First English Volume of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Shining Diamond’s Demonic Heartbreak Now Available

Overview

Shining Diamond’s Demonic Heartbreak is the inaugural spin-off manga of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure outside of Hirohiko Araki’s authorship.
This new saga features familiar characters from Stardust Crusaders within the distinct setting of Morioh.
The narrative seeks to reinterpret former antagonists sympathetically, potentially paving the way for an anime adaptation.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Shining Diamond’s Demonic Heartbreak debuted its first English volume on December 3, 2024. Brought to life by Viz Media, this manga establishes an original narrative that exists between the third and fourth arcs of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders and Diamond Is Unbreakable, respectively.

What is Shining Diamond’s Demonic Heartbreak?

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In this project, Nathan A. Collins, who has previously translated the Diamond Is Unbreakable manga for Viz, returns as the translator, while Amethyst Xuan is credited with enhancing the artwork and lettering.

The manga began its serialization in Ultra Jump’s January 2022 issue, which was released on December 18, 2021. The story revolves around Hol Horse, a former villain from Stardust Crusaders, as he navigates the aftermath of Dio Brando’s demise and searches for a parrot that shares a trainer with Pet Shop. His journey leads him to Morioh, where he crosses paths with Josuke Higashikata.

Alongside Hol Horse, the spin-off reintroduces several notable characters from Stardust Crusaders, most prominently Boingo, whose prophetic comic book, Thoth, influences the storyline. The return of Mariah and her magnetic Stand, Bastet, enhances the nostalgic elements. Additionally, Noriaki Kakyoin’s cousin emerges as a significant figure, potentially adopting a role of opposition.

The implications of a spin-off like Shining Diamond’s Demonic Heartbreak for the future of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure are intriguing. As noted by ANN contributor Christopher Farris, the writing seeks to present past villains in a more compassionate light, likening it to a “Suicide Squad”approach to Dio’s followers.

With the prospect of an anime adaptation in question, especially following the streaming of Thus Spoke Rohan Kishibe OVAs on Netflix in 2021, the success of Shining Diamond’s Demonic Heartbreak will largely rely on audience reception. This brings us to a vital question: Can JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure thrive without the direct guidance of its original creator, Araki?

Initial assessments suggest a favorable reception. Christopher Farris’s review awards SDDH a B rating, commending its innovative perspective on beloved characters but noting its struggles in fully utilizing Thoth as a storytelling element.

Feedback from the r/stardustcrusaders subreddit is markedly optimistic. Many reactions to early translations have expressed delight in how the spin-off exceeds expectations. Fans also appreciate how SDDH resolves longstanding questions posed by dedicated adherents. Both critics and fans indicate that Araki’s original work is left in skilled hands.

For those interested in exploring more about the manga, further details can be found in the full article from GameRant.