Why Jolyne Is the Ultimate Hero in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: A Truth I Can’t Ignore

The debate surrounding the most impressive Joestar in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is one that ignites passion among fans, as each protagonist brings unique qualities to their respective storylines. Among these characters, Jolyne Cujoh, hailing from the Stone Ocean arc, often finds herself undervalued. While many view her as one of the least compelling JoJos, my perspective diverges; I assert that Jolyne stands out as the best protagonist due to her remarkable character development.

Throughout the Stone Ocean narrative, Jolyne undergoes a profound transformation, evolving from a vulnerable young woman wrongfully imprisoned to a formidable heroine capable of confronting the universe’s greatest antagonist. This extensive character arc significantly contributes to my admiration for her as my favorite JoJo.

Jolyne’s Transformation: A Remarkable Journey

From Weakness and Fear to Strength and Courage

Most Joestars start their journeys with preordained greatness. Take Giorno Giovanna, for example; he possesses his powerful Stand, Golden Experience, from the outset of Golden Wind. Similarly, Jonathan Joestar embodies heroism from his very first appearance, committing himself to protect others, including his treacherous step-brother, Dio Brando. Conversely, Jolyne’s upbringing starkly contrasts with those narratives, marked instead by criminal activities linked to her gang, the Hell Riders.

As the daughter of Jotaro, Jolyne grapples with his absence, which leads her into a life of rebellion filled with theft and ultimately, incarceration. Just as her life seems to gain momentum with college on the horizon, she sacrifices her future by taking the blame for her boyfriend Romeo’s accident that claims a man’s life, resulting in her imprisonment at Green Dolphin Street Prison. At this narrative juncture, Jolyne is deeply lost—without her Stand, Stone Free, feeling abandoned, and discovering her boyfriend’s betrayal, leaving her at her nadir.

Witnessing Jolyne’s Growth: A Journey of Redemption

A Brave Protector: Jolyne’s Ultimate Sacrifice

It is rare to see a Joestar begin their story at such a low point, and this aspect of Jolyne’s arc resonated with me profoundly. Her challenging past makes her growth into a better person that much more visible. As she learns to harness Stone Free, Jolyne realizes she can choose to use her powers for righteousness rather than her former selfish desires. Fortuitously, she opts for the path of justice, uniting with her father, Jotaro, and other prisoners to thwart Pucci’s plans.

Initially, Jolyne was self-centered, indulging in theft without a thought for others. However, as she develops genuine friendships—with characters like Ermes, Foo Fighters, Weather Report, Emporio, and Anasui—Jolyne cultivates empathy and a fierce dedication to protecting her friends. Her evolution culminates in her ultimate sacrifice for a friend, showcasing a deep transformation from her earlier, selfish nature.

Jolyne’s Arc: A Distinct Evolution Among Joestars

From Insignificance to Heroism

In my eyes, Jolyne’s narrative arc offers even more inspiration than those of previous protagonists like Giorno or Jonathan, who often started their journeys with inherent nobility. Despite their admirable stories, Jolyne faced far greater hurdles—both internally and externally. The confines of the Green Dolphin Street Prison serve as a brilliant backdrop for her story, intensifying interactions and character development while elevating the stakes of her journey.

In her final confrontation with Enrico Pucci, Jolyne exemplifies her profound transformation from a reckless individual to a noble self-sacrificing hero. Jotaro dies in a valiant effort to shield her from Pucci, but Jolyne honors his legacy by ultimately choosing to sacrifice herself, ensuring Emporio can survive and continue her fight against Pucci’s threat to humanity. Though she does not deliver the final blow, Jolyne’s selflessness was instrumental in her friend’s victory over Pucci.

A Shift in Araki’s Narrative Approach

Transformative Growth Beyond Physical Strength

Jolyne showcasing her Stand abilities with determination.

While Jonathan, Joseph, Jotaro, Josuke, and Giorno are undoubtedly strong protagonists, they remain static compared to Jolyne. Each of them displays physical strength improvement, but none exhibit the same level of mental and emotional transformation. Jolyne’s character marks a significant evolution in Araki’s storytelling, evident in the similar journeys of Johnny in Part 7 and Josuke in Part 8, who also experience substantial character growth rather than mere physical enhancements.

In conclusion, Jolyne Cujoh emerges as my favorite Joestar in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure for teaching us an important lesson: no matter how low one may fall, it is never too late to embrace change and strive for a better future.

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