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Chapter 153. Am I Really a Genius Too?!
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That's right!
This was the loss-making suggestion that Cujoh Jolyne finally came up with after much contemplation!
After all, what was it that the audience initially found unsatisfactory about "Stardust Crusaders"?
It was the lackluster performance of Jotaro, the protagonist!
Although the return of characters from the previous and the prequel series in this sequel delighted many of their fans, a work's primary concern is never just the fans of its previous installments. While they can indeed contribute to initial viewership, only the infusion of fresh blood can ensure the healthy growth of the series' viewership.
The reason "Stardust Crusaders" became popular after the second episode was precisely this.
It wasn't that the content of the second episode was exceptionally good.
Rather, it was the fact that, after seeing Jotaro, the true protagonist, getting serious and delivering an impeccable victory and judgment, more viewers decided to stay and watch, and even more were attracted to it than before.
To express it simply with numbers: 3 > 2.
This is basic math that even elementary school students know.
In that case, if they reduce Jotaro's screen time, changing 3 > 2 back to 2 = 2, wouldn't they effectively exclude those viewers who were drawn in by Jotaro?!
— I can't believe I came up with a solution so quickly.
— Am I a genius too!?
Cujoh Jolyne thought confidently as she presented this suggestion.
Of course, she didn't forget her main task. Turning to Pucci, she said, "Director Pucci, what do you think of this suggestion? Do you think you can implement it in the upcoming storyline?"
"It might be a bit difficult," Pucci replied after some thought.
"Hmm?"
"Considering the time constraints, even if we want to modify the storyline of 'Stardust Crusaders,' it will take a while before the new plot can be filmed," Pucci explained.
In fact, even if Jolyne hadn't suggested reducing Jotaro's screen time, Pucci would have done it anyway.
The reason is simple.
Just like how Araki, in his previous life, was often teased by fans for not being able to handle team battles well.
Though this statement was mostly made in jest, and Araki did manage to depict team battles brilliantly when necessary, such as the group battle against the boss in "Golden Wind," the truth is that team battles are genuinely challenging to illustrate.
Araki, in his early days, rarely drew team battles.
Moreover, since the storyline always focused on the protagonist, the first few parts of "JoJo" that didn't feature team battles often suffered from insufficient character development.
There's no need to discuss the first part, "Phantom Blood."
The second part, "Battle Tendency," improved somewhat, but not by much. The fact that all four Pillar Men were defeated by Joseph alone clearly indicated the issue.
Perhaps this was why, when creating the third part, "Stardust Crusaders," Araki added five protagonists to accompany Jotaro on this bizarre adventure.
In such a situation, the one-on-one duels of the previous "JoJo" parts were naturally unsuitable for the story of "Stardust Crusaders."
Cujoh Jolyne, oblivious to what Pucci was thinking, only heard his agreement with her.
Satisfied, she withdrew her previous death stare directed at Pucci.
Of course, Pucci was the Hidden Dragon she had carefully chosen.
How could he possibly have the intelligence to realize the flaw in her suggestion and refuse it?
Feeling relieved, Cujoh Jolyne added with understanding, "True, the timing might not be ideal. Let's implement this suggestion a bit later, but not too late!"
"I believe you can do it, Director Pucci!"
Although she couldn't immediately reduce Jotaro's screen time, Cujoh Jolyne understood Pucci's predicament.
Didn't she even consider writing the script herself?
Since Pucci was not only the screenwriter but also the director of "Stardust Crusaders," time management would certainly be tight.
After comparing two things: bringing back Akiyuki Shinbo, the traitorous tiger, and letting Pucci, though slow, still modify the script according to her suggestions, Cujoh Jolyne decisively chose the latter.
Akiyuki Shinbo had already betrayed her once. Cujoh Jolyne would never give him another chance to betray her!
"After mentioning this first point, there's a second point that also deserves attention—Joseph's screen time shouldn't be too much either!" Cujoh Jolyne continued.
While 2 = 2 is good, it's not enough!
Cujoh Jolyne wanted 1 < 2!
Or even 0 < 2, eliminating both Joseph's and DIO's screen time entirely!
After excluding Jotaro, who holds the most appeal in "Stardust Crusaders"?
Of course, it's Joseph, the former protagonist, and DIO, the antagonist from the prequel!
If their screen time were also cut, what would be left for "Stardust Crusaders" viewers to watch?
It would be strange if they didn't immediately drop the series!
Despite her limited experience with anime, Cujoh Jolyne could only come up with these two points in such a short time.
But these two points were enough!
Even if "Stardust Crusaders" excelled out of her sight, what difference would it make?
There would be no audience left!
However, Cujoh Jolyne felt that this was too ruthless.
Or rather, with DIO already being the final boss of "Stardust Crusaders," she couldn't think of a valid reason for Pucci to reduce DIO's screen time.
It's impossible to say that DIO achieved his goal and vanished into a parallel world, right?
There's no way to write it that way.
But as for Joseph, who wasn't the final boss, there was no such concern.
Cujoh Jolyne had long prepared a reason to convince Pucci: "After all, Joseph was the protagonist of the previous installment. In 'Battle Tendency,' we've already portrayed Joseph perfectly. Those who come for Joseph are already very familiar with him."
"Given this, instead of spending 'Stardust Crusaders' on this repetition, it's better to focus on other characters and showcase their charm!"
"Director Pucci, don't you think this suggestion makes a lot of sense?"
"Yes, it does. It makes a lot of sense," Pucci nodded. "It's indeed a bit of a waste..."
Wait! Could this be...?!