Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan

Title: “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan” – A Bizarre Journey into the Unknown

If you’re a fan of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, you already know Rohan Kishibe – the eccentric manga artist with a Stand power that lets him read people’s life stories like books. But what happens when this sharp-witted, slightly arrogant protagonist gets his own spinoff? Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan answers that question with a series of standalone tales that blend supernatural horror, psychological depth, and Araki’s signature “bizarre” flair.

First, let’s get the basics straight. Created by Hirohiko Araki, the manga one-shots were adapted into an anime by David Production (the same studio behind JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure). The series premiered in 2016 as OVAs, with additional episodes released later, each focusing on Rohan’s encounters with the unexplained. Unlike the main JoJo series, which follows a linear narrative, Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan is an anthology – think The Twilight Zone but with more stylish art and a protagonist who’d rather sketch a ghost than run from it.

What makes this show stand out? For starters, Rohan himself. Voiced by Takahiro Sakurai (known for roles like Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy VII Remake), Rohan is equal parts charming and infuriating. He’s a perfectionist obsessed with “truth” – not just in his manga, but in the world around him. This obsession leads him to dive headfirst into situations most people would flee from: a cursed house, a man who can steal time, a village where everyone has the same face. Each episode is a self-contained mystery, and Rohan’s curiosity is both his greatest strength and his biggest flaw.

Take the episode “The Millionaire Village,” for example. Rohan visits a remote town where residents are inexplicably wealthy, only to discover a dark secret tied to a mysterious “god” living in the mountains. The tension builds slowly, with Araki’s art style – bold lines, dramatic angles, and that iconic JoJo posing – amplifying the unease. Fans on MyAnimeList rave about how the episode balances horror with social commentary, asking: What would you sacrifice for success?

Another fan favorite is “At a Confessional.” Here, Rohan meets a priest who claims to hear confessions from the dead. The story twists and turns, blurring the line between the living and the afterlife. What’s brilliant is how the episode uses Rohan’s Stand, Heaven’s Door, to peel back layers of the priest’s past – revealing guilt, regret, and a shocking connection to Rohan himself. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, with each panel (or frame, in the anime) packed with detail.

But Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan isn’t just about scares. It’s about human nature. Rohan may be a genius, but he’s also deeply flawed. He’s rude to his assistant, Koichi (a callback to Diamond is Unbreakable), and often dismissive of others’ feelings. Yet, beneath the arrogance, there’s a genuine desire to understand the world. As one Reddit user put it: “Rohan isn’t a hero – he’s a storyteller. And the best stories are the ones that make you question everything.”

Visually, the anime is a feast for the eyes. David Production stays true to Araki’s unique art style, with vibrant colors and dynamic action sequences. The opening theme, “FINDING THE TRUTH” by Coda, is a catchy rock track that perfectly captures Rohan’s relentless pursuit of answers. Even the background music – a mix of eerie piano melodies and upbeat jazz – adds to the show’s distinct atmosphere.

Critics and fans alike praise the series for its creativity. Unlike many spinoffs, Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan doesn’t rely on nostalgia. It carves its own path, using Rohan’s character to explore new, bizarre territories. As one review on Anime-Planet notes: “This isn’t just a JoJo side story – it’s a love letter to the weird, the wonderful, and the unexplained.”

Of course, no show is perfect. Some viewers find the pacing slow, especially in episodes like “Mutsu-kabe Hill,” which focuses more on character development than action. But for those who appreciate a good mystery, the slow burn is part of the appeal. Each episode rewards patience, with twists that hit you like a Stand punch to the gut.

In conclusion, Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan is a must-watch for JoJo fans and horror enthusiasts alike. It’s a series that dares to be different – blending supernatural elements with deep, human stories. Whether you’re here for Rohan’s snarky one-liners, the stunning art, or the mind-bending mysteries, there’s something for everyone. So grab your sketchbook, open Heaven’s Door, and prepare to be drawn into a world where the truth is stranger than fiction.

As Rohan himself would say: “The only thing that’s important is the truth. Even if it’s terrifying.” And trust me – this show delivers plenty of both.

Rating: 9/10 – A bizarre, beautiful journey you won’t forget.