Hirohiko Araki’s enduring creation, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, continues to amaze fans worldwide, maintaining its vitality for over 35 years. The latest narrative journey, The JOJOLands, marks the ninth significant installment in this iconic series and the third within its refreshed continuity, following the tumultuous events of Stone Ocean.
With 13 chapters under its belt, The JOJOLands plunges us deep into a complex tale of crime, weaving a narrative that stands apart from the mob drama of Golden Wind set in Italy.
Protagonists Jodio Joestar and his brother, Dragona, find themselves embroiled in a perplexing mystery, promising to upend Hawaii’s established order by the story’s end.
Regardless of its promising start, determining the full scope and direction of a new JoJo adventure can be challenging in its early stages.
True to form, The JOJOLands introduces a plethora of characters and some of the series’ most bizarre and unconventional Stands within its initial dozen chapters.
However, it’s in Chapter 13, titled “The Absurd Event That Happened To Me That Year,” that the narrative takes a significant turn. This chapter provides key insights into the past of Jodio and Dragona, shedding light on their present predicaments.
“The Absurd Event That Happened To Me That Year” emerges as one of The JOJOLands’ most assured installments yet, benefiting from a deeper understanding of its characters and the trajectory of the unfolding story.
Triggering Dragona and Jodio’s Special Powers In JoJoLands Chapter 13
The earlier chapters of The JOJOLands have thoroughly explored the series’ Hawaiian backdrop, introduced a fresh ensemble of characters, and set the stage with an intriguing mystery that reunites fans with beloved figures like Rohan Kishibe.
Chapter 12, titled “His Name is ‘Charming Man,'” introduces new players to the narrative.
However, it’s Chapter 13 that takes a significant narrative detour, going into the past to shed light on the central Joestar characters, providing deeper insights into not only “Charming Man” and his missing brother but also the overarching themes of Part 9.
In “The Absurd Event That Happened To Me That Year,” the story rewinds four years, back to when Dragona was 14 and Jodio was merely 11.
While flashbacks are not uncommon in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, they typically focus on supporting characters rather than the main protagonists. This shift in focus injects Chapter 13 with a heightened energy, allowing the various pieces of The JOJOLands to fall into place more cohesively.
This flashback doesn’t merely serve as a narrative device; it reveals the pivotal moments that awaken Dragona and Jodio’s Stands – Smooth Operators and November Rain.
The chapter places Dragona at the forefront, depicting the relentless bullying he endures in high school. What begins as juvenile taunting escalates into deeply uncomfortable territory, as Dragona becomes the target of humiliating and even sexually abusive behavior.
Araki adeptly immerses the audience in Dragona’s plight, capturing the disturbing power dynamic fueled by the bully’s wealth, privilege, and social status.
Fortunately, Jodio intervenes just in time, wielding his November Rain Stand to protect his brother from further harm. Araki ensures that this depiction remains sensitive and purposeful, underscoring themes of destiny and the pervasive influence of wealth that permeate The JOJOLands.
This flashback not only adds depth to Jodio and Dragona’s motivations but also underscores the tragic circumstances that drive their pursuit of wealth.
In a dramatic turn of events, Jodio, driven by a desire to protect his brother, finds himself on the brink of causing a catastrophe. His actions nearly result in the deaths of numerous innocent bystanders when a trapped parrot prompts a change of heart.
While Jodio ultimately spares lives, the aftermath leaves many with severe burns—a harrowing sequence, especially considering Jodio’s tender age of 11. This display of aggression, unprecedented in the series, hints at the potential consequences for any villain who dares to provoke Dragona.
Chapter 13 of The JOJOLands goes deep into Dragona’s anguish, fear, and determination never to feel powerless again. It highlights Jodio’s unwavering commitment to his brother’s safety, shedding new light on their bond, which gains even greater significance following the revelations in the preceding chapter concerning Charming Man and his younger brother, Mauka.
The shared trauma and sibling solidarity serve as the catalyst for the emergence of Jodio and Dragona’s Stands, which they wield not for personal gain but to aid each other—a witness to their enduring brotherly love.
Hirohiko Araki’s fascination with destiny and the unseen forces shaping our lives takes center stage in The JOJOLands Chapter 13. Here, fate, destiny, and karma are portrayed as “absurd events,” integral to everyone’s existence regardless of their involvement.
This concept is poignantly illustrated when Jodio’s impulsive act inadvertently triggers a chain reaction, leading to his father’s disgrace and subsequent departure from Hawaii.
This event places added strain on their mother, Barbara, compelling Jodio and Dragona to turn to a life of crime to support the family.
The differing perspectives on responsibility—Jodio’s guilt and Dragona’s acceptance of randomness—offer a compelling exploration of the Joestar siblings’ characters, underscoring their contrasting approaches to self-preservation.
While Chapter 13 enriches our understanding of Jodio and Dragona, its placement within the narrative raises questions about its effectiveness.
Although illuminating, its positioning feels somewhat forced, as if Araki is retroactively weaving together story threads that were not initially planned.
Nonetheless, the chapter’s profound insights into the brothers’ dynamics and the intricacies of fate leave an indelible mark, elevating The JOJOLands to new heights of narrative complexity and emotional depth.
Charming Man Aids Meryl’s Crew In Planning A Lucrative Heist
While Chapter 13 of The JOJOLands primarily unfolds four years in the past, it skillfully keeps the narrative momentum moving forward. In the present, Meryl hesitates to welcome
Charming Man into her circle of criminals. However, his dedication to finding his missing brother and his valuable knowledge about the enigmatic Lava Rocks sway her decision.
These rocks, which have been shrouded in mystery for the past dozen chapters, are now poised to take center stage. The chapter provides key insights into the Lava Rocks and their significance in Hualalai, where Muaka vanished.
Charming Man introduces an impending challenge related to storming Hualalai and retrieving the rocks, setting the stage for the next phase of the story.
Meryl reveals her team’s ambitious plan to seize control of the entire Hualalai mountain by infiltrating HOWLER, the company that owns the land. This daring scheme aims to net them a staggering $50 billion, with each member of the group receiving a generous cut.
However, Meryl remains a mysterious figure, her true intentions shrouded in secrecy. It’s possible that she’s withholding vital information, willing to endanger Jodio, Dragona, Charming Man, and the others if it furthers her own agenda, possibly involving the coveted Lava Rocks.
Nonetheless, the prospect of the next heist, coupled with the enticing financial rewards, adds an element of excitement to The JOJOLands’ evolving narrative, steering clear of stagnant storytelling and offering a tantalizing peek of what lies ahead.
The JOJOLands Promises A Promising Start With Clear Storytelling
Considering the precedent set by JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s Steel Ball Run and JoJolion, each running for approximately 100 chapters, it’s evident that The JOJOLands is still in its nascent stages.
The series has yet to reveal its central story arc and antagonist fully. While the early chapters of a JoJo series can sometimes be trying, The JOJOLands presents a robust start, effectively intertwining thematic elements and laying the groundwork for a grander narrative.
Chapter 13, “The Absurd Event That Happened To Me That Year,” showcases Araki’s stunning artwork, particularly in depicting the younger versions of Jodio and Dragona.
Unlike some previous chapters where complex Stand abilities led to confusion in the artwork, this installment maintains clarity and offers a visually engaging reading experience.
The success of “The Absurd Event That Happened To Me That Year” lies not only in its character development but also in its narrative progression, signaling promising prospects for The JOJOLands’ ongoing story arc. With its strong start and cohesive storytelling,
The JOJOLands holds the potential to carve its own place among the illustrious lineage of JoJo adventures.
