JoJo: Battle Tendency features one of the most devastating deaths in the franchise
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Hirohiko Araki’s globe-spanning manga series, is celebrated for its dramatic and devastating character deaths throughout its long history. The early entries—Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency—established foundational elements of the franchise while operating without Stands, the physical manifestations of fighting spirits that would later become central to the series’ battles and narrative structure. Phantom Blood, the first arc, introduces the iconic conflict between protagonist Jonathan Joestar and antagonist Dio Brando, grounded in a 19th-century gothic-horror aesthetic featuring a mysterious Aztec Stone Mask central to ritualistic sacrifice. Battle Tendency is one of only two major entries in the franchise to predate the introduction of Stands as a core mechanic. Though the early arcs’ supernatural settings feel more limiting compared to the increasingly fantastical adventures that follow, they establish the Joestar family legacy that spans the entire series. The franchise is recognized for delivering emotionally impactful moments through major character deaths, with Battle Tendency apparently featuring one particularly devastating loss that exemplifies the series’ willingness to eliminate beloved characters in service of its narrative.