The JoJoLands: A New Era in Historical Context and Genre Placement

Introduction

The JoJoLands, the ninth installment of Hirohiko Araki’s iconic manga series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, marks a significant departure from its predecessors in both historical context and genre placement. Set in contemporary Hawaii, this part introduces a new protagonist, Jodio Joestar, a teenage gangster with ambitions to become wealthy in the tropics. This blog post delves into the historical context and genre placement of The JoJoLands, exploring how it updates the series for modern audiences.

Historical Context

The JoJoLands is set in the early 2020s in Hawaii, a setting that offers a fresh backdrop for the series. Unlike previous parts, which often drew inspiration from historical events and cultural references of their time, The JoJoLands is deeply rooted in contemporary issues and themes. The story touches on topics such as police brutality and transgender representation, making it the most diverse part of the series yet.

The choice of Hawaii as the setting is also noteworthy. The islands provide a unique cultural and geographical context that allows Araki to explore themes of identity, power, and the impact of colonialism. The Howler Company, a central entity in the story, is a water resource and water-power generation infrastructure company with a complex history tied to the land and its indigenous people.

Genre Placement

The JoJoLands challenges traditional genre expectations by presenting a protagonist who is far from the typical hero archetype. Jodio Joestar is a high schooler and a gofer living with his family on Oahu, Hawaii, who aspires to become extremely rich by reaching the apex of the world’s mechanisms. This departure from the usual heroic protagonists of the series signals a shift towards more complex and nuanced characterizations.

Moreover, The JoJoLands incorporates elements of crime and gangster genres, which are new to the series. The story involves Jodio and his group engaging in criminal activities, such as drug deals and heists, which adds a layer of moral complexity to the narrative.

Impact on the Series

The JoJoLands represents a significant evolution in the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series. By tackling contemporary issues and themes, Araki demonstrates his ability to adapt the series to changing times, making it more relevant and engaging for modern audiences. The introduction of a new protagonist and setting also offers a fresh start for new readers, while still maintaining the series’ signature blend of action, drama, and supernatural elements.

Conclusion

The JoJoLands is a bold new chapter in the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series, offering a unique blend of historical context and genre placement. By exploring contemporary issues and themes in a new setting, Araki has created a story that is both a continuation of the series’ legacy and a departure from its traditional norms. For fans and new readers alike, The JoJoLands promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking journey.

Further Reading

• Chapters: Explore all chapters of The JoJoLands and the entire JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series.
• Characters: Learn more about Jodio Joestar and other characters in The JoJoLands.
• Chapter 1: Read the first chapter of The JoJoLands to get started on this new adventure.