When was jojo's bizarre adventure made
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Last updated: April 17, 2026
Key Facts
- Manga debuted on <strong>January 2, 1987</strong> in Weekly Shōnen Jump
- Created by <strong>Hirohiko Araki</strong>, who has written and illustrated every part
- First anime adaptation released in <strong>1993</strong> as a 6-episode OVA
- Revival anime series began in <strong>2012</strong> with David Production
- Series is divided into <strong>9 parts</strong>, with Part 9: The JOJOLands ongoing
Overview
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is a Japanese manga series created by Hirohiko Araki that first appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump on January 2, 1987. The series spans multiple generations of the Joestar family, blending supernatural elements, unique fashion, and dramatic poses into a globally beloved franchise.
Originally conceived as a Western-inspired action story, the manga evolved into a surreal, genre-defying epic with increasingly complex powers and narrative structures. Its longevity and influence have made it one of the most iconic manga of all time, with over 120 million copies in circulation as of 2023.
- Debut date: The manga officially launched on January 2, 1987, in issue #4 of Weekly Shōnen Jump, marking the beginning of a 35+ year legacy.
- Creator: Hirohiko Araki has been the sole writer and artist for the entire series, maintaining creative control across all nine parts.
- First anime adaptation: A 6-episode OVA titled JoJo's Bizarre Adventure was released between 1993 and 1994, covering the 'Stardust Crusaders' arc.
- Modern revival: In 2012, David Production began a new anime adaptation, starting with Part 1: Phantom Blood, which revitalized global interest.
- Current status: Part 9, titled The JOJOLands, began serialization in 2023 and continues the story with new characters and themes.
How It Works
The series is structured in distinct parts, each following a different Joestar descendant facing supernatural threats using unique abilities. These parts are self-contained yet interconnected through bloodline, legacy, and recurring motifs like Stands and hamon.
- Part 1: Phantom Blood (1987): Introduces Jonathan Joestar and his rivalry with Dio Brando, establishing the series' gothic tone and martial arts foundation.
- Part 2: Battle Tendency (1987–1989): Follows Joseph Joestar as he battles ancient Pillar Men using hamon energy, expanding the lore.
- Part 3: Stardust Crusaders (1989–1992): Introduces Stands—psychic manifestations of life energy—used by Jotaro Kujo and others.
- Part 4: Diamond Is Unbreakable (1992–1995): Set in Morioh, it follows Josuke Higashikata solving mysteries with his Stand, Crazy Diamond.
- Part 5: Golden Wind (1995–1999): Centers on Giorno Giovanna in Italy, aiming to reform the mafia with his Stand, Gold Experience.
- Part 6: Stone Ocean (2000–2003): Features Jolyne Cujoh, the first female JoJo, battling enemies in a Florida prison using her Stand, Stone Free.
Comparison at a Glance
The following table compares key details of the original 1993 OVA and the 2012 reboot anime series:
| Feature | 1993 OVA | 2012 Reboot |
|---|---|---|
| Episodes | 6 episodes | Over 150 episodes (and counting) |
| Studio | APPP and Studio Pierrot | David Production |
| Parts Covered | Stardust Crusaders only | Parts 1–6, with Part 7 in development |
| Release Period | 1993–1994 | 2012–present |
| Global Availability | Limited VHS release | Streaming on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu |
The 2012 reboot significantly expanded the franchise's reach, offering faithful adaptations with modern animation and sound design. It also introduced JoJo to Western audiences through widespread streaming access, whereas the 1993 version was largely inaccessible outside Japan.
Why It Matters
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure has had a profound impact on pop culture, inspiring fashion, music, and internet memes. Its distinctive art style and dramatic dialogue have made it a staple of anime and manga fandom worldwide.
- Influence on fashion: Araki's detailed costume designs have inspired real-world brands, including collaborations with Gucci and Uniqlo.
- Meme culture: Iconic poses and lines like "Muda Muda Muda" have become viral internet memes across platforms.
- Global sales: The manga has sold over 120 million copies, making it one of the best-selling series in history.
- Music references: Each part and character is named after rock and pop musicians, such as Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Bruno Mars.
- Longevity: With continuous publication since 1987, it's one of the longest-running manga series by a single creator.
- Cultural legacy: The series has inspired video games, stage plays, and art exhibitions across Japan, Europe, and North America.
From its 1987 debut to its ongoing evolution, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure remains a groundbreaking force in storytelling, blending absurdity, drama, and style into a uniquely enduring legacy.
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Sources
- WikipediaCC-BY-SA-4.0
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