JoJo's Bizarre: Why start with Steel Ball Run?

Rafael Shinzo
My name is Rafael Alves, known as Rafael Shinzo. I have a background in Japanese pop culture and created AnimeNew in 2009 with the mission of providing reliable coverage...

If you've always heard of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure but wondered if it was worth picking up, perhaps now is the time. After all, with the announcement of the anime adaptation of Steel Ball Run , the seventh installment in the franchise, it seems like the perfect time to surrender to the bizarreness of this iconic saga.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is now in its ninth installment of the manga, which can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with the series. However, each installment offers a standalone story, with its own characters and plot. And Steel Ball Run stands out precisely for this: it reboots the JoJo universe, functioning as a fresh start, free from direct connections to previous arcs.

What to expect from the story of Steel Ball Run

The story takes place in 1890s America, during a horse race that crosses the country. The protagonist is Johnny Joestar, a former jockey who has lost the use of his legs. After meeting Gyro Zeppeli, a mysterious competitor with unusual abilities, Johnny finds himself embroiled in a much larger conflict—and embarks on a journey of physical and emotional resilience. Although Johnny begins as a bitter and even selfish character, he evolves significantly throughout the plot, reflecting the deep layers that Araki imprints on the series' protagonists.

Steel Ball Run

Furthermore, the Wild West setting and the constant use of horses give the narrative a unique charm, undeniably unlike any other anime. While the story features typical elements of the series, such as Stand battles and offbeat humor, Steel Ball Run is, above all, about transformation—both internal and external.

So, if you're looking for an intense story full of twists and turns and complex characters, Steel Ball Run is your chance to immerse yourself in the world of JoJo. And if you enjoy it, you can explore the other arcs later!

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My name is Rafael Alves, known as Rafael Shinzo. I have a background in Japanese pop culture and created AnimeNew in 2009 with the mission of providing reliable and up-to-date coverage of anime, manga, and other entertainment straight from Japan. With over a decade of experience, the portal has established itself as a reference in the sector.