| Plot | Joseph Joestar battles against the ancient, superhuman Pillar Men, exploring moral ambiguity, the nature of humanity, and the complexities of Joseph's character |
| Title | Battle Tendency |
| Series | |
| Themes | Moral ambiguity • Humanity • Character complexity |
| Setting | 1930s-1940s |
| Protagonist |
Battle Tendency is the second story arc in the long-running manga series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, serialized from 1987 to 1989. Set primarily in the 1930s and 1940s, it follows the adventures of Joseph Joestar, the cocky and cunning grandson of the original JoJo, Jonathan Joestar.
Unlike the heroic Jonathan, Joseph inhabits a more morally ambiguous space as he confronts the ancient, superhuman Pillar Men - a group of powerful beings who seek to gain immortality and conquer the world. While ostensibly the protagonist, Joseph's reckless and self-serving actions at times make him an unreliable narrator and questionable hero.
The Pillar Men, led by the enigmatic Kars, are the central antagonists of Battle Tendency. They are an ancient, advanced species that predates humanity and possesses incredible regenerative abilities, shape-shifting powers, and superhuman strength.
Rather than being portrayed as outright villains, the Pillar Men are presented in a more nuanced light. They view humanity with a combination of fascination, condescension, and a sense of inevitable superiority. Kars in particular grapples with existential questions about the nature of consciousness and the purpose of their species' quest for immortality.
The brash, overconfident Joseph Joestar is the main protagonist, utilizing his quick wits and improvisational fighting style to battle the Pillar Men. However, Joseph is not above using underhanded tactics, manipulation, and self-interest to achieve his goals. His relationship with his allies, including his mentor Caesar Zeppeli, is marked by tension and occasional betrayal.
As the story progresses, Joseph is forced to confront the moral ambiguity of his actions and the blurring line between himself and his ancient foes. His final confrontation with Kars becomes as much a psychological and philosophical battle as a physical one, as they debate the merits of humanity, the purpose of power, and the nature of existence itself.
The conclusion of Battle Tendency leaves the ultimate fate of the Pillar Men and Joseph's legacy open to interpretation. While Kars is ostensibly defeated, the story hints that his consciousness may live on in some form. Joseph, meanwhile, is left grappling with the consequences of his actions and what it means to be truly heroic.
Rather than a straightforward good-versus-evil narrative, Battle Tendency delves into moral complexity, the relativity of morality, and the difficulty of defining oneself against seemingly superior ancient beings. Its ambiguous ending and probing philosophical undercurrents have made it a standout and influential entry in the long-running JoJo's Bizarre Adventure saga.
