph Joestar. Joseph is easily my favorite main character in all of anime and possibly the funniest lead I've encountered in manga. The villains are strong too, with only four of them allowing Araki to flesh them out thoroughly. Santana serves as an excellent introduction to the Pillar Men, Esidisi showcases Joseph's Hamon skills effectively, Wamuu is likable with two fantastic battles, and Kars stands as a compelling main antagonist with a great backstory. The supporting cast isn't spectacular but remains solid.
9/10
Enjoyment:
There’s not much to elaborate on here—the comedy in this arc is outstanding. While Joseph Joestar may not appeal to everyone, I found his jokes hilarious.
10/10
Overall:
This part is undoubtedly superior to Phantom Blood thanks to Battle Tendency's knack for humor.
Story: 8/10
Art: 7/10
Character: 9/10
Enjoyment: 10/10
Average: 8.5/10
Overall: 9/10
In my opinion, Battle Tendency is exceptional. It delivers an immensely enjoyable adventure while rectifying the shortcomings of its predecessor. The new main character is more interesting and humorous, the supporting characters are better developed, the scope is broader, the villains are genuinely menacing, and the fight scenes are cleverly executed. It's a grand spectacle of absurdity that builds to a thrilling finale.
Joseph Joestar is the standout character of Part 2. Unlike the gentlemanly Jonathan, Joseph is an intelligent and creative fighter with an immature, comedic personality. He is an engaging character to follow through the story's events and battles, employing tactics and bluffs while utilizing a variety of objects to his advantage. His fights are epic, enjoyable, and infused with solid humor.
Most of the battles in Battle Tendency are fantastic and climactic. The fight between Joseph and Wamuu stands out as one of the best—a thrilling chariot battle with vampire horses. A mental duel between two brilliant fighters keeps you guessing who will outwit the other first. This part is also the last to focus on Hamon as the primary superpower before transitioning to Stands. Although Hamon had a brief run, it reached its peak in Part 2 and would have grown stale if continued.
Araki’s art hasn't evolved much since Phantom Blood, but it remains excellent. Character designs have improved, particularly the Pillar Men, who boast incredible designs and numerous dynamic poses. The series' exploration of various settings such as Mexico, Italy, and Switzerland adds excitement.
The supporting characters in Part 2 are remarkable, receiving more screen time and development than those in Part 1. Lisa Lisa serves as the mentor and stood out during the series' publication due to the rarity of female fighters at the time. Cesar A. Zeppeli is a womanizer, rival, and best friend to Joseph, forming great chemistry with him. As a member of the Zeppeli family, there's an implication that it's their destiny to conclude the chapter of the stone masks. Stroheim is an eccentric cyborg Nazi, and the Pillar Men, though not as iconic as DIO, each have distinct personalities and fighting styles.
Battle Tendency is one of the most enjoyable mangas I've read. The adventure, fights, and characters are all excellent. It's a worthwhile journey that I highly recommend, whether through reading the manga or watching the superb anime adaptation by David Production. I rate Battle Tendency a 9/10.
Joseph Joestar is the complete opposite of his grandfather—a perpetually lucky (his recurring joke being his survival of numerous plane crashes) and streetwise brawler. He grows into his heroism rather than starting with it, leaning more towards an old-school "anti-hero" archetype like Spider-Man, Bilbo Baggins, or Mrs. Brisby. Not as physically powerful, Joseph relies on often absurd strategies and psychological tactics to win his battles. This becomes a crucial element in the JoJo series moving forward, soon reaching a higher level of refinement. Still, these intellectual twists are mostly humorous and occasionally thrilling, though sometimes Joseph's plans feel almost nihilistically flawless. At times, it seems Joseph Joestar might be the smartest man alive, given how swiftly and effectively he devises plans that work (he even outsmarts a villain with a canonical IQ of "at least 400"). This is all part of Joseph's character arc and adds a unique and amusing dimension, so it isn't too problematic, but there are moments where it feels lazy and diminishes the tension in some battles.
The supporting cast here is much stronger than in Part 1, which greatly enhances the narrative. Strong friendships and memorable side characters become a staple of the JoJo series, making their debut in Part 2. This makes the Part feel more assured and gives it a distinct identity compared to its predecessor. Empathy is a major theme throughout Battle Tendency, alongside fate (a recurring theme in Araki's works). Sincere connections between people who appear different in demeanor, race, or species underpin Battle Tendency. This is evident on a large scale, but becomes even clearer in the small, incidental moments where characters overcome prejudices or bridge perceived differences. Such likable and distinctive characters are essential for this concept to resonate.
Some flaws from Phantom Blood carry over into Part 2. Araki's art style isn't traditionally expressive, and his paneling and artwork haven't reached their peak yet. There are also issues specific to Part 2. Joseph looks too similar to Jonathan, a similarity Araki himself regrets. The main antagonist is rather forgettable. The basic storyline lacks the resonance of Phantom Blood (Battle Tendency's strength lies in its details). However, these shortcomings seem overshadowed by one of Araki's legendary escalating climaxes—a moment so special and inspired that no spoiler-free explanation can do it justice.
Though Part 2 doesn't bear the weight of defining the franchise as Part 1 does, it begins to shape its cultural identity. It's truly beautiful.
Story: 8/10
Battle Tendency picks up 50 years after the events of Phantom Blood, around 1940. After the conclusion of Phantom Blood, Speedwagon relocates to America and becomes an immensely wealthy oil tycoon. He establishes the Speedwagon Foundation with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the Joestar family and eradicating all vampires. Jonathan's wife, Erina, raises her grandson, Joseph Joestar—the second true Jojo. Joseph moves to America as Speedwagon uncovers frozen vampires in Mexico. However, Nazis led by Rudol von Stroheim kidnap him, inadvertently awakening the vampires, known as the Pillar Men. Now, they must join forces with Speedwagon, Joseph, Caesar (Zeppeli's grandson), and a mysterious martial artist named Lisa Lisa to stop the Pillar Men (Santana, Wham, ACDC, and Kars) from destroying the world. It's an incredibly entertaining story that never slows down, unlike Phantom Blood. Much more comedic than its predecessor, the dramatic moments still pack a punch. The climax, though absurd to the extreme, is undeniably epic and hilariously over-the-top.
Art: 8/10
The art has significantly improved since Phantom Blood. Araki continues with his overly macho man style but handles anatomy slightly better. There isn't much else to say here other than it's a substantial improvement over Phantom Blood while retaining its unique style—a style Araki won't drastically alter until Part 4.
Characters: 8/10
For the most part, the characters are highly enjoyable. Speedwagon is essentially useless, but this fits his character, who is not only frail and timid to begin with but is now around 89 years old. Von Stroheim, especially when he becomes a cyborg, is simply fantastic, and his claims of Nazi German superiority seem justified. Caesar plays a role similar to his grandfather's in Phantom Blood but is far more youthful and hotheaded, making him an ideal counterpart to Joseph. The Pillar Men are pure hype, and Wham, in particular, ranks among the best Jojo antagonists ever. I didn't care much for Lisa Lisa or Smokey Brown (a kid Joseph takes along after attempting to pickpocket him).
But then there's Joseph. Addressing the criticisms that Jonathan was "too dull" and "too one-dimensional," Joseph is a vibrant character and unlike Jonathan, a trickster. Instead of fighting honorably, Joseph delights in crafting elaborate deceptions to infuriate his enemies. His trademark line, "Your next line will be...," is hilarious. Essentially, everything about him is funny, whether cross-dressing to infiltrate a Nazi camp or throwing dismembered arms to choke foes. It's impossible not to be drawn into following this wild character thanks to his boundless charisma, wackiness, and flamboyance.
Enjoyment: 9/10
Battle Tendency is a highly entertaining story arc for all the reasons mentioned above. It feels much more like a "bizarre adventure" than Phantom Blood did, delivering everything expected and more. It's very, very silly, but that's the charm. And even with the comedy, there are some genuinely powerful dramatic moments, and it's overall exceptionally well-written, as one would expect from Araki.
Overall: 8/10
Great fights, great characters, great art—Battle Tendency is just a lot of fun. A more than worthy successor to Phantom Blood, it's akin to the Terminator 2 of manga.
I didn't enjoy Part 2 as much as Part 1 because Part 1 had a purely evil villain named Dio, and the ending was bittersweet. I prefer villains with no trace of goodness, and I actually like bad endings more than anything, but a sour ending was close enough to win my sympathy. The naive elements in Part 2 bothered me more for some reason. The villains were larger-than-life: Santana, Wamuu, Esidisi, and their master Kars, known as the Four Pillar Men. These Pillar Men were god-like beings, each with their own special powers, making them bigger threats than Part 1's villain, Dio, who was "just" a vampire. After all, each installment needs to be bigger, and some of the villains in Part 2 had a sense of honor, which made them less appealing to me compared to the purely evil Dio.
The Stone Mask from Part 1 is connected to the Pillar Men, by the way.
Do the names Dio, Esidisi, and Zeppeli sound familiar? If you're into Rock and Metal music, they should. These names are inspired by none other than the famous Metal band Dio, AC/DC (Esidisi), and the Rock band Led Zeppelin (Zeppeli). Mangaka Hirohiko Araki is a Rock and Metal music enthusiast, just like many of his readers, including myself.
Jojo Parts 1 and 2 aren't for everyone. If you can endure or even enjoy some naivety, such as characters falling for half an hour and fights continuing mid-fall, or the outrageously naive ways they survive falls, Joseph's battle strategies, Caesar's bubbles, etc., then you might like Jojo Parts 1 and 2. I started reading Jojo because people said it got really good with Part 3: Stardust Crusaders, so I continued reading in anticipation of better parts. I'm currently waiting for Part 3 to be fully published in English so I can read it from start to finish without long breaks.
This is an extraordinary sequence. Alongside introducing a fresh narrative style, it's executed impeccably and cohesively. Naturally, everything unfolds as a sequence, presenting a more expansive and refined version of Part 1.
Art - 10
JoJo at its finest. The artwork radiates charisma with timeless linework, featuring almost no poorly crafted or disproportionate illustrations. It's truly remarkable.
Character - 9
Although some characters are less memorable, the majority are outstanding and brimming with charm, as well as being thoroughly developed. Joseph remains the quintessential JoJo to this day, and his allies are incredibly captivating and well-written.
Enjoyment - 9
Highly entertaining to read and follow, it may lack the grandeur of entire arcs from Part 1, but it still delivers engaging storylines with certain sections feeling somewhat prolonged.
Overall - 9
A superb installment, showcasing one of the best JoJos, a compelling and charismatic plot. The manga is exceptionally enjoyable and so much more... It's truly exceptional.
Part 1 of JoJo is quite distinct from this one. The focus here is primarily on its main character rather than its villain. The ensemble of characters orbits around Joseph and the narrative, unlike in Part 1, where it felt like everything revolved around Dio and his malevolent plans, which made Jonathan seem underwhelming as a character from a writing perspective.
On top of that, he was already a somewhat "boring" archetype to begin with, so he was at a disadvantage right from the start.
Here, though, we see a complete turnaround. Joseph grabs your attention right from the beginning, and his strategies, courage, and even his meme-worthy moments (yes, indeed) keep you hooked—forever, really. He remains my favorite JoJo for good reason. Part 2 is an ABSOLUTE MUST-READ.
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