Part 1: Phantom Blood

The first part, Phantom Blood, which takes place in late Victorian Era England, follows Jonathan Joestar, a young man from a rich, polite, courteous, family, possessing a strong sense of justice. His main companions on his journey are William Zeppeli, a mysterious master of the martial art Hamon, who plays the role of mentor, and Robert E.O. Speedwagon, a hot blooded, but loyal and honorable street thug, who plays a more comedic role in the story.

Before them is Jonathan’s adopted brother, Dio Brando, who was born into a poverty stricken and abusive household, thus causing him to develop a strong desire to rise up in the world, and try to kill Jonathan’s father in order to inherit the large family fortune. After being caught red-handed, Dio uses a stone mask to transform himself into a vampire, in order to attain power through more direct means.

Phantom Blood is so early into Hirihiko Araki’s writing, that it lacks some of the charm of his later works. Jonathan makes a good “first JoJo”, as a symbol of valor and virtue, but this theming, while successful, leaves Jonathan as somewhat of a static character. Dio on the other hand makes for a great villain, a villain who is clever, irascible, and delightfully sinister. The supporting cast of  Zepelli and Speedwagon are entertaining, but leave no lasting impact.

The biggest advantage of this part over others is the powerful chemistry between Jonathan and Dio. Their relationship is spectacularly developed, and adds a lot of depth to both of their characters. While initially seeing him as a spoiled brat, due to his privileged upbringing, as Jonathan overcomes the various trials Dio puts him through, Dio comes to greatly respect the man, perhaps sympathizing with him, and admires his determination and his ability to rise above his limitations.

In turn, despite all of the hell that he has been put through, Jonathan can not find it within him to hate Dio. He recognizes that Dio must be stopped, but Jonathan can never forget the love he has for his adopted brother. No matter how despicable of a person Dio has become, he and Jonathan grew up together, and that bond remains in the back of Jonathan’s mind.

Overall, the first part of JoJo’s is greatly overshadowed by what is yet to come. Not only are the characters hit and miss, but other than the main fights, such as the final confrontation with Dio, the fights are not as exciting as those in later parts, and feel like cheap filler.