JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure makes its debut on Blu-Ray in the US courtesy of Viz Media. The well-beloved series best known for it’s unique art style of mangaka Hirohiko Araki and campy themes in both the anime and source material has placed itself into the hearts of millions in Japan and overseas.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a 2012 shounen anime, it is produced by David Production and licensed by Viz Media, it is currently available on DVD & Blu-Ray in English.

Editor’s Note: This review contains near complete to complete spoilers for seasons one & two of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. A review copy of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Blu-Ray Set 1 was provided by Viz Media.

Villain Dio as he appears in the anime.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is one of the strangest anime you’ll ever come across, not because of the story direction, but because of the behaviors and aesthetics of its characters. Full of camp and zaniness, the series has slowly become a powerhouse since its debut back in 1987. JoJo also has an English dub that’s one of the most tolerable and enjoyable you’ll ever hear.

Dio takes a punch from Joseph Joestar (right).

THE GOOD: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is an anime/manga series you’ll come across one way or another if not through shear randomness. While it wasn’t really as big as already established manga even years after it’s debut, it slowly grew within its respective communities and became a form of art easily appreciated due to Araki’s presentation of it all. JoJo tells the story of the long-running Joestar family, each lead character takes on the nickname of JoJo in some form or another and in most cases are a reincarnation of the previous JoJo. As the story moves forward, the follow-up arc always includes a brand new “JoJo”.

The evil Dio converses with JoJo.

In the first two seasons of the anime arc one, aka Phantom Blood focuses on the original JoJo; Jonathan Joestar and his years long feud with Dio Brando who moves into the Joestar home after the passing of his birth father. Dio’s ultimate goal in part one of season one is to usurp JoJo as heir to the Joestar family fortune, however in part two Dio is transformed into a vampire like creature after wearing a cursed mask held within the Joestar family mansion. Dio becomes a force to be reckoned with and JoJo must use his new abilities to defeat him.

The second JoJo; Joseph Joestar.

In part two the second JoJo, Joseph takes center stage and faces off against the legendary & powerful Pillar Men, the original creators of the mask which turned Dio into a vampire. Both seasons have fantastic character direction, pacing, and a fun story.

JoJo prepares or his battle against the Pillar Men.

THE BAD: While season one is great from top to bottom, season two does suffer from a bit of a villain problem. The Pillar Men felt too underutilized compared to Dio.

Kars, the most powerful Pillar Man.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: While it may take a bit to really get into, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure will definitely pull you in with it’s charm eventually, even if it takes a retry or two. It’s camp, bizarre yet intriguing character designs, and story is too much to ignore for too long. Otaku Dome gives JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Blu-Ray Set 1 a 95 out of 100.