After decades of JoJo, where could Hirohiko Araki possibly go? He's already crafted countless incredible, fantastical stories with unmatched creativity, and the conclusion to Stone Ocean seemed to tie everything up perfectly. Yet, the man still felt the urge to write more. So what did he do? He rebooted the series in an entirely new continuity, shifted to a seinen demographic, and moved to a monthly release schedule. And where does he set this new adventure? In 19th century America, with a cowboy horse race. And honestly, this turned out to be the best decision he's ever made.
Steel Ball Run is undoubtedly the pinnacle of JoJo. It's like Stardust Crusaders, but elevated—crafted by a far more seasoned author who now has the time to meticulously develop each chapter. JoJo has matured. The story is grander, just as action-packed, Stands remain brilliantly imaginative while having some of their excess refined, nearly every character boasts remarkable depth, the world feels lived-in and vibrant, and the narrative is more emotionally resonant than ever. Consider this: after introducing so many legendary protagonists, Araki managed to create a compelling paraplegic JoJo, crafting one of the most intricately written morally gray protagonists in fiction. And let's not forget the benefits of the monthly releases—the artwork is simply stunning. JoJo has always been known for its great art, but Part 7 raises it to unprecedented heights. Some of these pages deserve to be displayed in museums.
In short, Steel Ball Run is one of the greatest manga ever created. Catch up on JoJo and dive into the Steel Ball Run race—you won't believe what awaits. I mean, Jesus Christ is a canonical character in this story. You simply cannot miss out on this!
This is one of the greatest mangas I've ever had the chance to read. The characters were incredibly realistic and engaging, the artwork was OUT OF THIS WORLD, and the villain—oh, the villain! Let me tell you, this was one of the standout aspects of JoJo. Each character had their own distinct goals and desires for the Steel Ball Run race, often selfish—even the protagonist. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll keep it brief. The main reason I rated it a 9 is that, similar to other JoJo parts, certain arcs drag on FAR TOO LONG, leaving me utterly bored. Especially when the overarching arc just isn't all that captivating. However, everything shifts halfway through the series as the pace picks up and the story begins to unfold.
While I did adore this part, Part 4 remains my favorite. Its more "mundane" setting in a quiet little town really resonated with me. Additionally, I found Kira Yoshikage to be a more compelling villain than Funny Valentine.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, in my view, is the greatest manga I have ever encountered. Although Stone Ocean's complexity eventually caused a decline in its popularity, it gave Araki the opportunity to expand on thematic elements and produce his finest work yet—Steel Ball Run, where an excellent series transforms into a masterpiece.
With that in mind, let’s delve into Steel Ball Run—its themes, structure, and how it compares to other parts of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. We'll also explore whether its beginning might be deceptive and how the series stacks up against its anime adaptation.
So, what exactly is this show about?
Each part of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure centers around a core theme: a love for humanity, often tied to karma—how our actions influence fate, family, and community. While every part introduces unique thematic components, they all align within this overarching framework.
In the first trilogy, Araki examines what it means to be a hero. The second trilogy, though loosely connected, still revolves around the idea of karma. With Steel Ball Run, Araki initiates a new trilogy. And the central theme for this arc? Identity. The story starts with the protagonist, Johnny, striving to find his place in the world—beginning with the fundamental challenge of learning to walk on his own two feet.
First things first, let’s discuss art direction.
Araki's artistic genius reaches unprecedented heights in Steel Ball Run. The compositions are magnificent, occasionally mind-bendingly surreal. This is the period when Araki began gaining global acclaim, and it's evident why—his artistry takes a significant leap forward.
In this fresh universe, stands assume an even more imaginative role. They're less about raw power and more about their creative application, leading to some of the most distinctive and inventive battles in the series. The inclusion of the "Spin" power system enhances these surreal battles, expanding the possibilities for how confrontations unfold. This system, combined with deeper thematic exploration, results in some of the most visually stunning and conceptually intricate moments throughout Jojo’s saga.
How does it begin?
The opening can be deceptive. At first glance, it appears to be a straightforward horse race across America—a captivating premise, but it soon evolves into something far grander. Interestingly, the series undergoes a transformation after the first arc, including a change in its publication venue, which coincides with a noticeable improvement in both the quality of the art and the depth of the chapters. Don't allow the first few volumes to shape your overall opinion of this work.
What about the characters?
The characters in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure frequently feel like hidden treasures, filled with depth that may not be immediately apparent. They enter and exit the narrative, sometimes without completing their arcs, adding to the impression that they exist in a broader world beyond the scope of the story. This gives the series a sense of authenticity, as though Araki is narrating events from a real world, where people have their own lives that occasionally intersect with the main plot.
Stands contribute to this dynamic, providing insight into both the characters' outer and inner selves. The stand battles in Steel Ball Run focus less on direct combat and more on solving puzzles, revealing the deeper intricacies of the characters involved. Johnny's growth, intertwined with the story, themes, and stand system, is exceptional. His development is executed masterfully, setting a new benchmark for character-driven storytelling in the Jojo’s series.
What about the story itself?
Like earlier parts, Steel Ball Run retains an episodic structure, but the individual episodes are so extensive that they feel like mini-arcs within the larger narrative. Each villain not only serves the plot but also significantly contributes to the thematic exploration. With more time dedicated to each encounter, the storytelling and character moments gain additional depth, making the pacing feel more deliberate and impactful.
Then, what did I think of it as a whole?
Steel Ball Run, along with Jojolion, are my favorite manga by a wide margin. If you’re new to the series, Steel Ball Run stands out as especially appealing to Western audiences, often regarded as the best part of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. It ranks highly for good reason and is a masterpiece in its own right.
If you’re seeking a manga of undeniable quality, this is it. Steel Ball Run is truly a work of art and an experience I cannot recommend highly enough.
In Steel Ball Run, Araki once more delivers a story arc brimming with clever battles, creative abilities, wild plots, and endearing characters. This is even superior to the previous arcs as the author continues to refine his signature style, improving without bounds. It's quite rare for an author to genuinely enhance their craft over time, yet Steel Ball Run serves as compelling evidence of this.
The narrative begins rather straightforward: our disabled Joestar hero, Johny, teams up with Gyro Zeppeli, aiming for victory in the intense Steel Ball Run race. Each competitor has unique motivations, skills, and methods to secure a win. Introduce the eccentricity of Stands into the mix, and you've got yourself an exhilarating ride akin to earlier installments of the saga. However, Steel Ball Run advances further by incorporating characters or factions with their own agendas, vast conspiracies, and personal quests.
This doesn't imply the story is convoluted; instead, it features intriguing plot twists, intense conflicts, and captivating character dynamics. The flow is so seamless that it's effortless to become immersed in the manga.
The artwork reaches new levels of refinement, masterfully employing Araki's iconic style to accentuate emotions, lend impact to scenes, or simply offer visual feasts, particularly with the intricate character designs.
Gyro and Johny are arguably the finest JoJo protagonists thus far, though they don't surpass Joseph from Part 2 in sheer coolness. They're far from flawless, but that's precisely what makes them fascinating—they grapple with their inner demons, which also serve as their greatest adversaries, continually progressing while revealing more facets of their personalities. Their bond of friendship is robust and genuine; even trivial interactions are entertaining. Moreover, Gyro's charisma adds significant appeal.
While other characters might not be as extensively developed as Johny and Gyro, they still shine brightly. There's Dio, ever the manipulative villain we all love to despise, orchestrating events to fulfill his ambitions. Then there's the compassionate cowboy Mountain Tim, the conflicted Hot Pants, the hilarious comic relief Pocoloco, and numerous other noteworthy characters. The primary antagonist is exceptional too, leveraging his extensive combat experience, political influence, and unwavering patriotism to pose a formidable challenge to the heroes.
As per usual, battles remain a pivotal aspect of the narrative and the catalyst for the characters' development, thrusting them into dire predicaments that necessitate steadfast determination and tough decisions. Although Stands grew increasingly powerful in prior arcs, Steel Ball Run scales back most of them significantly. Few possess overwhelming abilities, making the battles highly strategic and demanding for the users. This is evident in clashes like the one against Axl Ro, which forces everyone involved to confront their transgressions, especially Johny and Hot Pants.
If you're seeking thrilling yet intellectually stimulating battles, a stellar ensemble of characters, and one of the most peculiar races in the universe, then JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run is right for you. Whether you're an experienced reader of the JoJo saga or a complete newcomer, Steel Ball Run welcomes all.
(Reviewed for the club "Reviews for the unreviewed")
This one is close to 10 and sits comfortably between great and masterpiece. Araki might consistently employ similar storytelling techniques, but he excels in executing the plot with fresh ideas and a rich diversity of culture and characters. Like all JoJo installments, this follows the familiar Protagonist vs Antagonist dynamic that drives the storyline. What sets it apart is the abundance of twists that keep readers guessing, often defying expectations amidst an ever-evolving adventure. In a sense, I would describe it as "A Major Rescue for the Jojo Storyline." Following the Stone Ocean event, time collapses, creating a void and giving rise to an alternate storyline featuring familiar characters from Jolyne Kujo's timeline. Within this recreated universe, even Steel Ball Run ties into past events. Strangely, Araki has a penchant for revealing the main villain at the last moment—a risky move in many narratives, yet here it works seamlessly. President Valentine, the antagonist, has compelling reasons for his actions, keeping readers constantly questioning "Who could be the main villain?" Even after the President's demise, the story continues to unfold.
The manga's art style is fairly conventional, with characters exuding a more human charm. The mangaka did an excellent job choosing a grand setting for the story, taking readers across various lands and climates, which the artwork beautifully captures. Characters are well-developed within the plot, offering strong impressions. Set in the 1800s, the characters' attire and events align perfectly with the era. For casual readers, it feels more like delving into a strategic adventure novel than an action drama.
Emerging from the reversed world of the Stone Ocean event that disrupted Father Pucci's alternate reality, we encounter the seventh installment of the JoJo manga. It takes place in the latter half of the 18th century, when Cowboyism was prevalent. Amidst this backdrop, a businessman named Steven Steel announces a substantial prize for his horse race competition called "STEEL BALL RUN." A diverse group of participants joins the race, including notable contenders like Gyro Zeppeli, Diego Brando, Pocoloco, Roadagain Ringo, and Avdol. With impaired legs, a young man named Johnny Joestar initially joins as a spectator but accidentally enters the competition to follow the enigmatic Gyro Zeppeli. Johnny is fascinated by Gyro's Steel ball trick, intending to use it as a trump card in the race. To overcome his troubled past and physical limitations, he embarks on Gyro's racing journey. Gyro's spinning ability makes him a mysterious figure, revealed to be from a wealthy Italian family. As the race begins, many competitors fail or give up, while others gain significant support from the audience. The goal is to complete the map of the USA through designated stop points. Surprisingly, new favorites emerge, including Johnny. One standout participant is Sandman, from an American tribal community hoping to reclaim their land with the competition's prize money. As the race progresses, some members uncover the truth behind SBR. Gyro and Johnny grow increasingly concerned about the journey as they face new adversaries in different regions. The more they fight, the more secrets of SBR are revealed to them. They learn that President Funny Valentine orchestrates the event, aiming to acquire the corpse of a certain important person that grants immense power to its holder. The checkpoints on the race map represent high-probability locations for finding parts of the corpse. Initially, Gyro and Johnny show little interest, but upon learning about the corpse's abilities and potential impact, they decide to pursue it themselves. Facing new enemies and peculiar situations, they reach the checkpoint before the final one. There, Dio and Funny team up against Gyro and Johnny. Tragically, using his stand's ability to create alternative copied universes, the President succeeds in killing Gyro, while Diego dies in a train crash. Johnny, equipped with advanced Stand abilities, manages to thwart the President, ending his chapter, yet the story persists as the race hasn't concluded. With assistance from Steel's wife Lucy, Johnny aims to secure the corpse, but a new Diego Brando emerges from the President's alternate world. This complicates matters for Johnny as the new Dio possesses the Stand ability to stop time. Despite his efforts to prevent Dio from stealing and winning, the competition concludes with Dio declared the SBR winner. Meanwhile, following President Valentine's orders, Dio heads to a secret underground base of Trinity Church to store the corpse body parts. There, he encounters Lucy Steel again, who cunningly throws the alternate Dio into the path of the "Real World" Dio's remaining corpse. Given the President's Stand ability, allowing only him to traverse paper dimensions without consequences, when the same object or person meets in another dimension, they merge and explode. Using this principle, Lucy successfully traps Dio, leading to his demise. With Dio's absence during the winner announcement, Pocoloco (who came second in the competition) is declared the winner.
In the epilogue, Johnny is depicted carrying Gyro's corpse in a box, continuing the mission Gyro left unfinished. And there, a new adventure awaits.
It's really good, actually quite excellent. Pretty impressive too, genuinely cool in many ways. It's intriguing, though perhaps a bit overly so at times. The story is fantastic, a truly engaging tale. I enjoyed it immensely; in fact, I think I may have fallen in love with it. It might just be my favorite manga... Yes, it definitely is. You ought to give it a try, seriously consider checking it out.
This review might not be very helpful, I realize that. However, the manga itself is awesome. If you're into manga and appreciate cool content, chances are you'll adore this one. Go for it—there's no reason it shouldn't rank in your top 2. It's genuinely great.
After finishing part 6, I had to immediately dive into this next installment.
And let me tell you, despite the initial shock, Part 7 is undoubtedly one of the most incredible beginnings in the entire series.
This part paved the way for everything unfolding right now in part 9, and it also resolved any confusion surrounding the sudden conclusion of part 6.
Set in an alternate universe, or Universe B, back in 1889, the story revolves around a nationwide horseback race organized by the President of the United States, Funny Valentine.
Our protagonist, Johnny Joestar, once a highly talented horse rider, sets out to win the Steel Ball Run race, encountering a diverse array of allies and adversaries along the way.
Highly recommended! Don't wait for it to be animated—give it a read!
So I just finished reading Steel Ball Run, and I think the JOJO community has hyped it up way too much. While there were certainly many aspects of SBR that I enjoyed, personally, I wouldn’t rank it as the "Best Jojo Part." I’ll try my best to tread lightly around spoilers (for those of you who haven’t read it yet), but here are some pros and cons I had with SBR without delving too deeply into specifics.
Pro's
1. Funny Valentine - Arguably the best Jojo villain (though personally, I’m more of a Kira fan), and everything he stood for was compelling.
2. Gyro Zeppeli - Without a doubt, the star of SBR, and that’s a fantastic thing. His personality, motivations for entering the race, and everything about him was outstanding.
3. DIO - A great addition to the cast, even if he played a secondary role in Part 7.
4. Story - The concept of an ongoing race across America is fun. The themes of fatherhood and patriotism, and how they influenced our three main protagonists—Gyro, Johnny, and Valentine—were standout moments.
Con's
1. Stands - This is where opinions start to diverge, and it really is hit or miss for me. The approach to stands in Part 7 wasn’t particularly exciting.
2. Villains - Many of the villains felt like throwaway characters that I found plain boring. Stone Ocean may have a bad reputation, but every villain in that arc was entertaining. Hell, Pesci from Part 5 was more engaging than many of these villains in Part 7. Yes, Sandman and Ringo were great, but many others fell flat.
3. Story - While I appreciated the setup and conclusion of SBR, it can be painfully slow at times, especially in the beginning. Although the last third of SBR was thrilling with nonstop action and impressive set pieces, the overall experience was sometimes a chore to get through.
4. Johnny Joestar - I’ve always appreciated each Jojo protagonist for their unique backstories and abilities, but Johnny was the first Jojo character where I thought to myself, "if I had to rank Jojo characters, he’d be at the bottom." Yes, his backstory evoked sympathy, and I grew to care for him as the series progressed, but there were moments when Johnny was genuinely annoying. For instance (minor spoilers), there are instances where Johnny kills people without remorse while chasing Valentine and DIO. If it were Gyro in the same situation, it would weigh heavily on his conscience.
Anyway, there’s plenty more I could discuss, but this post is already getting lengthy. Steel Ball Run was a solid entry, but its slower pace, the treatment of stands as a whole, and finding Johnny irritating don’t justify Part 7 being labeled as "THE BEST JOJO." That title is a toss-up between Part 4 or Part 5, but that’s a conversation for another day.
Steel Ball Run is, in my opinion, one of the more overrated arcs in Jojo. I appreciate Johnny and Gyro's character development; they were well-crafted and engaging. Tusk is an incredible Stand, and bringing back the Act system was a brilliant decision. However, the side characters mostly fell flat for me, with the exception of Lucy and Steven. The main reason I don't enjoy this part as much as others is the ending. Introducing Dio again felt unnecessary, especially since he was using The World. It seemed like a missed opportunity to explore something new.
That said, it was still an enjoyable read overall. My personal favorites remain parts like JoJolion, Stone Ocean, and Diamond is Unbreakable.
Steel Ball Run is absolutely the greatest thing ever. It's like a cowboy movie that intersects with a 70s French film, filled with religious symbolism and intricate moral dilemmas. Discard all preconceived notions and imagine you've never seen anything like it before. In fact, if you're new to JoJo, start with Steel Ball Run, then explore the earlier series. The art in SBR is exceptional, undoubtedly enhanced by the shift from weekly to monthly production. The characters are human: flawed and self-centered. Everyone's objectives are captivating: even Dio receives characterization beyond just "WRYYY".
Johnny is a despicable person, yet an incredible character. It features Stands, horses, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the FABULOUS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. What else could one desire? Oh yes, metaphysical abilities employed in inventive ways. Who would have guessed that "Spin" could be so fascinating?
Give it a read, but be warned, it begins extremely slowly. The first Stand won't appear for quite a few chapters, and the entire story is a lengthy one. There are two VERY uncomfortable scenes, but if you can push through them, you'll encounter the most mind-altering battles in all of JoJo. This manga will lead you across the United States, from the California desert all the way to Manhattan (not a spoiler, it's mentioned on page 2).
The start of my journey to review every manga I've ever read begins with a fantastic choice! I absolutely adore this manga. In my opinion, it's what Raging Bull is to Martin Scorsese or what Infinity War is to the MCU—it's truly a magnum opus not only for Jojo's but also for manga as a medium. It's exceptional.
STORY
This story is genuinely great. Honestly, it's not the best of any JoJo part, as that title goes straight to part 8 post chapter 90, but it's not as far behind as you might think. It handles the themes it wants to tackle very well, even when it takes on two simultaneously, which is really impressive in any sense. Not only does it do that, but it entangles those plot threads together and has them converge at the climax—now that's one of a kind. You know, it would be so easy to give this a ten, but I have to be honest—it's a slow starter. The opening arc is boring, and not only boring, it's long too, which drags it down to a still very impressive 9.
Art: Honestly, this is the peak of Araki's designs. The characters look so visually organic and blend in with the art style perfectly. And when you top that with the best paneling in the history of manga, you have got yourself another solid nine. The only reason this one isn't a ten is because some of the more casual panels, when a moment isn't climactic or an action scene, clearly aren't quite as beautiful. 9
Characters: They're all good at bare minimum. Even when they're throwaway characters or comic relief, they shine. While I hate to compare it to its preceding parts (that's a lie, I love to compare them), it blows them out of the water. Not only does it make its main cast all enjoyable and fleshed out, but it also establishes its side characters and antagonistic forces very well. Yeah, it's a ten. 10
Enjoyment: I read all 96 chapters in three days or less—it was just that enjoyable. 10
Overall: Two nines and two tens, so what is it... A ten undoubtedly. The good outweighs the mediocre so heavily that I can't score it any other way.
<p>Well, I've finally finished Steel Ball Run, and what a wild ride it was! This is the first manga I've ever read for more than a few seconds, so I don't know what's considered typical for this genre. However, as a JoJo fan, I can at least appreciate it from that perspective. Overall, this was a pretty enjoyable story with plenty of great moments, but it also made me realize that much of what I love about JoJo—and what most people love about it—stems from the fantastic anime adaptation by David Production.<br />The story is fantastical enough to rank among JoJo-tier tales. A horse race across the United States? Of course, it turns out to be so much more than that—it's actually about gathering the pieces of Christ's body, referred to as "the saint." The Japanese understanding of Christianity on a popular level is quite limited, so no one bats an eye at the existence of Christ's body. But hey, it's JoJo, so you just go with it. It amused me greatly, even though that probably wasn't the intention. There were some JoJo-tier twists that came out of nowhere, but Araki impressed me a few times, like how Dio was defeated—that was a clever twist. The story starts slowly, but it really picks up around Volume 10 and rides out well to the end, with just a few dull parts. I didn't care for Araki's frequent use of flashbacks; I wish he could have told the story more concisely without them.<br />The characters are solid. My favorites are President Valentine and Lucy Steel. The two main characters, Gyro Zeppeli and Johnny Joestar, are good too, but they endure a lot of boring situations. I remember reading about Lucy Steel and President Valentine and being really intrigued, then switching over to them and thinking, "Oh yeah, these guys exist." Like everything else, they improve as the story progresses. I still think Johnny is a great Joestar because he has to deal with a physical impairment, which is unusual for characters in any genre. I also appreciated that he and Gyro entered the race for selfish reasons but ended up not caring about winning—they just wanted to stop Valentine. That's excellent hero development.<br />The stands—this is probably my biggest critique of the story. Stands are crucial in JoJo, and as Araki writes more, he seems to feel the need to create increasingly interesting ones. They felt overly intricate, and there were times when an entire fight would go by and I had no idea what the stand's powers were. I did appreciate that the big bad's stand didn't control time, which has been a recurring theme (not sure about Part 6), and I think it's been overused, so I'm glad Araki avoided that here. The whole golden rotation thing baffled me. I think it exemplifies how David Production does a commendable job adapting these elements into anime form for folks like me who might not grasp everything. I couldn't understand the manga, but I'm confident I'll understand the anime if/when it's released.<br />Lastly, the art was impressive. I'm unsure how to evaluate it compared to other mangas or even other JoJo mangas, but I've read a fair amount of comics, and this art was truly excellent. The character designs are quintessential Araki and quintessential JoJo. It's fun, and I enjoyed how exaggerated everything was. As expected, it's a step above most things.<br />All in all, I'm glad I read it. I can't say I'm necessarily eager to read Stone Ocean or JoJolion or any of the other parts, but I did enjoy it. If you're a JoJo fan and you're considering reading it, you won't lose anything by doing so, and it's a great way to pass the time while waiting for them to announce Stone Ocean.</p>
Popular Reviews
Steel Ball Run is undoubtedly the pinnacle of JoJo. It's like Stardust Crusaders, but elevated—crafted by a far more seasoned author who now has the time to meticulously develop each chapter. JoJo has matured. The story is grander, just as action-packed, Stands remain brilliantly imaginative while having some of their excess refined, nearly every character boasts remarkable depth, the world feels lived-in and vibrant, and the narrative is more emotionally resonant than ever. Consider this: after introducing so many legendary protagonists, Araki managed to create a compelling paraplegic JoJo, crafting one of the most intricately written morally gray protagonists in fiction. And let's not forget the benefits of the monthly releases—the artwork is simply stunning. JoJo has always been known for its great art, but Part 7 raises it to unprecedented heights. Some of these pages deserve to be displayed in museums.
In short, Steel Ball Run is one of the greatest manga ever created. Catch up on JoJo and dive into the Steel Ball Run race—you won't believe what awaits. I mean, Jesus Christ is a canonical character in this story. You simply cannot miss out on this!
While I did adore this part, Part 4 remains my favorite. Its more "mundane" setting in a quiet little town really resonated with me. Additionally, I found Kira Yoshikage to be a more compelling villain than Funny Valentine.
9/10<p>
With that in mind, let’s delve into Steel Ball Run—its themes, structure, and how it compares to other parts of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. We'll also explore whether its beginning might be deceptive and how the series stacks up against its anime adaptation.
So, what exactly is this show about?
Each part of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure centers around a core theme: a love for humanity, often tied to karma—how our actions influence fate, family, and community. While every part introduces unique thematic components, they all align within this overarching framework.
In the first trilogy, Araki examines what it means to be a hero. The second trilogy, though loosely connected, still revolves around the idea of karma. With Steel Ball Run, Araki initiates a new trilogy. And the central theme for this arc? Identity. The story starts with the protagonist, Johnny, striving to find his place in the world—beginning with the fundamental challenge of learning to walk on his own two feet.
First things first, let’s discuss art direction.
Araki's artistic genius reaches unprecedented heights in Steel Ball Run. The compositions are magnificent, occasionally mind-bendingly surreal. This is the period when Araki began gaining global acclaim, and it's evident why—his artistry takes a significant leap forward.
In this fresh universe, stands assume an even more imaginative role. They're less about raw power and more about their creative application, leading to some of the most distinctive and inventive battles in the series. The inclusion of the "Spin" power system enhances these surreal battles, expanding the possibilities for how confrontations unfold. This system, combined with deeper thematic exploration, results in some of the most visually stunning and conceptually intricate moments throughout Jojo’s saga.
How does it begin?
The opening can be deceptive. At first glance, it appears to be a straightforward horse race across America—a captivating premise, but it soon evolves into something far grander. Interestingly, the series undergoes a transformation after the first arc, including a change in its publication venue, which coincides with a noticeable improvement in both the quality of the art and the depth of the chapters. Don't allow the first few volumes to shape your overall opinion of this work.
What about the characters?
The characters in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure frequently feel like hidden treasures, filled with depth that may not be immediately apparent. They enter and exit the narrative, sometimes without completing their arcs, adding to the impression that they exist in a broader world beyond the scope of the story. This gives the series a sense of authenticity, as though Araki is narrating events from a real world, where people have their own lives that occasionally intersect with the main plot.
Stands contribute to this dynamic, providing insight into both the characters' outer and inner selves. The stand battles in Steel Ball Run focus less on direct combat and more on solving puzzles, revealing the deeper intricacies of the characters involved. Johnny's growth, intertwined with the story, themes, and stand system, is exceptional. His development is executed masterfully, setting a new benchmark for character-driven storytelling in the Jojo’s series.
What about the story itself?
Like earlier parts, Steel Ball Run retains an episodic structure, but the individual episodes are so extensive that they feel like mini-arcs within the larger narrative. Each villain not only serves the plot but also significantly contributes to the thematic exploration. With more time dedicated to each encounter, the storytelling and character moments gain additional depth, making the pacing feel more deliberate and impactful.
Then, what did I think of it as a whole?
Steel Ball Run, along with Jojolion, are my favorite manga by a wide margin. If you’re new to the series, Steel Ball Run stands out as especially appealing to Western audiences, often regarded as the best part of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. It ranks highly for good reason and is a masterpiece in its own right.
If you’re seeking a manga of undeniable quality, this is it. Steel Ball Run is truly a work of art and an experience I cannot recommend highly enough.
The narrative begins rather straightforward: our disabled Joestar hero, Johny, teams up with Gyro Zeppeli, aiming for victory in the intense Steel Ball Run race. Each competitor has unique motivations, skills, and methods to secure a win. Introduce the eccentricity of Stands into the mix, and you've got yourself an exhilarating ride akin to earlier installments of the saga. However, Steel Ball Run advances further by incorporating characters or factions with their own agendas, vast conspiracies, and personal quests.
This doesn't imply the story is convoluted; instead, it features intriguing plot twists, intense conflicts, and captivating character dynamics. The flow is so seamless that it's effortless to become immersed in the manga.
The artwork reaches new levels of refinement, masterfully employing Araki's iconic style to accentuate emotions, lend impact to scenes, or simply offer visual feasts, particularly with the intricate character designs.
Gyro and Johny are arguably the finest JoJo protagonists thus far, though they don't surpass Joseph from Part 2 in sheer coolness. They're far from flawless, but that's precisely what makes them fascinating—they grapple with their inner demons, which also serve as their greatest adversaries, continually progressing while revealing more facets of their personalities. Their bond of friendship is robust and genuine; even trivial interactions are entertaining. Moreover, Gyro's charisma adds significant appeal.
While other characters might not be as extensively developed as Johny and Gyro, they still shine brightly. There's Dio, ever the manipulative villain we all love to despise, orchestrating events to fulfill his ambitions. Then there's the compassionate cowboy Mountain Tim, the conflicted Hot Pants, the hilarious comic relief Pocoloco, and numerous other noteworthy characters. The primary antagonist is exceptional too, leveraging his extensive combat experience, political influence, and unwavering patriotism to pose a formidable challenge to the heroes.
As per usual, battles remain a pivotal aspect of the narrative and the catalyst for the characters' development, thrusting them into dire predicaments that necessitate steadfast determination and tough decisions. Although Stands grew increasingly powerful in prior arcs, Steel Ball Run scales back most of them significantly. Few possess overwhelming abilities, making the battles highly strategic and demanding for the users. This is evident in clashes like the one against Axl Ro, which forces everyone involved to confront their transgressions, especially Johny and Hot Pants.
If you're seeking thrilling yet intellectually stimulating battles, a stellar ensemble of characters, and one of the most peculiar races in the universe, then JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run is right for you. Whether you're an experienced reader of the JoJo saga or a complete newcomer, Steel Ball Run welcomes all.
(Reviewed for the club "Reviews for the unreviewed")
The manga's art style is fairly conventional, with characters exuding a more human charm. The mangaka did an excellent job choosing a grand setting for the story, taking readers across various lands and climates, which the artwork beautifully captures. Characters are well-developed within the plot, offering strong impressions. Set in the 1800s, the characters' attire and events align perfectly with the era. For casual readers, it feels more like delving into a strategic adventure novel than an action drama.
Emerging from the reversed world of the Stone Ocean event that disrupted Father Pucci's alternate reality, we encounter the seventh installment of the JoJo manga. It takes place in the latter half of the 18th century, when Cowboyism was prevalent. Amidst this backdrop, a businessman named Steven Steel announces a substantial prize for his horse race competition called "STEEL BALL RUN." A diverse group of participants joins the race, including notable contenders like Gyro Zeppeli, Diego Brando, Pocoloco, Roadagain Ringo, and Avdol. With impaired legs, a young man named Johnny Joestar initially joins as a spectator but accidentally enters the competition to follow the enigmatic Gyro Zeppeli. Johnny is fascinated by Gyro's Steel ball trick, intending to use it as a trump card in the race. To overcome his troubled past and physical limitations, he embarks on Gyro's racing journey. Gyro's spinning ability makes him a mysterious figure, revealed to be from a wealthy Italian family. As the race begins, many competitors fail or give up, while others gain significant support from the audience. The goal is to complete the map of the USA through designated stop points. Surprisingly, new favorites emerge, including Johnny. One standout participant is Sandman, from an American tribal community hoping to reclaim their land with the competition's prize money. As the race progresses, some members uncover the truth behind SBR. Gyro and Johnny grow increasingly concerned about the journey as they face new adversaries in different regions. The more they fight, the more secrets of SBR are revealed to them. They learn that President Funny Valentine orchestrates the event, aiming to acquire the corpse of a certain important person that grants immense power to its holder. The checkpoints on the race map represent high-probability locations for finding parts of the corpse. Initially, Gyro and Johnny show little interest, but upon learning about the corpse's abilities and potential impact, they decide to pursue it themselves. Facing new enemies and peculiar situations, they reach the checkpoint before the final one. There, Dio and Funny team up against Gyro and Johnny. Tragically, using his stand's ability to create alternative copied universes, the President succeeds in killing Gyro, while Diego dies in a train crash. Johnny, equipped with advanced Stand abilities, manages to thwart the President, ending his chapter, yet the story persists as the race hasn't concluded. With assistance from Steel's wife Lucy, Johnny aims to secure the corpse, but a new Diego Brando emerges from the President's alternate world. This complicates matters for Johnny as the new Dio possesses the Stand ability to stop time. Despite his efforts to prevent Dio from stealing and winning, the competition concludes with Dio declared the SBR winner. Meanwhile, following President Valentine's orders, Dio heads to a secret underground base of Trinity Church to store the corpse body parts. There, he encounters Lucy Steel again, who cunningly throws the alternate Dio into the path of the "Real World" Dio's remaining corpse. Given the President's Stand ability, allowing only him to traverse paper dimensions without consequences, when the same object or person meets in another dimension, they merge and explode. Using this principle, Lucy successfully traps Dio, leading to his demise. With Dio's absence during the winner announcement, Pocoloco (who came second in the competition) is declared the winner.
In the epilogue, Johnny is depicted carrying Gyro's corpse in a box, continuing the mission Gyro left unfinished. And there, a new adventure awaits.
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This review might not be very helpful, I realize that. However, the manga itself is awesome. If you're into manga and appreciate cool content, chances are you'll adore this one. Go for it—there's no reason it shouldn't rank in your top 2. It's genuinely great.
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And let me tell you, despite the initial shock, Part 7 is undoubtedly one of the most incredible beginnings in the entire series.
This part paved the way for everything unfolding right now in part 9, and it also resolved any confusion surrounding the sudden conclusion of part 6.
Set in an alternate universe, or Universe B, back in 1889, the story revolves around a nationwide horseback race organized by the President of the United States, Funny Valentine.
Our protagonist, Johnny Joestar, once a highly talented horse rider, sets out to win the Steel Ball Run race, encountering a diverse array of allies and adversaries along the way.
Highly recommended! Don't wait for it to be animated—give it a read!
Pro's
1. Funny Valentine - Arguably the best Jojo villain (though personally, I’m more of a Kira fan), and everything he stood for was compelling.
2. Gyro Zeppeli - Without a doubt, the star of SBR, and that’s a fantastic thing. His personality, motivations for entering the race, and everything about him was outstanding.
3. DIO - A great addition to the cast, even if he played a secondary role in Part 7.
4. Story - The concept of an ongoing race across America is fun. The themes of fatherhood and patriotism, and how they influenced our three main protagonists—Gyro, Johnny, and Valentine—were standout moments.
Con's
1. Stands - This is where opinions start to diverge, and it really is hit or miss for me. The approach to stands in Part 7 wasn’t particularly exciting.
2. Villains - Many of the villains felt like throwaway characters that I found plain boring. Stone Ocean may have a bad reputation, but every villain in that arc was entertaining. Hell, Pesci from Part 5 was more engaging than many of these villains in Part 7. Yes, Sandman and Ringo were great, but many others fell flat.
3. Story - While I appreciated the setup and conclusion of SBR, it can be painfully slow at times, especially in the beginning. Although the last third of SBR was thrilling with nonstop action and impressive set pieces, the overall experience was sometimes a chore to get through.
4. Johnny Joestar - I’ve always appreciated each Jojo protagonist for their unique backstories and abilities, but Johnny was the first Jojo character where I thought to myself, "if I had to rank Jojo characters, he’d be at the bottom." Yes, his backstory evoked sympathy, and I grew to care for him as the series progressed, but there were moments when Johnny was genuinely annoying. For instance (minor spoilers), there are instances where Johnny kills people without remorse while chasing Valentine and DIO. If it were Gyro in the same situation, it would weigh heavily on his conscience.
Anyway, there’s plenty more I could discuss, but this post is already getting lengthy. Steel Ball Run was a solid entry, but its slower pace, the treatment of stands as a whole, and finding Johnny irritating don’t justify Part 7 being labeled as "THE BEST JOJO." That title is a toss-up between Part 4 or Part 5, but that’s a conversation for another day.
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Steel Ball Run is, in my opinion, one of the more overrated arcs in Jojo. I appreciate Johnny and Gyro's character development; they were well-crafted and engaging. Tusk is an incredible Stand, and bringing back the Act system was a brilliant decision. However, the side characters mostly fell flat for me, with the exception of Lucy and Steven. The main reason I don't enjoy this part as much as others is the ending. Introducing Dio again felt unnecessary, especially since he was using The World. It seemed like a missed opportunity to explore something new.
That said, it was still an enjoyable read overall. My personal favorites remain parts like JoJolion, Stone Ocean, and Diamond is Unbreakable.
6/10
Johnny is a despicable person, yet an incredible character. It features Stands, horses, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the FABULOUS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. What else could one desire? Oh yes, metaphysical abilities employed in inventive ways. Who would have guessed that "Spin" could be so fascinating?
Give it a read, but be warned, it begins extremely slowly. The first Stand won't appear for quite a few chapters, and the entire story is a lengthy one. There are two VERY uncomfortable scenes, but if you can push through them, you'll encounter the most mind-altering battles in all of JoJo. This manga will lead you across the United States, from the California desert all the way to Manhattan (not a spoiler, it's mentioned on page 2).
"Dojyaaan!"
STORY
This story is genuinely great. Honestly, it's not the best of any JoJo part, as that title goes straight to part 8 post chapter 90, but it's not as far behind as you might think. It handles the themes it wants to tackle very well, even when it takes on two simultaneously, which is really impressive in any sense. Not only does it do that, but it entangles those plot threads together and has them converge at the climax—now that's one of a kind. You know, it would be so easy to give this a ten, but I have to be honest—it's a slow starter. The opening arc is boring, and not only boring, it's long too, which drags it down to a still very impressive 9.
Art: Honestly, this is the peak of Araki's designs. The characters look so visually organic and blend in with the art style perfectly. And when you top that with the best paneling in the history of manga, you have got yourself another solid nine. The only reason this one isn't a ten is because some of the more casual panels, when a moment isn't climactic or an action scene, clearly aren't quite as beautiful. 9
Characters: They're all good at bare minimum. Even when they're throwaway characters or comic relief, they shine. While I hate to compare it to its preceding parts (that's a lie, I love to compare them), it blows them out of the water. Not only does it make its main cast all enjoyable and fleshed out, but it also establishes its side characters and antagonistic forces very well. Yeah, it's a ten. 10
Enjoyment: I read all 96 chapters in three days or less—it was just that enjoyable. 10
Overall: Two nines and two tens, so what is it... A ten undoubtedly. The good outweighs the mediocre so heavily that I can't score it any other way.
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