The expansive narrative of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure raises significant stakes when it comes to its conclusion. Unlike typical series where the ending merely influences the storyline, JoJo’s finale impacts two universes, nine protagonists of the Joestar bloodline, and numerous characters introduced throughout the decades-long saga.
Fans often joke that Hirohiko Araki, the series’ creator, must be a vampire himself due to his notably youthful appearance. However, Araki is actually 64 years old, which is approaching the average retirement age in Japan.As anticipation builds for the resolution of this multi-decade endeavor, theories abound regarding whether The JoJoLands could serve as the culmination of the series. Despite these speculations, an earlier interview with Araki casts doubt on this notion.
JoJo’s Trilogy Theory: Fan Speculations on the Series’ Conclusion
The Trilogy Theory: A Compelling Idea That May Fall Short
One of the prevalent theories among fans, chiefly popularized by channels like Hamon Beat, is what is termed the “trilogy theory.”This theory suggests that JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure can be broadly categorized into trilogies, each with its own central theme. Given that The JoJoLands is positioned as the third part of the third trilogy, some believe it may serve as a meaningful conclusion. The trio of trilogies is summarized as follows:
- The Joestar Trilogy: Featuring a direct lineage across three protagonists—Jonathan, Joseph, and Jotaro Kujo—there is a clear narrative thread tying them together with prominent themes of vampirism and Hamon.
- The Stand Arrows Trilogy: Commencing with Diamond is Unbreakable, this arc introduces a critical focus on stand arrows, delving into the legacy of Dio and the implications of his death.
- The Parallel Universe Trilogy: Initiating with Steel Ball Run, this trilogy shifts to an alternate Joestar lineage. Here, the theme of Spin emerges, creating a bizarro-world dynamic compared to the original universe.
The manga’s tone also shifts in the Parallel Universe trilogy, catering more to a seinen audience rather than a shonen one, as seen with Araki’s transition from Weekly Shonen Jump to Ultra Jump.
Some fans enrich the trilogy discussion by suggesting a brief tenth installment, possibly bridging the original and parallel universes. However, this theory encounters two critical challenges. First, it is worth noting that many mangaka continue working well into old age without formally retiring, and Araki has shown no signals of stepping back. Second, Araki himself has provided significant rationale against the concept of The JoJoLands being the final chapter.
Araki’s Reflections on a Potential JoJo Conclusion After Part 4
Stardust Crusaders: A Transformational Phase for Araki
In a detailed 2012 interview featured in the book JoJomenon, Araki shed light on the history and thematic evolution of JoJo. He discussed how the narrative could have concluded after Part 4 (Diamond is Unbreakable), highlighting a thematic shift he pursued in later installments. Araki views the continuity of parts 1 through 4 as intertwined rather than distinctly separate:
So, if you think back to the original concept, you could say that JoJo could have ended with Part 4. From Part 5 onward, there’s still the bloodline that serves as a pillar of JoJo, but I wanted to depict the sadness of people who were betrayed by the organization they trusted, or rather, the sadness of having been born. The very fact that a person exists in this world is a bit sad. But that’s why I think we find joy and meaning in our lives. The epilogue, Sleeping Slaves, is a perfect example of this, but I think, in my desire to depict that sort of thing, the shape of the story changed from Part 5 onwards.
Araki articulates a thematic pivot in Part 5, which emphasizes finding meaning in the burdens associated with existence. In Golden Wind, this is vividly illustrated through Giorno Giovanna, the child of Dio, as he grapples with defining his purpose against the odds stacked against him.
Similar themes of resilience and meaning emerge in subsequent parts, such as in Stone Ocean, where Jolyne confronts her own challenges and discovers worth while imprisoned, and in Steel Ball Run, where Johnny grapples with redefining his life following a traumatic experience.
Araki’s Commitment to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
The Series: A Core Element of Araki’s Identity
While the nuances of these themes as they apply to The JoJoLands remain to be seen, Araki’s statements in the same interview suggest that he is unlikely to draw his final JoJo installment any time soon. When posed with the question of whether he plans to illustrate the series indefinitely, his response is both telling and thought-provoking:
Do you intend to keep drawing the JoJo series forever?
Araki: I do wonder whether I’m really only capable of drawing the JoJo series. But on the other hand, I don’t think it’s worth it to go to so many different places. I hate it when celebrities become politicians. I would never vote for someone like that. You can write that down, I don’t mind (laughs).A person has something akin to a stake in a company. I don’t like people who go past that and do all kinds of things. I’m not saying everyone should mind their own business, but Hirohiko Araki will always be JoJo, and that’s alright with me. I might only be able to draw JoJo, but I won’t stop drawing JoJo.
In essence, Hirohiko Araki is inseparably linked to JoJo. His passion for the series is apparent, and he has consistently reinforced this connection through interviews. Ultimately, within the framework of his own life, Araki has derived joy and purpose through his creation: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Concerns among fans regarding the conclusion of the series are entirely valid.Numerous plot threads remain to be resolved: How will the two universes converge? Is there a chance to revisit the Joestar lineage of the original universe? Will fan-favorite crossovers see canonical acknowledgment? Natural concerns about Araki retiring one day are understandable; however, no clear signs indicate he plans to step back anytime soon.
It appears that drawing JoJo is intertwined with Araki’s identity, suggesting that as long as he continues to create, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure will persist along with him in the artistic journey.
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