Hirohiko Araki’s Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is an eclectic series. So much so that each part requires no prior knowledge and can be enjoyed for what it is. Each part is also so different from each other you wonder if you’re watching the same franchise.
The series also likes to present different views of “heroes” and “villains”. Golden Wind in particular, has given unique look at the spectrum that is masculinity and “what is a man”. Yes many anime feature men who make the point of what a man “should or shouldn’t be”.
Golden Wind doesn’t waste its time around with those old and tired depictions. Men, their character, their masculinity, sexuality, and etc are on display because why not. The series focuses on its narrative while showing us what we can be/are. It forgoes what we’ve been accustomed to while also reinforcing some bad tropes. *The entire series and its ending will be spoiled. You’ve been warned*
Before continuing, I should admit the obvious irony at hand with this article. Yes I am examining masculinity in anime that’s highly violent and dramatic. So violent that certain scenes and subject can be legitimately triggering. Yes they are shows also provide a look at the spectrum of masculinity without violent elements. Despite this, the points here are still valid.
“Fashion should be a form of escapism and not a form of imprisonment.” — Alexander McQueen
The easiest and first matter to examine would be appearances. At first glance this may seem superficial but this is very substantive. Since Part 4, gone are the massive overtly muscular men inspired by older shonen series. Now, the world of Jojo features more demure men and their lithe bodies being common place. One of the choices of changing how characters look may have been an active decision for them to appear to be more relatable?
It’s no surprise that everyone looks like a model (all JJBA characters do really). Their bodies and how they present themselves on screen exude high fashion inspirations. *Err before I continue, I’m speaking mainly about men because we don’t have really have…
