JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: 'Golden Wind' vs. 'Stone Ocean', which one is better?

There are a few anime franchises that have swept the fanbase off its feet like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Each part in Hirohiko Araki’s work has introduced new characters, settings, and ever more mind-bending Stand battles. Among the fan-favorite arcs, Part 5: Golden Wind and Part 6: Stone Ocean frequently come up for comparison. While both are solid entries in their own right and push boundaries in different ways, I genuinely believe Golden Wind is the stronger, more satisfying journey.

From the very beginning, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind has a vibrant setting and amazing world-building. There’s something deeply enchanting about the way Araki paints Italy. And this world perfectly complements the mafia world setting, as it is the main theme of this part. Stone Ocean, meanwhile, starts strong in a Florida prison. I actually liked the idea of a JoJo arc unfolding behind bars; it promised a gritty, psychological thriller. But somewhere along the way, the setting lost its grip.

I also think that Giorno is a more compelling protagonist than Jolyne. His demeanor, combined with his unwavering moral code, really struck a chord with me. His character is not flashy like Joseph Joestar or Jotaro Kujo. That subtle, ideological strength is something I admired more with each episode. And to watch his Stand evolve in the final episode to Gold Experience Requiem was one of the most satisfying power progressions in anime.

On the other hand, Jolyne had a much deeper emotional journey. She started off being immature and eventually grew out of her father’s shadow into a warrior. I do respect her arc, but her motivations early on were a bit muddled, and it took time for me to really root for her. Furthermore, her story felt a little rushed after Pucci began to take action on his plan, and she once again relied on her dad and her allies for help, even if unwillingly, because she wasn’t strong enough to fight alone.

Also, I have a soft spot for Bucciarati’s gang in Golden Wind. Every single member—Narancia, Mista, Abbacchio, Trish, and Fugo—had distinct personalities and deeply emotional backstories. When someone died, it actually made me emotional about their death, especially Narancia’s. While Stone Ocean has a few standout characters, I did not feel the same chemistry with them. Also, Anasui’s obsession with Jolyne honestly made me uncomfortable at times, and not all of the side characters felt fully developed.

Both JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind and Stone Ocean benefited from David Production’s relentless attention to detail. However, Golden Wind arguably stands as the studio’s magnum opus. The color palette of Golden Wind is experimental and breathtaking. The fight animation is fluid, the linework crisp, and the music is iconic. Stone Ocean lost most of its audience engagement due to flat pacing and limited animation in crucial moments. While both are visual treats, Golden Wind is the more polished, ambitious, and cohesive product.

Themes of Justice vs. Destiny in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: 'Golden Wind' vs. 'Stone Ocean'

One of the things I love about JoJo’s is how each part has a distinct philosophy. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind is all about transformation. It is about taking something broken and corrupt and trying to purify it from within. Giorno’s goal was not to gain fame or power; he wanted to change the system and succeeded.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean tackled bigger, cosmic themes—fate, predestination, and sacrifice. I appreciated the ambition, and I respected Jolyne’s final act of selflessness. But the whole universe-reset ending felt emotionally distant. It was more mind-blowing than moving. While the new universe brings closure, it also makes me feel like so much of the story was undone.

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In conclusion, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind is a full package. It has characters, story, pacing, visuals, and emotion, and therefore, it just hits harder for me. It’s tighter, more focused, and more emotionally rewarding. Giorno’s rise from a quiet outsider to the benevolent king of a criminal empire is nothing short of epic. Therefore, it is a better part when compared with Stone Ocean.

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