REVIEW: ‘Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ Episode 1 – “Steel Ball Run”

Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Episode 1, “Steel Ball Run,”  is a momentous occasion. The time has come for JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure fans – Steel Ball Run has finally been adapted. Fans have been waiting for many years for the possibility of Part 7 to receive an anime adaptation, and now, folks have been graced with the Steel Ball Run Episode 1. Unlike the previous 6 seasons, Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is set in a separate continuity and alternate universe from its predecessors.

Steel Ball Run Episode 1 is set in 1890 and follows Johnny Joestar (Daman Mills), a paraplegic who is determined to embark on a cross-continental horse race, solely for the purpose of learning more about the mysterious abilities of fellow competitor, Gyro Zeppeli (Kaiji Tang). Meanwhile, all of the other competitors are hoping to win the 50 million dollar prize money. And we’re introduced to counterparts of beloved (or even loathed) characters from previous seasons. 

Steel Ball Run Episode 1 immediately thrusts viewers into this Western-themed season of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and it doesn’t shy away from the landscape that Part 7 is set in. People are desperate to win the money, the concept of the American dream is in full swing, and the characters of color are trying their best to navigate the time period they’re in.

Steel Ball Run Episode 1 wastes no time in establishing this alternate universe.

Just like with other parts in the series, our current main characters make an instant impression on us in Steel Ball Run Episode 1. Johnny is headstrong and has a strong desire to walk again. Gyro is a charismatic Stand user and executioner, while Lucy Steel (Frankie Kevich) is a teenage girl who is married to the promoter of the race.

Diego Brando (Damien Haas) is a British Stand user, while Pocolocco (Cedric Williams) is a young man who has been told he’s full of luck, and the other characters vary in charisma and intrigue. Steel Ball Run Episode 1 is primarily an introduction to the universe and its characters. Thankfully, we aren’t forced to wait for the characters to start the race. 

Throughout Steel Ball Run Episode 1, we are presented with flashbacks to Johnny’s past, including how he became a paraplegic. Instead of Johnny being born with a disability, a sudden shooting incident changed his life permanently. It’s clear from the flashbacks that he was a very different person from the one we meet in the present day, and that Johnny’s had a strained relationship with loved ones since the loss of his brother and the accident. 

Despite being an introduction, the characters already feel so rich and dramatic.

The series is known for its flamboyant characters, memorable scores, unique villains, abundant musical references, intense fight scenes, and hard-hitting moments. Thankfully, Steel Ball Run Episode 1 doesn’t seem to be failing in those departments. Despite being only one episode into the season, it’s obvious the adaptation isn’t going to disappoint. There’s plenty to chew on, from the thrills to the stellar animation style.

Although this season isn’t connected to the previous six, we mildly recommend making sure you’ve seen them. Mainly because there are many references, especially via the character counterparts and score, to delightfully pick up on. You don’t need to have read all of the available manga volumes, either, but it’s likely exciting for those who have to see how it’s being adapted. 

After a long wait, Steel Ball Run Episode 1 is worth it.

If you’re a fan of the series or are a slow-budding fan, then you’ll be quite impressed with what Steel Ball Run Episode 1 has to offer everyone. After all, who doesn’t want to see incredible outfits and high-stakes supernatural antics in a Western-themed setting? 

Steel Ball Run Episode 1 is exciting, well-paced, and features gorgeous animation and intriguing characters, with much to be excited about for the batch of episodes we’ll eventually be getting. The downside is that there’s no officially confirmed date, so we’ll be playing the waiting game for a while. But that doesn’t take away from how the first episode was worth the long wait after that stretch of time since JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean. 

Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Episode 1 is streaming now on Netflix. Release dates for new episodes have yet to be officially announced.