Hirohiko Araki - JoJos Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders Manga

Jotaro Kujo, a delinquent high schooler who believes he is possessed by an evil spirit, discovers he has awakened a supernatural ability known as a Stand—an external manifestation of fighting spirit. When his grandfather Joseph Joestar reveals that their family is bound by a resurrected enemy, the immortal vampire Dio, Jotaro embarks on a globe-spanning journey with a group of Stand users to save his mother’s life. Traveling from Japan to Egypt, the Stardust Crusaders face deadly assassins, bizarre abilities, and battles of strategy rather than brute force.

Stardust Crusaders blends supernatural combat, tactical mind games, global adventure, and Araki’s evolving visual style, marking the arc where JoJo’s signature Stand system fully defines the series.

Notes About Hirohiko Araki 

Araki introduced the Stand concept in Part 3 to move away from purely physical combat and toward strategic battles based on rules, creativity, and psychology. This structural shift became the foundation for all later JoJo parts. Araki entered the manga industry independently after winning a Tezuka Award honorable mention.

Japanese Name: ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 第3部 スターダストクルセイダース
English Title: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders — Hardcover Edition
Story & Art: Hirohiko Araki
Original Publisher: Shueisha (Weekly Shōnen Jump)
English Publisher: VIZ Media (Hardcover Deluxe Line)
Release Years (Original): 1989–1992
Hardcover Edition Release: 2016–2018
Volumes: 10 hardcover volumes (collects complete Part 3)
Age Rating: Teen (T)
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Adventure, Shōnen
Themes: Fate & Bloodline, Strategic Combat, Friendship, Evil & Immortality, Journey & Endurance

Adaptations

OVA adaptations released in the 1990s and early 2000s, followed by a full TV anime adaptation by David Production (2014–2015).

Awards, Nominations & Sales Milestones

The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise has sold over 120 million copies worldwide. Part 3 is one of the most iconic arcs and solidified the series’ global popularity.

Other Notable Works by Hirohiko Araki

Hirohiko Araki is the creator of the long-running JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series spanning multiple generations and genres, as well as earlier works like Baoh the Visitor and The Gorgeous Irene. His later JoJo parts, including Diamond Is Unbreakable, Golden Wind, and Steel Ball Run, are widely credited for pushing visual experimentation, fashion influence, and narrative reinvention within manga.

Comics & manga are assumed VG+ or better unless otherwise noted. No broken spines, no writing, no stickers, and may have light shelf wear. Mid-2000s or earlier manga may have slight yellowing due to the age of the paper. All manga and comics are assumed to be pre-owned.