The Netflix adaptation of *Steel Ball Run*—whose two-part premiere masterfully condenses the first two volumes of the manga—stands as a celebration of Hirohiko Araki’s creative clean slate. While *Steel Ball Run* serves as a highly recommended entry point into *JoJo's Bizarre Adventure* for newcomers, much of its value lies in a prior familiarity with the six-part saga created by Araki. And although the prospect of diving into such a vast and chaotic world may seem intimidating, that very familiarity makes the thematic brilliance of *Steel Ball Run* all the more poignant.
Throughout its first six parts, *JoJo's Bizarre Adventure* told a fascinating saga centered on the legacy of the Joestar family. The franchise's seventh installment, *Steel Ball Run*, transports this globe-trotting adventure story to the United States of the 1890s. Araki has crafted a standalone narrative continuity that draws heavily upon the mythology already established within the *JoJo* universe.
Stars: Damien C. Haas, Kaiji Tang, Daman Mills
It is best viewed less as a *reboot* and more as an entirely new adventure that references—with great affection—the franchise's foundational concepts, such as the use of *Stands* (entities that manifest from a user's life force) and the overarching ethos of justice and sacrifice that serves as the backbone of the entire saga. These elements are now enriched by the themes *Steel Ball Run* explores—such as rampant colonization and cultural annihilation—which are further intensified by the introduction of a misguided American exceptionalism.
Studio David Production successfully replicates Araki’s artistic style in *Steel Ball Run*—the most vivid and intricate style he has developed to date. The richly detailed backgrounds stand in contrast to delicately drawn characters, who are brought to life through a skillful blend of 2D and 3D animation. The influences of the *Spaghetti Western* greet us right from the title sequence, depicting barren, desolate landscapes, horsemen on horseback, and the violence—always latent—that eventually erupts in the most unexpected places.
The first episode kicks off exactly like the manga: with Sandman, a talented Native American athlete, being pursued by members of his own tribe, who deem his actions an affront to indigenous culture. They chase him on horseback simply because he reads books written by white settlers; yet, he manages to outrun them on foot, barely breaking a sweat.
In the original story, Araki uses this opening sequence to delve into Sandman’s background and personal history; however, the Netflix animated adaptation jumps straight to the "Steel Ball Conference"—the event where promoter Steven Steel announces a colossal horse race spanning the route from San Diego to New York City. This new pacing sets the tone for an adaptation eager to hook the audience as quickly as possible, and the two-part premiere maintains a steady momentum from start to finish.
The cash prize for winning the race amounts to 50 million dollars—a sum to be claimed by the participant with the highest score who successfully clears all the challenging stages. Shortly thereafter, we are introduced to our JoJo: Johnny Joestar. A paraplegic former jockey, Johnny witnesses a bizarre altercation near the venue, from which the charismatic Gyro Zeppeli emerges victorious with the aid of two spinning steel spheres. Upon touching these objects, Johnny’s paralyzed legs move for a brief instant, compelling him to enter the race—convinced that this mystical "rotation" technique can help him walk again.
As with previous protagonists in the *JoJo* saga, the anime premiere offers us a crucial glimpse into Johnny’s deepest motivations. This is conveyed through a brief yet effective flashback, detailing Johnny’s glory days as an accomplished jockey. Intoxicated by arrogance and self-indulgence, Johnny provoked a stranger by cutting in line to enter a theater; the man, outraged, exacted his revenge by shooting him in the spine. His paraplegia brought an abrupt end to his boundless ambitions, isolating Johnny from everyone around him—including his already estranged family. This quick trip into the past proves essential for understanding Johnny’s desperation and the reason behind his obsessive fascination with Gyro’s mysterious steel spheres; however, it does not in the slightest detract from the pacing of the premiere episode.
This expansive episode perfectly conveys the sense of immense geographic scale that Araki captured in the early volumes of the manga, portrayed through vivid landscapes and vast stretches of treacherous tracks.
Eccentricity has always been the life force of *JoJo* as a franchise. No one bats an eye when Pocoloco uses a cow's carcass to slide downhill on horseback, or when a determined Sandman runs shoulder-to-shoulder with expert riders during the final stretch of the race. Johnny isn't too concerned with winning at the moment; his sights are set on proving his worth to Gyro, hoping to glean clues about his mysterious technique.
Those familiar with Araki's manga might take issue with the rushed nature of this premiere. Large chunks of dialogue have been condensed and simplified, and entire sequences have been omitted in order to offer a breakneck introduction to a truly bizarre world. It is too early to dismiss this as a flaw; it is possible that *Steel Ball Run* may choose to revisit these elements in future episodes as it adapts the story for a visual medium. We might still learn Sandman's crucial backstory, or see Pocoloco's Stand (named *Hey Ya!*) make an appearance at some significant moment. Moreover, the premiere episode never falters or loses momentum despite its radical restructuring—a good omen for an adaptation destined to bring to life Araki's most ambitious story.
From a thematic perspective, *Steel Ball Run* tackles head-on the corrosive impact of colonization, while simultaneously exposing the hollowness of the American Dream. Greed and corruption are embedded in the premise from the very moment Steven Steel announces the race, for it masks sinister motives that have yet to be revealed.
It remains to be seen whether the Netflix adaptation manages to balance these broader themes with the intimate drama of Johnny's narrative arc; nevertheless, *Steel Ball Run* kicks off its journey on a beautiful and vibrant note. As the participants race at full speed toward increasingly hostile terrain, the impressive depth of Araki’s world-building will gradually reveal itself, fitting together like a piece of a perfectly designed puzzle. All that remains for us to do is buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable journey.
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