Wondering when the legendary JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga first started? You’re trying to pinpoint the exact origin of a series that has spanned decades. This journey began long before the anime reached global popularity.
The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga, created by Hirohiko Araki, officially began its serialization on January 1, 1987. It was first published in Shueisha’s popular shōnen manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump. The very first story arc to debut was titled Phantom Blood.
Based on detailed publication records and historical data, this guide provides a complete timeline of the manga’s history. You will discover how the series evolved from a weekly shonen staple to a monthly seinen phenomenon, establishing its topical authority across different demographics.
Key Facts
- Official Start Date: The manga’s serialization officially began on January 1, 1987, in Weekly Shōnen Jump, not 1986 as some pilot chapters might suggest.
- Sole Creator: Hirohiko Araki is the sole writer and illustrator for the entire manga series, a rare achievement for a franchise running for over three decades.
- Magazine Transfer: The series moved from the weekly shonen magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, to the monthly seinen magazine, Ultra Jump, in 2005.
- Ongoing Series: The manga is not finished; as of 2026, the ninth part, The JoJoLands, is currently being serialized.
- Two Continuities: The series is split into two distinct universes. Parts 1-6 form the original timeline, while Parts 7-9 exist in a separate continuity.
When Was the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Manga First Made?
The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga officially began serialization on January 1, 1987. This marked the debut of its first part, Phantom Blood, in the pages of Shueisha’s highly popular Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. While creator Hirohiko Araki did release a pilot chapter in 1986, the official, continuous series that fans know today started at the beginning of 1987. This launch established the generational saga of the Joestar family and their fight against supernatural forces.
The original serialization in a shōnen magazine—a demographic aimed at teen boys—shaped its early identity with intense action and clear heroic journeys. The series ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump for many years, becoming a staple alongside other legendary manga. The 1987 release date is the definitive starting point for the franchise’s long and bizarre publication history.
This initial run laid the groundwork for the entire franchise, introducing core concepts and the unique artistic vision of Araki. The decision to publish in such a prominent magazine ensured it reached a wide audience from the very beginning, cementing its place in manga history.
Who is the Creator of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure?
The creator of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is the renowned Japanese manga artist Hirohiko Araki. He is responsible for both writing the story and drawing all the illustrations for the entire manga series. This is a remarkable feat in the manga industry, as many long-running series often involve multiple assistants or even different writers over time. Araki’s singular vision has been the driving force behind the franchise for over three decades.
His dedication is a key part of the series’ identity, allowing for a consistent, evolving art style and a single, overarching narrative philosophy. Araki’s work is known for its unique and flamboyant character designs, intricate plots, and constant creative reinvention from one part to the next.
“I’d say living with a positive outlook is the theme of JoJo. It’s a celebration of humanity.” – Hirohiko Araki
This deep personal involvement makes Hirohiko Araki an industry veteran whose work is synonymous with his name. His commitment has allowed JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure to maintain its distinctive voice and artistic integrity since it first began in 1987.
What Was JoJo’s Original Publication History in Weekly Shonen Jump?
From 1987 to 2004, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure was serialized in the popular magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump. This 17-year period represents the first major era of the series, where it was published weekly for a shonen demographic, which primarily consists of a younger male audience. This long tenure cemented its status as a significant and influential title within the world of action-adventure manga.
During its time in Weekly Shōnen Jump, the magazine published the first six complete story arcs. This established the multi-generational saga as a core feature of the series. The weekly release schedule demanded a fast pace, which is reflected in the action-heavy nature of these early parts. The manga published during this era includes:
- Part 1: Phantom Blood
- Part 2: Battle Tendency
- Part 3: Stardust Crusaders
- Part 4: Diamond Is Unbreakable
- Part 5: Golden Wind (Vento Aureo)
- Part 6: Stone Ocean
This foundational period in Weekly Shōnen Jump is critical to the series’ legacy. It’s where the concepts of Hamon and later, Stands, were introduced and developed. The beginning of the seventh part, Steel Ball Run, also briefly appeared in the magazine before the series made a historic transfer, marking the end of an era.
Why Did JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Move to Ultra Jump?
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure moved to the monthly magazine Ultra Jump in 2005 to target a more mature (seinen) audience. This pivotal transfer happened during the serialization of Part 7, Steel Ball Run. The move from a weekly shonen magazine to a monthly seinen publication allowed creator Hirohiko Araki to explore more complex themes and intricate plotlines suited for an older readership.
The change also provided a more flexible monthly schedule. This less demanding pace gave Araki greater creative freedom and more time to develop his increasingly detailed and sophisticated artwork. The shift officially marked JoJo’s evolution from a battle-focused shonen series to a more thematically dense seinen saga, a change that has defined the series’ modern identity.
| Feature | Weekly Shōnen Jump | Ultra Jump |
|---|---|---|
| Demographic | Shōnen (Teen Boys) | Seinen (Young Adult Men) |
| Frequency | Weekly | Monthly |
| JoJo Parts | Parts 1-6, beginning of 7 | Part 7 (cont.), Parts 8-9 |
| JoJo Run | 1987 – 2004 | 2005 – Present |
What Is the Complete Manga Release Timeline of All JoJo Parts?
The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga is famously divided into nine distinct parts, each following a different protagonist from the Joestar family bloodline. This structure allows the series to reinvent itself with new settings, characters, and concepts. Understanding the release order is key to appreciating the full scope of this multi-generational epic.
Here is a complete and chronological timeline of all nine manga parts, including their original serialization dates and the magazines they were published in. This table serves as an authoritative reference for the entire history of the series.
| Part | Official Part Name | Original Serialization | Original Magazine(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phantom Blood | 1987 | Weekly Shōnen Jump |
| 2 | Battle Tendency | 1987 – 1989 | Weekly Shōnen Jump |
| 3 | Stardust Crusaders | 1989 – 1992 | Weekly Shōnen Jump |
| 4 | Diamond Is Unbreakable | 1992 – 1995 | Weekly Shōnen Jump |
| 5 | Golden Wind (Vento Aureo) | 1995 – 1999 | Weekly Shōnen Jump |
| 6 | Stone Ocean | 2000 – 2003 | Weekly Shōnen Jump |
| 7 | Steel Ball Run | 2004 – 2011 | Weekly Shōnen Jump & Ultra Jump |
| 8 | JoJolion | 2011 – 2021 | Ultra Jump |
| 9 | The JoJoLands | 2023 – Present | Ultra Jump |
FAQs About when was jojo made manga
Is the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga finished?
No, the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga is not finished and is still ongoing. The series is currently in its ninth part, titled The JoJoLands, which began serialization in Ultra Jump magazine in February 2023. Creator Hirohiko Araki continues to write and illustrate the story.
Where should a new reader start with the JoJo manga?
The best place to start reading the JoJo manga is with Part 1, Phantom Blood. Although each part features a new protagonist, the overarching story of the Joestar family bloodline and its conflict with Dio Brando and his legacy begins in Part 1. Reading in publication order ensures you understand all character relationships and historical context.
How many parts of the JoJo manga are there?
As of 2026, there are a total of nine parts in the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga series. The first eight parts are complete (Phantom Blood, Battle Tendency, Stardust Crusaders, Diamond Is Unbreakable, Golden Wind, Stone Ocean, Steel Ball Run, and JoJolion). The ninth part, The JoJoLands, is currently being published.
What’s the difference between the Shonen Jump and Ultra Jump parts?
The main difference is the target demographic and release schedule. Parts 1-6 in Weekly Shonen Jump were weekly and aimed at a younger (shonen) audience. Parts 7-9 in Ultra Jump are monthly and aimed at an older (seinen) audience, which generally allows for more mature themes and complex storytelling.
When was Part 7, Steel Ball Run, released?
Steel Ball Run began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2004 before transferring to Ultra Jump in 2005. It ran until 2011. This part is significant as it marks the beginning of a new continuity, separate from the universe of Parts 1-6.
Is the JoJo manga different from the anime?
Yes, while the anime by David Production is a very faithful adaptation, it does condense some minor scenes and dialogue for pacing. The manga is the original source material and contains the complete, unabridged story and art as created by Hirohiko Araki. The anime follows the manga’s plot very closely.
When did Viz Media start publishing the JoJo manga in English?
Viz Media began publishing the JoJo manga in English in 2005, starting with Part 3, Stardust Crusaders. They later went back and began releasing the earlier parts, Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency, in a hardcover format starting in 2015, making the entire series more accessible to English-speaking audiences.
What is the longest part of the JoJo manga?
The longest part of the manga by chapter count is Diamond Is Unbreakable (Part 4) with 174 chapters. However, by volume count, the longest is JoJolion (Part 8), which was collected into 27 tankōbon volumes. The serialization for JoJolion ran for ten years, from 2011 to 2021.
What was the first JoJo manga part called?
The very first part of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga is titled Part 1: Phantom Blood. It began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1987 and introduces the foundational conflict between the protagonist, Jonathan Joestar, and his adoptive brother and main antagonist, Dio Brando.
Why did the volume numbering restart after Part 6?
The volume numbering was reset to one starting with Steel Ball Run (Part 7) to signify a new beginning. Steel Ball Run takes place in a separate continuity from Parts 1-6. This reset helps readers distinguish between the original universe storyline and the new universe that began with Part 7.
Key Takeaways: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Manga History
- Official Start Date: The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga officially began serialization on January 1, 1987, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine.
Single Creator: The entire series has been solely written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki, a testament to his creative dedication over more than 35 years.
Two Magazine Eras: The manga was published in Weekly Shōnen Jump (a shonen magazine) from 1987 to 2004 before transferring to Ultra Jump (a monthly seinen magazine) in 2005, where it continues today.
Nine-Part Saga: The story is divided into nine distinct parts, each with a new “JoJo” protagonist. As of 2026, the ninth part, The JoJoLands, is ongoing.
A New Universe: A major continuity shift occurred with Part 7, Steel Ball Run. Parts 1-6 exist in one universe, while Parts 7-9 exist in a separate, rebooted universe.
Reading Order is Key: For newcomers, it is highly recommended to start with Part 1, Phantom Blood, to understand the foundational story of the Joestar bloodline and its rivalry with Dio.
It’s Still Going: The manga is not finished. It is an ongoing series with a massive back catalog of over 130 volumes, making it one of the longest-running manga series in history.
Final Thoughts on the Legacy of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Manga
From its debut in 1987 to its current status as a cultural phenomenon, the history of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga is a story of evolution and endurance. The journey from the weekly action of Weekly Shōnen Jump to the monthly, mature storytelling of Ultra Jump shows a series that has grown alongside its audience. The unwavering vision of its sole creator, Hirohiko Araki, has given the franchise a unique identity that continues to captivate readers decades later.
Understanding this publication history provides more than just a date; it offers context for the series’ creative shifts and thematic depth. With nine parts and counting, the bizarre adventure is far from over, continually building upon its celebrated legacy.
