Author's Note/Battle Tendency

In every volume of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, the front folded flap of the dust jacket usually contains a picture of Hirohiko Araki himself, and more than often a note to the reader. The quotes are always different from each other, and are usually about Araki expressing his opinion on certain subjects. These subjects can be about anything, including information about characters or the story itself. The following notes and pictures below are from the volumes of Battle Tendency.

Vol. 6

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“ Is it important to keep the mentality of a beginner, whatever the field. Everything seems new for a beginner, he respects his predecessors and goes straight to his objective. This is an ideal state of mind. But lately, I have realized that among the mangaka publishing at Jump, they are already six or seven years younger than me ! I am not a newcomer anymore ! (to be continued in volume 23) ” —Hirohiko Araki

Vol. 7

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“ Adults have trouble respecting the young. If the head of state was a 20 years old man, everyone would make fun of him even if he was very competent. For the same reason, when I see a young mangaka being arrogant, I want to kick his ass. I know that's extreme and I regret having such an aggressive temperament. I will try to soften, to respect the young and to accept to learn from them. ” —Hirohiko Araki

Vol. 8

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“ One day when I was tidying up my home, I lost the fountain pen I had been using for 6 years. Panic-stricken, I exclaimed myself: "My God, what a catastrophe !! I will never manage to draw without that fountain pen that has been following me for so many years !! It's impossible to work ! This fountain pen has always accompanied me through hard blows and joys! What will I become ?!" By dint of search, I ended finding a new fountain pen. Today I'm thinking: "A new fountain pen, it's not so bad..." I'm a jackass, aren't I? ” —Hirohiko Araki

Vol. 9

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“ You know what? I don't believe in aliens. In the past, I've seen an UFO but I'm sure it was an optical illusion, and after all I want to say: "So what?" But I just read a book from someone named Hiroshi Minamiyama and, with all the super realistic details, I begin to ask myself if these aliens are really here... Whatever, it amuses me to have my imagination stimulated like this. ” —Hirohiko Araki

Vol. 10

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“ A manga isn't born out the efforts of a lone person. Lately my studio has been filled with people, which often causes many problems. I'm often capricious with the cleaning ladies and the drawing equipment vendors. When I'm traveling, I disturb the travel agency employees, the proprietor asks me to move out, etc. An infinite number of people have stood alongside Jojo, up close and from afar. Nevertheless, I think it is important to have sympathy and respect for everyone of them. Thanks a million. ” —Hirohiko Araki

Vol. 11

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“ I'm not interested in politics, but lately I have been a little worried by the future of Japan. I find it dangerous that everyone wants to get rich or to gain material wealth. We're more in need of spiritual wealth ! That reinforces my idea to deal with more and more enriching subjects through manga. ” —Hirohiko Araki

Vol. 12

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“ JoJo's is an ode to life and a celebration of humanity. Without help from machines or technology, the main characters face danger with their bodies as their only weapon. For me it's a principle. Indeed I think that science doesn't necessarily make men happier. Besides when I was at school I detested mathematics and physics (though it's not a grudge I precise). ” —Hirohiko Araki