<p>I don't typically write reviews, but I couldn't let this one go without comment. Part 6 is undoubtedly my favorite part so far. I haven't read parts 7 or 8 yet, so I can't say if they surpass it. What I truly appreciate is that we finally have a female Jojo in the series. As the story unfolds, there are some plot devices and elements that serve the narrative, but what stands out most is the ending. To me, the conclusion was utterly mind-blowing and completely unexpected. The artwork is breathtaking, and the entire manga is incredibly enjoyable. The battles are spectacular, and Araki's philosophical perspective is deeply intriguing. As I mentioned, I loved this part primarily because of its ending. Overall, I rate it a 10, and it ranks as my second favorite manga, just behind Berserk.</p>
Stone Ocean follows the story of Jolyne Cujoh, a character who's been falsely imprisoned and must find her way out, at least for the first half of the story. It also serves as the finale of the original Jojo saga, conclusively ending Dio's reign.
Plot - The plot of Stone Ocean is divided into two halves. The first focuses on the prison break, while the second centers on reaching Cape Canaveral to stop the story's main antagonist, Pucci. Jolyne's quest to recover her father's disc is engaging and effectively showcases key aspects of her character.
When compared to other parts, Stone Ocean is most similar to Stardust Crusaders. Both feature a weekly enemy routine while maintaining a clear end goal. The battles meet Jojo's high standards, blending MMA elements with innovative Stand abilities. The conclusion is arguably the best of any part so far.
Characters - The characters are entertaining but varied in quality, leaning more toward positive portrayals. Weather has an intriguing link to the main villain, whereas Anasui comes across as merely creepy and a cheap Diavolo knockoff in design. Conversely, Ermes is a standout character with one of the strongest arcs in this part. Foo Fighters is another highlight, a non-human companion who adds depth. Pucci, the antagonist, is exceptionally well-developed. His backstory and connections to the protagonist—whether through DIO or Weather—make him a multidimensional villain rather than a clichéd comic book foe. Jotaro remains a solid character, though he takes a backseat here; his strengths and flaws are vividly portrayed, enhancing his appeal.
Jolyne emerges as one of the best characters from this part and ranks among the top Joestars. Her blend of humor and seriousness, combined with her growth throughout the story, makes her a worthy protagonist in the Joestar lineage.
Art - The art in Stone Ocean matches the quality of previous parts, enhanced further by its colored translation. Panels flow smoothly, avoiding clutter or confusion, and dynamic poses during action sequences heighten the reading experience.
Ending - The conclusion is perhaps the most bittersweet since Phantom Blood and stands as the best in the entire Jojo saga. It provides satisfying resolutions for the characters and definitively concludes the generations-long conflict between the Joestars and Dio.
In summary, Stone Ocean is worth your time despite some uneven pacing. It excels with thrilling fights, a compelling protagonist and antagonist, memorable characters, and a poignant ending to the original Jojo series.
Araki never ceases to captivate, and Jolyne's tale stands as a testament to this. Araki has significantly refined his perspective since his earlier action-packed series. Surprisingly, this installment can be seen as both the conclusion and the rebirth of the JoJo narrative.
Firstly, the art style shows a tremendous leap from prior entries, with Araki sensei drawing inspiration from "Hokuto no Ken." The story retains the familiar roots of other JoJo parts while reintroducing Jotaro into the series after his absence in Golden Wind, along with insights into Dio's past. With the sixth part comes an array of female leads, notably well-crafted characters like Jolyne, Hermes, Foo Fighters, and Guess.
"Stone Ocean" is set post-"Golden Wind," where Jotaro is an elderly man and father to the protagonist, Jolyne Cujoh. Jolyne's introduction occurs under unexpected circumstances—she's incarcerated for a murder she didn't commit, which was accidental. Sentenced to 15 years, her life takes a dramatic turn when her father, Jotaro, sends her a gift before her transfer to Green Dolphin Street Prison in Florida. She's surprised to find an old family photo alongside an unknown stone arrow piece, which accidentally cuts her finger. This cut grants her Stand abilities centered around strings, initially unknown to her but later mastered and named "Stone Ocean." Jolyne had a strained relationship with her father, but her imprisonment brings them closer. During their prison visit, they are silently attacked by an unknown enemy and a sniper-prisoner ally, revealing that Jolyne's imprisonment was orchestrated to kill her. With the attack on the Cujoh family escalating due to the unknown enemy, they escape with the help of a mysterious boy, Emporio Alnino. In the chaos, Jotaro loses his Memory Disc from his brain and falls into a coma, prompting Jolyne to uncover the enemy's power. She secures her unconscious father's safety with the Speedwagon Foundation while remaining in prison to retrieve the Memory Disc and identify the mastermind. As the story unfolds, she faces numerous foes and allies alike, concluding that the prison's warden, Enrico Pucci, is behind it all, aiming to create a perfect world by destroying the current one. It's also revealed that Pucci was once a friend of DIO, sharing similar ambitions. After retrieving her father's Memory Disc and assembling a team, Jolyne escapes the prison before Pucci uses the Green Baby to disrupt the world. It's then disclosed that Jolyne's prison friend, Weather Report, is Enrico Pucci's estranged brother, possessing the formidable Stand, Whitesnake.
In a climactic encounter at a NASA center, Jolyne's squad confronts Pucci, joined by Jotaro who awakens from his coma. By this point, Pucci has gained the power to manipulate time and gravity, creating a new dimension where his vision of a perfect world is realized. Although Pucci appears victorious, Emporio's intrusion into this new world disrupts the timeline and alters events. Emporio, the sole canon character from the main world, finds himself in a parallel universe resembling the setting of "Steel Ball Run," featuring familiar yet altered versions of previous characters.
I can't begin to express my love for JoJo—it's a series I could rave about endlessly. It's always been my favorite anime, from its absurd and bizarre plotlines to its deep, compelling characters and villains; there's truly something for everyone. I've been particularly impressed by how much JoJo has evolved since Part 1, with Araki as an author elevating everything that makes JoJo great to an epic scale. As the parts progress, it just keeps getting better, and my affection for it continues to grow (especially in the more recent parts). There's something so special about it—its vibe and style never fail to amaze me and leave me in awe, motivating me to keep reading or watching. And this is precisely what Part 6 did for me. After finishing Part 5, I was left with a void in my heart, craving more JoJo. As someone who doesn't read a lot of manga, tackling 158 chapters felt daunting, and I worried I wouldn't appreciate it as much as I do the anime. But I'm so glad I was wrong.
Story: 8/10
The story of Part 6 begins quite simply, introducing us to the new JoJo, Jolyne Cujoh, daughter of Jotaro Kujo. We see her caught in an unfortunate event not of her making, leading to a 15-year prison sentence. Little does she know, this prison will be the catalyst for the story to spiral into bizarre and unexpected directions that keep you on the edge of your seat. This part is easily the most bizarre installment of JoJo so far. The situations Jolyne and the cast face are ridiculous, largely due to the main antagonist. The climax of the story is both incredibly sad and exhilarating. I'm not sure why some people dislike the ending—I think it's because they don't fully understand it. To appreciate it, you need to approach this part with an open mind, uninfluenced by others' opinions, whether positive or negative. That said, some parts of the story are unnecessarily complicated and don't make much sense (ahem, Dragon's Dream), but overall enjoyment outweighs these issues.
Art: 9/10
There's no denying that the art in JoJo is fantastic. Araki has truly mastered the art of depicting character emotions vividly and passionately. The way he conveys certain messages through his artwork is unmatched by any other author.
Characters: 10/10
In my opinion, JoJo Part 6 features one of the best casts of characters from any of the previous parts, which is saying a lot coming right after Part 5. Each character has their own motivations and quirks that make them either laughable or intriguing, and all have badass, powerful moments. Of course, Jolyne is simply incredible. The fact that she's a female JoJo is refreshing, and her personality reflects that well. Her raw determination in this part outshines anyone who stands in her way, and the way she deals with various Stand users throughout the story is both satisfying and cool. Her Stand, Stone Free, is amazing to me—I won't spoil what it does, but the way she uses it over the course of this part is hilariously creative and genius. Due to her Stand's specific abilities, she's forced to get inventive, and in my view, she uses her Stand in the most creative ways compared to any of the JoJos. The way it's handled is mystifying. Weather Report is also an incredible character, as is Hermes—I won't elaborate too much for spoiler reasons, but they're both fascinating, and their Stands have crazy applications. I could talk about Foo Fighters for hours, but I'll keep it brief: Foo Fighters unconditionally inspired me to strive for greatness in my life, which was really cool. However, Anasui is simply annoying and comes across as a bland character. The main villain of the part is relentless but, honestly, I liked him for the most part. He has a tragic backstory that's quite profound, and his motivation for being a villain is unlike anything we've seen before, so overall, I'd say he's a pretty good villain.
Enjoyment: 9/10
I highly recommend this part to anyone who's a fan of JoJo. It's a masterpiece with flaws, I'll admit, but when it gets things right, it does so exceptionally well. Araki has crafted a fictional world in which I never thought I'd become so invested.
This review isn't entirely spoiler-free, but it doesn't give away too much either... I'm not sure.<br /><br />I appreciate the setup and the side characters quite a bit. It's great that the Stand of the main antagonist is relatively weak (at least initially), so he can't just depend on his powers. The fights are well-executed, like Jolyne vs FF or Jolyne vs C-Moon, while others, such as those against Dragon's Dream and Jumpin' Jack Flash, feel rather monotonous to me.<br /><br />If I need to provide a more detailed analysis (WARNING: Mild spoilers! It's hard to discuss the story or characters without revealing something)... I enjoyed some parts but not others. Most of the prison scenes felt drawn out. Jolyne's objective was reiterated so frequently in the first thirty chapters that it became repetitive and irritating.<br />We learned about the backstories of the supporting characters, but the only ones I feel I know even slightly are Annasui and F.F. (because she was very vocal about everything she knew at the time, and manifested her will solely to protect Jolyne). As for Weather Report, his backstory helped him as a character, but his personality wasn't something I witnessed in real-time; it was merely told through his backstory. This doesn't make Weather Report himself all that intriguing to me, just his past which hasn't been part of him for a long time. They simply weren't given enough time to develop, in my opinion. There was just so much happening at any given moment and so many Stands pursuing Jolyne that I never got to see these individuals when they weren't in immediate danger of death.<br /><br />Most of the Stands within the prison were somewhat forgettable, and Dio's three failures were just a disappointing and unwelcome scene after thoroughly enjoying all of VA, where I admired Gio and marveled at how he embodied all the best traits of his father. They just tarnished his reputation and made me feel upset on his behalf.<br /><br />What I did admire greatly is Jolyne's ability to mature quickly. She spent most of her life seeking her father's attention, making her a bitter little girl. But as soon as she heard him say he cared about her, that idea of Hope brought her back around. And when she learned more about Jotaro's past, she really began to understand that the world is vast and her dad was a very well-known man.<br /><br />After the breakout, the story starts to get much more engaging. The backstory of Weather Report and Pucci mostly made me empathize with Pucci and understand him better than having much impact on Weather Report for me. I barely knew WR, and when he regained his memories, I knew him even less. So whatever. Without the constraints of a one-set story, things began to expand VERY rapidly, and I was pleased with it. The fight at Cape Canaveral was pretty fascinating. Pucci as a villain was more effective and intimidating than Dio, and not just because he emerged victorious in the end. Pucci was the villain from the start, always an active participant. And as Weather said, he didn't even realize he was evil.<br />Fast forwarding to the conclusion, I liked Jolyne and Jotaro's final moments. The entire group went down like heroes, and Emporio was a dependable kid. Pucci's downfall due to his own meddling with fate was enjoyable. Not only did he deserve his brother's hatred and bring it upon himself, his ability gave Weather the chance to get his revenge even after death. GRAVITY. Idk.<br /><br />The new universe concept made me happy, but also slightly spoiled it for me. The part of me that loves Jotaro and I guess kind of Jolyne (she was cool, but not a top JoJo) likes that the universe rewarded the Joestars for their sacrifices and determination to finally put an end to the curse of Dio. But then...if we assume that even if these aren't the 'same' Jotaro and Jolyne, they still share the same soul as those who fought Pucci, the sacrifice was almost anti-climactic. The deaths of everyone didn't matter in the end (not that they mattered too much to me to begin with, I barely knew them), not when the universe was going to correct itself anyway.<br /> <br />Jolyne and Jotaro had the good father-daughter relationship they always wanted. Annasui/Annakiss presumably never murdered anyone since he isn't in prison. Hermes's sister was never murdered. Emporio got to leave the prison and start living a normal life. And Weather Report....I am actually kind of curious to know what happened there. Was he born as a twin or not? Was he still kidnapped at birth? Perhaps that dead baby the grieving mother switched out lived after all and the baby to die that day was instead Pucci? GRAVITY.<br /><br />Overall, I liked part 6, but it's currently at the bottom of my list, right before Phantom Blood. Though, I liked certain parts of it better than some of my favorite parts. The ending was pretty awesome, ranking it my second favorite ending after Battle Tendency, since I feel that those two did the absolute best with conveying the feeling that what was happening was truly important AND exciting. If only Jolyne would have left prison earlier and had some time on the run to get to know her crew, to do something besides drawing people in who wanted to protect her for one reason or another - to prove she was WORTH protecting by anyone.<br /><br />I particularly liked her Stand and its capabilities. Very different for a JoJo and quite imaginative. At the end, it definitely worked as a metaphor for the unraveling of the universe/fate.<br />The last thing I want to say... The art in 'Stone Ocean' is amazing and exactly the level of quality you'd expect from Hirohiko Araki.<p>
Stone Ocean, while sharing similarities with Golden Wind, exhibits differences in quality. The resemblance is due to the distinct plots each presents.
Story: It features a very good story, though it doesn't reach masterpiece status, it retains the quality established at the manga's onset. An imprisoned woman, a priest, and a severe prison form the backdrop for a compelling narrative, except for a party near the climax. Despite the originality of presenting the "villain" in the first person, this approach slows the narrative, mirroring a minor flaw in "Diamond Wa Kudakenai."
Plot: As mentioned, a young woman in a maximum-security prison contrasts her strong personality against harsh realities, crafting tension-filled conflicts. The near-climax may feel rushed but remains intriguing due to two "Stands" affecting the entire planet, not just the narrative environment. This storyline is creative and diverges from typical shounen tropes with original touches.
Art: Though not a fan of "gore," Part 6 satisfies visually, aligning with the powers introduced. Character artistry is well-crafted, arguably better than the previous part.
Powers: Unlike other parts where Stands were merely obstacles to overcome, "Stone Ocean" integrates Stands seamlessly into the plot, closely tied to their presentation contexts.
Characters: Jolyne Kujo is remarkable, maintaining charisma despite losing focus during the "pre-climax." She stands as one of the more complex Jojo characters ever. The villain is well-developed, motivated by life experiences and influenced by a famous character within the work. Some minor characters, like F.F., lack depth and charisma despite being well-utilized. Hermes starts as a tough, appealing female character but dims slightly toward the climax.
What could have been improved? Greater use of minor characters, a more detailed final fight extending closer to the next part, and added charisma for other significant characters.
Stone Ocean is entertaining, tense, dramatic, and well-structured. It maintains consistent quality, features Stands coherent with the plot, avoids enemy Stand repetition, and offers a more varied storyline with flashy elements. The villain is well-built, the narrative shift to first-person adds interest, the art is beautiful, and the gore level, while intense, remains coherent and enjoyable.
Now heading into the U.S., more precisely Florida, this part is brimming with pop culture references and introduces the first female protagonist in the JoJo series. It hasn't been animated yet, but it's absolutely worth reading.
Story: The narrative boasts two distinct settings. The character and plot development here are the strongest in the series thus far, and the Stand abilities are incredibly inventive. The battles are engaging, and the final showdown and conclusion rank among my favorite moments in all of manga and anime.
Art: With JoJo's unique style, you can never go wrong. I'm particularly fond of Araki's more realistic approach compared to other mangas. The battle perspectives and character expressions are truly captivating.
Characters: Continuing the tradition of a diverse cast with a moderately-sized group, Stone Ocean does not let down. There are plenty of characters to love or loathe, and the villain undergoes remarkable development, making this part one of the best for character growth alongside parts 4 and 5.
Overall Enjoyment: This is one of the most underrated parts in the series, often overshadowed by the recently animated Golden Wind and the immensely popular Steel Ball Run. Personally, I believe this part surpasses the two mentioned. With compelling arcs for the villain, protagonist, and supporting characters, along with an excellent ending, I can't help but highly recommend it.
Stone Ocean: My second favorite part of Jojo's, and an epic ending for Jojos
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean is the sixth installment of the Jojo's Bizarre Adventure manga, crafted by Hirohiko Araki. Initially serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2000 to 2003, Stone Ocean shifts the setting to the United States, specifically Florida, marking a distinct departure from previous arcs. This part introduces a new protagonist, Jolyne Cujoh, the daughter of Jotaro Kujo.
The storyline follows Jolyne as she is wrongfully convicted of a crime and imprisoned in Green Dolphin Street Prison. Inside, she learns that her father has been attacked and his Stand, Star Platinum, stolen. Jolyne must collaborate with fellow inmates and utilize her Stand to unravel the conspiracy she's entangled in and reclaim her father's Stand.
One fascinating aspect of Stone Ocean is its emphasis on the prison as the central narrative backdrop. Araki presents a diverse cast of supporting characters incarcerated for various reasons, resulting in a series of intense prison conflicts and unexpected alliances. Additionally, a novel Stand mechanic called "Stand Discs" is introduced, allowing users to manipulate other Stands.
Regarding the characters, Jolyne stands out as a powerful and magnetic lead, wielding a Stand named "Stone Free," which enables her to project strings from her body. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each equipped with unique Stands and abilities that keep the story engaging.
Araki's artistry remains stunning in Stone Ocean, showcasing meticulously detailed and expressive character designs alongside high-octane action sequences. Araki also experiments with color usage, giving this arc a distinctive feel compared to its predecessors.
In summary, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean is a commendable continuation of the series, boasting an exhilarating plot and captivating characters. The exploration of the prison environment adds a fresh layer to the series, while the Stand Discs mechanism enriches Stand combat dynamics. Fans of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure should undoubtedly delve into Stone Ocean.
Digging deeper, Stone Ocean represents another stellar addition to the JoJo saga—a brilliant shonen that incorporates enough horror elements to edge it towards seinen territory. The battles are ingeniously crafted and often ruthless, filled with graphic bodily harm. As typical in an Araki manga, climactic moments arise from characters' intelligence rather than contrived power surges, a trend prevalent in post-millennium works. It ranks among the greatest endings and rejuvenations in manga history.
It begins by leading you to believe it will be a standard Araki creation. It will be intriguing, it will be perplexing, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Yet, as you progress toward the concluding sections, everything that transpires—the moral dilemmas, the abilities, the storyline—just keeps getting more captivating.
And, spoiler alert (No specific plot details here),
You are not prepared for that ending. You have no idea it's coming. You could never anticipate it. And then it occurs. It just unfolds. And for me, that element makes this piece genuinely absurd.
Stone Ocean is often disregarded as a weak entry in the JoJo series, living in the shadow of Part 6. However, after reading it, I found both the plot and action incredibly engaging, and I'm confident that its animation will generate significant excitement and attention.
Story: 9/10
The narrative of Stone Ocean stands out as unique compared to previous JoJo parts. It explores directions and themes rarely seen in other shonen stories. Full of surprises, confusion, and shocks, the story keeps readers on their toes. Without giving too much away, every element introduced becomes relevant later, offering satisfying "aha" moments when past events click into place. This makes for an exceptionally unpredictable and compelling tale.
Art: 7/10
There's not much to elaborate on here. The level of detail isn't particularly remarkable, and the art style resembles that of Part 5, with minor distinctions such as facial shapes and shading techniques. While it doesn't leave a lasting impression, the artwork remains visually pleasant and easy on the eyes.
Character: 6/10
Character development is somewhat lacking. Good characters remain virtuous, while villains stay malicious. However, this simplicity isn't necessarily a drawback, as it allows readers to stay focused on the action. Despite being static, the characters are undeniably entertaining, with standout figures like Anasui and Emporio adding charm to the story.
Enjoyment: 8/10
The combination of a strong story and thrilling action sequences creates an enjoyable experience. That said, there are a couple of points deducted due to some combat arcs that feel aimless and unnecessary, contributing little to the overall plot.
Overall: 8/10
Stone Ocean proves to be an outstanding addition to the JoJo series. It surpasses Parts 3 and 4 and arguably matches the quality of Part 5. The story begins strongly, falters slightly in the middle, but concludes with a powerful finale.
With the Stone Ocean anime on its way, I know many people are asking, "Is it worth my time watching?" Honestly, I believe it is worth both reading and watching. I'm a bit behind myself, but I'm catching up quickly since Stone Ocean is just around the corner (more or less).
That said, one thing I must point out is that starting the manga now might not be the best idea. Unless you can breeze through it quickly, it's probably better to wait for the anime adaptation.
Also, though I didn't create this, if you'd like to read Stone Ocean with sound effects and music to give it an anime vibe, here's a link:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxYeIwpfmNOi1fqDfdXq7YNC4g7aOjoYa<p>
Stone Ocean truly outshines parts 1-5, and I don't get why some people label it as boring or subpar. There's significantly more character development here; every main character has depth. The plot and the villain are incredibly solid. Jolene is by far the best JoJo I've encountered so far, as she actually undergoes an arc, unlike the others. The ending feels satisfying and utterly insane. I can't wait to see where part 7 goes and hope the hype for it is justified. This part, along with part 4, is the JoJo I've been eagerly anticipating, and now that I've finished it, the time I've invested is absolutely worth it.
Popular Reviews
Plot - The plot of Stone Ocean is divided into two halves. The first focuses on the prison break, while the second centers on reaching Cape Canaveral to stop the story's main antagonist, Pucci. Jolyne's quest to recover her father's disc is engaging and effectively showcases key aspects of her character.
When compared to other parts, Stone Ocean is most similar to Stardust Crusaders. Both feature a weekly enemy routine while maintaining a clear end goal. The battles meet Jojo's high standards, blending MMA elements with innovative Stand abilities. The conclusion is arguably the best of any part so far.
Characters - The characters are entertaining but varied in quality, leaning more toward positive portrayals. Weather has an intriguing link to the main villain, whereas Anasui comes across as merely creepy and a cheap Diavolo knockoff in design. Conversely, Ermes is a standout character with one of the strongest arcs in this part. Foo Fighters is another highlight, a non-human companion who adds depth. Pucci, the antagonist, is exceptionally well-developed. His backstory and connections to the protagonist—whether through DIO or Weather—make him a multidimensional villain rather than a clichéd comic book foe. Jotaro remains a solid character, though he takes a backseat here; his strengths and flaws are vividly portrayed, enhancing his appeal.
Jolyne emerges as one of the best characters from this part and ranks among the top Joestars. Her blend of humor and seriousness, combined with her growth throughout the story, makes her a worthy protagonist in the Joestar lineage.
Art - The art in Stone Ocean matches the quality of previous parts, enhanced further by its colored translation. Panels flow smoothly, avoiding clutter or confusion, and dynamic poses during action sequences heighten the reading experience.
Ending - The conclusion is perhaps the most bittersweet since Phantom Blood and stands as the best in the entire Jojo saga. It provides satisfying resolutions for the characters and definitively concludes the generations-long conflict between the Joestars and Dio.
In summary, Stone Ocean is worth your time despite some uneven pacing. It excels with thrilling fights, a compelling protagonist and antagonist, memorable characters, and a poignant ending to the original Jojo series.
Firstly, the art style shows a tremendous leap from prior entries, with Araki sensei drawing inspiration from "Hokuto no Ken." The story retains the familiar roots of other JoJo parts while reintroducing Jotaro into the series after his absence in Golden Wind, along with insights into Dio's past. With the sixth part comes an array of female leads, notably well-crafted characters like Jolyne, Hermes, Foo Fighters, and Guess.
"Stone Ocean" is set post-"Golden Wind," where Jotaro is an elderly man and father to the protagonist, Jolyne Cujoh. Jolyne's introduction occurs under unexpected circumstances—she's incarcerated for a murder she didn't commit, which was accidental. Sentenced to 15 years, her life takes a dramatic turn when her father, Jotaro, sends her a gift before her transfer to Green Dolphin Street Prison in Florida. She's surprised to find an old family photo alongside an unknown stone arrow piece, which accidentally cuts her finger. This cut grants her Stand abilities centered around strings, initially unknown to her but later mastered and named "Stone Ocean." Jolyne had a strained relationship with her father, but her imprisonment brings them closer. During their prison visit, they are silently attacked by an unknown enemy and a sniper-prisoner ally, revealing that Jolyne's imprisonment was orchestrated to kill her. With the attack on the Cujoh family escalating due to the unknown enemy, they escape with the help of a mysterious boy, Emporio Alnino. In the chaos, Jotaro loses his Memory Disc from his brain and falls into a coma, prompting Jolyne to uncover the enemy's power. She secures her unconscious father's safety with the Speedwagon Foundation while remaining in prison to retrieve the Memory Disc and identify the mastermind. As the story unfolds, she faces numerous foes and allies alike, concluding that the prison's warden, Enrico Pucci, is behind it all, aiming to create a perfect world by destroying the current one. It's also revealed that Pucci was once a friend of DIO, sharing similar ambitions. After retrieving her father's Memory Disc and assembling a team, Jolyne escapes the prison before Pucci uses the Green Baby to disrupt the world. It's then disclosed that Jolyne's prison friend, Weather Report, is Enrico Pucci's estranged brother, possessing the formidable Stand, Whitesnake.
In a climactic encounter at a NASA center, Jolyne's squad confronts Pucci, joined by Jotaro who awakens from his coma. By this point, Pucci has gained the power to manipulate time and gravity, creating a new dimension where his vision of a perfect world is realized. Although Pucci appears victorious, Emporio's intrusion into this new world disrupts the timeline and alters events. Emporio, the sole canon character from the main world, finds himself in a parallel universe resembling the setting of "Steel Ball Run," featuring familiar yet altered versions of previous characters.
I can't begin to express my love for JoJo—it's a series I could rave about endlessly. It's always been my favorite anime, from its absurd and bizarre plotlines to its deep, compelling characters and villains; there's truly something for everyone. I've been particularly impressed by how much JoJo has evolved since Part 1, with Araki as an author elevating everything that makes JoJo great to an epic scale. As the parts progress, it just keeps getting better, and my affection for it continues to grow (especially in the more recent parts). There's something so special about it—its vibe and style never fail to amaze me and leave me in awe, motivating me to keep reading or watching. And this is precisely what Part 6 did for me. After finishing Part 5, I was left with a void in my heart, craving more JoJo. As someone who doesn't read a lot of manga, tackling 158 chapters felt daunting, and I worried I wouldn't appreciate it as much as I do the anime. But I'm so glad I was wrong.
Story: 8/10
The story of Part 6 begins quite simply, introducing us to the new JoJo, Jolyne Cujoh, daughter of Jotaro Kujo. We see her caught in an unfortunate event not of her making, leading to a 15-year prison sentence. Little does she know, this prison will be the catalyst for the story to spiral into bizarre and unexpected directions that keep you on the edge of your seat. This part is easily the most bizarre installment of JoJo so far. The situations Jolyne and the cast face are ridiculous, largely due to the main antagonist. The climax of the story is both incredibly sad and exhilarating. I'm not sure why some people dislike the ending—I think it's because they don't fully understand it. To appreciate it, you need to approach this part with an open mind, uninfluenced by others' opinions, whether positive or negative. That said, some parts of the story are unnecessarily complicated and don't make much sense (ahem, Dragon's Dream), but overall enjoyment outweighs these issues.
Art: 9/10
There's no denying that the art in JoJo is fantastic. Araki has truly mastered the art of depicting character emotions vividly and passionately. The way he conveys certain messages through his artwork is unmatched by any other author.
Characters: 10/10
In my opinion, JoJo Part 6 features one of the best casts of characters from any of the previous parts, which is saying a lot coming right after Part 5. Each character has their own motivations and quirks that make them either laughable or intriguing, and all have badass, powerful moments. Of course, Jolyne is simply incredible. The fact that she's a female JoJo is refreshing, and her personality reflects that well. Her raw determination in this part outshines anyone who stands in her way, and the way she deals with various Stand users throughout the story is both satisfying and cool. Her Stand, Stone Free, is amazing to me—I won't spoil what it does, but the way she uses it over the course of this part is hilariously creative and genius. Due to her Stand's specific abilities, she's forced to get inventive, and in my view, she uses her Stand in the most creative ways compared to any of the JoJos. The way it's handled is mystifying. Weather Report is also an incredible character, as is Hermes—I won't elaborate too much for spoiler reasons, but they're both fascinating, and their Stands have crazy applications. I could talk about Foo Fighters for hours, but I'll keep it brief: Foo Fighters unconditionally inspired me to strive for greatness in my life, which was really cool. However, Anasui is simply annoying and comes across as a bland character. The main villain of the part is relentless but, honestly, I liked him for the most part. He has a tragic backstory that's quite profound, and his motivation for being a villain is unlike anything we've seen before, so overall, I'd say he's a pretty good villain.
Enjoyment: 9/10
I highly recommend this part to anyone who's a fan of JoJo. It's a masterpiece with flaws, I'll admit, but when it gets things right, it does so exceptionally well. Araki has crafted a fictional world in which I never thought I'd become so invested.
Story: It features a very good story, though it doesn't reach masterpiece status, it retains the quality established at the manga's onset. An imprisoned woman, a priest, and a severe prison form the backdrop for a compelling narrative, except for a party near the climax. Despite the originality of presenting the "villain" in the first person, this approach slows the narrative, mirroring a minor flaw in "Diamond Wa Kudakenai."
Plot: As mentioned, a young woman in a maximum-security prison contrasts her strong personality against harsh realities, crafting tension-filled conflicts. The near-climax may feel rushed but remains intriguing due to two "Stands" affecting the entire planet, not just the narrative environment. This storyline is creative and diverges from typical shounen tropes with original touches.
Art: Though not a fan of "gore," Part 6 satisfies visually, aligning with the powers introduced. Character artistry is well-crafted, arguably better than the previous part.
Powers: Unlike other parts where Stands were merely obstacles to overcome, "Stone Ocean" integrates Stands seamlessly into the plot, closely tied to their presentation contexts.
Characters: Jolyne Kujo is remarkable, maintaining charisma despite losing focus during the "pre-climax." She stands as one of the more complex Jojo characters ever. The villain is well-developed, motivated by life experiences and influenced by a famous character within the work. Some minor characters, like F.F., lack depth and charisma despite being well-utilized. Hermes starts as a tough, appealing female character but dims slightly toward the climax.
What could have been improved? Greater use of minor characters, a more detailed final fight extending closer to the next part, and added charisma for other significant characters.
Stone Ocean is entertaining, tense, dramatic, and well-structured. It maintains consistent quality, features Stands coherent with the plot, avoids enemy Stand repetition, and offers a more varied storyline with flashy elements. The villain is well-built, the narrative shift to first-person adds interest, the art is beautiful, and the gore level, while intense, remains coherent and enjoyable.
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Story: The narrative boasts two distinct settings. The character and plot development here are the strongest in the series thus far, and the Stand abilities are incredibly inventive. The battles are engaging, and the final showdown and conclusion rank among my favorite moments in all of manga and anime.
Art: With JoJo's unique style, you can never go wrong. I'm particularly fond of Araki's more realistic approach compared to other mangas. The battle perspectives and character expressions are truly captivating.
Characters: Continuing the tradition of a diverse cast with a moderately-sized group, Stone Ocean does not let down. There are plenty of characters to love or loathe, and the villain undergoes remarkable development, making this part one of the best for character growth alongside parts 4 and 5.
Overall Enjoyment: This is one of the most underrated parts in the series, often overshadowed by the recently animated Golden Wind and the immensely popular Steel Ball Run. Personally, I believe this part surpasses the two mentioned. With compelling arcs for the villain, protagonist, and supporting characters, along with an excellent ending, I can't help but highly recommend it.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean is the sixth installment of the Jojo's Bizarre Adventure manga, crafted by Hirohiko Araki. Initially serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2000 to 2003, Stone Ocean shifts the setting to the United States, specifically Florida, marking a distinct departure from previous arcs. This part introduces a new protagonist, Jolyne Cujoh, the daughter of Jotaro Kujo.
The storyline follows Jolyne as she is wrongfully convicted of a crime and imprisoned in Green Dolphin Street Prison. Inside, she learns that her father has been attacked and his Stand, Star Platinum, stolen. Jolyne must collaborate with fellow inmates and utilize her Stand to unravel the conspiracy she's entangled in and reclaim her father's Stand.
One fascinating aspect of Stone Ocean is its emphasis on the prison as the central narrative backdrop. Araki presents a diverse cast of supporting characters incarcerated for various reasons, resulting in a series of intense prison conflicts and unexpected alliances. Additionally, a novel Stand mechanic called "Stand Discs" is introduced, allowing users to manipulate other Stands.
Regarding the characters, Jolyne stands out as a powerful and magnetic lead, wielding a Stand named "Stone Free," which enables her to project strings from her body. The supporting characters are equally compelling, each equipped with unique Stands and abilities that keep the story engaging.
Araki's artistry remains stunning in Stone Ocean, showcasing meticulously detailed and expressive character designs alongside high-octane action sequences. Araki also experiments with color usage, giving this arc a distinctive feel compared to its predecessors.
In summary, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean is a commendable continuation of the series, boasting an exhilarating plot and captivating characters. The exploration of the prison environment adds a fresh layer to the series, while the Stand Discs mechanism enriches Stand combat dynamics. Fans of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure should undoubtedly delve into Stone Ocean.
Digging deeper, Stone Ocean represents another stellar addition to the JoJo saga—a brilliant shonen that incorporates enough horror elements to edge it towards seinen territory. The battles are ingeniously crafted and often ruthless, filled with graphic bodily harm. As typical in an Araki manga, climactic moments arise from characters' intelligence rather than contrived power surges, a trend prevalent in post-millennium works. It ranks among the greatest endings and rejuvenations in manga history.
It begins by leading you to believe it will be a standard Araki creation. It will be intriguing, it will be perplexing, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Yet, as you progress toward the concluding sections, everything that transpires—the moral dilemmas, the abilities, the storyline—just keeps getting more captivating.
And, spoiler alert (No specific plot details here),
You are not prepared for that ending. You have no idea it's coming. You could never anticipate it. And then it occurs. It just unfolds. And for me, that element makes this piece genuinely absurd.
Story: 9/10
The narrative of Stone Ocean stands out as unique compared to previous JoJo parts. It explores directions and themes rarely seen in other shonen stories. Full of surprises, confusion, and shocks, the story keeps readers on their toes. Without giving too much away, every element introduced becomes relevant later, offering satisfying "aha" moments when past events click into place. This makes for an exceptionally unpredictable and compelling tale.
Art: 7/10
There's not much to elaborate on here. The level of detail isn't particularly remarkable, and the art style resembles that of Part 5, with minor distinctions such as facial shapes and shading techniques. While it doesn't leave a lasting impression, the artwork remains visually pleasant and easy on the eyes.
Character: 6/10
Character development is somewhat lacking. Good characters remain virtuous, while villains stay malicious. However, this simplicity isn't necessarily a drawback, as it allows readers to stay focused on the action. Despite being static, the characters are undeniably entertaining, with standout figures like Anasui and Emporio adding charm to the story.
Enjoyment: 8/10
The combination of a strong story and thrilling action sequences creates an enjoyable experience. That said, there are a couple of points deducted due to some combat arcs that feel aimless and unnecessary, contributing little to the overall plot.
Overall: 8/10
Stone Ocean proves to be an outstanding addition to the JoJo series. It surpasses Parts 3 and 4 and arguably matches the quality of Part 5. The story begins strongly, falters slightly in the middle, but concludes with a powerful finale.
That said, one thing I must point out is that starting the manga now might not be the best idea. Unless you can breeze through it quickly, it's probably better to wait for the anime adaptation.
Also, though I didn't create this, if you'd like to read Stone Ocean with sound effects and music to give it an anime vibe, here's a link:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxYeIwpfmNOi1fqDfdXq7YNC4g7aOjoYa<p>
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