Jojo’s Bizarre Adventureisn’t just a title, it’s an apt description of just how strange the series can get, which may be a bit intimidating for some would-be fans. For those curious about the craziness who have yet to dive in,the upcoming adaptation ofSteel Ball Run, the seventh installment, may actually be a perfect starting point.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventureis a series that’s been running for a long time, and it’s been through many different iterations in that time. At present, the manga is on part 9, known asThe JOJOLands, and knowing that a series has nine parts can definitely be reason to pause before getting invested. However, while certain elements of each part do connect up with other parts, the stories are mostly stand-alone, and able to be enjoyed for what they are without prior knowledge of the series. That’s especially true forSteel Ball Run, as it represented a continuity reboot for the franchise.
Steel Ball Run Offers a Perfect Jumping On Point
With a Rebooted Continuity, Jojo’s Seventh Part is a Good Place to Start
InJojo’s Bizarre Adventure, the first six parts are all set in the same universe, and typically have some level of character crossover, or at least plot element crossover, tying the different parts together.However,Steel Ball Runmade a bold move by leaving that universe behind, instead setting its story in the 1800s and starting over again from scratch. As such, it’s not necessary to have any knowledge ofJojoor its story in order to enjoySteel Ball Run. While some concepts, such as Stands, do carry over, the actual story itself is completely unconnected to anything that came before.
Steel Ball Runhas a few other unique features which make it a particularly good place to start. Series creator Hirohiko Araki has had a lot of experience with manga by this point, so the art quality is exceptionally high.Steel Ball Runalso marked a change forJojoin the demographics department, as this series was written as “seinen” rather than “shonen,” indicating it’s aimed at an older, more adult audience. The series also introduces many new elements that hadn’t been considered before, such as the mysterious force known as “Spin.”
Steel Ball Run’s Protagonist is a Perfect Viewpoint Character
Johnny Joestar is Very Unique as a Jojo Protagonist
The story ofSteel Ball Runfollows Johnny Joestar, an American former horse jockey who becomes paraplegic after a fight. Johnny meets a strange man named Gyro Zeppeli, whose mastery over this “Spin” temporarily gives Johnny the ability to walk again. Eager to learn anything that might help him, Johnny follows Gyro and becomes determined to understand Spin. The two enter a cross-country horse race, the eponymous Steel Ball Run, and slowly begin to realize that there’s a deeper purpose to this race, drawing them into a conflict that goes all the way to the top.
Johnny is a fascinating protagonist, beginning as a bitter young man who could hardly be called heroic. He’s determined and ruthless, desiring to obtain the secrets that will let him walk again at any cost. He’s not opposed to violence and is perfectly willing to use it to achieve his goals, if need be. However, Johnny grows substantially over the course of the story, something reflected inhow his Stand ability develops. Johnny has to learn to take charge and lead, and when fate ultimately lands upon his shoulders, Johnny must be ready to act.
Johnny starts out a bit more passive than a typical protagonist, with Gyro acting more as the hero. Johnny and Gyro’s relationship is a key element of the story, and watching it develop is arguably one of the best parts ofSteel Ball Run. He becomes extremely loyal to Gyro, and the race in general forces Johnny to stop being so isolated and learn to rely on others. Araki has said that he designed Johnny with the intent of having him learn to overcome hardships, and that Johnny’s physical condition mirrors the growth of himself as a person.
Steel Ball Run’s Setting Gives It a Feel Unlike Any Other
The “Wild West” of Steel Ball Run Sets It Apart From Other Jojo Stories
Another fascinating element ofSteel Ball Runis its setting.Taking place in the United States in 1890, there’s a distinctly “wild west” theme to the story that makes it not just unlike any previousJojopart, but unlike most anime and manga in general.The vast, expansive distances which the characters must race across not only give them a feeling of loneliness and isolation, but also a sense that there’s nowhere to hide when a villain does attack. The use of horses is also an interesting element, as Johnny builds a close relationship with his horse as well, and it becomes key to the story’s climax.
Despite all these differences and unique elements,ultimatelySteel Ball Runis stillJojo. It features the Stand battles that fans love, many interesting side characters in the form of other racers, and a truly bizarre secret goal of the race. The series' sense of humor is still intact, and Araki’s ability to develop characters is perhaps at its peak. For those who are already acquainted withJojo,Steel Ball Runfeatures many references and callbacks to previousJojostorylines, but understanding these references is hardly necessary to fully enjoy the story.
With a freshly rebooted story free from continuity, a fascinating protagonist, and a very cool and unique setting,Steel Ball Runfeatures some of the very best storytelling thatJojohas to offer. This makes it an excellent starting point for new fans, giving them the best shot at actually being able to enjoy the series. New fans who do enjoySteel Ball Runcan always go back and watch the earlier parts afterward, or continue on in theSteel Ball Runcontinuity by moving to part 8,Jojolion(although its anime may be quite far off).Jojo’s Bizarre Adventureis in a fantastic spot, and there’s never been a better time to dive in.
