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Joy Wang struggles to find meaning and stability in a world that feels overwhelming, and her transformation into Jobu Tupaki reflects the depth of her inner chaos and pain. Her sense of disconnection is shaped not only by the infinite multiverse but also by more grounded tensions—particularly with her mother, Evelyn. The cultural and generational divide between them leaves Joy feeling unseen and misunderstood. A flashback shows Joy’s typical teenage rebellion met with confusion rather than empathy, highlighting Evelyn’s difficulty in connecting with a daughter raised in a different country, in a different time. As an adult, Joy is in a long-term relationship with a woman named Becky, but Evelyn’s refusal to fully acknowledge their relationship—especially in front of Gong Gong—leaves Joy feeling rejected. Evelyn insists that she’s supportive, yet her actions suggest a deep discomfort with parts of Joy’s identity. For Joy, this emotional gap mirrors the existential one she experiences as Jobu: a sense that no matter where she goes or who she becomes, she remains fundamentally alone.

In the Alphaverse, Joy was a skilled protege of Evelyn who learned to “verse-jump” across multiple universes, though when she is pushed too far, her mind “cracks” under the strain of confronting an infinite number of worlds simultaneously. No longer believing that life has any meaning, Joy becomes Jobu Tupaki, a villainous figure who threatens to destroy the entire multiverse and tracks down alternative versions of Evelyn. There are several parallels between Jobu and Joy, both of whom, in different ways, experience profound depression and feelings of despair. Additionally, both have deeply complicated relationships with their mother but nevertheless come to rely upon her as a source of support. Evelyn blocks Jobu from entering the Everything Bagel while another version of Evelyn simultaneously reaches out to Joy and offers her unconditional love and acceptance. Ultimately, it is Evelyn’s love for Joy that preserves their family, redeems Jobu, and saves the multiverse.  

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