Bizarre indeed.

Overview

In Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, extraordinary people have the ability to summon and control avatar-like beings called “stands.”  These “Stands” are invisible creatures that take human-like form when called upon and have awesome abilities at their disposal. Featuring villains with rock star names and unbelievable action, Jojo’s is a great addition to any Manga fan’s library.

During the 1800’s England was under the curse of an evil vampire lord named Dio Brando. English nobleman Jonathan Joestar learned a special vampire killing martial art form called “Homan” and was able to use it to sacrifice himself and destroy Dio.  Removing his head and taking it with him to the bottom of the ocean, he remained there indefinitely.  Before his sacrifice, Jonathan Joestar fostered a child.

Fast forward to the modern age and Dio has returned with Jonathan Joestar’s body as his vessel.  With Dio’s return, powers are awakening in Homan users across the globe.  Jotaro KujoIn, the grandson of Jonathan Joestar, has inherited his grandfather’s ability to channel the “Stands” and must travel the globe in search of Dio and return him to his grave permanently.  Destroying Dio will not only end the curse, but save Jotaro’s mother.

Volume 14: The Dark Void of Vanilla Ice kicks off with JoJo and his crew at Dio’s mansion in Cairo.  Vanilla Ice has sacrificed himself to Dio and in return has gained the power to heal instantly. With his new found gift and his already insanely powerful stand at his disposal, he targets JoJo’s friends.   What follows is a huge battle between Polnareff, Iggy, and Vanilla Ice that covers the entire volume with some awesome surprises throughout.

Highlights

Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure features some of the best artwork I’ve seen in a Manga.  The individual characters as well as their stands are incredibly unique and imaginative.  Jojo’s friends are all oddballs with their own story, background, and assets.  Characters are drawn with a great attention to detail, showing off a great deal of shading and depth on each one.  Vanilla Ice’s stand is particularly awesome looking along with its abilities.

Where Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure 14 fails is in its constant repetition.  Not only does the Manga show you what’s going on through the action and top-notch artwork, the characters constantly tell the reader exactly what’s happening as well.  It wears thin and makes reading this series less enjoyable.  During Polnareff’s fight with Vanilla Ice, he constantly says out loud every attack and hit he takes all while it is being shown to us.  I don’t need to hear you tell me you’re getting your ass kicked, I see it happening already.  It’s rated for older teens, but feels like it’s meant for an audience much younger in the way it holds the readers hand like this.

Overall

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure 14 is another great addition to this already awesome series.  The artwork is original and some of the best out there.  The read is too easy for the average person, but don’t let that stop you from picking up this otherwise great issue.

ComicsOnline gives Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure 14 four out of five dark voids.

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