10 Underappreciated JoJo Characters Fans Need to Know About

For nearly 4 decades, Hirohiko Araki’s groundbreaking battle manga “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” has been a regular feature in Jump magazines. This is quite remarkable, considering that each new installment of the series essentially introduces an entirely new cast. However, with “Steel Ball Run” set to debut soon following the most significant reset yet for JoJo’s world, it presents an ideal opportunity to reminisce about the anime thus far and acknowledge its merits appropriately.

Over those years, JoJo has amassed an enormous cast of both friendly and less-than-friendly characters, guided by no fewer than nine distinct Joestar protagonists. These memorable JoJo figures have repeatedly outshone the title’s main stars, but for various reasons, they tend to be overshadowed in the recollections of fans.

1) Ermes (Stone Ocean)

In the world of JoJo, Ermes stands out with unique storytelling, particularly in “Diamond is Unbreakable” and subsequent series. The character development in JoJo’s main groups significantly improved from the first three installments, and this trend continued through “Golden Wind” and “Stone Ocean” until the original universe came to an end. Throughout most of Part 6, Ermes and Jolyne present a crucial contrast to each other, and their interactions form a brilliant duet that delves into the thorniest aspects of each character’s personality.

I must say, there’s a lot to admire about Ermes, but let me highlight a couple of reasons that stand out to me. Firstly, what many people overlook is just how formidable her Stand, Kiss, really is. In the climactic battle against Pucci, it was only Kiss that could withstand his gravity-altering abilities – quite an impressive feat!

Secondly, Ermes’ storyline in “Stone Ocean” is undeniably one of its most captivating. Given all the intricate plots and character development in this part, it’s no small feat for a single narrative to stand out. But Ermes’ journey truly sparkles, especially when she confronts Sports Maxx. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that keeps you hooked till the very end!

2) Yukako Yamagishi (Diamond is Unbreakable)

I’ve noticed that Yukako Yamagishi tends to evoke strong reactions, ranging from casual appreciation to intense disapproval. Few seem to truly connect with her, though. Upon closer examination, I find her to be a character of greater depth than many fans give her credit for. In some aspects, she fits the yandere mold perfectly—yet, her portrayal transcends this stereotype, delving into a compelling narrative about insecurity. The constraints of feminine norms and expectations surrounding her motivation and obsession are intriguingly complex: her power is rooted in her hair, lending an enigmatic air to her character.

Although Yukako’s actions towards Koichi are clearly unforgivable, there is a subtle complexity to how these events unfold, which becomes even more apparent as they reconcile, understand each other better, and Yukako’s significance in the story expands. Instead of serving merely as a device for character development for Koichi, Yukako serves as a compelling portrayal of the suffocating confinement often associated with femininity; furthermore, she is one of several characters who, through their individual journeys, invite viewers to appreciate the vibrant energy that permeates Morioh behind the scenes.

3) Risotto (Golden Wind)

Risotto stands out not just for his intense fight in “Golden Wind”, but also in the grand scheme of “JoJo”. Indeed, his battle against Doppio/Diavolo is gruesome and memorable. But what truly sets Risotto apart is the intriguing way he enters the scene leading up to that battle, a detail often overshadowed by the fight itself.

To save room, we won’t delve deeply into details here. However, it’s clear that Risotto possesses a consistent and shrewd demeanor, coupled with a strong sense of seriousness. His exceptional abilities only amplify his capable and daring leadership. He masterfully orchestrates the team in such a way that they become a formidable force, exerting immense pressure not only on Team Bruno, but even on Diavolo himself. Risotto’s contributions often go unnoticed by fans, yet he is undeniably one of the series’ most significant aspects.

4) Wamuu (Battle Tendency)

Among the Pillar Men from Battle Tendency, Wamuu is notably distinct. What sets him apart is his unwavering adherence to principles, even when faced with adversity. While he may not hold humans in high regard individually, he appreciates combat and honor above all else. A human who engages in a fair battle is worthy in his eyes. Regrettably, due to the swift pace of the first two installments, particularly in their animated adaptations, Wamuu’s presence often goes unnoticed or forgotten.

In a crucial manner that might not be immediately apparent, Wamuu plays a significant role in the story of Battle Tendency. If Wamuu, for even a second, had wavered from his commitment to honor, the outcome of the story would have been drastically different. The reason Joseph survived until the end of the story is due to Wamuu’s respect for him and his decision to pass on the antidote. Retrospectively, we can see that Wamuu’s valiant warrior spirit made it easier for Joseph to bear the sadness of Caesar’s death, which was one of JoJo’s most memorable battles.

5) Foo Fighters (Stone Ocean)

One significant choice in the “Stone Ocean” storyline is Foo Fighters, a character penned by Araki that stands out among his creations. This character is a humanoid composed of countless plankton, exhibiting human-like intelligence but devoid of human experiences. Initially, Jolyne and her group meet Foo Fighters while she’s carrying out Pucci’s orders, but later, she becomes an ally to the JoJo gang.

In this pivotal point, her character within the storyline becomes indispensable. Through Foo Fighter’s innocent and genuine nature, Araki delves into the personalities of Jolyne and her entire group. By the time Foo Fighter sacrifices her remaining strength to save Anasui, she has become an integral part (and a loyal ally) of the main cast in Stone Ocean. The sadness is intensified by the doubt surrounding her fate in the new world.

6) Hol Horse (Stardust Crusaders)

Hol Horse is a standout character in the series Stardust Crusaders, and it’s not an understatement to say that fans adore him. However, as suggested by our title, he isn’t always given the recognition he deserves. In truth, Hol Horse is one of the most intriguing antagonists in the entire Stardust Crusaders series. He maintains a strict code of principles, unlike many other villains who are portrayed as wholly evil or corrupted. Furthermore, his complex character places him on the verge of redemption.

Apart from being amusing, Hol Horse is an enjoyable character to watch, with his Stand offering a fresh perspective. However, he’s often stereotyped as a comedic figure and primarily known within the context of Stardust Crusaders. It’s worth noting that for much of the JoJo series, up to Diamond is Unbreakable, few characters possess the depth and complexity that Hol Horse does. He’s intriguing, unpredictable, and exhibits a charisma that is uniquely JoJo‘s, given its shonen roots.

7) Jonathon Joestar (Phantom Blood)

Perhaps it might appear somewhat unconventional, but we firmly believe it’s entirely justified to include the underappreciated protagonist from JoJo within the narrative. Over the past few years, there has been a significant surge in interest for JoJo among Western audiences, prompting numerous discussions online about whether the initial part of the series, Phantom Blood, can be skipped over. While it’s true that Phantom Blood may not fully capture the essence and elements that the series would later embody, Jonathan serves as a brilliant embodiment of the series’ core values from the outset, and maintains its quirky appeal to this day.

Jonathan, in his relentless pursuit of greatness, embodied and reinforced the defining traits that would become synonymous with the franchise – he fought tirelessly for humanity, driven by his deep affection for humankind and its values. Although he may not have been as tricky as Joseph or as enigmatically suave as Jotaro, his portrayal as a traditional shonen protagonist gives him an air of being a link between common shonen narratives and the extraordinary, peculiar manga that he initiates.

8) Trish (Golden Wind)

Trish, a character from “Golden Wind,” is both a squandered talent and a captivating standout. Fans will recall her as Diavolo’s daughter, who significantly impacts the storyline of this series. However, despite being pivotal to the plot and eventually joining Giorno’s team, Trish receives limited opportunities for personal development in the narrative.

It’s disappointing for two key reasons. First, her Stand, Spice Girl, is exceptional due to its self-awareness, deadly abilities, and unique skillset; it even shares similarities with Stone Free in design. Unfortunately, she doesn’t get as much spotlight as a main character’s Stand might. Secondly, given the storyline, she has a distinct perspective that no other character can offer. Regrettably, she’s only involved in one significant fight and is then pushed to a secondary role.

9) Muhammed Avdol (Stardust Crusaders)

In many opinions, Jotaro is the backbone of “Stardust Crusaders,” and indeed he plays a crucial role. However, we believe Avdol deserves equal recognition. From his debut, an Egyptian fortune teller alongside Joseph Joestar from Britain-America in Japan, Avdol embodies the global impact of Dio’s resurrection. His stand, Magician’s Red, is sometimes overlooked because, though it possesses impressive close-range abilities, it appears ordinary compared to the unusual Stands that Araki would create even within “Stardust Crusaders.

Despite any contrary opinions, Avdol certainly stands out as a formidable character, embodying the essence of JoJo’s third part in numerous ways. His introduction with one of the earliest Stands seen by fans, combined with his comic relief during tense situations like getting ensnared by Moriah’s magnetic Stand alongside Joseph, and his ability to evoke deep emotions during dramatic moments such as his emotional “resurrection”, make Avdol a beloved character from Stardust Crusaders. He functions not only as their literal guide on their journey but also as a spiritual one, with his intelligence, courage, and charisma leaving an indelible mark.

10) Narancia (Golden Wind)

Narancia is one of the standout characters in “Golden Wind,” excelling on all fronts – however, due to its darker tone, his brilliance is frequently reduced to mere comedic relief. On a day-to-day basis, his character is portrayed as innocent, simple, and childish compared to Team Bucciarati’s other members. In terms of combat, he finds himself at a disadvantage from the start: Aerosmith, one of JoJo’s less recognized Stands, pales in comparison to the flashy, mind-bending abilities of stands like Gold Experience, Sticky Fingers, and Sex Pistols.

Narancia shares certain characteristics with Hol Horse – they’re often used more for comedic relief than as central characters, and their abilities are underestimated. Despite being surrounded by powerful individuals, Narancia brings balance to the group. His background is tragic yet inspiring, making him a unique character in an unusual way. In essence, Narancia stands out as an exceptional character in spite of some less-than-ideal aspects.

Could you share some additional characters from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure that match the description, or perhaps one that hasn’t been mentioned yet? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

2025-05-27 04:11