JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Timeline Explained

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is famous for its bold art style, unforgettable characters, and one of the most complex timelines in anime history. Created by Hirohiko Araki, the series spans multiple generations of the Joestar family, with each part telling a self-contained story while still connecting to a larger narrative. For new viewers and longtime fans alike, understanding the JoJo timeline helps unlock what makes the franchise so unique.

Below is a clear, chronological breakdown of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, from its origins to its most ambitious arcs.

Part 1: Phantom Blood (1880s)

The JoJo timeline begins in late 19th-century England with Jonathan Joestar, a noble-hearted gentleman. His life changes when Dio Brando, an adopted brother, uses a mysterious Stone Mask to become a vampire. This arc introduces core themes of fate, rivalry, and legacy. While shorter than later parts, Phantom Blood establishes the Joestar bloodline and Dio as the franchise’s most iconic villain.

Part 2: Battle Tendency (1930s–1940s)

Set decades later, Joseph Joestar, Jonathan’s grandson, takes center stage. This part expands the supernatural elements with the introduction of the Pillar Men, ancient beings tied to the Stone Mask. Joseph’s clever, unpredictable fighting style adds humor and strategy, making Battle Tendency a fan favorite and an important bridge between early JoJo and what comes next.

Part 3: Stardust Crusaders (1988–1989)

This is where JoJo becomes truly global. Jotaro Kujo, Joseph’s grandson, introduces the legendary Stand system, supernatural manifestations of fighting spirit. The story follows Jotaro and his allies on a journey from Japan to Egypt to defeat Dio once and for all. Stands become the defining power system of the series, shaping every future part.

Part 4: Diamond Is Unbreakable (1999)

Taking place in the quiet town of Morioh, this arc stars Josuke Higashikata, a new Joestar with a kind heart. Unlike previous globe-trotting adventures, Diamond Is Unbreakable focuses on small-town mysteries, serial killers, and everyday life infused with bizarre Stand battles. Its unique tone balances slice-of-life moments with intense suspense.

Part 5: Golden Wind (2001)

Set in Italy, Giorno Giovanna, Dio’s son with Jonathan’s body, seeks to reform the mafia from within. Golden Wind is known for its stylish aesthetic, morally complex characters, and some of the most creative Stand abilities in the franchise. This part explores ambition, loyalty, and destiny on a grand scale.

Part 6: Stone Ocean (2011)

The original JoJo universe reaches its conclusion with Jolyne Cujoh, Jotaro’s daughter. Set in a Florida prison, Stone Ocean pushes the Stand concept to new limits and delivers one of the most talked-about endings in anime history. This arc closes the first JoJo timeline in a dramatic and philosophical way.

The Rebooted Universe: Parts 7–9

After Stone Ocean, Araki introduces a new continuity:

• Part 7: Steel Ball Run – A cross-country horse race in an alternate America.

• Part 8: JoJolion – A mystery-driven story set in a reimagined Morioh.

• Part 9: The JoJoLands – The latest arc, continuing the alternate universe.

These parts reimagine JoJo’s themes with fresh characters while honoring the spirit of earlier generations.

Why the JoJo Timeline Matters

The JoJo timeline is more than a sequence of events—it’s a legacy story about inherited will, evolving power systems, and creative reinvention. Each part can be enjoyed on its own, yet together they form one of the most ambitious narratives in anime and manga history.

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