Part 6 had a solid premise, delivered some incredible moments, featured one of the best protagonists in the series, boasted a great main group, and told an engaging story. So, why am I giving it such a low rating? Because of the ending. The ending is atrocious in every possible way.
I'll address the Story section last.
Art (9/10)
What more can I say? It's simply excellent. Araki has significantly refined his drawing skills over the years, and this part showcases that growth. Additionally, the character designs are as wild as ever, particularly evident in Jotaro, Jolyne, and Pucci.
Character (5/10)
If you've read my other reviews, you know I often criticize bad protagonists. A poorly crafted main lead can severely damage a story, which is why shows like Evangelion don't resonate with me. This isn't the case with Stone Ocean. The protagonist is among the best JoJo has to offer and marks the first in the series to undergo genuine development. You witness her transformation from a moody teenager into a formidable woman. Her Stand may be weaker compared to previous ones, but she compensates with intelligence, using it effectively. Her cleverness feels grounded and realistic—she's not some overly edgy, encyclopedic 15-year-old. Despite being so well-crafted, it's hard to believe she belongs to this part. Unfortunately.
With a female lead set in a women's prison, it's surprising this part only features three girls in the main group (remember Vento Aureo, where there was essentially just one female character throughout the entire arc?). Both Hermes and Trish are solid additions, but Hermes' disappearance after defeating Maxx feels disproportionately long—was it two-thirds of the part? As a result, she unfortunately becomes the second most forgettable JoBro. Female representation remains an issue here; for instance, Jolyne's mother doesn't even have a name.
Annasui has a few plot holes in his backstory, but I enjoy his personality and find him to be a decent character. One reason I'm scoring this section lower is due to the homophobic retcon by Shonen Jump, changing Annasui's gender to male so Jolyne wouldn't have a female love interest. It's good that Araki left the magazine after finishing this part. Regarding the others, Weather Report is solid, Jotaro might be at his best here, and I'll discuss Emporio later.
The main antagonist, Pucci, might be the worst character in the entire series. In Part 5, I criticized Diavolo for being a poor imitation of Dio, and now Pucci feels like another Vanilla Ice—a villain defined solely by their devotion to Dio. We learn about his backstory, but ultimately, everything revolves around Dio. His motivation for defeating the Joestars? Dio. His goal of retrieving Jonathan's final bone? To resurrect Dio. His reason for resetting the world? Again, Dio. Haven't we seen enough villains like this in Part 3?
On a positive note, Dio's sons—Ungalo, Rykiel, and especially Donatello—had fantastic Stands and fitting personalities, making them feel genuinely connected to Dio and the broader JoJo universe.
Another character mishandled in this part is Jonathan Joestar. Though deceased since Part 1, a fragment of his body, stolen by Dio, reappears here as "Dio's bone." Also, his sons.
Enjoyment (4/10)
This part is mostly enjoyable. While many villains may be forgettable, the battles are thrilling. However, if you care deeply about the series as a whole, you'll likely detest it.
Story (1/10)
Stone Ocean held immense potential to be exceptional. Most of the narrative is compelling, but things deteriorate rapidly after the Underworld arc. By the end, Pucci kills everyone and resets the universe, then Emporio slays him and resets it again, culminating in a brief appearance by Irene before the credits roll.
There are several reasons why I consider this ending the absolute worst. Keep in mind, these are my opinions. Here they are:
a) Pucci
As mentioned earlier, Pucci is essentially an exaggerated version of a generic Part 3 villain granted absurd power. What he lacks in personality, he makes up for in strength and multiple Stands. A villain finally defeats the protagonist for the first time since Part 1, and it's Pucci. He isn't reasonable like the antagonist in Part 7 or the antihero Risotto Nero from Part 5, nor is he likable like Kira. He's just plain terrible.
b) Giorno
Why were Donatello, Rykiel, and Ungalo all conveniently located together? Because they're Dio's sons, bound by "fate." So, if Giorno is also Dio's son, shouldn't he have been there too? Well, he wasn't. He's nowhere to be found throughout this entire part.
c) Requiem Stuff
Some argue Giorno wasn't present because Gold Experience Requiem would've defeated Made in Heaven, but are you certain about that? The Requiem ability fulfills the user's last wish, and Giorno gained the power to defeat Diavolo. Moreover, Made in Heaven is thousands of times stronger than King Crimson. So, Giorno wasn't there simply because Araki rushed Part 5's conclusion and didn't fully understand how Requiem operates. Speaking of Requiem, it's never mentioned again. Polnareff knew about it in Part 5, so why wouldn't Jotaro?
d) The End of the Original Universe
As you likely know, Parts 7 and 8 take place in a different universe because the original ends in this part. However, this conclusion doesn't properly conclude the world where we spent nearly two-thirds of the series. Joseph Joestar was confirmed by the author to still be alive during Part 6, yet we never see him again. Neither Josuke nor any other surviving characters receive closure. The universe ends, and they're left to die "off-screen," as if they never existed. Why wouldn't Josuke have been summoned by Jotaro to assist in the final battle, for example?
e) Emporio
Emporio was an okay character, but his storyline took a ridiculous turn near the end. Everything about it feels forced. It's bizarre that he alone survived in the entire universe and ended up confronting Pucci. He was never the protagonist or a focal character in this part; he was just there.
What makes it worse is that Pucci ultimately loses to him after defeating the combined forces of Stone Free, Star Platinum, Kiss, and Diver Down. You could argue Emporio triumphed because he possessed Weather Report's disc, but recall that Pucci previously bested Weather Report with Whitesnake. With Made in Heaven, Pucci should have effortlessly won—not dying instantly.
Had Jolyne taken Emporio's place, it would have made more sense. I'm not saying this merely because I favor Jolyne but because it would logically fit. Imagine if Part 4 concluded with Josuke, Okuyasu, Koichi, Rohan, and Jotaro all falling to Kira, leaving Hayato as the sole survivor to defeat him. It mirrors this scenario, except Hayato is intelligent, resourceful, and possesses personality—traits Emporio lacks entirely.
f) Dio, the Philosopher
Here, Dio is portrayed as a guide and mentor to Pucci. Together, they strive toward achieving heaven, an ultimate aspiration Dio allegedly harbored since their initial meeting.
This fails miserably because we know Dio from Parts 1 and 3. He isn't a philosopher or a genius; rather, he's a stupid, arrogant villain who views himself as intelligent. His sole ambition has always been world domination through sheer power. Dio being shallow doesn't detract from his effectiveness as a character, but his overuse in JoJo, particularly in this role, makes no sense.
Overall (3/10)
This part had its merits, and generally, I'd argue it surpasses Parts 5 and 8. I adored Jolyne and Jotaro, enjoyed several other characters, and the Bohemian Rhapsody arc was outstanding. However, given everything I've outlined, this part is abysmal. Many people may adore it, but I firmly believe it boasts the worst ending in JoJo history.
This is my first review that I've ever written. The story was incredibly well-crafted, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. However, the ending left me wanting more. If only it had been given a bit more clarity, this story could have been a true masterpiece. Araki truly is a genius in how he handled the character deaths and the overall impact of the narrative. This manga was enjoyable, but the sudden demise of the characters caught me off guard, especially the loss of my favorite character, Jotaro Kujo, which hit me the hardest.
Many people say the last few chapters are confusing, and yes, I agree with that. But after re-reading them, I feel like I understood the plot better. Still, one thing that baffles me is where Dio fits into all of this. They mentioned that Dio was supposed to be an important character in Part 6, so where exactly was he?
If I were to describe Stone Ocean in one word, it would be "confused." To elaborate beyond that single word, Stone Ocean feels as though it lacks direction and purpose while being compelled to progress. Despite giving it a rating of 2, I still found it worth reading, having completed it. However, my appreciation for this part is overshadowed by numerous complaints and confusions that made the three-day journey of reading it quite challenging. Yet, I can't leave my critique vague, so I'll attempt to organize my thoughts into something coherent, perhaps enabling those who disagree with me to understand my perspective.
Firstly, I believe the strength of a story lies in its characters. While a good story doesn't necessarily require perfect characters, they serve as the lens through which the narrative unfolds. In Part 5, Giorno's triumph was special because we witnessed all the hardships Buccellati's gang endured and the bonds they formed along the way. Unfortunately, the cast of Stone Ocean falls short. Jolyne and her allies never truly get to know each other; their interactions feel superficial. Hermes is merely defined by killing Sports Max, offering no further development. Emporio, aside from being a child with the Ghost Room stand, lacks any unique traits. Weather Report has some intrigue due to his connection with Pucci, but not enough. Annasui is simply infatuated with Jolyne, which is more compelling than Emporio or Hermes' portrayals. Jolyne herself is a weak protagonist, her motivations poorly defined and leaving little impression on me. The best character in Part 6 is likely F.F., a microorganism gaining sentience and expanding her understanding of the world beyond Pucci's intended role for her. Her death was impactful, and I wish she had been given more screen time to develop further. Jotaro's absence throughout most of the story is disappointing, though his overpowered nature might justify it. And then there's Pucci... ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
Pucci is a terrible villain in both concept and execution. Firstly, he relies on Dio for motivation, marking the second time Dio plays a significant role in the series' main antagonist. Even ignoring my bias against Stardust Crusaders and Phantom Blood, this makes Pucci boring. Diavolo and Kira were fascinating antagonists who challenged the protagonists thematically, something Pucci fails to achieve. Secondly, his plan remains unclear until the very last chapter. It begins with Jotaro's Stand disc to uncover what was in Dio's diary, shifts to the green baby, moves to a NASA-related location with strange gravity effects, and culminates in resetting the universe. The transitions between these plot points are handled messily, converging abruptly without proper buildup. Thirdly, Dio's children are uninspired and uninteresting. Their inclusion adds nothing meaningful to the story. Moreover, encounters with Pucci lack tension compared to previous villains. Kira remained hidden among the crowd in Morioh, keeping everyone on edge after his reveal. Diavolo's presence was known within the Colosseum during Chariot Requiem. Pucci, however, roams the prison aimlessly, making his appearances feel arbitrary except during F.F.'s death scene, which was decent.
The prison setting is overly restrictive. Bribing guards and similar tactics can only happen so many times before straining credibility. For instance, during various fights, were they ever caught on camera performing extraordinary feats like jumping around in anti-gravity, executing someone with a baseball thrown at supersonic speeds, or turning an ultra-secure section into a battle royale? The narrow corridors also limit spatial dynamics, hindering the depiction of engaging battles.
Most fights in Part 6 are unsatisfying, suffering from the same issue as Part 3—concluding too quickly once the heroes find a solution, lacking the back-and-forth momentum seen in Parts 2 and 5. The ending, however, is neat, and that's about it.
Despite these issues, I persevered because this is JoJo. Not because it belongs to an established saga, but because it retains the essence of earlier parts. The body horror is fantastic, the Stands intriguing, and the character designs stunning. It's unmistakably JoJo, which is why I couldn't rate it a 1—it's still worth reading if you're a fan of the series. But yeah, I hope this review was helpful. See yah.
Getting through this part was somewhat of a challenge, as the story occasionally struggled to remain engaging. Despite this, I still found it enjoyable. There isn't much I can elaborate on regarding most aspects, so I'll dive straight into what I liked and disliked.
The things I liked: Jolyne shines as a fantastic protagonist, and I strongly connected with her character. The supporting cast adds a lot of fun and gives the story a more organic feel. Pucci, although not the most captivating antagonist, brings unexpected motivations that felt refreshing in this genre, and I appreciated how Dio was woven into the narrative.
The things I didn't like: A prison setting is naturally restrictive, which forced Araki to take some creative liberties, yet it still didn't align well with the kind of plot we're dealing with here. Araki crafted some intriguing characters but failed to fully realize their potential. Some of the early battles felt misplaced, didn't significantly move the story forward, and ultimately became forgettable.
Conclusion: While it may be one of the weaker arcs in the series, Stone Ocean retains its charm and is definitely worth checking out.
For those already familiar with the series (or at least Stardust Crusaders), the last name "Cujoh" might ring a bell. This is because Jolyne Cujoh is Jotaro Kujo's daughter and has inherited every ounce of badassery and cunning from the Joestar bloodline.
Story: 8
Part 6 primarily takes place in a prison with surprisingly lax restrictions, granting inmates a degree of free will. Life inside is comfortable if you have money, a lesson Jolyne learns from Hermes, another inmate heading to Green Dolphin Street Prison.
Stone Ocean delivers on action just like its predecessors (imagine the number of brawls that occur in a prison). The fight scenes are as exaggerated as ever, with Araki conjuring an array of absurd stands in absurd scenarios leading to absurd outcomes.
The narrative is engaging and intricate, skillfully weaving together the lives and stories of various characters. You'll laugh, and you'll undoubtedly cry. While Araki's writing isn't flawless, it effectively conveys the story.
Art: 9
Araki's art style evolves significantly throughout the series. Unlike Part 4's gradual yet noticeable shift, Part 6 maintains consistency, resembling Part 5's style. Characters remain muscular, including their stands. As usual, Araki revels in gore, so there's plenty of bloodshed. What struck me most was how Araki depicts some characters as... peculiar in Stone Ocean. I'm not referring to the stands (which have always been bizarre), but the human characters occasionally resemble aliens.
Character: 8
Jolyne is the first and only female Jojo to date, which might surprise readers for various reasons. She's a complex character who exudes femininity yet can pulverize anyone who crosses her. Araki provides insights into her background and clarifies her feelings about her father, other characters, and how they perceive her throughout the manga. Though her character, along with others, feels underexplored in certain areas, she remains reasonably well-developed.
Key characters receive backstories when necessary, aiding readers in empathizing with their circumstances. In fact, some characters' histories are crucial to the main plot (as mentioned earlier, Araki skillfully intertwines these characters). However, Araki's writing has flaws, including retcons (note Annasui's introduction). These issues didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Enjoyment: 9
I thoroughly enjoyed Stone Ocean. After discussing the scarcity of strong female leads compared to male ones in the series, someone recommended I read this part due to its female protagonist. Jolyne did not let me down. I quickly grew fond of most characters (which made subsequent heartbreak all the more intense), and the weight of their backstories and the main plot still lingers with me today.
Overall: 8/10! I highly recommend Stone Ocean to anyone who appreciated other parts of JJBA, as well as those who enjoy action and an incredible main character!
Eh, I was getting bored of the same old stand battle routine. Honestly, I needed a change after a while. That said, Jolyne is pretty cool. But man, everyone in this manga seems so ruthless for some reason, lol.
Jotaro's presence in the story was a straight-up upgrade because he's the absolute best and has THE COOLEST ABILITY IN FICTION, DON'T @ ME.
Also, the ending here is the greatest in the series. Since I can't bring myself to go through more stand battles, I won't be reading SBR (such a tragedy), but Part 6 wraps up the main universe timeline anyway. I'll just let my headcanon convince me that there's no need to read parts 7+...
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, in my view, is the greatest manga I've had the pleasure of reading. Stone Ocean serves as its conclusion in the original continuity, as well as within the pages of Shōnen Jump magazine, tailored for the shōnen demographic. It may seem odd to consider, given how integral the battle shōnen genre is to Jojo's, but Stone Ocean introduces a shift so profound that it arguably transcends the genre, becoming too intricate for its intended audience.
Whether this transition was executed well or not is debatable, but this is where Jojo's truly begins to outgrow its initial form. However, it is undeniable that the constraints of being serialized in a shōnen magazine somewhat hinder it, limiting its potential in significant ways.
With that said, let’s explore what Stone Ocean is about and the themes it delves into. We'll also examine whether the beginning is misleading, how effectively it addresses its thematic elements, and how it stacks up against other parts of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, as well as its anime adaptation.
So, what is this series about?
Each part of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure revolves around a central theme: a love for humanity, often tied to the concept of karma—how actions shape fate, family, and community. While each part introduces its own thematic elements, they all fit within this overarching framework. Stardust Crusaders concludes the first trilogy by focusing on the idea of heroism.
The second trilogy, which concludes with Stone Ocean, takes the concept of heroism as a given and expands on a new aspect of the human experience: karma. Part 4, Diamond is Unbreakable, shows the rippling effects of our actions within a community, while Part 5, Golden Wind, explores how community influences the individual. Stone Ocean brings this exploration to a close, focusing on how fate shapes our lives and how we, as the heroes of our own stories, should confront it.
First things later, let’s discuss art direction.
Araki’s artistic brilliance is fully realized in Stone Ocean. The protagonist’s stand, Stone Free, opens up a world of creative possibilities. With 10 years of experience and three completed parts, Araki is more confident than ever in his use of stands, both thematically and visually. Stands allow each character to have both an external design and an inner, symbolic self, adding layers to the art and storytelling.
This results in some of the most stunning and imaginative compositions in the series thus far. The complex, surreal battles are a testament to Araki’s creativity, and with the growth of his artistic skills, the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking.
So, how does it start?
The beginning is solid. Jolyne Cujoh, the new protagonist, is instantly compelling, managing to capture our attention without needing previous characters to pass the torch. The prison setting is unique and intriguing, and the introduction of stands feels fresh, despite the familiarity of the concept.
However, the prison setting is somewhat misleading. While it’s crucial to the plot and themes, it doesn’t affect the characters' day-to-day battles as much as one might expect. In reality, the characters could likely escape at almost any time if they truly wanted to, so the limitations of being imprisoned aren’t deeply felt during most of the narrative.
Regarding the anime adaptation, I prefer the manga, and I think that’s all that needs to be said. The final opening is a beautifully crafted homage to the series and still gives me chills. However, as much as the anime excels at adapting the story, Jojo's truly feels made for the manga medium. Even though the adaptation is mostly well done, it simply can’t reach the heights of the original manga, in my opinion.
What about the characters?
The characters in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure are often hidden gems, bringing a sense of realism and depth that many might not initially notice. They come and go in the narrative, sometimes without fully completing their arcs, leaving the impression that they’re part of a larger, unseen world. This lends an authenticity to Araki’s storytelling, as though he’s recounting a real tale where people enter and exit at their own pace.
Stands enhance this, offering a glimpse into both the inner and outer selves of the characters. Stand battles, particularly in Stone Ocean, are more like puzzles that reveal the characters' deeper complexities rather than simple fights. This dynamic reaches its peak with Jolyne. Her growth in confidence and capability is masterfully woven into the story and battles. While we’ve seen stand evolution before, such as Jotaro’s Star Platinum or Koichi’s Echoes, Jolyne’s development feels seamless, and it stands as one of the best examples of how character progression can be integrated into the action.
What about the story itself?
Like previous parts, Stone Ocean follows an episodic structure, though it's tighter than Part 3 (Stardust Crusaders) and Part 5 (Golden Wind). Each villain serves a purpose, contributing to both the plot and the thematic exploration of fate and karma. However, the complexity ramps up, both in the stands that Jolyne and her allies face and in the overarching plot.
The main antagonist is fascinating, and his philosophy is a highlight. But his plan is convoluted and can be alienating for some readers. The intricate nature of his scheme, while philosophically rich, makes the story harder to follow without careful attention or repeat readings.
Then, what did I think of it as a whole?
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is very effective in blending its philosophical musings with complex battles in a way that sometimes obscures the core messages. While this depth is what makes Jojo's a masterpiece, it works against the series here, as much of the plot is so convoluted that it can be difficult to follow without multiple viewings or external research.
While this complexity is a strength for some, it weakens the experience for others, particularly those encountering Stone Ocean through weekly serialization. The earlier chapters don’t effectively hint at the layers of meaning required to understand the ending, making it a work that almost demands a second reading to fully grasp.
Despite these challenges, Stone Ocean is a phenomenal work for those willing to engage with its depth. Even for those who don’t catch every philosophical nuance, it remains a visually stunning, character-rich experience with some of the best moments in the series. It’s a great work, even if its complexity can alienate some readers.
(Clarification: My actual score is 9, but my critical evaluation is lower for the factors previously mentioned)<p>
I am a huge JoJos fan, so when I repeatedly heard that this was the weakest part since part 1, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Part 6 turned out to be a mixed bag that fluctuated from boring to just above average in terms of quality. However, I would never consider it the worst part.
STORY - 7/10.
The story in 'Stone Ocean' had potential and successfully hooked me right away. There's enough happening to keep it somewhat interesting and engaging. However, there are parts where it drags too much, particularly with stand fights lasting far longer than necessary. Its two main weaknesses, in my opinion, are the fact that most of the story unfolds within one extremely uninteresting location, leading to "villain of the week" scenarios (like in part 3), and the ending, which I won't elaborate on due to spoilers. Overall, it is a decent enough story.
ART - 9/10.
The art in 'Stone Ocean' is fantastic and exactly the high quality you'd expect from Hirohiko Araki. Every character and stand design is highly creative and unique, ensuring that, at the very least, you'll never tire of looking at the characters and their stands.
CHARACTERS - 6/10
The characters in 'Stone Ocean' are by far its weakest aspect, with almost none of them meeting the standard I usually expect from JoJo’s. That said, I really enjoyed Jolyne as the main character. She is consistently fun, entertaining, incredibly smart in her fights, and completely fearless in her many stand battles. Her character development is also great to witness as she becomes more confident in herself and her abilities. Hermes, who becomes one of Jolyne's best friends, is another strong character, and their interactions are never dull. Enrico Pucci is another standout, and I looked forward to every scene featuring him. Weather Report has one of my favorite backstories in JoJo’s and helps keep the story engaging. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to care about any of the other characters in part 6 (with the exception of maybe F.F., but even then, I didn't think she was anything special). None of them really offer anything compelling, with their personalities being rather bland compared to side characters in previous parts. Especially when compared to other parts, I find the side villains in particular to be extremely boring, to the point where I would want them defeated simply to move the story along. The stand battles are as creative as expected in JoJo’s, but some of the battles and stand abilities are overly exaggerated and, frankly, ridiculous even by JoJo’s standards.
ENJOYMENT/OVERALL - 7/10
While part 6 certainly has its strengths—great art, a great main character, some really creative stand battles—I feel like its negative aspects are too glaring. The biggest issues are overly exaggerated stand abilities, forgettable side characters, and some serious pacing problems.
Part 6 marks a pivotal moment for the entire series.
Not only does it wrap up all the preceding parts, but it does so in a manner that leaves you eagerly anticipating Part 7 right away.
I won’t deny that the main antagonist here wasn’t as compelling as the others we’ve seen, but he certainly possessed the relentless determination that defines any great JoJo villain.
Jolyne, however, captured my attention from the very start. Her backstory is fascinating, and her demeanor strongly reminded me of the younger Joseph from Part 2.
Her Stand is incredibly versatile, and she’s smart enough to wield it with immense power.
The setting, too, is remarkable—set within a prison nestled near the swamps of Florida, USA.
Overall, I found the story to be exceptionally well-crafted and a fitting conclusion to decades of surreal adventures.
The beginning of this part is pure gold and undoubtedly one of the most memorable openings in a JoJo installment. After all, which other parts feature their protagonist lamenting about being caught masturbating in front of a guard? Although this part is certainly controversial, I believe it's worth reading.
*Spoilers for Stone Ocean if you haven't read it*
In general, I truly appreciated Jolyne as a JoJo. She was entertaining, formidable, and reminded me a lot of Josuke. Anasui, while he can definitely come across as creepy with his advances toward Jolyne, was an engaging character and provided most of the comic relief for this arc. It's hard not to like the guy who doesn't know what's going on half the time and is only there because he wants Jolyne's hand in marriage (though I do think his love for her is genuine and less over-the-top compared to Yukako, where that was essentially her central trait). Weather Report was impressive and had a flawed yet intriguing Stand; Foo Fighters was a delightful character, both adorable and powerful with an exceptional Stand. Hermes and Emporio were the weaker characters in this part, but I still enjoyed them a lot—I feel they were somewhat overshadowed by Foo Fighters, Anasui, and Weather Report. Pucci was an excellent blend of Dio and Kira as a villain. He was essentially a walking paradox and incredibly well-developed.
I would have rated this part a 7 because the battles were definitely on the weaker side (don't even get me started on Dragon's Dream and Yo-Yo Ma), and I wish some characters had received more development. However, the growth of Jolyne and Pucci, along with the ending, pushed my score up to an 8. It was such a perfect, bittersweet conclusion for the Joestars.
Shit, SO is really good. Being objective, I’d say narratively SBR is better, but that ending is beautiful and at the same time devastating.
Jolyne: Okay, okay, Jolyne didn’t “call” to me at all in the beginning—it was kind of a letdown because I expected a lot from a female JoJo. But by the end... shit, without a doubt, she’s one of the best JoJos. Her character development is brutal but very "personal." I’m still waiting for a calm conversation between Jotaro and Jolyne.
Hermes: Costelo is a good character, though I wish he had appeared more. As for his Stand, I liked that it was complex yet simple in the end.
F.F.: Shit, I’ve never connected with a character so much. F.F. was super fun. Her Stand was mega simple in essence but complicated (shit, I’m repeating myself). Her death, along with Gyro's, was fucking sad. In this case, I didn’t just want more F.F.—I needed more. I’ll never forget her (or his) determination and sacrifice.
Weather Report: I was very interested in her past at first; it’s interesting, and her development is good, but I liked her better without her memories, haha. Her death is way too "dry" compared to F.F.'s. The most positive thing about her was her Stand, which in my opinion is the most powerful without having evolved like Star Platinum, The Requiem, or Heaven’s Door.
Anasui: I loved Anasui—he’s such an interesting character. Although I think Araki didn’t give him as much importance or screen time as I would have liked. Something I like about Stone Ocean is that the Stands of the cast are all really good and interesting, and Driver Down is no exception. At first, I didn’t understand it—the Stand’s introduction was weird, or maybe I wasn’t paying attention—but they explained it better later. I’d love to see him again, but I guess that won’t happen.
Jotaro: Shit, Jotaro is everywhere. Okay, okay, okay. Jotaro has had incredible character development throughout SC, DU, and SO, but that paternal love feels strange coming from Jotaro. One thing that bothered me is how quickly Jolyne "forgave" him for being absent. I would have liked a conversation where Jotaro apologizes for being absent and only wanted to keep his mother and Jolyne away from Stand users, and Jolyne understanding that since she was constantly attacked in prison.
Enrico Pucci and Made in Heaven: Alright, the villain is one of the best, no lie. But his personality isn’t really that of a typical villain. His determination and plans could be said to rival DIO’s. And I don’t know, he’s a religious guy, and those dudes don’t exactly inspire much trust, lol.
Conclusion:
It’s a great part—not the best, but it ranks pretty high. It was a part where I had several "conflicts," but that damn ending was epic. And in conclusion...
Stone Ocean is truly remarkable, though it can occasionally be a bit of a mixed experience, sometimes unjustly so. Personally, I tend to focus more on the positive aspects because its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. There's this strange notion that it might be one of the weaker JoJo parts, but nothing could be further from the truth.
On the downside, its low points can be rather uninteresting, but on the upside, it boasts some of the absolute best moments in the entire series. It features one of the greatest villains, exceptional side characters, and to cap it all off, an impeccable 10/10 ending—something that many authors struggle to achieve these days (not Araki!).
This was a phenomenal farewell to this JoJo timeline that began all the way back in Part 1. Witnessing Araki's growth as an artist and writer is one of the most inspiring and fulfilling experiences a JoJo fan can have.
Popular Reviews
I'll address the Story section last.
Art (9/10)
What more can I say? It's simply excellent. Araki has significantly refined his drawing skills over the years, and this part showcases that growth. Additionally, the character designs are as wild as ever, particularly evident in Jotaro, Jolyne, and Pucci.
Character (5/10)
If you've read my other reviews, you know I often criticize bad protagonists. A poorly crafted main lead can severely damage a story, which is why shows like Evangelion don't resonate with me. This isn't the case with Stone Ocean. The protagonist is among the best JoJo has to offer and marks the first in the series to undergo genuine development. You witness her transformation from a moody teenager into a formidable woman. Her Stand may be weaker compared to previous ones, but she compensates with intelligence, using it effectively. Her cleverness feels grounded and realistic—she's not some overly edgy, encyclopedic 15-year-old. Despite being so well-crafted, it's hard to believe she belongs to this part. Unfortunately.
With a female lead set in a women's prison, it's surprising this part only features three girls in the main group (remember Vento Aureo, where there was essentially just one female character throughout the entire arc?). Both Hermes and Trish are solid additions, but Hermes' disappearance after defeating Maxx feels disproportionately long—was it two-thirds of the part? As a result, she unfortunately becomes the second most forgettable JoBro. Female representation remains an issue here; for instance, Jolyne's mother doesn't even have a name.
Annasui has a few plot holes in his backstory, but I enjoy his personality and find him to be a decent character. One reason I'm scoring this section lower is due to the homophobic retcon by Shonen Jump, changing Annasui's gender to male so Jolyne wouldn't have a female love interest. It's good that Araki left the magazine after finishing this part. Regarding the others, Weather Report is solid, Jotaro might be at his best here, and I'll discuss Emporio later.
The main antagonist, Pucci, might be the worst character in the entire series. In Part 5, I criticized Diavolo for being a poor imitation of Dio, and now Pucci feels like another Vanilla Ice—a villain defined solely by their devotion to Dio. We learn about his backstory, but ultimately, everything revolves around Dio. His motivation for defeating the Joestars? Dio. His goal of retrieving Jonathan's final bone? To resurrect Dio. His reason for resetting the world? Again, Dio. Haven't we seen enough villains like this in Part 3?
On a positive note, Dio's sons—Ungalo, Rykiel, and especially Donatello—had fantastic Stands and fitting personalities, making them feel genuinely connected to Dio and the broader JoJo universe.
Another character mishandled in this part is Jonathan Joestar. Though deceased since Part 1, a fragment of his body, stolen by Dio, reappears here as "Dio's bone." Also, his sons.
Enjoyment (4/10)
This part is mostly enjoyable. While many villains may be forgettable, the battles are thrilling. However, if you care deeply about the series as a whole, you'll likely detest it.
Story (1/10)
Stone Ocean held immense potential to be exceptional. Most of the narrative is compelling, but things deteriorate rapidly after the Underworld arc. By the end, Pucci kills everyone and resets the universe, then Emporio slays him and resets it again, culminating in a brief appearance by Irene before the credits roll.
There are several reasons why I consider this ending the absolute worst. Keep in mind, these are my opinions. Here they are:
a) Pucci
As mentioned earlier, Pucci is essentially an exaggerated version of a generic Part 3 villain granted absurd power. What he lacks in personality, he makes up for in strength and multiple Stands. A villain finally defeats the protagonist for the first time since Part 1, and it's Pucci. He isn't reasonable like the antagonist in Part 7 or the antihero Risotto Nero from Part 5, nor is he likable like Kira. He's just plain terrible.
b) Giorno
Why were Donatello, Rykiel, and Ungalo all conveniently located together? Because they're Dio's sons, bound by "fate." So, if Giorno is also Dio's son, shouldn't he have been there too? Well, he wasn't. He's nowhere to be found throughout this entire part.
c) Requiem Stuff
Some argue Giorno wasn't present because Gold Experience Requiem would've defeated Made in Heaven, but are you certain about that? The Requiem ability fulfills the user's last wish, and Giorno gained the power to defeat Diavolo. Moreover, Made in Heaven is thousands of times stronger than King Crimson. So, Giorno wasn't there simply because Araki rushed Part 5's conclusion and didn't fully understand how Requiem operates. Speaking of Requiem, it's never mentioned again. Polnareff knew about it in Part 5, so why wouldn't Jotaro?
d) The End of the Original Universe
As you likely know, Parts 7 and 8 take place in a different universe because the original ends in this part. However, this conclusion doesn't properly conclude the world where we spent nearly two-thirds of the series. Joseph Joestar was confirmed by the author to still be alive during Part 6, yet we never see him again. Neither Josuke nor any other surviving characters receive closure. The universe ends, and they're left to die "off-screen," as if they never existed. Why wouldn't Josuke have been summoned by Jotaro to assist in the final battle, for example?
e) Emporio
Emporio was an okay character, but his storyline took a ridiculous turn near the end. Everything about it feels forced. It's bizarre that he alone survived in the entire universe and ended up confronting Pucci. He was never the protagonist or a focal character in this part; he was just there.
What makes it worse is that Pucci ultimately loses to him after defeating the combined forces of Stone Free, Star Platinum, Kiss, and Diver Down. You could argue Emporio triumphed because he possessed Weather Report's disc, but recall that Pucci previously bested Weather Report with Whitesnake. With Made in Heaven, Pucci should have effortlessly won—not dying instantly.
Had Jolyne taken Emporio's place, it would have made more sense. I'm not saying this merely because I favor Jolyne but because it would logically fit. Imagine if Part 4 concluded with Josuke, Okuyasu, Koichi, Rohan, and Jotaro all falling to Kira, leaving Hayato as the sole survivor to defeat him. It mirrors this scenario, except Hayato is intelligent, resourceful, and possesses personality—traits Emporio lacks entirely.
f) Dio, the Philosopher
Here, Dio is portrayed as a guide and mentor to Pucci. Together, they strive toward achieving heaven, an ultimate aspiration Dio allegedly harbored since their initial meeting.
This fails miserably because we know Dio from Parts 1 and 3. He isn't a philosopher or a genius; rather, he's a stupid, arrogant villain who views himself as intelligent. His sole ambition has always been world domination through sheer power. Dio being shallow doesn't detract from his effectiveness as a character, but his overuse in JoJo, particularly in this role, makes no sense.
Overall (3/10)
This part had its merits, and generally, I'd argue it surpasses Parts 5 and 8. I adored Jolyne and Jotaro, enjoyed several other characters, and the Bohemian Rhapsody arc was outstanding. However, given everything I've outlined, this part is abysmal. Many people may adore it, but I firmly believe it boasts the worst ending in JoJo history.
Many people say the last few chapters are confusing, and yes, I agree with that. But after re-reading them, I feel like I understood the plot better. Still, one thing that baffles me is where Dio fits into all of this. They mentioned that Dio was supposed to be an important character in Part 6, so where exactly was he?
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If I were to describe Stone Ocean in one word, it would be "confused." To elaborate beyond that single word, Stone Ocean feels as though it lacks direction and purpose while being compelled to progress. Despite giving it a rating of 2, I still found it worth reading, having completed it. However, my appreciation for this part is overshadowed by numerous complaints and confusions that made the three-day journey of reading it quite challenging. Yet, I can't leave my critique vague, so I'll attempt to organize my thoughts into something coherent, perhaps enabling those who disagree with me to understand my perspective.
Firstly, I believe the strength of a story lies in its characters. While a good story doesn't necessarily require perfect characters, they serve as the lens through which the narrative unfolds. In Part 5, Giorno's triumph was special because we witnessed all the hardships Buccellati's gang endured and the bonds they formed along the way. Unfortunately, the cast of Stone Ocean falls short. Jolyne and her allies never truly get to know each other; their interactions feel superficial. Hermes is merely defined by killing Sports Max, offering no further development. Emporio, aside from being a child with the Ghost Room stand, lacks any unique traits. Weather Report has some intrigue due to his connection with Pucci, but not enough. Annasui is simply infatuated with Jolyne, which is more compelling than Emporio or Hermes' portrayals. Jolyne herself is a weak protagonist, her motivations poorly defined and leaving little impression on me. The best character in Part 6 is likely F.F., a microorganism gaining sentience and expanding her understanding of the world beyond Pucci's intended role for her. Her death was impactful, and I wish she had been given more screen time to develop further. Jotaro's absence throughout most of the story is disappointing, though his overpowered nature might justify it. And then there's Pucci... ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
Pucci is a terrible villain in both concept and execution. Firstly, he relies on Dio for motivation, marking the second time Dio plays a significant role in the series' main antagonist. Even ignoring my bias against Stardust Crusaders and Phantom Blood, this makes Pucci boring. Diavolo and Kira were fascinating antagonists who challenged the protagonists thematically, something Pucci fails to achieve. Secondly, his plan remains unclear until the very last chapter. It begins with Jotaro's Stand disc to uncover what was in Dio's diary, shifts to the green baby, moves to a NASA-related location with strange gravity effects, and culminates in resetting the universe. The transitions between these plot points are handled messily, converging abruptly without proper buildup. Thirdly, Dio's children are uninspired and uninteresting. Their inclusion adds nothing meaningful to the story. Moreover, encounters with Pucci lack tension compared to previous villains. Kira remained hidden among the crowd in Morioh, keeping everyone on edge after his reveal. Diavolo's presence was known within the Colosseum during Chariot Requiem. Pucci, however, roams the prison aimlessly, making his appearances feel arbitrary except during F.F.'s death scene, which was decent.
The prison setting is overly restrictive. Bribing guards and similar tactics can only happen so many times before straining credibility. For instance, during various fights, were they ever caught on camera performing extraordinary feats like jumping around in anti-gravity, executing someone with a baseball thrown at supersonic speeds, or turning an ultra-secure section into a battle royale? The narrow corridors also limit spatial dynamics, hindering the depiction of engaging battles.
Most fights in Part 6 are unsatisfying, suffering from the same issue as Part 3—concluding too quickly once the heroes find a solution, lacking the back-and-forth momentum seen in Parts 2 and 5. The ending, however, is neat, and that's about it.
Despite these issues, I persevered because this is JoJo. Not because it belongs to an established saga, but because it retains the essence of earlier parts. The body horror is fantastic, the Stands intriguing, and the character designs stunning. It's unmistakably JoJo, which is why I couldn't rate it a 1—it's still worth reading if you're a fan of the series. But yeah, I hope this review was helpful. See yah.
The things I liked: Jolyne shines as a fantastic protagonist, and I strongly connected with her character. The supporting cast adds a lot of fun and gives the story a more organic feel. Pucci, although not the most captivating antagonist, brings unexpected motivations that felt refreshing in this genre, and I appreciated how Dio was woven into the narrative.
The things I didn't like: A prison setting is naturally restrictive, which forced Araki to take some creative liberties, yet it still didn't align well with the kind of plot we're dealing with here. Araki crafted some intriguing characters but failed to fully realize their potential. Some of the early battles felt misplaced, didn't significantly move the story forward, and ultimately became forgettable.
Conclusion: While it may be one of the weaker arcs in the series, Stone Ocean retains its charm and is definitely worth checking out.
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Story: 8
Part 6 primarily takes place in a prison with surprisingly lax restrictions, granting inmates a degree of free will. Life inside is comfortable if you have money, a lesson Jolyne learns from Hermes, another inmate heading to Green Dolphin Street Prison.
Stone Ocean delivers on action just like its predecessors (imagine the number of brawls that occur in a prison). The fight scenes are as exaggerated as ever, with Araki conjuring an array of absurd stands in absurd scenarios leading to absurd outcomes.
The narrative is engaging and intricate, skillfully weaving together the lives and stories of various characters. You'll laugh, and you'll undoubtedly cry. While Araki's writing isn't flawless, it effectively conveys the story.
Art: 9
Araki's art style evolves significantly throughout the series. Unlike Part 4's gradual yet noticeable shift, Part 6 maintains consistency, resembling Part 5's style. Characters remain muscular, including their stands. As usual, Araki revels in gore, so there's plenty of bloodshed. What struck me most was how Araki depicts some characters as... peculiar in Stone Ocean. I'm not referring to the stands (which have always been bizarre), but the human characters occasionally resemble aliens.
Character: 8
Jolyne is the first and only female Jojo to date, which might surprise readers for various reasons. She's a complex character who exudes femininity yet can pulverize anyone who crosses her. Araki provides insights into her background and clarifies her feelings about her father, other characters, and how they perceive her throughout the manga. Though her character, along with others, feels underexplored in certain areas, she remains reasonably well-developed.
Key characters receive backstories when necessary, aiding readers in empathizing with their circumstances. In fact, some characters' histories are crucial to the main plot (as mentioned earlier, Araki skillfully intertwines these characters). However, Araki's writing has flaws, including retcons (note Annasui's introduction). These issues didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Enjoyment: 9
I thoroughly enjoyed Stone Ocean. After discussing the scarcity of strong female leads compared to male ones in the series, someone recommended I read this part due to its female protagonist. Jolyne did not let me down. I quickly grew fond of most characters (which made subsequent heartbreak all the more intense), and the weight of their backstories and the main plot still lingers with me today.
Overall: 8/10! I highly recommend Stone Ocean to anyone who appreciated other parts of JJBA, as well as those who enjoy action and an incredible main character!
Jotaro's presence in the story was a straight-up upgrade because he's the absolute best and has THE COOLEST ABILITY IN FICTION, DON'T @ ME.
Also, the ending here is the greatest in the series. Since I can't bring myself to go through more stand battles, I won't be reading SBR (such a tragedy), but Part 6 wraps up the main universe timeline anyway. I'll just let my headcanon convince me that there's no need to read parts 7+...
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Whether this transition was executed well or not is debatable, but this is where Jojo's truly begins to outgrow its initial form. However, it is undeniable that the constraints of being serialized in a shōnen magazine somewhat hinder it, limiting its potential in significant ways.
With that said, let’s explore what Stone Ocean is about and the themes it delves into. We'll also examine whether the beginning is misleading, how effectively it addresses its thematic elements, and how it stacks up against other parts of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, as well as its anime adaptation.
So, what is this series about?
Each part of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure revolves around a central theme: a love for humanity, often tied to the concept of karma—how actions shape fate, family, and community. While each part introduces its own thematic elements, they all fit within this overarching framework. Stardust Crusaders concludes the first trilogy by focusing on the idea of heroism.
The second trilogy, which concludes with Stone Ocean, takes the concept of heroism as a given and expands on a new aspect of the human experience: karma. Part 4, Diamond is Unbreakable, shows the rippling effects of our actions within a community, while Part 5, Golden Wind, explores how community influences the individual. Stone Ocean brings this exploration to a close, focusing on how fate shapes our lives and how we, as the heroes of our own stories, should confront it.
First things later, let’s discuss art direction.
Araki’s artistic brilliance is fully realized in Stone Ocean. The protagonist’s stand, Stone Free, opens up a world of creative possibilities. With 10 years of experience and three completed parts, Araki is more confident than ever in his use of stands, both thematically and visually. Stands allow each character to have both an external design and an inner, symbolic self, adding layers to the art and storytelling.
This results in some of the most stunning and imaginative compositions in the series thus far. The complex, surreal battles are a testament to Araki’s creativity, and with the growth of his artistic skills, the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking.
So, how does it start?
The beginning is solid. Jolyne Cujoh, the new protagonist, is instantly compelling, managing to capture our attention without needing previous characters to pass the torch. The prison setting is unique and intriguing, and the introduction of stands feels fresh, despite the familiarity of the concept.
However, the prison setting is somewhat misleading. While it’s crucial to the plot and themes, it doesn’t affect the characters' day-to-day battles as much as one might expect. In reality, the characters could likely escape at almost any time if they truly wanted to, so the limitations of being imprisoned aren’t deeply felt during most of the narrative.
Regarding the anime adaptation, I prefer the manga, and I think that’s all that needs to be said. The final opening is a beautifully crafted homage to the series and still gives me chills. However, as much as the anime excels at adapting the story, Jojo's truly feels made for the manga medium. Even though the adaptation is mostly well done, it simply can’t reach the heights of the original manga, in my opinion.
What about the characters?
The characters in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure are often hidden gems, bringing a sense of realism and depth that many might not initially notice. They come and go in the narrative, sometimes without fully completing their arcs, leaving the impression that they’re part of a larger, unseen world. This lends an authenticity to Araki’s storytelling, as though he’s recounting a real tale where people enter and exit at their own pace.
Stands enhance this, offering a glimpse into both the inner and outer selves of the characters. Stand battles, particularly in Stone Ocean, are more like puzzles that reveal the characters' deeper complexities rather than simple fights. This dynamic reaches its peak with Jolyne. Her growth in confidence and capability is masterfully woven into the story and battles. While we’ve seen stand evolution before, such as Jotaro’s Star Platinum or Koichi’s Echoes, Jolyne’s development feels seamless, and it stands as one of the best examples of how character progression can be integrated into the action.
What about the story itself?
Like previous parts, Stone Ocean follows an episodic structure, though it's tighter than Part 3 (Stardust Crusaders) and Part 5 (Golden Wind). Each villain serves a purpose, contributing to both the plot and the thematic exploration of fate and karma. However, the complexity ramps up, both in the stands that Jolyne and her allies face and in the overarching plot.
The main antagonist is fascinating, and his philosophy is a highlight. But his plan is convoluted and can be alienating for some readers. The intricate nature of his scheme, while philosophically rich, makes the story harder to follow without careful attention or repeat readings.
Then, what did I think of it as a whole?
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is very effective in blending its philosophical musings with complex battles in a way that sometimes obscures the core messages. While this depth is what makes Jojo's a masterpiece, it works against the series here, as much of the plot is so convoluted that it can be difficult to follow without multiple viewings or external research.
While this complexity is a strength for some, it weakens the experience for others, particularly those encountering Stone Ocean through weekly serialization. The earlier chapters don’t effectively hint at the layers of meaning required to understand the ending, making it a work that almost demands a second reading to fully grasp.
Despite these challenges, Stone Ocean is a phenomenal work for those willing to engage with its depth. Even for those who don’t catch every philosophical nuance, it remains a visually stunning, character-rich experience with some of the best moments in the series. It’s a great work, even if its complexity can alienate some readers.
(Clarification: My actual score is 9, but my critical evaluation is lower for the factors previously mentioned)<p>
STORY - 7/10.
The story in 'Stone Ocean' had potential and successfully hooked me right away. There's enough happening to keep it somewhat interesting and engaging. However, there are parts where it drags too much, particularly with stand fights lasting far longer than necessary. Its two main weaknesses, in my opinion, are the fact that most of the story unfolds within one extremely uninteresting location, leading to "villain of the week" scenarios (like in part 3), and the ending, which I won't elaborate on due to spoilers. Overall, it is a decent enough story.
ART - 9/10.
The art in 'Stone Ocean' is fantastic and exactly the high quality you'd expect from Hirohiko Araki. Every character and stand design is highly creative and unique, ensuring that, at the very least, you'll never tire of looking at the characters and their stands.
CHARACTERS - 6/10
The characters in 'Stone Ocean' are by far its weakest aspect, with almost none of them meeting the standard I usually expect from JoJo’s. That said, I really enjoyed Jolyne as the main character. She is consistently fun, entertaining, incredibly smart in her fights, and completely fearless in her many stand battles. Her character development is also great to witness as she becomes more confident in herself and her abilities. Hermes, who becomes one of Jolyne's best friends, is another strong character, and their interactions are never dull. Enrico Pucci is another standout, and I looked forward to every scene featuring him. Weather Report has one of my favorite backstories in JoJo’s and helps keep the story engaging. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to care about any of the other characters in part 6 (with the exception of maybe F.F., but even then, I didn't think she was anything special). None of them really offer anything compelling, with their personalities being rather bland compared to side characters in previous parts. Especially when compared to other parts, I find the side villains in particular to be extremely boring, to the point where I would want them defeated simply to move the story along. The stand battles are as creative as expected in JoJo’s, but some of the battles and stand abilities are overly exaggerated and, frankly, ridiculous even by JoJo’s standards.
ENJOYMENT/OVERALL - 7/10
While part 6 certainly has its strengths—great art, a great main character, some really creative stand battles—I feel like its negative aspects are too glaring. The biggest issues are overly exaggerated stand abilities, forgettable side characters, and some serious pacing problems.
Not only does it wrap up all the preceding parts, but it does so in a manner that leaves you eagerly anticipating Part 7 right away.
I won’t deny that the main antagonist here wasn’t as compelling as the others we’ve seen, but he certainly possessed the relentless determination that defines any great JoJo villain.
Jolyne, however, captured my attention from the very start. Her backstory is fascinating, and her demeanor strongly reminded me of the younger Joseph from Part 2.
Her Stand is incredibly versatile, and she’s smart enough to wield it with immense power.
The setting, too, is remarkable—set within a prison nestled near the swamps of Florida, USA.
Overall, I found the story to be exceptionally well-crafted and a fitting conclusion to decades of surreal adventures.
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*Spoilers for Stone Ocean if you haven't read it*
In general, I truly appreciated Jolyne as a JoJo. She was entertaining, formidable, and reminded me a lot of Josuke. Anasui, while he can definitely come across as creepy with his advances toward Jolyne, was an engaging character and provided most of the comic relief for this arc. It's hard not to like the guy who doesn't know what's going on half the time and is only there because he wants Jolyne's hand in marriage (though I do think his love for her is genuine and less over-the-top compared to Yukako, where that was essentially her central trait). Weather Report was impressive and had a flawed yet intriguing Stand; Foo Fighters was a delightful character, both adorable and powerful with an exceptional Stand. Hermes and Emporio were the weaker characters in this part, but I still enjoyed them a lot—I feel they were somewhat overshadowed by Foo Fighters, Anasui, and Weather Report. Pucci was an excellent blend of Dio and Kira as a villain. He was essentially a walking paradox and incredibly well-developed.
I would have rated this part a 7 because the battles were definitely on the weaker side (don't even get me started on Dragon's Dream and Yo-Yo Ma), and I wish some characters had received more development. However, the growth of Jolyne and Pucci, along with the ending, pushed my score up to an 8. It was such a perfect, bittersweet conclusion for the Joestars.
JoJo Bizarre Adventure Stone Ocean
Shit, SO is really good. Being objective, I’d say narratively SBR is better, but that ending is beautiful and at the same time devastating.
Jolyne: Okay, okay, Jolyne didn’t “call” to me at all in the beginning—it was kind of a letdown because I expected a lot from a female JoJo. But by the end... shit, without a doubt, she’s one of the best JoJos. Her character development is brutal but very "personal." I’m still waiting for a calm conversation between Jotaro and Jolyne.
Hermes: Costelo is a good character, though I wish he had appeared more. As for his Stand, I liked that it was complex yet simple in the end.
F.F.: Shit, I’ve never connected with a character so much. F.F. was super fun. Her Stand was mega simple in essence but complicated (shit, I’m repeating myself). Her death, along with Gyro's, was fucking sad. In this case, I didn’t just want more F.F.—I needed more. I’ll never forget her (or his) determination and sacrifice.
Weather Report: I was very interested in her past at first; it’s interesting, and her development is good, but I liked her better without her memories, haha. Her death is way too "dry" compared to F.F.'s. The most positive thing about her was her Stand, which in my opinion is the most powerful without having evolved like Star Platinum, The Requiem, or Heaven’s Door.
Anasui: I loved Anasui—he’s such an interesting character. Although I think Araki didn’t give him as much importance or screen time as I would have liked. Something I like about Stone Ocean is that the Stands of the cast are all really good and interesting, and Driver Down is no exception. At first, I didn’t understand it—the Stand’s introduction was weird, or maybe I wasn’t paying attention—but they explained it better later. I’d love to see him again, but I guess that won’t happen.
Jotaro: Shit, Jotaro is everywhere. Okay, okay, okay. Jotaro has had incredible character development throughout SC, DU, and SO, but that paternal love feels strange coming from Jotaro. One thing that bothered me is how quickly Jolyne "forgave" him for being absent. I would have liked a conversation where Jotaro apologizes for being absent and only wanted to keep his mother and Jolyne away from Stand users, and Jolyne understanding that since she was constantly attacked in prison.
Enrico Pucci and Made in Heaven: Alright, the villain is one of the best, no lie. But his personality isn’t really that of a typical villain. His determination and plans could be said to rival DIO’s. And I don’t know, he’s a religious guy, and those dudes don’t exactly inspire much trust, lol.
Conclusion:
It’s a great part—not the best, but it ranks pretty high. It was a part where I had several "conflicts," but that damn ending was epic. And in conclusion...
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GRAVITY?
On the downside, its low points can be rather uninteresting, but on the upside, it boasts some of the absolute best moments in the entire series. It features one of the greatest villains, exceptional side characters, and to cap it all off, an impeccable 10/10 ending—something that many authors struggle to achieve these days (not Araki!).
This was a phenomenal farewell to this JoJo timeline that began all the way back in Part 1. Witnessing Araki's growth as an artist and writer is one of the most inspiring and fulfilling experiences a JoJo fan can have.
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