Joseph Joestar

Born in 1907 to George Joestar II and Erina Pendleton, Joseph entered a world already shadowed by the legacy of his grandfather Jonathan and the vampire Dio Brando. His childhood was marked by tragedy when he witnessed Jonathan's death at the hands of Dio, an event that set him on a path defined by survival rather than noble sacrifice. Unlike the stoic Victorian heroes of the past, Joseph grew up in a modern era where brute force often failed against ancient evils.

By 1938, the threat of the Pillar Men had resurfaced, forcing the young Joseph to master the Hamon breathing technique inherited from his lineage. He lacked the natural grace of traditional users but compensated with a street-smart cunning that turned his lack of formal training into a tactical advantage. This period transformed him from a prankish teenager into the primary defender of humanity against superhuman threats. [edit]

Joseph is defined by his refusal to follow rules or die for honor. He prefers deception over direct confrontation, often taunting enemies to make them overconfident before striking with unexpected traps. His humor serves as both a coping mechanism and a weapon, allowing him to maintain composure during life-or-death situations.

This pragmatism sometimes crosses into moral ambiguity. While he saves the world, he also cheats on his fiancée Susie Q and fathered a child out of wedlock with Tomoko, actions that haunt him later in life. He values winning above all else, even if it means using underhanded tactics like rocket-powered bicycles or electric fences. [edit]

The journey begins in Battle Tendency where Joseph struggles to control his Hamon powers while facing the resurrected Pillar Men. His early defeats against Wamuu and Esidisi force him to evolve from a reckless fighter into a strategic genius who exploits their arrogance. The arc culminates in a desperate gamble where he uses a rocket bike to launch himself into space, freezing Kars to prevent him from achieving godhood.

Decades later in Stardust Crusaders, an elderly Joseph returns as a mentor to his grandson Jotaro Kujo. His role shifts from frontline combatant to veteran strategist, though his past infidelity with Tomoko casts a long shadow over his family dynamics. In Diamond Is Unbreakable, he lives quietly in Morioh as Mr. Joestar, offering wisdom to Josuke Higashikata without seeking glory.[edit]

Fans widely regard Joseph as one of the most influential protagonists in anime history due to his subversion of the traditional hero archetype. His reliance on wit and traps over brute strength introduced a new tone of action-comedy to the series. The character's popularity remains high, evidenced by constant merchandise releases including Funko Pops and high-end figures.

Critics often cite his victory over Kars as a defining moment in the franchise, showcasing how intelligence can overcome overwhelming power. Recent collaborations and figure releases continue to celebrate his legacy, proving his enduring appeal across generations of fans.[edit]