The rumors are true! After years of fervent anticipation, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run, the seventh and widely acclaimed part of Hirohiko Araki’s epic manga series, is officially getting an anime adaptation. The announcement was made today, April 12, 2025, at the JOJODAY event, a special occasion promoted as connecting the “past” and the “future” of the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series.
A Long-Awaited Dream Come True
For years, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure fans have eagerly awaited the animation of Steel Ball Run. Its unique setting, compelling characters, and intricate storyline have solidified its place as a fan-favorite, making its anime adaptation one of the most highly anticipated events in the anime community.
What We Know So Far
- Official Announcement: The official JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure X (formerly Twitter) account has confirmed that there would be an announcement regarding the next installment of the anime.
- Adaptation: The upcoming anime adaptation will focus on Steel Ball Run, or Part 7, of the series.
- Production Studio: While not explicitly stated, it’s widely speculated that David Production, the studio behind all previous JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime adaptations, will be handling the animation of Steel Ball Run.
- Possible Release Date: Given David Production’s current projects, including the final season of Fire Force scheduled for early 2026, a late 2026 release date for Steel Ball Run is a plausible estimate.
- English Manga Release: In addition to the anime announcement, Viz Media is set to release the first volume of Steel Ball Run in English print on May 27, 2025.
Why Steel Ball Run Is So Special
Steel Ball Run stands out within the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series for several reasons:
A New Universe
Steel Ball Run takes place in an alternate continuity, separate from the storylines of Parts 1 through 6. This allows new viewers to jump into the series without needing extensive prior knowledge, while still offering familiar JoJo elements for long-time fans. The new continuity that began in Steel Ball Run also serves as the setting for the following arcs of the series, JoJolion and The JoJoLands.
Setting and Story
The story unfolds in 1890s America, centering around the Steel Ball Run, a grueling cross-country horse race with a $50 million grand prize. The protagonists are:
- Johnny Joestar: A former jockey, now paraplegic, seeking to regain the use of his legs.
- Gyro Zeppeli: A skilled Zeppeli family member and former executioner, seeking amnesty for a child on death row.
Their journey is filled with challenges, mysteries, and encounters with Stand users, all set against the backdrop of the American frontier.
Themes and Characters
Steel Ball Run explores themes of:
- Redemption: Both Johnny and Gyro are on paths of self-discovery and seeking to overcome their pasts.
- Determination: The grueling race tests their physical and mental limits.
- Morality: The story delves into complex moral dilemmas, blurring the lines between good and evil.
The characters are deeply developed, with their motivations and backstories adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
David Production’s Challenge
Animating Steel Ball Run presents unique challenges for David Production. The story’s focus on a horse race requires capturing realistic and dynamic horse movements, which has proven difficult for many animation studios in the past. The studio will need to employ its expertise and innovative techniques to bring the race to life and do justice to Araki’s detailed artwork.
The Impact of Yugo Kanno
Yugo Kanno, the composer for the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime, has been instrumental in creating the series’ iconic soundtracks. A recent post by Kanno hinted at his involvement in a new anime project, further fueling speculation and excitement for Steel Ball Run. His music is sure to elevate the emotional impact of the adaptation.
What to Expect from the Anime
- Faithful Adaptation: Given David Production’s track record, fans can expect a faithful adaptation of the manga’s storyline and iconic moments.
- High-Quality Animation: The studio is known for its stylish and dynamic animation, which will be crucial in bringing the Stand battles and horse race sequences to life.
- Captivating Soundtrack: Yugo Kanno’s involvement promises a captivating soundtrack that will enhance the emotional depth and excitement of the series.
The Future of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
The anime adaptation of Steel Ball Run marks a significant milestone for the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure franchise. It introduces a new chapter in the anime series and opens up the world of Steel Ball Run to a wider audience. With its engaging story, memorable characters, and stunning visuals, the Steel Ball Run anime is poised to become a classic in its own right.
