JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable - Areas for Improvement: A Fan's Perspective
Hey, JoJo fans! So, we all love Diamond is Unbreakable, right? Morioh's charm, the quirky stand battles, Josuke's hair… it's iconic. But let's be real, even the best anime have room for improvement, and Part 4 is no exception. This isn't a "Part 4 sucks" rant, more of a thoughtful chat about what could have been even better.
The Pacing Problem: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
Man, the pacing in Part 4 was… all over the place. Some arcs felt rushed, like we barely got to know some characters before they were gone. Remember that one arc with the...uh... the guy who could control the weather? It felt kinda brief, you know? Other parts, like the Kira Yoshikage arc, dragged on forever. It felt like sometimes they were trying to stretch things out for filler. And don't even get me started on the ending. It felt like the writers were just ready to be done. A little more evenly paced storytelling, maybe some more character development in the slower parts, would've made a huge difference. The pacing really impacted the overall experience.
A Practical Tip: Structure is Key
For aspiring writers and animators, this is a huge takeaway. Planning is essential! Before you even start writing, outline the entire story, setting clear goals for each arc. This helps maintain a consistent pace and prevents plot holes, which can totally kill the vibe. I messed up on this once when I wrote a short story...the climax happened too early! It was a total disaster! Proper pacing is key to any compelling narrative.
The Villain's Dilemma: Kira's Creepiness vs. His Impact
Kira Yoshikage is a fantastic villain. I mean, seriously, the guy is terrifying! His quiet, unassuming nature is completely juxtaposed with his horrific actions. He's just so creepy. But... the actual impact of his actions on Morioh felt a little...underwhelming, at times. There wasn't that same pervasive sense of dread and urgency that, say, Dio brought to Part 3. He felt more like a serial killer than a true threat to the town. While his acts were obviously horrifying, they just didn't feel as impactful on the overall story arc as they could've been.
Boosting Villain Impact: Show, Don't Just Tell
To create a truly memorable villain, you need to show their impact, not just tell us about it. We need to feel the consequences of their actions. Maybe show more of the aftermath of Kira's crimes on the town's psyche. Focus on the emotional toll it takes on the community—the fear, the paranoia, the lasting effects on the survivors. Think about how much the world is irrevocably changed, because of his actions. This adds depth and weight to the story.
Side Characters: Shining Bright, Then Fading Away
Part 4 introduced us to a fantastic cast of side characters. Each had their own unique quirks and stands. They were all so memorable! But some of them felt underutilized. They could have used some more screen time and fleshed-out backstories. It is such a shame because many of them had the potential to be key players. More character development for these supporting characters would only have enriched the story.
Giving Supporting Characters Their Due: Develop Relationships
To improve side character development, focus on their relationships with the main characters and each other. Build connections, explore conflicts, and show how they evolve throughout the story. Remember, compelling side characters are more than just quirky personalities; they're individuals with motivations, fears, and hopes. Give them a chance to shine.
Final Thoughts: Still a Classic, But Room for Growth
Despite these criticisms, Diamond is Unbreakable is still a phenomenal part of the JoJo saga. It's charming, funny, and features some unforgettable characters and stands. But by addressing the pacing, villain impact, and side character development, the creators could have elevated it to an even greater level. It’s food for thought, especially for those thinking about writing or creating their own anime series. It truly shows how even beloved series can benefit from refinement! What do you guys think? What other areas could have been improved? Let me know in the comments!