Another One Bites the Dust: The Queen Anthem’s Unexpected Journey Through JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Queen’s iconic song, “Another One Bites the Dust,” has transcended its initial release in 1980 to become a ubiquitous anthem. But few know the bizarre and fascinating journey it took through the world of anime and manga, specifically finding a unique resonance within Hirohiko Araki’s globally acclaimed series, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. This article explores the song’s significance, its association with the series, and the cultural impact it has had on both music and anime fandoms.

The Origins of a Rock Anthem

“Another One Bites the Dust” was penned by Queen’s bassist, John Deacon. Released as a single from their 1980 album, The Game, it quickly climbed the charts, becoming one of Queen’s biggest hits. Its distinctive bassline, funky rhythm, and Freddie Mercury’s powerful vocals made it an instant classic. The song’s lyrics, seemingly about the relentless nature of competition and conflict, struck a chord with audiences worldwide.

The song is about death and defeat. It is a dark song, but it is also a song about resilience. The song is about getting back up after you have been knocked down. The song is about never giving up. The song is about fighting for what you believe in. The phrase “another one bites the dust” became a common idiom, signifying defeat or failure in various contexts. Its usage extends far beyond the realm of music, permeating everyday conversations and popular culture.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: A Symphony of Style and Stand Battles

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, created by Hirohiko Araki, is a manga and anime series known for its unique art style, intricate storylines, and, most notably, its use of Stands – powerful manifestations of a character’s fighting spirit. The series spans multiple generations of the Joestar family, each facing supernatural threats with their unique abilities. The series is also known for its references to Western music, fashion, and culture. The series is a global phenomenon, with fans all over the world.

The Perfect Match: Another One Bites the Dust and Yoshikage Kira

The association between “Another One Bites the Dust” and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure comes specifically from the fourth part of the series, Diamond Is Unbreakable. In this installment, the main antagonist is Yoshikage Kira, a seemingly ordinary businessman with a dark secret: he’s a serial killer. Kira desires a quiet life but is compelled to murder women and keep their severed hands as trophies. His Stand, Killer Queen, possesses the ability to create bombs. Kira wants to live a quiet life, but he is constantly drawn into conflict. He is a complex character, and his motivations are not always clear. He is a fascinating character to watch, and he is one of the most popular villains in the series.

The Stand ability that embodies the song title appears after Kira is defeated, granted to him by the Stand Arrow. “Another One Bites the Dust” becomes an automatic Stand that activates when someone discovers Kira’s identity. It creates a time loop, trapping everyone in a repeating cycle until Kira is safe. This Stand is extremely powerful and makes Kira nearly invincible. The Stand’s power is directly tied to the song’s message of death and destruction. The Stand’s design also reflects the song’s theme, with its robotic and menacing appearance.

The choice of “Another One Bites the Dust” as the name for Kira’s Stand ability is no accident. It perfectly encapsulates Kira’s modus operandi and the devastating consequences of his actions. The song’s themes of death, destruction, and inevitability align perfectly with Kira’s character and his Stand’s abilities. The song is also a catchy and memorable tune, which makes it a perfect fit for the series.

Cultural Impact and Fandom Reactions

The use of “Another One Bites the Dust” in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has had a significant impact on both the anime and music fandoms. It introduced a new generation to Queen’s music, while simultaneously elevating the song’s status within the anime community. The association is so strong that many fans now immediately think of Yoshikage Kira whenever they hear the song. This cross-pollination of cultures has created a unique and vibrant community of fans who appreciate both the music of Queen and the artistry of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.

The song has also inspired countless memes, fan art, and cosplay. Fans have created their own versions of Kira’s Stand ability, often incorporating elements from the song’s lyrics and music video. The song has also been used in numerous anime music videos (AMVs) and fan-made videos. The song’s popularity has also led to an increase in sales of Queen’s music in Japan, where JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is extremely popular.

Fan Theories and Interpretations

The connection between “Another One Bites the Dust” and Yoshikage Kira has sparked numerous fan theories and interpretations. Some believe that Araki specifically chose the song to reflect Kira’s desire to erase his victims and maintain his quiet life. Others argue that the song’s repetitive nature mirrors the time loop created by Kira’s Stand ability. Still others interpret the song as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of violence and the inevitability of death.

One popular theory suggests that Kira’s Stand ability is a reflection of his own personality. Kira is a perfectionist who wants to control everything around him. His Stand ability allows him to do just that, by erasing anyone who threatens his quiet life. The time loop created by his Stand ability is also a reflection of Kira’s desire to escape from the consequences of his actions. He wants to go back in time and prevent himself from becoming a serial killer.

The Enduring Legacy

The use of “Another One Bites the Dust” in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a testament to the series’ ability to seamlessly blend Western culture with its own unique style. It also highlights the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect with audiences on a deeper level. The song’s association with Yoshikage Kira has cemented its place in anime history and ensured that it will continue to be enjoyed by fans for generations to come. The song’s legacy is also a reminder of the importance of music in storytelling. Music can be used to enhance the emotional impact of a story, to create a sense of atmosphere, and to provide insights into the characters’ personalities and motivations.

In conclusion, the journey of “Another One Bites the Dust” from a chart-topping rock anthem to a defining element of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a fascinating example of cultural cross-pollination. The song’s themes of death, destruction, and resilience, combined with its catchy melody, have made it a perfect fit for the series. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the power of music and anime to connect with audiences and create lasting memories. The song will forever be associated with Yoshikage Kira and his quest for a quiet life, cementing its place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

The impact of “Another One Bites the Dust” extends beyond just the anime itself. It has reignited interest in Queen’s music among younger generations who may not have been familiar with the band prior to encountering JoJo’s. This demonstrates the power of media to introduce classic music to new audiences, ensuring its longevity. [See also: Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody: A Timeless Masterpiece]

Furthermore, the strategic placement of such an iconic song within the series highlights the meticulous attention to detail that Araki, the creator of JoJo’s, puts into his work. The choice wasn’t arbitrary; it was a deliberate decision to enhance the narrative and the character of Yoshikage Kira. This level of thoughtfulness is a hallmark of the series and contributes to its enduring popularity. [See also: The Art of Hirohiko Araki: A Visual Journey]

Ultimately, the story of “Another One Bites the Dust” and its connection to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a celebration of creativity and the unexpected ways in which different forms of art can intersect and enrich each other. The song continues to resonate with fans, serving as a reminder of the power of both music and storytelling to transcend cultural boundaries and create lasting impressions. Another one bites the dust. Another one bites the dust.

Another one bites the dust. The phrase echoes through the corridors of anime and music history, forever intertwined with the bizarre world of JoJo and the iconic sounds of Queen. Another one bites the dust.