Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run (2004-2011)
I spent most of last night and this morning finishing the seventh installment of the Jojo series.
While I have many praises and critiques to mention regarding this part, I don't want to delve into too much detail since I've already spent a decent amount of thought reviewing the previous part, "Stone Ocean". But I do want to give a brief overview of my thoughts. As always, if you haven't read it and plan on reading it, I highly suggest doing so before continuing, as I'll be revealing potential spoilers.
I think the pacing was absolutely fantastic. The anticipation and stakes grew with each encounter, and in comparison to "Stone Ocean", it was very easy to tell at any point in time the progress of the main characters (either through number of collected corpse parts, or the stage within the Steel Ball Run race). I also liked many of the characters. Gyro and Diego both grew dynamically as characters, and they were perhaps my favorites.
I think the underlying plot of the entire part is so ironically comical. Regardless of the intensity or anticipation in each battle or encounter, the story revolves around the president of the United States trying to piece together the body of Jesus Christ. It's a dark plot centered around a completely comical concept, and I think that's why I like it so much.
But my favorite part of the entire story (and the reason I'm writing this short review) is the atmosphere of the story and the art. Set in the late 1800's, this story follows the main characters and their journey through the wild west. That fact alone makes the villains more enticing to me because they are more mysterious, more powerful, and darker. The use of guns in addition to stands makes the story feel more genuine because characters can die realistic deaths, regardless of the stand.
The panel art reinforces that, and below I've tried to compile a few of my favorite panels. Some of them made me laugh out loud. Some made me excited for an ensuing battle. Some were sad. Others just looked extremely cool. I think that of all the parts I've read or watched so far, "Steel Ball Run" contains some of the best art.
Diego Brando ¶
I laughed at Diego's first appearance. Even if the Dio from this world is completely different from the Dio everyone knows and loves, I think Diego's subtle shared characteristics make him a more recognizeable character, and thus a better character. It's the best form of acceptable fan service.
Blackmore (Catch the Rainbow) ¶
If Blackmore's Catch the Rainbow isn't the coolest stand, I don't know what is.
Ringo (Mandom/True Man's World) ¶
Likewise, Ringo is just a cool character. He reminds me of a mix between a wild western outlaw and a kpop star.
Gyro ¶
If Gyro having a teddy bear isn't the cutest thing, I don't know what is.
Funny Valentine ¶
Valentine is one of the best villains a story could possibly ask for. He's clearly intimidating, and his stand is one of the most powerful stands to exist. He also ironically has scars resembling the American flag on his back.
Various ¶
And, of course, there's other various characters and cool scenes to think about.
Overall, while there were some flaws regarding the story, I think "Steel Ball Run" is a great addition to the JJBA universe and is one of my favorite parts.