Why the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Openings are Special

by

Summary

  • JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure openings have custom-made music, adding to the series’ iconic atmosphere. (120)
  • The visuals in the openings, done by a CGI specialist studio, perfectly convey the unique style and narrative of each arc. (120)
  • Villains invading the openings mark crucial story moments, adding a unique twist to the series’ iconic opening sequences. (120)

It’s challenging to single out a particular element that catapulted JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure to its current level of fame. What primarily captivates audiences is the unique art style, enchanting ambiance, and the blend of absurd humor with intense, heart-pounding suspense. However, it doesn’t take long for viewers to discover another key factor that sets this anime apart – its exceptional opening sequences.

The opening sequences for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure are renowned for their inventive and emotionally stirring visuals, which is why they have gained such popularity among anime enthusiasts. Let us delve deeper into what makes these intros so captivating.

Exciting music

The Sound of JoJo

In most anime series, the opening themes are often borrowed from popular artists’ existing works rather than being made exclusively for the show. However, in the case of JoJo, each opening theme is uniquely composed for the series itself. This originality is evident in the lyrics and overall atmosphere of the songs associated with each arc. The song “JOJO ~Sono Chi no Sadame~” by Hiroaki Tommy Tominaga stands out as a renowned anime opening theme due to its powerful sound and catchy melody, which has become instantly recognizable. The closing lines of the song, invoking the name of the lead character, have since become a signature musical cue.

One of the most beloved anime opening themes in recent times is ‘Bloody Stream’, created by coda. The track’s catchy and energetic rhythm pairs beautifully with Joseph Joestar’s journey, while coda’s melodious voice adds a calming touch. Fans have taken to this song enthusiastically, as evidenced by numerous fan covers and medleys on YouTube.

Jin Hashimoto’s ‘Stand Proud’ is widely recognized as one of the most memorable tunes in the series, due to its energetic, pulse-raising melody. The song embodies the fiery spirit of Stardust Crusaders and Jotaro Kujo with its bombastic, macho vibe, making it a perfect representation of an action series theme for powerful, larger-than-life characters like those from Stardust Crusaders.

During the latter part of the Joestar Saga, the narrative veers towards showcasing Hirohiko Araki’s artistic growth and environmental shifts. The song “Crazy Noisy Bizarre Town” by The Du beautifully portrays the zany and playful exploits of Josuke and his companions. On the other hand, “CHASE” by Batta captures the dramatic shift in mood when the primary villain enters the scene. Lastly, “Great Days” symbolizes the hopefulness and benevolence that characterize the Morioh Warriors as they astonishingly vanquish Yoshikage Kira.

In Golden Wind, the story’s themes are a blend of the intense, dramatic world of mafia life and subtle religious symbolism. The thrilling journey of Giorno and his companions is brilliantly encapsulated in “Traitor’s Requiem,” as they fight not just against other characters but also against destiny itself. “Heaven’s Falling Down” signifies the grand finale of the Joestar Saga, where Jolyne faces off against Father Pucci, and it serves as a tribute to every family member who came before her.

Visuals Like No Other

The Style of JoJo

Approximately half of JoJo’s intros are produced by studio Kamikaze Douga, a team renowned for creating CGI animation. They skillfully render the distinctive styles and ambiance of JoJo into intricate CGI models and ingeniously designed camera angles. The intros visually narrate the main storyline of each arc with great proficiency. For instance, the Phantom Blood intro employs spinning visuals to transition between scenes, mirroring the chaotic and spiraling conflict experienced by Jonathan and Dio. The Battle Tendency opening combines CGI models with stylish pop art imagery, featuring colored silhouettes and symbols. The Stardust Crusaders’ first intro shares a similar vibe as Phantom Blood, using dynamic angles to transition between scenes of the Crusaders pursuing their adversary. A memorable shot for fans is that of Jonathan, Joseph, and Jotaro.

For parts four and five, instead of being animated in the more dynamic 3D style that some fans were hoping for, the openings were done in traditional 2D animation, which left some viewers feeling underwhelmed. However, these traditional openings are still incredibly thrilling and memorable in their unique ways. The final opening for part four, titled “Great Days,” echoes the atmosphere of “Bites The Dust” with its recurring visuals of the Morioh warriors trapped within a time loop during the climactic arc.

In the opening sequence for Stone Ocean, Kamikaze Douga reappears, linking Jolyne’s adventure more closely with the original Joestar trilogy. The initial opening references Phantom Blood by employing circular transitions in each scene, and incorporating static scenes that depict significant moments from the part, as a tribute to the first opening. This is because Jolyne’s story marks the conclusion of the original Joestar saga. Moreover, Heaven’s Falling Down seems like an ideal finale for the narrative that began with Phantom Blood and Jonathan Joestar. The final shot of Jolyne punching Father Pucci is a clear homage to Jonathan’s iconic punch. Overall, the openings for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure are visually striking and self-referential, honoring each other while maintaining the themes of legacy and generational journeys that characterized the Joestar saga.

The Villain Invasions

The Key Element

Discussing JoJo’s openings without mentioning their key factor behind their widespread popularity is quite challenging. From part three onwards, the final antagonist’s revelation of their true power often intertwines with the opening sequence to symbolize a significant shift in the narrative leading up to the final battle. Dio Brando, for instance, intrudes upon the End of the World scene at the instant Jotaro delivers his punch, halting time to engage the protagonist in a Stand Rush. The pause in time affects not only Jotaro but also the music, which restarts as DIO passes him by, culminating in their epic confrontation.

In part four, Yoshikage Kira and his Bites the Dust overtake Great Days. The imagery and music are manipulated by Kira until the bravery and resilience of the Morioh Warriors halt his assault, reinforcing love as the counter to his wickedness. In Golden Wind, Diavolo’s Epitaph invades, accompanied by an ominous Italian speech – Diavolo’s native language. This speech is specifically written for the series, shedding light on Diavolo’s thoughts while using King Crimson. However, once Gold Experience Requiem emerges, it halts and counterattacks Diavolo’s invasion, mirroring King Crimson back at him, preventing him from discovering the truth.

The change in Heaven’s Falling Down might be the most intensely emotional shift, as Father Pucci doesn’t forcefully enter the scene, but instead, the narrative carries viewers through the generations of the Joestar family and the initial presentation of the Phantom Blood opening. This journey culminates with Jolyne and Pucci confronting each other, with Stone Free striking Made in Heaven, symbolically honoring Jonathan and Dio.

The openings for “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” stand out as exemplary in crafting opening sequences. With custom-fitted music fitting for the series, imaginative and impactful visuals by a dedicated studio, and a distinctive flair of creativity and innovation for villain invasions, courtesy of David Productions, these openings are nothing short of brilliant.

Read More

2025-01-12 00:35