The year is 1999. Morioh, a normally quiet and peaceful town, has recently become a hotbed of strange activity. Joutarou Kuujou, now a marine biologist, heads to the mysterious town to meet Jousuke Higashikata. While the two may seem like strangers at first, Jousuke is actually the illegitimate child of Joutarou's grandfather, Joseph Joestar. When they meet, Joutarou realizes that he may have more in common with Jousuke than just a blood relation.
Along with the mild-mannered Kouichi Hirose and the boisterous Okuyasu Nijimura, the group dedicates themselves to investigating recent disappearances and other suspicious occurrences within Morioh. Aided by the power of Stands, the four men will encounter danger at every street corner, as it is up to them to unravel the town's secrets, before another occurs.
Anime Review: JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 4: Diamond wa Kudakenai
JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 4: Diamond wa Kudakenai, or by its English title, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable, is the fourth installment in the world-renowned JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise. The series is set in the scenic yet eerie town of Morioh, located in S City within Japan’s M Prefecture. This part introduces us to the protagonist, Josuke Higashikata, a high-school student and the illegitimate son of part 2 protagonist, Joseph Joestar.
Our story unravels in the year 1999, with a blend of mystery, action, and supernatural elements. Morioh has become a hotbed of bizarre incidents, all thanks to the effects of an ancient Bow and Arrow that has the ability to awaken Stand powers ―pure, physical manifestations of a character’s fighting spirit. With good-natured but ferocious Josuke at the helm, Jotaro Kujo a series regular, and an ensemble of unique new comrades, the crusade against these Stand users and several other threats to the town begins.
Story
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is well-known for its ability to weave together mind-bending narrative threads and the fourth installment is no exception. Diamond is Unbreakable takes the exciting formula of Stand battles into a more intimate setting, revolving around a handful of characters and their lives in Morioh town. The mundane daily life is skillfully blended with ferocious action sequences, creating a unique flavor that leaves you wanting more. Every episode feels like a mini-mystery to solve, maintaining a brisk pace that never lets your attention falter.
Art & Animation
Diamond is Unbreakable displays a drastic shift in its art style, transitioning from the masculine and bulkier character designs to a more lean and stylish aesthetic. But fret not, the vibrant color palette, quintessential to the JoJo’s universe, is very much alive and adds significantly to the overall viewing pleasure. The animation during the Stand battles gets specially shout-worthy and the meticulous details provided to the Stand designs deserve a standing ovation.
Sound
The sound design, oh boy, it’s stellar here! The musical score impeccably compliments the tonal shifts, from cheeky to tensed, that Diamond is Unbreakable often throws in for good measure. The series’ opening and ending themes are catchy ear-worms that you wouldn’t want to skip.
Characters
The character development and exploration is where Diamond is Unbreakable truly shines. Each introduced character is given apt screen time to grow and carve a place in your heart. The humanization of Josuke, as he metaphorically and literally fixes the town and its residents with his Stand, is truly moving. The dynamic between Josuke and his comrades, each sporting their own unique Stands, forms the emotional backbone of the show.
Should You Watch It?
It’s a resounding YES! Whether you’re a long-time JoJo’s fan or a newbie wondering where to start, JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 4: Diamond wa Kudakenai is a spectacular series to behold. Engaging storytelling, charming characters, stunning visuals, and an unforgettable soundtrack – it truly is a diamond in the rough. So, rent it, buy it, stream it, this is a series you cannot afford to miss!
Rating: 9.5/10
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