Introduction to Joseph's Stand in Stardust Crusaders

Stardust Crusaders, a manga series created by Hirohiko Araki, is rich with unique Stand abilities and their respective personalities. One of the more curious Stand types belongs to Joseph Starke, Hermit Purple. This article delves into the confusion surrounding Joseph's Stand, why it doesn't receive significant attention, and the thematic reasons for Araki's decisions.

The Stand: Hermit Purple

Joseph Starke, a key character in Stardust Crusaders, wields Hermit Purple, a passive Stand that does not engage in physical combat. Unlike many Stands in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Hermit Purple focuses on providing strategic advantage through psychic and magical means. Its abilities include reading thoughts and foreseeing future events, which makes it a valuable asset for Joseph and his team.

The Absence of Hermit Purple in Combat

What might be surprising to some is that despite its unique capabilities, Hermit Purple does not play a significant role in combat scenes throughout Stardust Crusaders. This absence can be attributed to a few key factors.

Creators' Approach to Stands

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure often emphasizes dynamic and action-packed Stands that can engage in physical combat. Hirohiko Araki, the creator, prefers to highlight the elements of conflict and thrill over logical solutions. Hermit Purple, being a non-combat Stand, does not fit this narrative mold. It is designed to be a strategic and mystical tool, rather than a fighting Stand.

Character Focus and Storytelling

While Hermit Purple's abilities are significant, Joseph Starke himself remains a secondary character in the story. Araki often places the spotlight on primary characters like Dio Brando and Jolyne Cujoh, leaving secondary characters like Joseph to take on more subtle roles. The lack of screen time for Joseph and Hermit Purple is part of the storytelling strategy, allowing for a broader exploration of themes without overwhelming the narrative with complex Stands.

Understanding Hermit Purple's Capabilities

Hermit Purple's primary abilities include:

**Psychic Powers** - Joseph can read the thoughts of others, providing strategic insights.

**Foresight** - Joseph gains visions of future events, helping him anticipate and prepare for scenarios.

**Mystical Influence** - Hermit Purple's energies can manipulate reality to some degree, offering hidden advantages in conflicts.

The H.P. Route: A Deeper Dive

One of the more intriguing aspects of Joseph Starke's history is the H.P. Route, a route of Stands that shares a common origin. This route includes characters like Elephant Man, Golden Experience, and Hermit Purple. Despite their similar powers, each Stand has its unique characteristics and methods of application, reflecting the diverse nature of abilities within JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

The Narrative Role of Hermit Purple

Hermit Purple serves as a textural element in the story, enhancing the mystical and psychological aspects of Stardust Crusaders. By focusing on subtlety rather than overt action, Araki creates a rich interplay between the characters and their Stands, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of themes such as fate, foresight, and the influence of foreknowledge.

Conclusion: The Essence of Hermit Purple

In conclusion, Joseph Starke's Stand, Hermit Purple, does not undergo any dramatic changes in Stardust Crusaders. Its role is primarily strategic, providing Joseph with the ability to foresee and influence events without the need for direct combat. This aligns with the overall narrative and thematic goals of the series, emphasizing the importance of foresight and the psychological aspects of conflict over brute force.

Final Thoughts

While Araki's decision to limit the combat role of Hermit Purple may seem perplexing, it enhances the storytelling by providing a deeper, more introspective narrative. Hermit Purple serves as a unique and valuable asset to Joseph, enriching the cast and contributing to the overall richness of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure universe.