JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders - Reviews

"JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders" represents a pivotal turn in Hirohiko Araki's sprawling saga, introducing the concept of Stands—psychic manifestations of one's fighting spirit— that would come to define the series. Following Jotaro Kujo, the stoic and powerful grandson of Joseph Joestar, the story embarks on a globe-trotting quest from Japan to Egypt to save Jotaro's mother by defeating the revived vampire, Dio Brando. This arc is celebrated for its innovative battles, diverse cast of characters, and significant influence on the manga and anime industry.

Stand-out Strengths

• Innovative Battle System: The introduction of Stands revolutionizes the series' approach to combat, shifting from the Hamon-based battles of previous arcs to more diverse and strategic encounters. Each Stand's unique abilities inject creativity and unpredictability into the fights, making each confrontation a highlight.

• Character Carousel: "Stardust Crusaders" boasts a memorable ensemble cast, with each member of the Joestar group bringing their own personality, backstory, and Stand abilities to the table. The dynamics within the group add depth to the journey, turning their quest into not just a battle for survival but a story of camaraderie and growth.

• Global Adventure: The arc's globe-trotting narrative enhances its epic scope, taking readers on a journey through varied locales, each with its own challenges and Stand users to confront. This diversity in settings keeps the story fresh and engaging throughout its run.

Challenges Along the Journey

• Pacing Perils: While the episodic nature of the Stand battles keeps the story engaging, it can also lead to pacing issues, with some sections feeling drawn out. The formulaic structure of encountering a new Stand user at each turn may feel repetitive to some readers.

• Depth Dilemmas: In contrast to its vast cast and elaborate battles, "Stardust Crusaders" occasionally struggles with providing sufficient depth to its characters and their motivations, particularly the villains, who sometimes lack the complexity seen in other parts of the series.

Unique Unfoldings

• Dio's Return: The resurgence of Dio Brando as the primary antagonist brings the series full circle, linking back to its origins in "Phantom Blood" and adding layers of historical rivalry and personal stakes to the conflict.

• Cultural Impact: "Stardust Crusaders" has left an indelible mark on pop culture, with its Stands influencing numerous other works in manga, anime, and beyond. The arc's creativity and iconic moments have cemented its place in the annals of manga history.

Conclusion

"JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders" starts groundbreaking introduction of Stands, compelling character dynamics, and its thrilling, globe-spanning adventure. Despite occasional pacing issues and a tendency towards formulaic encounters, the arc's innovative combat system, memorable cast, and significant contributions to the "JoJo" legacy make it a cornerstone of the series. "Stardust Crusaders" not only advances the overarching narrative of the Joestar family but also redefines the boundaries of creativity within the medium, making it a must-read for fans of action-packed, character-driven storytelling.

Stardust Crusaders is a truly awesome piece of manga. The chemistry between Jotaro and the gang are on point. The character deaths make you want to cry. It's awesome! Stardust Crusaders is Shōunen at its best, as the victories are more hard one. The cast is golden, and the villains memorable. Believe me, you'll have "Yare Yare Daze" and "OH. MY. GOD." in your catchphrase list for years to come. But, I won't be JoJo's golden goodie boy and talk all good. The pacing is a little off, and I kinda think that the tone change has a bit to be desired. Where Author Hirohiko Araki's shortcomings were blatant with Battle Tendancy, their mistakes were fixed in Stardust Crusaders, although Araki's storytelling has more to be desired in Stardust Crusaders. Overall, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders is an awesome manga I would recommend you check out if you're into cool fights, cheesy poses and catchphrases, and just generally the bizarre.