In the vibrant world of anime, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is generating considerable excitement as fans eagerly anticipate the forthcoming adaptation of Steel Ball Run. With the adaptation nearly confirmed, enthusiasts are counting down to the JOJODAY event on April 12, 2025, which is set to announce this highly awaited anime officially.
Despite some reservations about its horse racing premise, a substantial faction of fans believes that Steel Ball Run will stand as the pinnacle of the JoJo series. This sentiment is echoed not only among fans but also by Hirohiko Araki, the creator of the franchise, who outlined numerous reasons why this arc could be its finest yet, dating back to the first volume of the manga.
Insights from Araki on Steel Ball Run
Transformative Elements Discussed by JoJo’s Creator
In the initial volume of the paperback edition of Steel Ball Run, released in 2017, Araki penned a reflective afterword that delves deep into his creative process. This introspective commentary is particularly intriguing given that it was written six years after the conclusion of Steel Ball Run in 2011. Araki categorizes his insights into five main themes: “the protagonists, ” “stands, ” “research, ” “the villain, ” and “scope.”
Within Araki’s detailed reflections lie compelling revelations. Notably, he openly discloses the primary antagonist of Part 7 right at the start, revealing his belief that this was not a spoiler—an argument this piece will follow. His insights profoundly capture the richness and originality that Steel Ball Run embodies, and he provides a persuasive case for why fans should be buzzing with anticipation for its forthcoming anime adaptation.
Revolutionary Mechanics and Artistic Revival
The Spin: A Thematic Foundation
The conclusion of JoJo’s sixth part, Stone Ocean, was monumental, culminating in an expansive universe reset. Araki faced significant apprehension, feeling as if he had maximized his storytelling potential within the JoJo saga. Yet, from this uncertainty emerged a profound revelation:
My previous work, Part 6: Stone Ocean, left me with a sense of satisfaction, or perhaps the sense that I had drawn all there was to draw…? I felt a small sense of accomplishment. So what do I do now?
At the time, there was something in my drawings that I was very interested in, and that was rotation (or, to use the proper term, spiral rotation).When I draw flames, I draw them in a twisting motion, like the twist of a splash of water. The twist of the bending joints of a human body. The twist of a growing lock of hair. I draw the branches of plants and trees twisting as they connect to the trunk. I draw petals as if they were whirlpools. I add shading to rocks and stones as if they were rotating, and so on.
Drawing in such a way led me to believe that all the phenomena in the world could be explained by rotation and spirals. If this were a Stand ability, it might just be the most powerful of all. And if rotation is rebirth, then perhaps the story can return to its origin.
Araki’s fascination with spiral rotation inspired him to reboot the series at the iconic starting point of Part 1—the dawn of modern civilization. This gave rise to the Spin, which serves as Steel Ball Run‘s equivalent to Hamon. Moreover, Araki connects the themes of gravity and time from Stone Ocean to Part 7, highlighting that the concept of rotation plays a crucial role in this artistic rebirth.
For the upcoming anime, this artistic choice is rich with possibilities. The kinetic imagery that Araki employs hints at a whirlwind narrative full of motion. From the spiral motion of galloping horses to the swirling flames of battle, Steel Ball Run is inherently designed to captivate visually in animation. With ever-increasing production standards in the anime industry, the distinct aesthetic of Araki’s philosophy is poised to shine brightly.
Complex Characters in Steel Ball Run
An Exploration of Character Depth and Moral Ambiguity
Araki’s evolution as a storyteller is evident in the intricate development of characters in Steel Ball Run, particularly in his portrayal of the main villain, Funny Valentine, and the supporting characters. A critical shift occurred when Araki transitioned from the weekly Weekly Shōnen Jump to the monthly Super Jump. This change permitted him to hone in on pivotal scenes and provide ample space to depict the solitude of the American West—concepts he refers to as “scope.”
This shift not only affected the physical layout of the narrative but also introduced a layer of complexity previously absent in the series. With a more mature audience, Araki could explore non-linear character interactions and motivations, evident in his intricate portrayal of Funny Valentine.
Unlike previous JoJo antagonists, who were typically characterized as outright villains, Funny Valentine embodies a moral complexity that challenges the protagonists, Johnny and Gyro. As Araki articulates:
I’d like to point out that this character is primarily a villain from the perspectives of the protagonists, Johnny and Gyro. President Valentine uses the transcontinental Steel Ball Run race to find a treasure that will make his country the greatest in the world. In other words, he intends to win the people’s trust and support through sports. President Valentine knows that the future is moving away from the age of the horse and into the age of the machine. He is also keenly aware that democracy is equal to capitalist economic self-empowerment.
In other words, our protagonists—Johnny, Gyro, Mr. Steel, and their allies—are outclassed in the justice of their perspective by President Valentine. And yet, in Steel Ball Run, the president attempting to lead society on the right path is the ultimate evil. Within President Valentine exists a contradiction between justice and evil. He is a paradox. What exactly is happiness, then? If happiness is true victory, will the coming era bring victory? Did Johnny and Gyro win after all?
Consequently, Valentine emerges not merely as a character, but as an intricate reflection of contrasting ideals—his actions framed as noble yet deeply flawed. This complexity promises to elevate the character to new heights in the anime adaptation.
Even Johnny and Gyro benefit from Araki’s deepening narrative focus on contradictions, blending personal growth with themes of moral ambiguity. Their evolvement as characters, marked by their mastery of the Spin and their struggles against figures like Funny Valentine, will resonate profoundly with audiences. This juxtaposition of character development amidst a drastically different storytelling structure signifies why Steel Ball Run is destined to be the best anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Source: jojowiki.com for the translated interview.
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