The “JoJos” in the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series are never really alone, as in each part there are other characters assisting the lead. In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind volume 1, Giorno Giovanna meets Bruno Bucciarati. It establishes the first important relationship on his quest to fulfill his dream of becoming a don and making Naples a better place. While the second installment continues down that path, it also does something else important. In volume 2, we Hirohiko Araki puts together perfect situations to help bond Giorno’s new allies together while getting him closer to his dream.
The first volume of Golden Wind is all about establishing Giorno and making sure we understand why we should root for him, and volume 2 is about doing the same for the characters helping him. We quickly learn that Passione Capo Polpo’s underlings are unique individuals. That is, odds are they have their own Stands. Which makes sense. I mean, look at the series as a whole. But this is the mafia and Giorno is new. We can’t expect to have everything revealed to him, and by extension us, right away. But Araki handles things in such a way that, by the end of the volume, them all trusting each other and Giorno feels believable.
Things are off to a strong start at the outset. Araki establishes the closeness between members of Bucciarati’s group. The four are sitting together, having tea. Pannacotta Fugo is tutoring Narancia Ghirga. That action shows the affection between them. (Even with what happens when the session doesn’t go as expected.) We see Guido Mista’s superstitions at play. (And how the group accepts them.) Leone Abbacchio is established as someone who might test people. And when he does, no one gives him away.
What really helps establish things right away is how Giorno handles things. He’s aware that he needs these people on his side. He has to prove himself. So, he does. He shows at the outset that he has a Stand. But he doesn’t reveal Gold Experience immediately. He doesn’t show what he does. Once the group gets a chance to move Bucciarati up the ranks, Giorno sacrifices himself for the greater good. The decision proves to Abbacchio, the person who’d be most difficult to win over, that Giorno could be trusted. In every situation with his new allies, Giorno is forthright with Gold Experience.
Which, in turn, helps propel the rest of the story forward. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind volume 2 then spends the rest of the volume showing what Abbacchio, Mista, and Narancia can do. Araki also handles it in a tactful way. We aren’t seeing each person’s Stand on display at once. Situations occur that gradually dole them out. One after another, we see what people are capable of when appropriate. The natural progression makes each reveal more satisfying. We also get additional scenarios where we see these existing members work with Giorno. In addition to the interactions with Abbacchio, we see him work with Mista as well.
It also means that by the end of volume 2, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind is set up for the main event. We know what all of team Bucciarati can do. We’re aware of the dynamics between these JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure characters. And right at the cliffhanger, we’re introduced to a plotline that will carry on through the rest of this arc.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind volume 2 is now available from Viz Media. Part 3 will release on February 1, 2022. The anime adaptation is available on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
