REVIEW: ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean Part 2’ Sets Up An Epic Finale

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean is back this week on Netflix with the second batch of episodes. Stone Ocean Part 2 is produced and animated by David Production and distributed worldwide by Netflix. Based on the hit manga by Hirohiko Araki, the show stands at the top of the anime pyramid where few other shows have reached.

Stone Ocean Part 2 picks up right where the first batch left off, with Jolyne Cujoh still in the Green Dolphin Street Jail. Her father, Jotaro Kujo, is still in his CD form, and the hopes are that he can be brought back before Father Pucci and his Whitesnake can complete their dastardly plan. The performances in English continue to be top-notch, with Kira Buckland killing it as Jolyne and Brittany Lauda delivering an excellent performance as F.F. during some of the season’s more tense moments.

Stone Ocean Part 2 serves as a bridge between the first 12 episodes released last year and the previous batch of episodes that are still unannounced but will presumably be coming out next year. Because of that, the episodes can hop straight into more character development for Jolyne as well as Ermes, F.F., Weather Report, and Emporio Alnino. There is much more at stake now, with Jolyne committed to escaping from Green Dolphin Street to save her father. Since the stakes are higher, we get some really dark moments that had me on the edge of my seat, wondering if everyone would survive. There is a great subplot with Jolyne starting to lose her memories too, which, without spoiling anything, is a neat addition to the season.

The store of Stone Ocean Part 2 continues to build to the ultimate crescendo, and while there isn’t much payoff in this middle section of the season, there is plenty of action to look forward to. There are even more fights in Stone Ocean Part 2 than in Stone Ocean Part 1, and the enemies Jolyne faces pose a very serious threat all throughout. While Jolyne is working on a way to get out of jail, Father Pucchi is putting the finishing touches on his evil plan. A confrontation between Jolyne and Pucchi is sure to happen in the final part of the season, but unfortunately, we don’t get that climactic battle here. Still, there is plenty to look forward to for those who love some bizarre JoJo action sequences.

Speaking of things JoJo’s fans will surely be looking forward to, Stone Ocean Part 2 is a visual delight from start to finish. The character animations feel a bit smoother during the battle scenes, and the visual pop with every punch, kick, and wild Stand power helps improve an already excellent concoction. The opening credit sequence has stayed the same for this part of the season, something I would’ve liked to have seen changed up a bit, but I can’t really complain when the current opening is already top-notch. The combination of an excellent soundtrack with immaculate visuals is a resounding success both in the credits and in the show as a whole.

Stone Ocean Part 2 is an excellent batch of episodes, burdened only by the fact that waiting for the final batch of episodes will be painful for many. The characters continue their growth in very believable ways, while the wackiness of JoJo’s is still prevalent the entire time. The stakes are much, much higher now, and I can’t wait to see how they deliver on the finale when the last batch of episodes comes out.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean Part 2 is streaming now on Netflix.