The second of eight parts (and counting) in the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure canon, Battle Tendency is set in a time before Stands were even a thing. Taking place in 1938, Battle Tendency occurs decades after the events of Phantom Blood and there's an even greater threat than vampires: Nazis!

After defeating the Pillar Man “Santviento” in Mexico, our plucky hero Joseph Joestar and his old family friend Speedwagon embark to Rome to meet a practiced Hamon user for training. There they meet the womanizing Italian playboy Caesar Zeppeli, who happens to be the descendant of Zeppeli from Phantom Blood. However, their personalities clash and Joseph and Caesar can't get along! What could get them to stop bickering and to start focusing on the task at hand? The Nazis give them a solid reason by reviving the remaining three Pillar Men and leaving Joseph and Caesar to deal with the consequences.

I don't want to spoil much, but I find Joseph's character more interesting than Jonathan because he can bluff his way out of a bad situation. He's a born trickster, who uses his brain rather than just brute force. And he's funny! He has a hilarious sense of humor that comes out in middle of the most outrageous scenarios. His trickery helps him out of some dire situations and sets up the next story arc, which is meeting Caesar's Hamon trainer. And it's not the kind of person you would expect in a manga from 1988.

Smart readers will also figure out the origin of the names of the Pillar Men. My favorite one is “Esidisi." Try saying it out loud and you may just figure out which famous rock band inspired his name.

The manga also features one of the most grueling training sequences ever put to paper—The Hell Climb Pillar! JoJo and Caesar must climb a massive stone pillar covered in oil. Only through the most careful manipulation of Hamon, can they hope to make it all the way to the top and live. It's a test of endurance that goes on for many pages, and you can practically feel the strain and desperation of the characters as they struggle to reach the top. 

Araki Sensei's art is still in its early stages in this volume, which resembles more of the typical 1980s Tetsuo Hara-aesthetic than the signature Araki look that would be defined in the later volumes. Still, the art packs quite a punch and is full of his signature dynamic poses. And as I stated before in an earlier review, I really love these hardcover editions. The bi-chromatic color pages and untouched sound effects make the reading experience much more authentic. And they're easy on the eyes, as well. 

Battle Tendency Vol. 2 is available in print and digital at your local bookstore and at viz.com! 

by Ray n.