Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure features many important characters throughout its eight parts, but none stand the test of time quite like Robert E.O. Speedwagon. Normally, characters don’t reappear after their introductory part of JoJo, the most notable exceptions being Joseph and Jotaro. But Speedwagon’s presence is felt throughout the series, starting in Part 1.
Speedwagon debuts as a street thug in Phantom Blood, when he first meets Jonathan Joestar. That fateful meeting culminates in an incredible allyship, as well as a lasting friendship that transcends generations. His presence in the series is almost constant, helping future JoJos on their way to defeating evil and fighting other Stand users.
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Despite being a street thug, Speedwagon is an honorable man when he meets Jonathan. He drops his life of crime and devotes himself to helping Jonathan in his quest to defeat Dio Brando. Even after Jonathan’s death, Speedwagon sticks around to console Erina, Jonathan’s wife and even helps take care of her and her son, Joseph. Ripe his old age, Speedwagon starts the “Speedwagon Foundation” to fund medical and archaeological research. Soon after, Speedwagon dies, but he leaves a powerful legacy.
The Speedwagon Foundation appears in later parts of the series following Speedwagon’s death. Though his organization’s front is philanthropic, it’s usually put to use mostly helping the Joestar family time and time again. The foundation shares intel, supplies and even transportation with the Joestars, most notably Jotaro Kujo on his journey to Cairo in Part 3, Stardust Crusaders.
While Jotaro and his rag-tag group of friends, including his grandfather Joseph Joestar, make their way to Cairo, the Speedwagon Foundation helps by supplying various modes of transportation from Japan to Egypt, including boats, planes and cars. In addition, after the climactic battle between Jotaro and Dio at the end of Part 3, the Speedwagon Foundation helps tend the team’s wounds, even reviving Joseph from the edge of death.
In Part 4, Jotaro leads Joseph to the town of Morioh, under the guidance of the Speedwagon Foundation. Once there, they’re given the iconic bow and arrow to keep safe and to study. Later, in Part 6, the Foundation supplies a submarine to help Jotaro’s daughter, Jolyne, escape from prison. Every step of the Joestar journey is secretly aided by the Speedwagon Foundation. Robert Speedwagon’s loyalty to his friend goes beyond the grave, helping Jonathan’s descendants time and time again.
The Speedwagon Foundation still exists even in later parts, although under a new name and in an entirely new timeline. Named the Speedwagon Oil Company, it’s mostly a reference to Speedwagon’s presence in the earlier parts — a sort of homage. In Part 7, Steel Ball Run, the Speedwagon Oil Company has no connection to the Joestars and only funds Steven Steel’s Steel Ball Run race. So even in a completely separate timeline, Speedwagon is still making waves.
Robert E.O. Speedwagon may very well be the Best Boy of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. He was an iconic friend to Jonathan and Joseph Joestar, helping the family in any way he could during their troubling times together. After his death, his foundation continued to help the Joestar family with all of their endeavors, no matter the financial cost. He kept loyal to Jonathan until the end and made good on their friendship well beyond his death. His legacy permeates the entire JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise, even though his character was only ever in Parts 1 and 2. Speedwagon is a crucial character in JoJo’s, making a lasting impression that resonates throughout the series.