Chapter 17: Jodio and co begin fighting the Stand users as Howler himself is introduced

The highly anticipated chapter 17 of JoJoLands continued to follow Jodio Joestar and his companions as they searched for an MRI machine to expose the enemy Stand residing within Usagi Aloha’oe. This episode, officially released on Thursday, July 18, 2024, not only continued to showcase Jodio and co’s struggles, but also introduced a new character and delved into new storylines.

In chapter 17 of JoJoLands, readers are introduced to Agent Bobby Jean’s Stand, named Glory Days, which appears to be a nod to the popular song by American artist Bruce Springsteen. This revelation also sets the stage for an exhilarating battle between Jean and Jodio’s crew in the upcoming issue, making the release in August highly anticipated by fans.

JoJoLands Chapter 17: Jodio and Co’s Rapidly Devolving Situation

Brief Chapter Recap

Agent Bobby Jean and Lulu continue their pursuit of Jodio and co in JoJoLands chapter 17 (Image via Shueisha)

The 17th chapter of JoJoLands opened with the introduction of a male character on a plane accompanied by three women wearing revealing clothing. The man was seen feeding them something using an eyedropper, which he revealed to be dashi. The readers were able to recognize it as Rishiri dashi stock. He continued to share it with the women, explaining that the previous one was Rausu dashi stock. He also mentioned that this type of kombu, an edible seaweed, is only produced in three locations in Hokkaido, Japan.

The man clarified that the high cost of the kombu was due to its limited availability, as it could only be farmed in three specific locations. He also mentioned that the shrinking of the waters where it is farmed, caused by ocean warming, further adds to its rarity. He disclosed that the small spheres in the broth were actually parboiled green peas with salt. He then generously shared some Ma kombu with them and promised to purchase Hokkaido for them the next time he had the opportunity.

During his lecture on the misuse of land laws, the women, who were later identified as flight attendants, referred to him as Howler (as in Howler Co.) and mentioned their upcoming landing in Honolulu. Howler then disembarked the flight and was met by a man named Mack and other representatives from Dolphin Bank. Mack informed him of the government’s seizure of the 300 kilometers of land he owned on the Northern slope of Hualalai on the island of Hawai’i, which was actually authorized by Jodio and his associates.

JoJoLands’ 17th chapter revealed that it was about to be formally announced at any moment. Congressman White was credited with ordering it, but it had also received approval from others. Howler, unable to believe it, attempted to argue against it. However, the bank continued to explain that he would most likely be found guilty in the court of public opinion. This prompted Howler to question the bank’s purpose for being there, and they disclosed their intention to collect on a 38 billion dollar loan that had been given to Howler, effective immediately.

Howler admitted to using the loan to purchase the Honolulu head office building and other properties on O’Ahu, as well as complying with the bank’s request to buy a private jet for tax purposes. Despite Mack’s insistence, the bank demanded immediate repayment and suggested using Howler’s land as collateral if he was unable to pay in cash. Mack maintained that Howler was bankrupt and declared that they would collect the owed amount before he and his company went under.

In chapter 17 of JoJoLands, they departed while criticizing Howler’s personality, leaving him on the runway in disbelief. As Howler called the head office for Agent Bobby Jean, he couldn’t help but question if this situation was reminiscent of his childhood, especially as his Stand appeared. Meanwhile, the focus shifted to Bobby Jean and Lulu, who were engaged in an argument about their objective.

JoJoLands chapter 17 sees Jodio and co hit a major dead end (Image via Shueisha)

Lulu’s attention was caught by a charming hair ornament inside a car and she immediately became determined to have it. In her pursuit, she threw a fit and ended up damaging the car. However, it was evident that what truly troubled her was Dragona Joestar’s ability to survive the attack from her Stand, Bags Groove. Together, they made their way to a nearby hospital, anticipating that Jodio’s group would make use of an MRI machine. The focus of the situation then shifted to them.

In chapter 17 of JoJoLands, both of the hospital’s MRI exam rooms were occupied, causing the group to attempt to replicate an MRI machine using Usagi’s Stand, The Matte Kudasai. However, when Usagi’s ears began to bleed and his behavior changed, the group realized that this plan may not be feasible. They then turned their attention to Lulu and Jean, who had also arrived at the same area of the hospital as the rest of the group, while Bags Groove was attacking Usagi from within.

Lulu soon came to the realization that the group was, in fact, directly behind them. However, just as Jean’s phone rang, Howler introduced himself as Acca Howler and informed Lulu that he had a specific request for her regarding the people they were chasing. He correctly identified that they possessed a Lava Rock and instructed Lulu to retrieve and deliver it to him. He also made it clear that he wanted all of them eliminated, demonstrating his knowledge of the Rock’s capabilities.

In chapter 17 of JoJoLands, Bobby Jean wasted no time in accepting the task of eliminating the group. He swiftly armed himself with a silenced pistol and requested information from Lulu about the group. He then called upon his Stand, named Glory Days, and seemingly fired multiple shots at Jodio’s group, who could hear the commotion.

Despite turning to look, there were no bullets in sight and neither Bobby Jean nor Lulu were present on the floor. In fact, no one else seemed to be reacting to the sound they had heard. Suddenly, the bullets appeared and, although they seemed to be moving slowly, they mercilessly riddled Dragona, Charmingman, Paco Lovelantes, and Jodio with holes as the issue came to an end.

In review

The 17th chapter of JoJoLands is notable for its efforts in solidifying and advancing the overarching plot. The character of Acca Howler is introduced, serving as a formidable foe for Jodio’s group and foreshadowing a potential showdown over the control of Lava Rocks in the future.

The chapter skillfully creates a tense situation that sets up a nail-biting cliffhanger for the next installment. Depending on the extent of Jodio and the others’ injuries, it is probable that Usagi will have to face Jean and Lulu alone. This would provide an opportunity for Usagi to grow and evolve as a character, as he takes on the responsibility of protecting the group from Jean and Lulu’s relentless pursuit, which could potentially be caused by his own mistakes and carelessness.

In summation

JoJoLands chapter 17 presents Acca Howler and his associates as formidable adversaries, while also providing insight into Howler’s reasons for becoming involved with Jodio’s group. Although the upcoming issue may focus on their battle against Lulu and Jean, it is highly anticipated that Jodio and Howler will clash in a future installment of the series.