Thank you to Viz and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy for review.
An interesting start to the latest iteration of JoJo; it provides a good enough jumping-on point for the new reader while still being fresh enough for the long time fan.

Jolyne Cujoh is in rough waters. Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, she is sentenced to the Green Dolphin Street Prison. Struggling to survive, she ends up making some terrible impressions to the people around her. What complicates things further is the fact that she gets mysterious powers thanks to her father’s pendant. (Just in case you didn’t already know, Jolyne’s father is Jotaro Kujo, protagonist of Stardust Crusaders). She makes a new friend in Ermes Costello, and ends up involved in a breakout attempt by her roommate Gwess. Jolyne needs to navigate the prison life while also trying to find a way out and staying alive.

Compared to the mafioso-laden Golden Wind, this debut feels oddly rougher in comparison. Jolyne is a dynamic heroine, but her first chapters are a bit strange in characterization. (For context, some of her first lines in prison are her being embarrassed about masturbating.) It’s vastly different from Giorno or Josuke, but it’ll take some time to get used to it. While I get the prison setting makes for initially unlikable roommates, I don’t feel the chemistry with the new allies. Ermes and Gwess feel rough around the edges, and it’ll take a few more chapters before I can grasp their personalities.

It's also here where the “Look at Jotaro!” appearances feel a bit strange. It’s weird to think of him as an estranged father, and the relationship between him and Jolyne feels strained and unnatural. I’ve seen a lot of Jotaro in Diamond is Unbreakable, and I feel like the relationship between him and Josuke feels more organic. The action sequences are still solid as always, however, and I can see this being a fan-favorite down the road. Stone Free’s powers feel a bit underpowered, but that just means there’s more potential yet.

JoJo is framed for murder by her boyfriend! She is sentenced to 15 years. Her estranged dad visits with a gift that gives her a new power. Things continue to get stranger and stranger as she has figure out who is on her side and who or what is against her.
Note- opens with JoJo telling she was caught maturating by a guard.