“The highly acclaimed sixth arc of Hirohiko Araki's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure shifts the action from Italy to America, as Jolyne Cujoh—daughter of Jotaro Kujo—is sentenced to 15 years in prison for a murder she didn't commit! In a bizarre turn of events, the prison is filled with Stand users. Some become her allies, but many are sent to kill Jolyne and her friends in a scheme to resurrect the scourge of the Joestar family—DIO! It's a battle for survival in a prison where death lurks around every corner while Jolyne fights to save her father's life in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 6—Stone Ocean!” (Viz Media)
For a series that has been running longer than many of its readers have been alive (since January 1, 1987), a new part in the JoJo saga is always cause for excitement. This is especially true of ‘Part 6–Stone Ocean,' which has the backing of the recent anime season but is also the first instance of creator Hirohiko Araki working with a predominantly female cast. Add in the continued commitment from Viz Media to produce the series in a deluxe hardcover format, and the title will be an apparent buy-in for fans of the series.
What is instantly striking about the book is Araki's continued excellence in visual direction while still making strides forward. Much of the character designs and fashion are among the most expensive and colorful of the franchise, while still maintaining the signature style that instantly marks it as Araki's work. This is partly due to the switch to a female lead and cast. Still, there is no denying that the mangaka consistently nails the designs while managing that signature mix of machismo, parody, and cool splashed across every page
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For the fandom and cosplayers, the protagonist of Stone Ocean, Jolyne, has become as iconic as the (arguably) most recognizable character in the Jojo-verse, Jotaro Kujo. Seeing her on the page after decades of familiarity with the design through anime and other media is undeniably the most significant draw to kicking off part 6. This extends to the writing, as she is charmingly brash and strong-willed, like one would expect of a Joestar.
However, weighing “Stone Ocean” against other entries in the franchise proves slightly more difficult to approach. Despite its outstanding art direction and large expressive cast, the tone can feel slightly off. Araki sticks with the type of character archetypes he always had, with only minor changes in how he approaches an all-female cast. This is not detrimental, but those newer to the series and wanting to jump into the arc with Jolyne may not entirely vibe with the work by bypassing the overtly masculine Joestars of past parts. Alternatively, approaching the series as an existing fan, there is a fraction of frustration that Araki did not push himself too far beyond his comfort zone storywise.
The first volume packs the punch one would demand of a new ‘bizarre adventure' offering the absurd comedy and over-the-top action expected from Araki. The only real caveat is that if this is your first book in the franchise, consider checking out the previous parts first to find out how he builds his characters. However, most people into “Jojo's Bizarre Adventure” are already obsessed with the mangaka and the strange world he crafts, so grabbing ‘Star Ocean' is a give-in. Thankfully, it keeps the tradition of strong storytelling that has made its creator an icon of the medium.
