This series embodies time itself. There are so many layers to be found not only when we look at Jojo’s as a series but also as a medium of time and pop culture. In the same way we as an audience and as creators are constantly building off of each other and evolving ― Jojo’s is inspired by and continues to inspire others. It reinvents existing pieces of media into something so uniquely bizarre and uniquely Jojo’s.

When discussing this series, I like to draw a comparison to Frank Ocean’s “Close to You” and how the reason why I love it so much is because it is a time capsule ― a cover of a song by Stevie Wonder of the same name performed in 1972, only brought back more into the mainstream through Ocean’s 2016 album Blonde. He adds his own voice and style to the song while also remaining true to the vocal techniques that wonder used, including the talkbox to give a synth/autotuned effect. I find it easily comparable to this series for how the original manga was serialized in 1987 but only recently got an anime adaptation in 2012. Similar to how Stevie Wonder already had heavy influence on music and media before Ocean resurfaced the performance and technique, Jojo’s also had a significant influence at the time of its serialization ― every now and then, photos of cosplayers at anime cons from the 90s and 2000s dressing up as characters from part 4 to 6 will resurface.

Through this adaptation that came out 25 years later, we get to see the passage of time and how this work, influenced by one of the greatest series at the time ― Fist of the North Star ― has been construed into what part 1 is for many fans today: stagnant and boring. But the thing is, even though it started off as a typical battle shonen, it still introduced flamboyant elements such as its exaggerated poses which would go on to be a defining part of the series. It continues to be the embodiment of creativity and innovation, constantly making references to music and fashion; each part adds something new and enjoyment for its fans and allows us to be just as expressive in our daily lives. Jojo’s is unabashedly bold and experiments with its own non-conformities. It is sensual, it is homoerotic, it is queer. And more than anything, it’s Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.