JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of action, стиль, and generational storytelling. At the heart of this epic saga is the Joestar family, a lineage brimming with heroes, villains, and a whole lot of bizarre adventures. Created by Hirohiko Araki in 1987, the series spans multiple generations, each part focusing on a different member of the Joestar bloodline and their fight against evil, often connected to the infamous Dio Brando. Navigating the Joestar family tree can feel like a Stand ability in itself – complex and sometimes confusing. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer eager to jump into this incredible universe, understanding the Joestar family tree is key to appreciating the depth of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. Let’s unravel this intricate web and explore the connections that bind this iconic anime family.
Jonathan Joestar: The Progenitor
Image via David Production
Jonathan Joestar, voiced by Kazuyuki Okitsu, stands as the original Jojo and the cornerstone of the entire Joestar family tree. Born to George Joestar I and Mary Joestar, Jonathan’s life takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of his adopted brother, Dio Brando. Dio’s insidious nature and relentless attempts to sabotage Jonathan’s life set the stage for the overarching conflict of the early parts. The pivotal moment arrives when Dio transforms into a vampire, tragically killing George Joestar I. This event propels Jonathan on his path to mastering Hamon, an ancient martial art utilizing sunlight energy. Under the tutelage of Will Anthonio Zeppeli, Jonathan hones his Hamon skills, eventually confronting Dio at Windknight’s Lot. Though he seemingly defeats Dio and destroys the Stone Mask responsible for Dio’s vampirism, tragedy strikes again during Jonathan’s honeymoon with Erina Pendleton. Mortally wounded by a resurrected Dio, Jonathan’s final act of heroism is to ensure Erina’s escape and the safety of their unborn child. Erina later gives birth to George Joestar II, ensuring the Joestar lineage continues. Jonathan’s legacy as the noble and courageous first Jojo resonates throughout the entire series, shaping the values and destinies of his descendants.
Joseph Joestar: The Cunning Strategist
Skipping George Joestar II in terms of main protagonist focus, we arrive at Joseph Joestar, voiced by Tomokazu Sugita and Unsho Ishizuka. Joseph takes center stage in Battle Tendency, Part 2 of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. He is the son of George Joestar II and Elizabeth Joestar (secretly Lisa Lisa), inheriting Jonathan’s Hamon abilities. Joseph is the last Joestar protagonist to primarily use Hamon, as Stands take center stage from Stardust Crusaders onwards. Lisa Lisa, his mother, also serves as his Hamon master, mirroring Zeppeli’s role for Jonathan. He trains alongside Caesar Zeppeli, grandson of Jonathan’s mentor, forming a powerful Hamon duo. Their journey leads them to confront the Pillar Men, ancient beings of immense power. Caesar’s tragic death during a battle with Wamuu fuels Joseph’s resolve, pushing him to ultimately defeat Kars and protect humanity.
Joseph, known for his cunning and unpredictable strategies, later marries Suzie Q and fathers Holy Joestar. He reappears in Stardust Crusaders to aid his grandson, Jotaro Kujo, in combating Dio’s resurgence and saving Holy from a life-threatening Stand manifestation. After the events of Stardust Crusaders, Joseph’s life takes another turn with an affair with Tomoko Higashikata, resulting in his illegitimate son, Josuke Higashikata. This familial connection brings Joseph to Morioh in Diamond is Unbreakable, where he becomes an important ally to Josuke in facing the Stand-related threats in their town, including the notorious Yoshikage Kira. During his time in Morioh, Joseph also adopts Shizuka Joestar, an invisible baby, further demonstrating his caring nature. Joseph’s recurring presence throughout the series, second only to Jotaro, highlights his enduring impact on the Joestar lineage and their ongoing battles.
Jotaro Kujo: The Stoic Hero
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Jotaro Kujo, voiced by Daisuke Ono, marks another generational leap in the Joestar family tree and the introduction of Stands. Son of Holy Joestar and Sadao Kujo, Jotaro’s story unfolds in Stardust Crusaders, shifting the setting to Japan and Egypt. Joseph Joestar and Muhammad Avdol, a fellow Stand user, arrive to explain to Jotaro his newly awakened Stand ability and the resurgence of Dio Brando, now inhabiting Jonathan’s body. Holy’s own Stand manifestation proves too powerful for her, endangering her life and setting Jotaro on a perilous journey to Egypt to confront and defeat Dio once and for all. This journey is fraught with sacrifice, as Jotaro loses companions like Noriaki Kakyoin, Avdol, and Iggy, and narrowly saves Joseph’s life. The emotional toll of this journey profoundly impacts Jotaro, shaping his stoic and often detached demeanor in later parts.
Years after Stardust Crusaders, Jotaro marries and has a daughter, Jolyne Cujoh. He appears in Diamond is Unbreakable as a mentor figure to Josuke and his friends, investigating the mysterious Stand-bestowing Bow and Arrow. He briefly features in Vento Aureo, sending Koichi Hirose to Italy to investigate Giorno Giovanna, Dio’s son. Jotaro plays a crucial role in Stone Ocean, where he aids Jolyne after she becomes entangled in Enrico Pucci’s schemes, ultimately leading to a universe-altering confrontation. It’s revealed in Stone Ocean that Jotaro has divorced his wife, further adding to the complexities of his character. Jotaro’s legacy is one of immense power, unwavering resolve, and a deep-seated protectiveness towards his family, even if he struggles to express it openly.
Josuke Higashikata: The Righteous Rebel
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Josuke Higashikata, voiced by Yuki Ono, is the son of Joseph Joestar and Tomoko Higashikata and the protagonist of Diamond is Unbreakable. Raised primarily by his mother and maternal grandfather, Ryohei Higashikata, due to Joseph’s absence, Josuke’s strong sense of loyalty to his hometown, Morioh, is deeply rooted. His grandfather’s tragic death at the hands of a Stand user fuels Josuke’s determination to protect Morioh from similar threats. When Jotaro arrives in Morioh seeking Joseph, Josuke initially maintains a distance from his estranged father. However, witnessing Joseph’s genuine desire to help others, Josuke gradually warms up to him. Like his Joestar predecessors, Josuke embodies kindness and a strong moral compass, although he possesses a youthful impulsiveness and a fierce temper, especially when his hairstyle is mocked.
Diamond is Unbreakable prominently features the Bow and Arrow, introduced as a source of Stand abilities. This artifact plays a pivotal role in subsequent parts, including Vento Aureo and Stone Ocean. The Arrow is responsible for Josuke’s Stand, Crazy Diamond, and the Stands of many allies and enemies in Morioh, including Josuke’s friend Okuyasu Nijimura. The Bow and Arrow’s influence extends even to Stone Ocean, where it is connected to the Stands of characters like Ermes Costello, Weather Report, and Jolyne Cujoh, highlighting its significance in the broader Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure universe. Josuke represents a younger generation of Joestars, grappling with personal and local threats while upholding the family’s heroic legacy.
Giorno Giovanna: The Ambitious Dreamer
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Giorno Giovanna, voiced by Kensho Ono, protagonist of Vento Aureo, presents perhaps the most complex branch in the Joestar family tree. Born to an unnamed mother, Giorno’s parentage is uniquely intertwined with both Dio Brando and Jonathan Joestar. Conceived when Dio was inhabiting Jonathan’s body, Giorno inherits genetic traits from both men. He displays Dio’s blonde hair and ruthless streak, while also possessing Jonathan’s Joestar birthmark and gentlemanly demeanor. This dual heritage is reflected in his Stand, Gold Experience, which shares visual similarities with Dio’s Stand, The World, and its life-creating abilities can be seen as a symbolic nod to Jonathan’s body giving new life to Dio. Giorno’s lineage makes him George Joestar II’s brother, Joseph’s uncle, Holy and Josuke’s great-uncle, Jotaro’s great-great-uncle, and Jolyne’s great-great-great-uncle, placing him in a unique position within the family tree.
Giorno also has three half-brothers, Donatello Versus, Ungalo, and Rikiel, fathered by Dio, who appear as antagonists in Stone Ocean under Enrico Pucci’s command. Despite his complex origins and Dio’s influence, Giorno carves his own path in Vento Aureo, striving to become a “Gang-Star” and reform the Neapolitan mafia from within. Giorno’s ambition and unique blend of Joestar and Brando traits make him a fascinating and powerful figure in the Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure saga.
Jolyne Cujoh: The Trailblazing Woman Jojo
Jolyne Cujoh in her prison attire in Stone Ocean
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Jolyne Cujoh, voiced by Fairouz Ai, is the final Jojo protagonist in the original timeline and a groundbreaking figure as the first and only female Jojo to date. Daughter of Jotaro Kujo and an unnamed woman, Jolyne’s story in Stone Ocean centers on her complex relationship with her often-absent father. Initially resentful towards Jotaro, Jolyne’s character arc revolves around her desperate efforts to save him after Whitesnake steals his Stand and memories, leaving him comatose. This ordeal forces Jolyne to confront her feelings for Jotaro and ultimately leads to a deeper understanding and reconciliation between them. Jotaro, in turn, reveals his deep, albeit understated, protectiveness of Jolyne, entrusting her with an Arrow that awakens her Stand, Stone Free.
Stone Ocean marks a pivotal point in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, concluding the original universe as the Stand Made in Heaven initiates a universe reset. While Jolyne’s ally Emporio Alniño defeats Pucci, another universe reset occurs, leading to an ambiguous yet hopeful ending where alternate versions of Jolyne and Narciso Anasui are seen preparing to meet Jotaro, hinting at a new beginning. Jolyne’s strength, resilience, and journey of self-discovery solidify her as a powerful and iconic Jojo in her own right, leaving a lasting impact on the series.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a sprawling epic, and the Joestar family tree is its intricate backbone. From Jonathan’s noble beginnings to Jolyne’s universe-altering journey, each Joestar contributes to a legacy of courage, determination, and bizarre adventures. Understanding these connections enhances the viewing experience and allows for a deeper appreciation of Araki’s masterful storytelling.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is available for streaming on Netflix.
