The Netflix Original title, STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, is a wild ride that also acts as Part 7 of Hirohiko Araki’s overall JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga serialization. This fantasy action-comedy anime follows a paraplegic ex-jockey and an outlaw as they go from rivals to allies over the course of an intense cross-continental horse race across 19th-century USA. There’s drama, there’s humor, there’s action, there’s absurdity, and there’s even a camel. Honestly, what more could a fan of this long-running series want?
Opening Shot: The sun rises over a desert as a voiceover shares how the United States’ expansion throughout the 19th century created enticing opportunities for fresh starts and power in the West. It was there that people gathered in the summer of 1890 in search of “something”…
The Gist: In September 1980, San Diego Beach, event promoter Steven Steel (Jamieson Price) announces his ambitious plan to launch the first-ever Steel Ball Run that will have participants cross all of continental North America on horseback. The race begins in San Diego Beach, then puts competitors through nine different stages covering 4,000 miles and landing them in New York City, where only one will win the staggering prize of 50 million dollars.
Paraplegic Johnny Joestar (Daman Mills) overhears Steven’s announcement but wheels away without signing up. Although once a young prodigy and gifted jockey, a heated confrontation left Johnny wheelchair-bound without feeling in his legs, seemingly crushing his career and horseracing dreams forever. However, the appearance of mysterious outlaw Gyro Zeppeli (Kaiji Tang) turns Johnny’s life around when contact with Gyro’s mystical Steel Ball “Spin” technique allows him to temporarily stand upright once more. Determined to unlock the secrets behind Gyro and “Spin,” Johnny stubbornly enters the race even amidst ridicule and doubts over his physical disabilities.
In addition to Gyro and Johnny, other ambitious riders and curious characters enter the race in pursuit of a challenge, glory, and that tantalizing cash prize. Other top contenders include camel-riding Saharan nomad Urmd Avdul (Nazeeh Tarsha), heir apparent of British horse racing, Diego Brando (Damien Haas), lucky free spirit Pocoloco (Cedric Williams), and the sole on-foot competitor, Native American Sand Man (Alejandro Antonio Rui). Johnny must use his strength, willpower, and growing connection with Gyro to survive competitors looking to race, brawl, and scheme their way to the top.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of? While you’d still be hard-pressed to find a direct comparison to a show as unique as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, fans of the series might also enjoy distinctive anime titles like Gintama, Hunter X Hunter, Berserk, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Redline.
Our Take: With a vibrant, solidly animated, and action-packed pilot episode with a nearly 50-minute runtime, STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure starts with a bang and is truly off to the races. If you’re a pre-existing fan of this series, then you’re likely to enjoy this latest installment that continues to faithfully adapt the overall hilarity, tone, and excitement of Hirohiko Araki’s beloved manga series. But even first-time viewers are likely to get swept away by the colorful characters, fast-moving plot, and absurd humor.
There’s definitely a lot of set-up happening that could bore some viewers, but the pace generally keeps clipping along in such a way that even without always knowing what’s happening, you still feel curious about what will come next. Even if this first episode isn’t your cup of tea, there is enough promise in this storyline and characters that will make continuing to watch feel worthwhile. STEEL BALL RUN is a world dripping with personality, originality, and an iconic soundtrack, and in an entertainment world increasingly full of remakes, self-seriousness, and AI “art,” this is a refreshing, fun watch for all fans of unserious shonen anime and memeable comedy.
Performance Worth Watching: Outlaw Gyro Zeppeli (Kaiji Tang) leads the way as a mysterious and intriguing character who we’re looking forward to learning more about in the episodes ahead. In addition to the promising character, you can also always count on the vocal talents of Kaiji Tang, who you may also recognize as the voice actor for Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen), Osamu Dazai (Bungo Stray Dogs), Sanemi Shinazugawa (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba), Jinshi (The Apothecary Diaries), and more.
Sex And Skin: None in this episode.
Parting Shot: As Gyro Zeppeli wins the first leg of the Steel Bag Run, a voiceover from Johnny Joestar recounts how this summer of 1890 was when he began to (figuratively) walk the path to manhood, and it all started when he met Gyro.
Sleeper Star: Pocoloco (Cedric Williams) immediately brings terrific energy and entertainment from his first appearance, thanks to his eccentric and likable personality.
Most Pilot-y Line: This long-winded monologue that Steven Steel (Jamieson Price) dramatically delivers (before crying in his wife’s arms in private, wondering if this endeavor will be a total bust):
“You speak to me of failure? Then I will speak in turn! There is no failure worse than turning your back on adventure, to perish in bed untested, having never faced the impossible and carried the day! Come what may, this race is a triumph of the spirit. Our racers don’t know the meaning of failure. No matter how the days ahead may unfold, the Steel Ball Run will be a race the likes of which the world has never laid eyes upon.”
Honorable mention from Pocoloco: “The world’s my oyster, and I better get cracking.”
Our Call: STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure continues to build upon the wild and wonderful of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure with an entertaining new season prepared to jockey for the attention of first-time and returning viewers alike. If this action-packed and absurd story sounds appealing, then be sure to STREAM IT as soon as each episode drops weekly, only on Netflix!
Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian who covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow her on Duolingo @MCasale.
