Stone Ocean is a very divisive part for many, and I can totally understand why. A ton of controversial decisions are made, and you can see Hirohiko Araki trying to figure out how much he can get away with. However, despite that, I believe this to not only be amazing in its own right, but one of the best JoJo parts to date, rivaled only by Steel Ball Run.

Story: 10/10

It should be noted that the story is not, by any means, FLAWLESS. It can be a tad difficult to follow at times and straight up nonsensical at others. However, this is part of the charm of JoJo, in my opinion. This story also feels far more involved than other parts. So often, ever since Stands were introduced, JoJo feels like "get from point A to point B and don't get killed along the way." Even Steel Ball Run falls into this trap for the most part. The only two parts that avoid this are JoJolion and Stone Ocean. It's not about just getting somewhere, but rather DOING something. The fights come (mostly) organically as a result of opposing goals, rather than the enemies being literal walking roadblocks. Towards the end, the story falls a bit more into this trap again, but at that point the build-up to it was so good that it didn't matter.

Art: 8/10

Personally, I've always had a hard time reading manga. That's why I have so little manga listed on my profile. I'm not entirely sure what it is, but I just can't understand what I'm seeing. Granted, I read the JoJo's Colored Adventure release, but the lineart and shading is still Araki's work. And, all of that being said, Araki does an excellent job conveying his ideas and the actions. Beyond that, the art is simply beautiful. The only reason I have it at an 8 is because I read the colored release, so I can't speak PURELY for Araki's work.

Character: 9/10

This cast of characters is one of my favorites, without a doubt. From Jolyne's excessive vulgarity in language and action, to F.F.'s (literal) fish-out-of-water nature, to Annasui's almost aggressive pursuit of Jolyne, the Stone Ocean crew is immense fun to be around.

The villain, Pucci, is also interesting. I know this point is hotly contested by many, but I found his motivation to be unique, if a bit... confusing.

The only reason I have it as a 9 instead of a 10 is the under-utilization of characters like Annasui and Emporio and, most egregiously, Ermes.

Enjoyment: 10/10

There's not a lot you can say objectively to support something like enjoyment. It's kind of a feeling. Stone Ocean is, in my opinion, a breath of fresh air for JoJo. While not bad, JoJo's had been steadily declining in quality since Battle Tendency, with Vento Aureo being somewhat weak. Stone Ocean felt so new and tense, and since this part JoJo's has been on the uprise, with Steel Ball Run being downright brilliant and JoJolion, from what I've read so far, being very nearly as excellent.

Overall: 10/10

Stone Ocean is a wild ride from beginning to end. With a spectacular cast of characters, fun and interesting stands (finally, an UNDERPOWERED main JoJo!) and a whole ton of risks taken, Stone Ocean feels like, appropriately, the dawn of a new age for JoJo. I highly recommend to anyone.