Netflix Premieres JoJo’s ‘Steel Ball Run’ Anime
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- Netflix premiered the new season “Steel Ball Run” of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure last week, making the series available on its streaming platform.
- Steel Ball Run adapts the popular manga arc about a $50 million transcontinental horse race from San Diego to New York, featuring paraplegic former jockey Johnny Joestar and mysterious racer Gyro Zeppelli.
- Johnny Joestar is noted for his flamboyant outfit: a tight crop‑top white shirt, a beanie with a horseshoe attached, and bright blue lipstick, exemplifying the series’ signature style.
- David Production uses a mix of 2D and 3D animation, split‑screen effects, and sound‑effect bubbles to replicate the manga’s dynamic poses and give the show a “manga come to life” feel.
- Yugo Kanno provides a jazzy score, including a chorus chanting “Steel Ball Run,” which underscores the series’ exuberant tone.
- Sandman—a Native racer—faces racism and discrimination, and the opening narration notes the race’s link to American expansion and the conquest of Native land, offering a skeptical view of American exceptionalism.
Why it matters: Netflix gains a fresh, visually striking anime entry that can attract new viewers to the long‑running JoJo franchise, while fans get a more accessible starting point and a nuanced look at American history; the series’ bold style and thematic depth may broaden anime’s mainstream appeal.
