Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures is a fan-favorite manga and anime that proved to be a huge worldwide success for its intriguing storylines and unforgettable characters. With the uncanny character designs, a touch of uncertainty in storytelling, and surely with some bizarre concepts this series got everyone hooked since its first release.
However, beneath its captivating surface lies an element of surprise: quite an amount of liberal use of dark and vulgar language! So what exactly is the basis of creator Hirohiko Araki’s gutsiness with graphic dialogues, and just how does this bold choice define this series?
Hirohiko Araki Wanted To Show The Contrasting Nature Of Human Behaviours
One of the most renowned manga artists, Hirohiko Araki, planned something big for his series Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures. It was to show the contrasting nature of human behavior. In an exclusive interview, he confessed that he mixed vulgar expressions with the horror elements in the series, which was his well-thought-out way of depicting different sides of humanity.
However, since there are horror elements in my manga, I purposely used vulgar language…
Araki explained that he tried to represent the duality of opposites because he did not think there was just one side. He has previously worked with such dualities in human nature, placing side by side “black and white”, “good and evil”, and “beauty and ugliness.”
I felt that I shouldn’t only depict the beautiful parts. “Black and white”, “Good and evil”, “Beauty and ugliness”. I try to keep opposites like these in mind as I draw, so I don’t shy away from the ugly parts of human nature.
This genius philosophy allowed him to make a more realistic and thought-provoking narration for the overall plot of the series.
It was also this boldness in explicit words and their darker themes that really sets Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure apart from other series and cuts a new mark in manga and anime history. Araki thus challenged readers through his work to consider the contradictions of core human nature.
Arakawa-sensei, The Author Of Fullmetal Alchemist, Praises Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures
Hiromu Arakawa, the creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, talked about Hirohiko Araki, and it is clear that Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures is one of those stories he particularly admires. In the same interview, Arakawa revealed she often finds herself quoting many of Jojo’s lines in everyday life as a method to show just how profound of an impact the series has had on her mind.
I would unconsciously say lines from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure in my everyday life. Perhaps more than you think, Araki-sensei, it’s probably become ingrained in your readers’ blood.
Even such dark and vulgar dialogues speak a lot about the power and memorability of the series, something that has obviously appealed to Arakawa among many others.
Arakawa’s endorsement is like a seal of approval for Araki’s storytelling prowess and his ability to formulate phrases that stick in the heads of his listeners. Even a world-class author like her would be influenced by this series in such a deep manner, speaks volumes about Jojo’s popularity.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
