Jodio Joestar
Jodio Joestar (ジョディオ・ジョースター, Jodio Jōsutā) is the main protagonist of the ninth part of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series, The JOJOLands, and the ninth JoJo of the series.
Jodio is a small-time gangster living in Honolulu, Hawaii, with his older sibling Dragona and his mother Barbara Ann Joestar. He is a Stand user who wields November Rain, allowing him to create localized drops of rain that can crush his opponents.
Appearance
Jodio is a 15-year-old boy. He has light skin and light-colored hair with long jagged bangs partially obscuring both of his eyes and an undercut at the back. His hair is asymmetrical, as the right side is braided with a star-shaped ornamental hair clip attached, and the left side is cut just below his eye. He wears a large "JO" shaped earring that hangs from his left ear.
His outfit consists of a light shirt with small sleeves under dark overalls that double as a hoodie. The hoodie has a heart emblem with wings at the center of the chest, under which a belt is fastened around the torso, similar to a life preserver. The emblem is marked by an hourglass symbol with both triangles split into a dark and a bright half. The pantlegs are split under the knee, giving them a similar appearance to bell-bottoms, both also studded in a vertical column besides the slit. Jodio wears assorted fingerless gloves, some of which bear the same hourglass symbol as his heart emblem. He has an armband on each arm also shaped like two triangles. The overalls exposes most of his back. There are light-colored, small arch-shaped shoulder pads, attached to the overalls. Jodio also wears dark plain dress shoes.
Personality
Jodio Joestar is a taciturn teenager with a materialistic outlook who lives a life of petty crime as a small-time hoodlum in Hawaii.
In his childhood, Jodio was diagnosed as possibly having antisocial personality disorder. A test revealed several traits such as impulsiveness and an inability to feel remorse.[2] As a matter of fact, his personality generally aligns with the diagnosis, he is a rather reserved and solitary boy. Apart from his family, he doesn't seem to have any close friends. In fact, he explicitly declares that he isn't going to school to make friends.[3] Though, he still seems to think of himself as fairly likeable and sociable.[4]
Jodio is uninterested in studying[3] and his greatest ambition is to become rich.[5] He started as a gofer at the age of 11,[6] which he continues to be at the age of 15, simply transporting goods from one place to another. Jodio himself says he treated his job diligently and was always discreet, not speaking more than he needed to, which earned him recognition and trust in the criminal world.[6] Jodio is callous about committing crime, stealing cars[7] and dealing drugs at school.[3] While he stays quiet most of the time, he is irritable and prone to violence; such as when he brutalizes policemen when his family is threatened.[8] His narration is also somewhat familiar and self-aware and he recognizes that his goal to become "filthy rich" can sound conceited.[9] Jodio has a lot of affection for his family which manifests as a protective instinct. He will run to his sibling's aid and he also explains that he is protecting his mother and ensuring her social status via his links with the criminal community of Hawaii.[10]
Jodio is also somewhat aware of the existence of what he calls "mechanisms", some general principles that one should follow and can exploit to gain an advantage. For instance, he presents how the "trust" (as well as popularity) that he enjoys among his peers makes it so he and his family are loved, respected, and protected to contrast to an unpopular kid who is getting bullied by his classmates.[11] Thus, in Jodio's mind, knowing and following those mechanisms could allow one to win, even if one had enemies. He nonetheless nuances his idea by saying that those mechanisms can sometimes be destroyed or taken.[5]
Jodio happens to read Rohan Kishibe's work and watches his anime online.[12]
Abilities
Stand
Jodio wields November Rain, a Stand that is able to create small drops of rain that are heavy enough to completely flatten an adult man into the ground.
History
Background
Jodio is the grandson of Joseph Joestar and Suzi Q, and the son of Barbara Ann Joestar and an unnamed man. His family lived in Atlantic City but they moved to Honolulu before his parents separated for unknown reasons. When he was 11 years old, he was recruited into a criminal organization by someone from the neighborhood to become a gofer for them. His job involved transporting things and handing them over to others in exchange for money. By carrying out this job efficiently and not speaking any more than he had to, he gained recognition and trust within the gang, though he is still of low rank as their roles are based on seniority.
As a 15-year-old teenager, he goes to McKinley High School, where the boss of his gang is the school's principal. At one point, Jodio had to take a psychological test and it diagnosed him as possibly having antisocial personality disorder.[2] His mother was outraged but Jodio quietly accepted the result and promised to "be careful", although he privately resented being called "antisocial".
One day, Jodio and his older sibling Dragona go on a job to smuggle drugs in surfboards. They steal a pickup truck and Dragona creates a fake driver's license using their Stand.[1]
The JOJOLands
Selling Drugs in O'ahu
Jodio sits in the passenger seat of the pickup truck while Dragona drives, blasting Dua Lipa's music. They are suddenly stopped by police officers. One of the cops gets annoyed at Dragona questioning him and forces Dragona out of the car. He molests them under the pretense of "searching them" until Jodio decides to intervene. Jodio steps out of the car and demands the officer take his hands off his big brother, threatening to kill him otherwise. The officers point their guns at Jodio but he summons his Stand, causing rain droplets to pin the officer behind him to the ground, flattening him. Just before the other officer fires at Jodio, Dragona uses their Stand to slide the officer's eyes to the back of his head, throwing off his aim. Finally, Jodio attacks the officer with rain drops as well, crushing him. He continuously stomps on the cop before Dragona stops him, calming him down so that Jodio doesn't kill the man.
Jodio then burns the officers' body cameras and dashboard camera along with their car, so that the officers would have no evidence and won't be able to go after them. Moreover, Dragona uses their Stand to change the numbers on the truck's license plate and gets rid of their fake license before they head to their gang's rendezvous point. One of the gang members praises them for doing well but reprimands them for being late. He also asks them if they heard about a police car being burned down but Jodio and Dragona pretend to be ignorant. They walk until they get to a major road and then call an Uber to go home.
While Jodio is headed to school on the bus, his upperclassman Usagi Alohaoe asks him if he brought the stuff he wanted. Suddenly, Jodio pushes him off the seat and makes a scene, asking if Usagi is messing with him. Usagi is confused, but as they leave the bus, Jodio calls him over and apologizes. He takes the money from the boy's pocket and gives him directions of where to go to get the drugs.
Later that day, Jodio, Dragona, and Paco are summoned by their boss, Meryl Mei Qi, to the fashion boutique named Iko Iko. Meryl orders everyone to turn off their phones before showing them her own phone. On the screen is a natural blue 24 carats diamond worth 6 million dollars. It's owned by a Japanese tourist who owns a villa on the Island of Hawaii and plans to stay there for around 12 more days. Their group will be getting a 2% split all together, while Meryl gets an 18% cut after they sell it on the black market. She also informs them that they will be going as a team of four. The student who they sold drugs to at school in the morning arrives as their fourth member, as Meryl guarantees that he will be useful to them.[1]
Before the heist, Jodio and Paco want to complete another drug sale and a college student contacts them to buy drugs at a park. Jodio meets with the student but quickly suspects that she's an undercover police officer. The woman dismisses him, claiming that if she were a police officer, then she would have to confirm it if Jodio asked her the question. Jodio asks her and she lies. Immediately after the transaction is complete, she reveals herself as an undercover DEA agent and arrests Jodio as another group of officers arrest Paco. The DEA agent gloats, explaining that she only needs the drug as physical proof to arrest him. Jodio is manhandled by the duo of police officers from before who molested Dragona, and one of the officers threatens to molest him. Angered, Jodio uses November Rain to destroy the bag of drugs, forcing the police to let him go afterwards since they no longer have evidence.
The Heist
The day of the heist, Jodio, Dragona and Paco fly together to Hawaii Island and wait for Usagi at the airport. Usagi is late and makes light of his tardiness. However, he does the role he was assigned and brings the group to a car rental business where the group can rent a car. Usagi assures that the car will leave no trace of them because the company doesn't track the renter's whereabouts with onboard cameras or GPS recorders.
The group thus drives around Hawaii to the villa of said Japanese tourist and Jodio goes to scout the place first. He notes that the tourist is in the villa but also spots some drinks on the table of the balcony, as well as a towel, suggesting that the tourist will go swim in the pool for a moment. This gives the group the opportunity to sneak in and quickly steal the diamond. On the way, Usagi reveals his Stand The Matte Kudasai which morphs into a second security camera to produce a modified recording of the group with disguised faces when they trespass into the property. Jodio watches the pool and suddenly recognizes Rohan Kishibe, a famous manga artist.[13] Jodio immediately hides behind a chair and reaches for manga artist's iPad. He looks at the Pink Dark Boy drawings in awe, but also notes that Rohan is still someone who brings a diamond worth 6 million dollars with him on a vacation. Meanwhile, Dragona successfully picks the lock of the front door, and Jodio tells them that there are no problems so far as long as the three do not come close to the windows by the poolside. so the trio heads inside the mansion.[14]
Jodio continues to browse through Rohan's iPad, seeing multiple pictures of volcanoes and lava - assuming them to be references for the manga artist - as well as pictures of Bakin, his dog. With Bakin presumably in Japan being taken care of by someone else, Jodio realizes that the cat wandering around the mansion may not be Rohan's pet but a stray. Suddenly, Rohan leaves the pool and Jodio hurriedly returns the iPad and pages Dragona. He reports that Rohan will soon be coming inside, so the three must leave immediately since they can return another time for the diamond. He also notices that the stray cat seems to be leading Rohan inside. After Dragona, Paco, and Usagi ignoring Jodio's warning, he has no choice but to summon November Rain to temporarily distract the manga artist, using the rain drops to drip a nearby cactus's spine onto Rohan's finger, pricking him. He soon sees the cat enter the house. Noticing Rohan examine his surrounding, Jodio then realizes that he is also a Stand user.[14] He warns Dragona through their transceiver that Rohan has entered the house and has figured out the situation. However, Dragona receives the message too late due to being distracted by a Stand attack. Thus, Rohan is able to attack the group and learns by reading their bio of Jodio's presence.[15]
While Rohan is busy fighting Paco and Usagi, Jodio takes the opportunity to sneak inside the house. He discovers the lava samples in Rohan's safe and deduces that Rohan is in Hawaii to study its volcanoes. Realizing that these samples must be valuable to Rohan, he decides to take them. As Rohan confronts Dragona, Jodio uses November Rain to cause a downpour in the living room, targeting the floor beneath a carpet to make it collapse. Caught off guard, Rohan falls into the hole created by the rain. Jodio then swiftly appears behind him, tying his neck to a decorative fence and binding his hands. Once Jodio unties Paco and Usagi, they threaten to retaliate against Rohan, fueled by their anger. However, Jodio prevents any further confrontation, explaining that he respects Rohan and wants to maintain the day as a great one. Dragona, however, alerts Jodio to the fact that Rohan is aware of their identities, making an airport escape impossible. Moreover, Dragona mentions how they can't steal the diamond, causing confusion within the group. Adding to their disarray, Rohan points out that they would have been safer if he had been the one to capture them since they are being followed. Despite this, Jodio remains undeterred.
Jodio picks up Rohan's phone and instructs him to call off the police and claim that the earlier burglary report was a mistake. Rohan refuses, reasoning that it would be pointless as a patrol car will check the situation regardless. Unfazed, Jodio playfully taps the phone on his head and proceeds to share his earlier encounter by the pool. He reveals how his admiration for Rohan's work led him to inspect Rohan's iPad, where he discovered photos of the lava samples that Rohan kept in his safe. To underscore his point, Jodio presents a small tray containing two lava rocks, which he assumes are valuable to Rohan. Upon hearing this, Rohan is taken aback.
Jodio threatens to destroy the remaining lava sample and toss it into the ocean if their retreat to O'ahu is obstructed, forcing Rohan to cooperate. He even crushes one of the samples for emphasis, causing Rohan to panic. The rest of the gang is curious about the lava's value, but Jodio admits he is unsure; he only knows that it serves as useful leverage against Rohan. With one final plea for cooperation, Jodio leaves Rohan a pair of scissors and the cellphone, while Dragona instructs Paco to seize the diamond. Once Paco nonchalantly grabs the diamond, the group departs, with Rohan requesting a private word with Jodio. Rohan commends Jodio as a worthy adversary and urges him to protect the remaining lava sample, hinting that it may be the last of its kind. He unveils a secret: if the lava is handled carefully, it holds the potential to make Jodio extremely wealthy due to a hidden "mechanism." Intrigued but suspicious, Jodio probes further, but Rohan remains cryptic. Expecting a future encounter, Rohan wishes Jodio a safe journey and advises him to keep the lava's secrets to himself, distrusting Jodio's companions. Having absorbed this new information, Jodio silently exits the house.
Reuniting with his gang, Jodio reassures them that the police situation is under control. He instructs them to head through the jungle, back to the car, and return home. Usagi asks Jodio to appraise a drawing he stole from Rohan, making Jodio jealous since Usagi won't give it to him. Unbeknownst to the group, a trio of stray cats stealthily watches from the rooftop of Rohan's villa, and as the gang leaves, the cats trail behind them.[16]
Upcoming Legacy
Jodio describes himself as a boy who will go on to become filthy rich in the subtropical islands.[1]
Relationships
Family
- Dragona Joestar: Jodio's older sibling. The two have a close relationship, working together to earn money and protect their mother. When Dragona is harassed by a police officer, Jodio angrily beats the man, leaving him half-dead. Dragona feels glad that Jodio did that for them and hugs him after.[1]
- Barbara Ann Joestar: The mother of Jodio and Dragona, who raises them alone. Jodio and Dragona love her and ensure her social safety by helping her behind the scenes with their gang work.[1]
Gangmates
- Paco Laburantes: Although they work together, Jodio does not consider Paco as his friend.[1]
- Usagi Alohaoe: Usagi is in a higher grade than Jodio at their high school. Jodio is surprised when Meryl Mei Qi added him to the heist team but he trusts Meryl's word that Usagi is a good kid.[1]
Miscellaneous
- Rohan Kishibe: Jodio is an ardent fan of Rohan Kishibe and his work. He diligently follows Rohan's series, Pink Dark Boy, lauding his unique approach as heavenly. Jodio deeply respects Rohan, going as far as to prevent his gang members from harming him. After being outmaneuvered by Jodio, Rohan develops a mutual respect for him. He encourages Jodio to pursue his ambitions but also cautions him not to trust his gang blindly.
Chapters
Manga Appearances- The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure (1st appearance)
- The JOJOLands Chapter 2: South King Street
- The JOJOLands Chapter 3: The Villa on Hawaii Island, Part 1
- The JOJOLands Chapter 4: The Villa on Hawaii Island, Part 2
- The JOJOLands Chapter 5: "Rise Up"
Quotes
Quotes- “Get your hands... off of big bro right now. Got me? Right now... or... you're dead meat.”—Jodio Joestar, The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure
- “Everyone loves our mother. So mother is able to commute to the airport safely every day. That's because we brothers protect her.”—Jodio Joestar, The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure
- “Mechanisms have power but they're invisible to the eyes.”—Jodio Joestar, The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure
- “Mechanisms. Mechanisms of trust have power. Even if we don't obey the power called law in this town, trust keeps one safe.”—Jodio Joestar, The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure
- “This is the story of me getting filthy rich. Sound like I'm exaggerating? Do I sound immodest and conceited to you? Becoming filthy rich means being able to earn lots of money.”—Jodio Joestar, The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure
- “The pinnacle of mechanisms, that's something I can't see yet. But those mechanisms will come to appear before us as forms and shapes.”—Jodio Joestar, The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure
- “It's best not to say anything unnecessary. Besides, what does it matter? Those who can't see it never will.”—Jodio Joestar, The JOJOLands Chapter 2: South King Street
- “Could someone like me ever be happy? I mean, I think I probably could. If I just work for it... But the reality of the world is that there are hidden, unfair places where I'll meet scum like those guys. It makes me wanna lose my mind.”—Jodio Joestar, The JOJOLands Chapter 2: South King Street
Gallery
Jodio and Dragona's first appearance in a pick up truck
Jodio and Dragona laughing about Dragona being too excited from Dua Lipa's music
Summoning November Rain against police officers
Jumping before preparing to stomp on the officers
Getting hugged by Dragona
Back view, Jodio at his school
Yelling at Usagi for being conspicuous
Jodio alongside his Stand before his diamond-stealing mission
Jodio wearing his hood
- TJL Chapter 1 Cover B.png
TJL Chapter 1 Cover B
- TJL Chapter 2.png
TJL Chapter 2 Cover
- TJL Chapter 3.png
TJL Chapter 3 Cover
- TJL Chapter 4.png
TJL Chapter 4 Cover
TJL Chapter 5 Cover
Ultra Jump March 2023 Cover
Ultra Jump March 2023 Back Cover
Ultra Jump April 2023 Back Cover
Ultra Jump May 2023 Back Cover
Ultra Jump June 2023 Cover
First reveal in New Year's postcard
Ultra Jump February 2023 Next Issue Preview
Wall mural in Shibuya Station advertising The JOJOLands
Poster Advertising the Ultra Jump March 2023 Issue
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 The JOJOLands Chapter 2: South King Street, p.25-26
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure, p.43
- ↑ The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure, p.49
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure, p.51
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure, p.48
- ↑ The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure, p.34
- ↑ The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure, p.30
- ↑ The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure, p.50
- ↑ The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure, p.41
- ↑ The JOJOLands Chapter 1: Departure, p.49-51
- ↑ The JOJOLands Chapter 2: South King Street, p.50
- ↑ The JOJOLands Chapter 2: South King Street
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 The JOJOLands Chapter 3: The Villa on Hawaii Island, Part 1
- ↑ The JOJOLands Chapter 4: The Villa on Hawaii Island, Part 2
- ↑ The JOJOLands Chapter 5: "Rise Up"
