This manga is absolutely incredible. Araki truly did an outstanding job. I adore the art style and the storyline is equally impressive. Even the backstories are fascinating. The story revolves around two individuals, Johnny Joestar (also known as Jonathan Joestar) and Gyro Zeppeli (or Julius Caesar Zeppeli), who are traveling across America in a race called the Steel Ball Run. If they win the race, they will receive 50,000,000 dollars. However, what they don't realize is that the race isn't just for entertainment; it's to obtain the world's greatest power. The president, Funny Valentine, desires this power but doesn't want to acquire it himself, so he hires a few people to collect the body parts of the saint. You might be wondering who the saint is, but I won't spoil that for you—read it to find out! Johnny and Gyro also decide to collect these parts once they discover what's happening.
Additionally, the manga features numerous epic battles and tough decisions. This is a must-read, even for those who aren't avid readers, like myself and my friends who have enjoyed this manga. So, get up and read JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run. But first, make sure you've watched parts 1-5 and read part 6.
Link to Steel Ball Run manga: https://mangadex.org/chapter/24458/1
When I first encountered the Jojo series, adapting to its visual style and universe proved challenging for me.
I attempted to watch the anime but didn't find much success, although the story itself intrigued me.
Then, I began reading the manga and gradually started appreciating Araki's unique style.
By the time I reached Stardust Crusaders, I was genuinely excited about the concept of Stands—it was a completely new approach to combat in mangas that I had discovered, and it was thrilling. I wanted more.
When I moved on to Diamond Is Unbreakable, my enthusiasm skyrocketed—I thought, "Wow, JJBA might just be the best manga ever."
The art, story arcs, characters, the main villain, even Morioh Town—everything came together seamlessly to create a masterpiece.
Continuing with Golden Wind and Stone Ocean, I experienced the same level of enjoyment as with DIU. However, by the end of Stone Ocean, without giving too much away, I wasn't entirely certain about how the narrative had unfolded.
Next, I dove into Steel Ball Run, and honestly, it ranks among the greatest experiences I've had so far in life.
It sounds strange, but finishing that manga felt like a life-changing moment—it truly left a profound impact on me.
At first, the early chapters seemed slow and somewhat dull, despite the fascinating premise. But once I hit around Volume 5, things escalated wildly—I couldn't stop reading. I vividly recall waking up in the middle of the night just to read one more chapter.
There's no way to fully convey just how incredible this manga is—you simply have to experience it yourself right away!
So, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run
THIS MANGA is an absolutely amazing manga. In my opinion, it is by far the best manga ever. It’s so well-crafted. Araki is on a completely different level when he wrote this manga.
Story 10/10: One of the greatest and most original Jojo stories. It’s set in the 1800s in America, with a horse race across America where the winner gets 60 million dollars. Sounds pretty generic, right? Wrong.
Minor Spoilers Ahead: Stands aren’t introduced until after a whole volume (Volume 3), which means this manga takes its time. What I love about it so much is that it gets rid of its weaker arcs right away, and then BOOM—amazing arcs start coming left and right: Mandom Fight, Catch the Rainbow, and more.
Art 11/10: Araki’s best work yet. No more said because we all know that man is THE ARTIST.
Characters 11/10: It doesn’t have your typical Jojo story of five people trying to catch a main villain. Instead, we get Gyro and Johnny, which is the best duo ever. The comedic moments, their serious moments, and more—it’s all there. They have one of the best chemistries I’ve ever seen.
Villains: Funny Valentine is probably my favorite JoJo villain after DIO. He practically believes himself to be a hero, and his ability, D4C, is just so amazing. Dio (Part 7) – Dio as a dinosaur? What more can you say? The side villains here aren’t the best, but they have such creative and cool stands, which makes the battles all the greater.
Enjoyment 9/10: I’ll admit, at first, I wasn’t into it because it’s such a change from your typical Jojo story, and it had the slowest start yet. BUT, man, does it grow on you. Everything gets so much better—it’s unbelievable. When I finished it, I was jumping and saying, “This is the best manga EVER!”
Overall: My favorite part has always been Part 5, but if you ask me what is the best part, I will always answer Part 7. It’s so good that I’m honestly writing my first review because of my love for this manga.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run Review
Story (9/10) Great
More Specifically (9.80/10) Great+
The story in the critically acclaimed Part 7 of JoJo's truly lived up to the hype, standing as the best from a storytelling perspective in the series. It’s not without its flaws, like any other series, but it remains the pinnacle of Hirohiko Araki's writing. My personal issues with the story primarily lie in the climax, which impacted my enjoyment somewhat and will be discussed in that section. Beyond that, one must acknowledge and accept that JoJo's has never been entirely logical. As readers, we know this and must embrace it accordingly. Araki attempts his best (or at least I hope he does) to explain the supernatural or scientific elements within his stories, and sometimes they make sense, while other times they don't—this is forgivable depending on the reader and the context. What particularly bothered me throughout this part was the concept of "the spin." Ripple made some sense, as did Stands; they were relatively straightforward and easy-to-grasp powers that Araki had devised in earlier parts. However, the power of the spin started off unclear and only grew more confusing as the series progressed. It nearly lost me when Gyro needed to see a perfect rectangle to unlock his true potential—I can’t let Araki get away with that. Despite these issues, the plot of the Steel Ball Run Race itself was remarkably unique and represented the most significant departure from traditional JoJo's since Part 4's slice-of-life twist (and it goes even further). The narrative delivers the same thrill as reading or watching an excellent sports manga but with JoJo's distinctive flair, and for the most part, it excels, earning its place as the best story Araki has crafted so far.
Art (10/10) Outstanding
The art in JoJo's Part 7 represents Araki's finest work in my opinion. At the time of writing this review, I've already read through Part 8 and am caught up with it, and Part 7's art surpasses Part 8's. I'm unsure what happened after Araki completed Part 7, but it marked his artistic peak. He has never drawn anything as visually stunning as what he achieved in any other part of JoJo's or any other manga he created before JoJo's.
Characters (10/10) Outstanding (Spoilers)
What makes the characters in Part 7 stand out isn't necessarily their likability but the depth of their backstories. Johnny, Gyro, Diego, and Funny boast some of the richest character histories Araki has ever written. The only backstories that rival these and aren't from Part 7 belong to Weather Report and Enrico Pucci from Part 6. Likability is subjective, but I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters Johnny and Gyro. Their chemistry as a duo eclipses every pair we've seen in previous parts—Joseph and Caesar? Not even close. Josuke and Okuyasu? Nope. No duo comes near Johnny and Gyro. Now, Diego Brando as a character surpasses the original Dio in terms of complexity and intrigue. While I prefer the original Dio as a character, Diego demonstrates greater depth and interest. Although Dio received additional characterization in Part 6 during Enrico's flashback, making him seem more than just a one-dimensional villain obsessed with the Joestar bloodline, I still find Diego to be a superior character by default. My only qualms about Diego involve how he acquired his dinosaur-related abilities—it still doesn't fully make sense to me—and the introduction of the second Diego, which felt unnecessary and akin to a lazy attempt to reintroduce The World into the storyline. While the idea was interesting, eliminating the original Diego so early didn't feel like the best decision. Diego Brando stands as a remarkable antagonist, and because I don't view him as a flat-out villain like Dio Brando, I consider him a better character by default. On the other hand, Funny Valentine can be seen as both a villain and an antagonist. His intricate mind and thought processes were exceptional, and I believe he surpasses Dio as a villain, though I personally favor Dio more. Even with all this said, despite giving this section a 10/10, it signifies that it reached my pinnacle of satisfaction, not that it is flawless.
Enjoyment (9/10) Great
More Specifically (9.60/10) Great+
My overall enjoyment of Part 7 was great; I relished most of it. The beginning did take a bit to gain momentum, but once it did, the rest flowed smoothly. Enjoyment is entirely subjective, varying from person to person. For me, the conclusion regarding how the final opposing villain was handled was good, but the sudden appearance of Diego Brando from an alternate universe wielding the Stand power of The World felt like a significant misstep—even by JoJo's standards. Honestly, this felt like a bigger stretch than Jotaro acquiring time-stop powers at the end of Part 3. The revelation about Diego gaining The World was spoiled for me before I reached that point in the manga, and I anticipated the original Diego somehow obtaining that ability, which intrigued me. However, discovering it wasn't him but another Diego from a parallel universe left me disappointed and diminished my enjoyment of the conclusion to the acclaimed SBR. I felt it could have been executed better—for instance, imagine if the original Diego hadn't died and teamed up with the new Diego for a 2v2 battle against Johnny and Gyro? That would have been far superior in my opinion. Another factor that detracted from my enjoyment was the fact that, similar to the previous Joestar (Jolyne), Johnny couldn't complete the mission. Sure, one might argue that Johnny defeated Funny, who was the primary antagonist of Part 7, but the fact that Funny's actions led to the existence of this second Diego leaves me uneasy in much the same way I felt when Jolyne couldn't defeat Enrico Pucci in Part 6. It doesn't sit well with me that Lucy Steel (like Emporio) delivered the final blow against the ultimate threat in Part 7. Still, it didn't entirely ruin my experience, evident by the score of 9.60, as it's far more forgivable compared to the major issues in previous parts of JoJo's (Parts 4, 5, and 6, in particular, each had unforgivable flaws). Nonetheless, points had to be deducted, albeit not as heavily as in those instances.
Overall (9/10) Great
More Specifically (9.85/10) Great+
The hype was indeed justified; I understand why this is regarded as the best part of JoJo's. As of writing this review and being caught up with JoJo's Part 8, my ranking of personal favorites now stands as 4, 2, 3, 7, 5, 1, 8, 6. I do believe this surpasses its counterpart, Phantom Blood, but everyone tends to agree on that. Overall, Part 7 was a fantastic installment, and I can confidently endorse it as one of the best, if not the best, from a critical standpoint.
Update*
After careful consideration, my updated ranking of favorite parts now reads: 7, 4, 2, 3, 5, 1, 8, 6. So yes, Part 7 has become my new favorite. Although the issues I have remain unchanged, comparing them to the problems I have with my previous #1 favorite, I realized the latter bothered me far more. The anime adaptation of Part 4 highlighted numerous issues I have with that part, leading me to conduct a thorough comparison of everything Parts 4 and 7 accomplished across all categories. Ultimately, Part 7 came out on top. Thus, Part 7 is now my favorite.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run
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Jojo Part 7 serves as a soft reset for the Jojo universe, propelling Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure into bold and innovative new territory. Does Part 7 measure up to the rest of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure? To be honest, I consider Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run to be one of the greatest works of fiction ever created.
SBR is set in 1890 during a race across the United States with a grand prize of 50 million dollars for the winner—a staggering sum equivalent to approximately $1,531,879,120.88 in today’s economy. We follow our protagonist, Johnny Joestar, and his partner, Gyro Zeppeli. Although the beginning may feel slow, once the pace picks up, it doesn’t let go. SBR’s narrative flows naturally, drawing you deep into its world. It strikes a perfect balance between abstraction and realism, making the supernatural powers within this universe feel cohesive and believable. A frequent pitfall in fiction is using enemies merely to highlight the protagonist's prowess. In contrast, SBR ensures that even minor antagonists with Stand abilities feel authentic. These characters possess motivations that resonate emotionally, lending them humanity and reinforcing the story's themes.
SBR explores several underlying themes throughout its narrative, including fate, friendship, and growth. However, the most prominent theme is redemption. Numerous moments showcase characters reflecting on their past mistakes and striving for redemption. SBR encourages readers to introspect about their own lives, identifying areas for improvement and personal growth. Mistakes are inevitable—we’ve all made them—but SBR provides clarity on recognizing errors and making amends, which is crucial for personal development. One element that enhances the storytelling above all else is the artwork.
Simply put, the artwork in SBR is breathtaking. Part 7 represents the pinnacle of Araki’s artistic style (I haven’t read Part 8 at the time of writing). This is the culmination of his lifelong journey toward finding his signature aesthetic, and it shines gloriously here. The level of detail surpasses previous parts, creating a vivid and immersive world that captivates the reader. You feel like a witness to the characters' journeys, which amplifies the effectiveness of SBR’s message. Art that challenges or inspires reflection on one’s philosophy is unparalleled. SBR makes readers cherish their lives, teaches empathy, and reminds us that people have complex backstories influencing their actions. Understanding this fosters personal growth and maturity.
While SBR excels as an imaginative and thought-provoking tale, it also delivers thrilling action sequences that keep you eagerly turning pages. Notably, not every character relies on Stands for combat—something rare in Jojo lore. Typically, characters without Stands are weak and serve as mere cannon fodder. Yet, one of our main protagonists, Gyro Zeppeli, battles using Spin, a new power system introduced in Part 7. Spin warrants its own detailed explanation but, briefly, it involves harnessing energy through near-perfect rotation. Essentially, Spin functions similarly to Ripple/Hamon from earlier parts but is far more engaging. Unlike Hamon, Spin is intriguing and shrouded in mystery initially, sparking curiosity about its mechanics. This drove me to continue reading, eager to uncover the secrets behind this formidable ability.
Part 7 stands as Araki’s magnum opus, showcasing his mastery of storytelling. He wastes no time, diving straight into the heart of the narrative. With only 95 chapters, it rivals longer manga series with double or triple the length. Jojo Part 7 is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in fiction. It offers valuable lessons wrapped in one of the best stories ever crafted.
What can I say? This is truly a GOAT manga. Initially, whenever I heard about JoJo, I would just laugh it off. When I started watching from the beginning, it was decent but then became incredible. After Part 6, I thought the series had reached its peak. However, the author managed to breathe new life into an already great series, and this might be his best story yet, as well as one of the greatest mangas of all time.
I won't delve into too much detail since Realhumanbean has already covered everything that needs to be said. But I will mention that, in my opinion, this is a must-read for all manga enthusiasts. The pacing is slow at the start, but it's definitely worth the wait.
The characters are highly likable, whether they're heroes or villains. The antagonist does terrible things but for what they believe is a noble cause. Totally evil villains are boring and unrealistic. In fact, the villain might remind you of America's current president, Donald Trump, in some ways.
It's JoJo. 10/10. At first, I thought this was strange. I wondered: Who is this guy? Who are Johnny's parents? But then I realized this takes place in an alternate dimension and ranks among the best of the six parts we've had so far—PH, BT, SC, DiU, VA, SO.
I really like Johnny and the story; it has a great vibe to it that I can't quite put into words. Our legendary creator Hirohiko Araki once again did an absolutely G R E A T job creating a new JoJo. Thoughts on Johnny: I think he might be gay, though not as much as Giorno—gayer than Josuke? Definitely. I also love Johnny's outfit. He is the first Joestar in the Steel Ball Run universe, aside from his father, and this is truly my favorite JoJo manga. I give JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run a 10/10.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run, as a relatively new JoJo fan, was one of the key reasons I started the series. The overwhelming acclaim and praise this part receives universally was enough to spark my interest.
As I progressed through each part of JoJo, I always had an "end goal" in mind—to reach Steel Ball Run. There was a burning curiosity that needed fulfillment. In a way, my journey through this extraordinary series parallels the characters' experiences in SBR—a true odyssey filled with emotion, betrayal, and the enduring thread of a promise.
After completing all 96 chapters, I can confidently say that Steel Ball Run is one of the greatest works of fiction I've ever encountered. I experienced every peak and valley, fully immersing myself in the story. It's challenging to put into words just how impactful this masterpiece truly is.
To encapsulate the depth of SBR, I'll quote chapter 61 of the manga:
"Suppose you're sitting at this table. The napkins are in front of you. Which one would you take? The one on your 'left'? Or the one on your 'right'? The one on your left side? Or the one on your right side? Usually, you'd take the one on your left side—that's 'correct,' too. But in a broader sense, within society—or perhaps even the 'Universe'—that's wrong. The correct answer is determined by the person who takes their napkin first. Yes? If the first person chooses the napkin to their right, everyone else must also take the 'right' napkin. The same applies to the left. Everyone will take the napkin to their left because they have no other choice. This is 'society.'"
SBR is a narrative deeply rooted in the permanence upon which our world is built—the legacy of those who came before us, whether distant ancestors, founding figures, or actual fathers. Ideals established long ago continue to shape our society centuries later. Whether we challenge these ideals or conform to them, the 'journeys' we embark on lead us down winding paths, rarely straightforward. Yet, the light still exists, and however we find it, that discovery gives life meaning.
So many allegories in SBR resonated with me profoundly. I never imagined a series like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure could affect me so deeply. Characters like Gyro, Johnny, Valentine, and Diego (Dio) feel distinctly human, each with their own distinct journey and backstory. It was nearly impossible for me to choose a favorite—I love them all immensely.
Additionally, the art is stunning, and the stands/fights are absolutely insane—10 out of 10, babyyyyy.
Alright, when it comes to "Steel Ball Run," I must say it's possibly one of, if not the best work I've ever read or laid my eyes upon. Seriously, I have no idea how Araki pulled it off. When it comes to JoJo, there are often breaks in the story and plot holes, but overall, it's an awesome tale. I found nothing wrong with "Steel Ball Run." From start to finish, it was a top-tier story. I was never bored at all while reading "Steel Ball Run." The dialogue was amazing, and the characters were the best I've ever seen. Everything is so well put together that you almost feel like you're part of it. Watching Johnny and Gyro race in "Steel Ball Run" was incredible, and their teamwork was just perfect. Not only the main characters, but I also love the villains, even some of the smaller ones. My favorite character is actually a sort of villain. Everything is crafted so well, and as much as I keep saying that, I can never get enough of this masterpiece. Let's break down the aspects.
Story:
The story was immersive from beginning to end. The feeling it evokes never disappoints, and this is impressive considering it isn't even animated. The story never got repetitive and was consistently interesting. This was perfect as Araki managed to create a fresh start in another universe, allowing him to freely experiment with something different. Johnny is a former horse rider who was crippled from the waist down after being shot. His father was abusive, and his brother was supportive but unfortunately died in an accident involving Danny, who is a rat in this universe. After his brother's death, Johnny's father even told him that God took the wrong child. You clearly see Johnny's character and how he handles situations, making him more realistic than other characters in previous parts. Having Gyro by Johnny's side as a mentor and friend was awesome to witness. Both characters complement each other perfectly. I enjoy seeing other characters and pondering whether that one guy might be an alternate version of someone from the previous universe. As we approach the Love Train arc, seeing Hot Pants and Diego helping Johnny and Gyro filled me with immense happiness. Words cannot describe the joy I felt during the Love Train arc and onward. The final stretch was surreal to experience. Johnny's father making amends, and seeing characters from previous chapters return and shine again was truly amazing. The entire story from start to finish has been a masterpiece, and I've re-read "Steel Ball Run" numerous times. As I said, I can't get enough of it.
Art:
In my opinion, the art in this part is the best. There are so many incredible panels that I prefer over some of the artwork in the animated version, which I found pleasing in its own way. Many panels are iconic.
Characters:
What is JoJo without its characters? The characters in JoJo have generally been very well-written and detailed. Each character has a backstory and feels very realistic and grounded. I've never encountered more realistic characters. The characters in "Steel Ball Run" elevate them to another level. I seriously didn't know how much better they could become. JoJo has once again surprised me with its characters.
Overall:
"JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run." Nothing compares to it. Nothing surpasses it. Truly, it's what has kept me going for so long. JoJo has been a journey, and I'm glad Araki is now working on a fresh start with his manga. Everything in JoJo is a perfect harmony, and "Steel Ball Run" amplifies that statement. Truly a masterpiece.
SBR (Steel Ball Run) unfolds in an alternate universe. Conceptually, it was what Jojo's needed after part 6—a pause in the original narrative—to keep Araki from getting lost in the intricacies of the story itself.
Story: First off, SBR is not a continuation; it has its own beginning and end, which is commendable. The reason I don't give it a perfect score lies in the opening, specifically the first 20 chapters. Don't misunderstand me—I'm not equating the structure of the story with a slow narrative. The issue is that the beginning progresses at a slower pace and doesn't reveal much over a few chapters. This is only a drawback because it extends for several chapters. Afterward, the story truly develops, mysteries begin to unfold, and the plot advances.
Undoubtedly, this part should be the most enigmatic in all of Araki's works. A standout aspect of this piece is how it spans our entire world, using real elements to craft a narrative, making it feel incredibly realistic when reading the manga.
The story progresses perfectly after a few chapters—not too fast, nor too slow. It’s worth noting that it is one of the few parts of Jojo's without being overly rushed, something only present in parts like Battle Tendency and Phantom Blood (and slightly in parts 4 and 5). The plot is wonderful, complex, with a great pace, and a magnificent conclusion.
Art: Definitely the author's high point—absurdly magnificent. I can't find any flaws in the art.
Characters: Ah... here we have another magnificent point—the characters. The series begins with Gyro Zeppeli as the protagonist, which is fantastic. Before discussing more, I need to highlight some points: SBR incorporates characters from other parts (Jonathan, Caesar—not entirely sure—Erina, and Dio). These characters, contrary to expectations, do not possess the same personalities and traits as their counterparts; they are surprisingly excellent. Johnny might be the only Jojo character with true three-dimensionality, leaning into his more inhuman side. Gyro, nearly the main protagonist, boasts a remarkable personality, fun, and a magnificent backstory. Lucy, absurdly crucial to the plot, isn't sidelined or diminished here—she actively participates in all conflicts and the storyline. Diego, well, it gets complicated here—you might prefer DIO Brando, but certain aspects make Diego superior: his backstory, which is far more intricate, conveys motivations that explain why someone would behave the way he does. Diego is extremely pivotal to the story.
Lucy: A wonderful character, despite her youth, she is determined and courageous, quite distinct from Erina (Part 1), and super important to the story and script.
Other characters worth mentioning include Hot Pants, Ringo, and Stephen—characters vital to the story and its progression.
The main villain: Well, I must admit I still favor Enrico Pucci, but undoubtedly, Funny Valentine is the best Jojo villain up to this point—absurdly magnificent, with well-grounded motives, clear goals, a compelling personality, and even his powers, making him a formidable antagonist.
Something to highlight: Alongside Part 5, SBR excels in showcasing character backstories. Each story has its unique touch and realism, earning it a perfect score in the work.
Enjoyment and Overall: SBR is one of the most beautiful and well-crafted stories I've ever encountered. It features a spectacular storyline, unique elements, Araki's impeccable touch on manga, great art, meticulously crafted and developed characters, a truly sensational "villain," and is enjoyable to read. Of course, it leans towards the seinen side, requiring more attention while reading, and effectively incorporates the sense of adventure.
The only thing that slightly disappointed me—and this doesn't detract from the overall quality—was reading it with excessively high expectations. So, I advise not to approach SBR expecting it to be the greatest work in the universe. Read it with a grounded mindset, focus on the details, savor each chapter, and you'll realize it's a magnificent and well-executed story.
Is this the best part of Jojo's? I'd say yes. I haven't read JoJOLion yet, so I won't speculate further, but definitely, this is a masterpiece.
By far the greatest Manga I have ever read. Steel Ball Run is an adventure seen through the perspective of two protagonists who are among the funniest, wittiest, and most enthusiastic I've encountered. The narrative follows a race across America, with an unseen menace lurking amidst the stand users, who appear straightforward but are comparatively weaker. This is Araki's masterpiece and serves as an alternate universe to the previous six parts, making it accessible to new readers. The art style is stunning, and the use of color captures the characters' emotions flawlessly. Each character is meticulously crafted with unique quirks and distinct personality traits. Overall, I was thoroughly engrossed in this Manga, finishing it in just two days of continuous reading. I highly recommend it to everyone, whether or not you're a regular reader of Shonen Jump.<p>
Jojo Part 7, in my opinion, is nothing short of a masterpiece. It's longer than most mangas, yet it maintains an exceptional and consistent quality throughout. Each panel is intricately and brilliantly designed. The storyline is decent, but its execution is phenomenal. The characters truly stand out in Part 7. Even though you're aware it's just a manga and the characters are fictional, you can't help but develop genuine affection and admiration for them. I know they aren't real, but I genuinely worry when they face danger. You form a bond with these characters as they evolve, learn, and fight for survival and triumph. I thoroughly enjoyed this manga, savoring every word and detail in each panel. I highly recommend it to everyone, whether they are Jojo fans or not. 10/10. Actually, I'd give it -5/10 if it weren't for the tournament arc.
Popular Reviews
Additionally, the manga features numerous epic battles and tough decisions. This is a must-read, even for those who aren't avid readers, like myself and my friends who have enjoyed this manga. So, get up and read JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run. But first, make sure you've watched parts 1-5 and read part 6.
Link to Steel Ball Run manga: https://mangadex.org/chapter/24458/1
I attempted to watch the anime but didn't find much success, although the story itself intrigued me.
Then, I began reading the manga and gradually started appreciating Araki's unique style.
By the time I reached Stardust Crusaders, I was genuinely excited about the concept of Stands—it was a completely new approach to combat in mangas that I had discovered, and it was thrilling. I wanted more.
When I moved on to Diamond Is Unbreakable, my enthusiasm skyrocketed—I thought, "Wow, JJBA might just be the best manga ever."
The art, story arcs, characters, the main villain, even Morioh Town—everything came together seamlessly to create a masterpiece.
Continuing with Golden Wind and Stone Ocean, I experienced the same level of enjoyment as with DIU. However, by the end of Stone Ocean, without giving too much away, I wasn't entirely certain about how the narrative had unfolded.
Next, I dove into Steel Ball Run, and honestly, it ranks among the greatest experiences I've had so far in life.
It sounds strange, but finishing that manga felt like a life-changing moment—it truly left a profound impact on me.
At first, the early chapters seemed slow and somewhat dull, despite the fascinating premise. But once I hit around Volume 5, things escalated wildly—I couldn't stop reading. I vividly recall waking up in the middle of the night just to read one more chapter.
There's no way to fully convey just how incredible this manga is—you simply have to experience it yourself right away!
THIS MANGA is an absolutely amazing manga. In my opinion, it is by far the best manga ever. It’s so well-crafted. Araki is on a completely different level when he wrote this manga.
Story 10/10: One of the greatest and most original Jojo stories. It’s set in the 1800s in America, with a horse race across America where the winner gets 60 million dollars. Sounds pretty generic, right? Wrong.
Minor Spoilers Ahead: Stands aren’t introduced until after a whole volume (Volume 3), which means this manga takes its time. What I love about it so much is that it gets rid of its weaker arcs right away, and then BOOM—amazing arcs start coming left and right: Mandom Fight, Catch the Rainbow, and more.
Art 11/10: Araki’s best work yet. No more said because we all know that man is THE ARTIST.
Characters 11/10: It doesn’t have your typical Jojo story of five people trying to catch a main villain. Instead, we get Gyro and Johnny, which is the best duo ever. The comedic moments, their serious moments, and more—it’s all there. They have one of the best chemistries I’ve ever seen.
Villains: Funny Valentine is probably my favorite JoJo villain after DIO. He practically believes himself to be a hero, and his ability, D4C, is just so amazing. Dio (Part 7) – Dio as a dinosaur? What more can you say? The side villains here aren’t the best, but they have such creative and cool stands, which makes the battles all the greater.
Enjoyment 9/10: I’ll admit, at first, I wasn’t into it because it’s such a change from your typical Jojo story, and it had the slowest start yet. BUT, man, does it grow on you. Everything gets so much better—it’s unbelievable. When I finished it, I was jumping and saying, “This is the best manga EVER!”
Overall: My favorite part has always been Part 5, but if you ask me what is the best part, I will always answer Part 7. It’s so good that I’m honestly writing my first review because of my love for this manga.
11/10
Story (9/10) Great
More Specifically (9.80/10) Great+
The story in the critically acclaimed Part 7 of JoJo's truly lived up to the hype, standing as the best from a storytelling perspective in the series. It’s not without its flaws, like any other series, but it remains the pinnacle of Hirohiko Araki's writing. My personal issues with the story primarily lie in the climax, which impacted my enjoyment somewhat and will be discussed in that section. Beyond that, one must acknowledge and accept that JoJo's has never been entirely logical. As readers, we know this and must embrace it accordingly. Araki attempts his best (or at least I hope he does) to explain the supernatural or scientific elements within his stories, and sometimes they make sense, while other times they don't—this is forgivable depending on the reader and the context. What particularly bothered me throughout this part was the concept of "the spin." Ripple made some sense, as did Stands; they were relatively straightforward and easy-to-grasp powers that Araki had devised in earlier parts. However, the power of the spin started off unclear and only grew more confusing as the series progressed. It nearly lost me when Gyro needed to see a perfect rectangle to unlock his true potential—I can’t let Araki get away with that. Despite these issues, the plot of the Steel Ball Run Race itself was remarkably unique and represented the most significant departure from traditional JoJo's since Part 4's slice-of-life twist (and it goes even further). The narrative delivers the same thrill as reading or watching an excellent sports manga but with JoJo's distinctive flair, and for the most part, it excels, earning its place as the best story Araki has crafted so far.
Art (10/10) Outstanding
The art in JoJo's Part 7 represents Araki's finest work in my opinion. At the time of writing this review, I've already read through Part 8 and am caught up with it, and Part 7's art surpasses Part 8's. I'm unsure what happened after Araki completed Part 7, but it marked his artistic peak. He has never drawn anything as visually stunning as what he achieved in any other part of JoJo's or any other manga he created before JoJo's.
Characters (10/10) Outstanding (Spoilers)
What makes the characters in Part 7 stand out isn't necessarily their likability but the depth of their backstories. Johnny, Gyro, Diego, and Funny boast some of the richest character histories Araki has ever written. The only backstories that rival these and aren't from Part 7 belong to Weather Report and Enrico Pucci from Part 6. Likability is subjective, but I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters Johnny and Gyro. Their chemistry as a duo eclipses every pair we've seen in previous parts—Joseph and Caesar? Not even close. Josuke and Okuyasu? Nope. No duo comes near Johnny and Gyro. Now, Diego Brando as a character surpasses the original Dio in terms of complexity and intrigue. While I prefer the original Dio as a character, Diego demonstrates greater depth and interest. Although Dio received additional characterization in Part 6 during Enrico's flashback, making him seem more than just a one-dimensional villain obsessed with the Joestar bloodline, I still find Diego to be a superior character by default. My only qualms about Diego involve how he acquired his dinosaur-related abilities—it still doesn't fully make sense to me—and the introduction of the second Diego, which felt unnecessary and akin to a lazy attempt to reintroduce The World into the storyline. While the idea was interesting, eliminating the original Diego so early didn't feel like the best decision. Diego Brando stands as a remarkable antagonist, and because I don't view him as a flat-out villain like Dio Brando, I consider him a better character by default. On the other hand, Funny Valentine can be seen as both a villain and an antagonist. His intricate mind and thought processes were exceptional, and I believe he surpasses Dio as a villain, though I personally favor Dio more. Even with all this said, despite giving this section a 10/10, it signifies that it reached my pinnacle of satisfaction, not that it is flawless.
Enjoyment (9/10) Great
More Specifically (9.60/10) Great+
My overall enjoyment of Part 7 was great; I relished most of it. The beginning did take a bit to gain momentum, but once it did, the rest flowed smoothly. Enjoyment is entirely subjective, varying from person to person. For me, the conclusion regarding how the final opposing villain was handled was good, but the sudden appearance of Diego Brando from an alternate universe wielding the Stand power of The World felt like a significant misstep—even by JoJo's standards. Honestly, this felt like a bigger stretch than Jotaro acquiring time-stop powers at the end of Part 3. The revelation about Diego gaining The World was spoiled for me before I reached that point in the manga, and I anticipated the original Diego somehow obtaining that ability, which intrigued me. However, discovering it wasn't him but another Diego from a parallel universe left me disappointed and diminished my enjoyment of the conclusion to the acclaimed SBR. I felt it could have been executed better—for instance, imagine if the original Diego hadn't died and teamed up with the new Diego for a 2v2 battle against Johnny and Gyro? That would have been far superior in my opinion. Another factor that detracted from my enjoyment was the fact that, similar to the previous Joestar (Jolyne), Johnny couldn't complete the mission. Sure, one might argue that Johnny defeated Funny, who was the primary antagonist of Part 7, but the fact that Funny's actions led to the existence of this second Diego leaves me uneasy in much the same way I felt when Jolyne couldn't defeat Enrico Pucci in Part 6. It doesn't sit well with me that Lucy Steel (like Emporio) delivered the final blow against the ultimate threat in Part 7. Still, it didn't entirely ruin my experience, evident by the score of 9.60, as it's far more forgivable compared to the major issues in previous parts of JoJo's (Parts 4, 5, and 6, in particular, each had unforgivable flaws). Nonetheless, points had to be deducted, albeit not as heavily as in those instances.
Overall (9/10) Great
More Specifically (9.85/10) Great+
The hype was indeed justified; I understand why this is regarded as the best part of JoJo's. As of writing this review and being caught up with JoJo's Part 8, my ranking of personal favorites now stands as 4, 2, 3, 7, 5, 1, 8, 6. I do believe this surpasses its counterpart, Phantom Blood, but everyone tends to agree on that. Overall, Part 7 was a fantastic installment, and I can confidently endorse it as one of the best, if not the best, from a critical standpoint.
Update*
After careful consideration, my updated ranking of favorite parts now reads: 7, 4, 2, 3, 5, 1, 8, 6. So yes, Part 7 has become my new favorite. Although the issues I have remain unchanged, comparing them to the problems I have with my previous #1 favorite, I realized the latter bothered me far more. The anime adaptation of Part 4 highlighted numerous issues I have with that part, leading me to conduct a thorough comparison of everything Parts 4 and 7 accomplished across all categories. Ultimately, Part 7 came out on top. Thus, Part 7 is now my favorite.
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Jojo Part 7 serves as a soft reset for the Jojo universe, propelling Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure into bold and innovative new territory. Does Part 7 measure up to the rest of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure? To be honest, I consider Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run to be one of the greatest works of fiction ever created.
SBR is set in 1890 during a race across the United States with a grand prize of 50 million dollars for the winner—a staggering sum equivalent to approximately $1,531,879,120.88 in today’s economy. We follow our protagonist, Johnny Joestar, and his partner, Gyro Zeppeli. Although the beginning may feel slow, once the pace picks up, it doesn’t let go. SBR’s narrative flows naturally, drawing you deep into its world. It strikes a perfect balance between abstraction and realism, making the supernatural powers within this universe feel cohesive and believable. A frequent pitfall in fiction is using enemies merely to highlight the protagonist's prowess. In contrast, SBR ensures that even minor antagonists with Stand abilities feel authentic. These characters possess motivations that resonate emotionally, lending them humanity and reinforcing the story's themes.
SBR explores several underlying themes throughout its narrative, including fate, friendship, and growth. However, the most prominent theme is redemption. Numerous moments showcase characters reflecting on their past mistakes and striving for redemption. SBR encourages readers to introspect about their own lives, identifying areas for improvement and personal growth. Mistakes are inevitable—we’ve all made them—but SBR provides clarity on recognizing errors and making amends, which is crucial for personal development. One element that enhances the storytelling above all else is the artwork.
Simply put, the artwork in SBR is breathtaking. Part 7 represents the pinnacle of Araki’s artistic style (I haven’t read Part 8 at the time of writing). This is the culmination of his lifelong journey toward finding his signature aesthetic, and it shines gloriously here. The level of detail surpasses previous parts, creating a vivid and immersive world that captivates the reader. You feel like a witness to the characters' journeys, which amplifies the effectiveness of SBR’s message. Art that challenges or inspires reflection on one’s philosophy is unparalleled. SBR makes readers cherish their lives, teaches empathy, and reminds us that people have complex backstories influencing their actions. Understanding this fosters personal growth and maturity.
While SBR excels as an imaginative and thought-provoking tale, it also delivers thrilling action sequences that keep you eagerly turning pages. Notably, not every character relies on Stands for combat—something rare in Jojo lore. Typically, characters without Stands are weak and serve as mere cannon fodder. Yet, one of our main protagonists, Gyro Zeppeli, battles using Spin, a new power system introduced in Part 7. Spin warrants its own detailed explanation but, briefly, it involves harnessing energy through near-perfect rotation. Essentially, Spin functions similarly to Ripple/Hamon from earlier parts but is far more engaging. Unlike Hamon, Spin is intriguing and shrouded in mystery initially, sparking curiosity about its mechanics. This drove me to continue reading, eager to uncover the secrets behind this formidable ability.
Part 7 stands as Araki’s magnum opus, showcasing his mastery of storytelling. He wastes no time, diving straight into the heart of the narrative. With only 95 chapters, it rivals longer manga series with double or triple the length. Jojo Part 7 is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in fiction. It offers valuable lessons wrapped in one of the best stories ever crafted.
Score: 10/10
I won't delve into too much detail since Realhumanbean has already covered everything that needs to be said. But I will mention that, in my opinion, this is a must-read for all manga enthusiasts. The pacing is slow at the start, but it's definitely worth the wait.
The characters are highly likable, whether they're heroes or villains. The antagonist does terrible things but for what they believe is a noble cause. Totally evil villains are boring and unrealistic. In fact, the villain might remind you of America's current president, Donald Trump, in some ways.
I really like Johnny and the story; it has a great vibe to it that I can't quite put into words. Our legendary creator Hirohiko Araki once again did an absolutely G R E A T job creating a new JoJo. Thoughts on Johnny: I think he might be gay, though not as much as Giorno—gayer than Josuke? Definitely. I also love Johnny's outfit. He is the first Joestar in the Steel Ball Run universe, aside from his father, and this is truly my favorite JoJo manga. I give JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run a 10/10.
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JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run, as a relatively new JoJo fan, was one of the key reasons I started the series. The overwhelming acclaim and praise this part receives universally was enough to spark my interest.
As I progressed through each part of JoJo, I always had an "end goal" in mind—to reach Steel Ball Run. There was a burning curiosity that needed fulfillment. In a way, my journey through this extraordinary series parallels the characters' experiences in SBR—a true odyssey filled with emotion, betrayal, and the enduring thread of a promise.
After completing all 96 chapters, I can confidently say that Steel Ball Run is one of the greatest works of fiction I've ever encountered. I experienced every peak and valley, fully immersing myself in the story. It's challenging to put into words just how impactful this masterpiece truly is.
To encapsulate the depth of SBR, I'll quote chapter 61 of the manga:
"Suppose you're sitting at this table. The napkins are in front of you. Which one would you take? The one on your 'left'? Or the one on your 'right'? The one on your left side? Or the one on your right side? Usually, you'd take the one on your left side—that's 'correct,' too. But in a broader sense, within society—or perhaps even the 'Universe'—that's wrong. The correct answer is determined by the person who takes their napkin first. Yes? If the first person chooses the napkin to their right, everyone else must also take the 'right' napkin. The same applies to the left. Everyone will take the napkin to their left because they have no other choice. This is 'society.'"
SBR is a narrative deeply rooted in the permanence upon which our world is built—the legacy of those who came before us, whether distant ancestors, founding figures, or actual fathers. Ideals established long ago continue to shape our society centuries later. Whether we challenge these ideals or conform to them, the 'journeys' we embark on lead us down winding paths, rarely straightforward. Yet, the light still exists, and however we find it, that discovery gives life meaning.
So many allegories in SBR resonated with me profoundly. I never imagined a series like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure could affect me so deeply. Characters like Gyro, Johnny, Valentine, and Diego (Dio) feel distinctly human, each with their own distinct journey and backstory. It was nearly impossible for me to choose a favorite—I love them all immensely.
Additionally, the art is stunning, and the stands/fights are absolutely insane—10 out of 10, babyyyyy.
Story:
The story was immersive from beginning to end. The feeling it evokes never disappoints, and this is impressive considering it isn't even animated. The story never got repetitive and was consistently interesting. This was perfect as Araki managed to create a fresh start in another universe, allowing him to freely experiment with something different. Johnny is a former horse rider who was crippled from the waist down after being shot. His father was abusive, and his brother was supportive but unfortunately died in an accident involving Danny, who is a rat in this universe. After his brother's death, Johnny's father even told him that God took the wrong child. You clearly see Johnny's character and how he handles situations, making him more realistic than other characters in previous parts. Having Gyro by Johnny's side as a mentor and friend was awesome to witness. Both characters complement each other perfectly. I enjoy seeing other characters and pondering whether that one guy might be an alternate version of someone from the previous universe. As we approach the Love Train arc, seeing Hot Pants and Diego helping Johnny and Gyro filled me with immense happiness. Words cannot describe the joy I felt during the Love Train arc and onward. The final stretch was surreal to experience. Johnny's father making amends, and seeing characters from previous chapters return and shine again was truly amazing. The entire story from start to finish has been a masterpiece, and I've re-read "Steel Ball Run" numerous times. As I said, I can't get enough of it.
Art:
In my opinion, the art in this part is the best. There are so many incredible panels that I prefer over some of the artwork in the animated version, which I found pleasing in its own way. Many panels are iconic.
Characters:
What is JoJo without its characters? The characters in JoJo have generally been very well-written and detailed. Each character has a backstory and feels very realistic and grounded. I've never encountered more realistic characters. The characters in "Steel Ball Run" elevate them to another level. I seriously didn't know how much better they could become. JoJo has once again surprised me with its characters.
Overall:
"JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run." Nothing compares to it. Nothing surpasses it. Truly, it's what has kept me going for so long. JoJo has been a journey, and I'm glad Araki is now working on a fresh start with his manga. Everything in JoJo is a perfect harmony, and "Steel Ball Run" amplifies that statement. Truly a masterpiece.
Story: First off, SBR is not a continuation; it has its own beginning and end, which is commendable. The reason I don't give it a perfect score lies in the opening, specifically the first 20 chapters. Don't misunderstand me—I'm not equating the structure of the story with a slow narrative. The issue is that the beginning progresses at a slower pace and doesn't reveal much over a few chapters. This is only a drawback because it extends for several chapters. Afterward, the story truly develops, mysteries begin to unfold, and the plot advances.
Undoubtedly, this part should be the most enigmatic in all of Araki's works. A standout aspect of this piece is how it spans our entire world, using real elements to craft a narrative, making it feel incredibly realistic when reading the manga.
The story progresses perfectly after a few chapters—not too fast, nor too slow. It’s worth noting that it is one of the few parts of Jojo's without being overly rushed, something only present in parts like Battle Tendency and Phantom Blood (and slightly in parts 4 and 5). The plot is wonderful, complex, with a great pace, and a magnificent conclusion.
Art: Definitely the author's high point—absurdly magnificent. I can't find any flaws in the art.
Characters: Ah... here we have another magnificent point—the characters. The series begins with Gyro Zeppeli as the protagonist, which is fantastic. Before discussing more, I need to highlight some points: SBR incorporates characters from other parts (Jonathan, Caesar—not entirely sure—Erina, and Dio). These characters, contrary to expectations, do not possess the same personalities and traits as their counterparts; they are surprisingly excellent. Johnny might be the only Jojo character with true three-dimensionality, leaning into his more inhuman side. Gyro, nearly the main protagonist, boasts a remarkable personality, fun, and a magnificent backstory. Lucy, absurdly crucial to the plot, isn't sidelined or diminished here—she actively participates in all conflicts and the storyline. Diego, well, it gets complicated here—you might prefer DIO Brando, but certain aspects make Diego superior: his backstory, which is far more intricate, conveys motivations that explain why someone would behave the way he does. Diego is extremely pivotal to the story.
Lucy: A wonderful character, despite her youth, she is determined and courageous, quite distinct from Erina (Part 1), and super important to the story and script.
Other characters worth mentioning include Hot Pants, Ringo, and Stephen—characters vital to the story and its progression.
The main villain: Well, I must admit I still favor Enrico Pucci, but undoubtedly, Funny Valentine is the best Jojo villain up to this point—absurdly magnificent, with well-grounded motives, clear goals, a compelling personality, and even his powers, making him a formidable antagonist.
Something to highlight: Alongside Part 5, SBR excels in showcasing character backstories. Each story has its unique touch and realism, earning it a perfect score in the work.
Enjoyment and Overall: SBR is one of the most beautiful and well-crafted stories I've ever encountered. It features a spectacular storyline, unique elements, Araki's impeccable touch on manga, great art, meticulously crafted and developed characters, a truly sensational "villain," and is enjoyable to read. Of course, it leans towards the seinen side, requiring more attention while reading, and effectively incorporates the sense of adventure.
The only thing that slightly disappointed me—and this doesn't detract from the overall quality—was reading it with excessively high expectations. So, I advise not to approach SBR expecting it to be the greatest work in the universe. Read it with a grounded mindset, focus on the details, savor each chapter, and you'll realize it's a magnificent and well-executed story.
Is this the best part of Jojo's? I'd say yes. I haven't read JoJOLion yet, so I won't speculate further, but definitely, this is a masterpiece.
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