the adaptation of Steel Ball Run, the seventh installment, may actually be a perfect starting point.

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is a series that's been running for a long time, and it's been through many different iterations in that time. At present, the manga is on part 9, known as The JOJOLands, and knowing that a series has nine parts can definitely be reason to pause before getting invested. However, while certain elements of each part do connect up with other parts, the stories are mostly stand-alone, and able to be enjoyed for what they are without prior knowledge of the series. That's especially true for Steel Ball Run, as it represented a continuity reboot for the franchise.

Steel Ball Run Offers a Perfect Jumping On Point

With a Rebooted Continuity, Jojo's Seventh Part is a Good Place to Start

In Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, the first six parts are all set in the same universe, and typically have some level of character crossover, or at least plot element crossover, tying the different parts together. However, Steel Ball Run made a bold move by leaving that universe behind, instead setting its story in the 1800s and starting over again from scratch. As such, it's not necessary to have any knowledge of Jojo or its story in order to enjoy Steel Ball Run. While some concepts, such as Stands, do carry over, the actual story itself is completely unconnected to anything that came before.

Steel Ball Run has a few other unique features which make it a particularly good place to start. Series creator Hirohiko Araki has had a lot of experience with manga by this point, so the art quality is exceptionally high. Steel Ball Run also marked a change for Jojo in the demographics department, as this series was written as "seinen" rather than "shonen," indicating it's aimed at an older, more adult audience. The series also introduces many new elements that hadn't been considered before, such as the mysterious force known as "Spin."

Steel Ball Run's Protagonist is a Perfect Viewpoint Character

Johnny Joestar is Very Unique as a Jojo Protagonist

The story of Steel Ball Run follows Johnny Joestar, an American former horse jockey who becomes paraplegic after a fight. Johnny meets a strange man named Gyro Zeppeli, whose mastery over this "Spin" temporarily gives Johnny the ability to walk again. Eager to learn anything that might help him, Johnny follows Gyro and becomes determined to understand Spin. The two enter a cross-country horse race, the eponymous Steel Ball Run, and slowly begin to realize that there's a deeper purpose to this race, drawing them into a conflict that goes all the way to the top.

Johnny is a fascinating protagonist, beginning as a bitter young man who could hardly be called heroic. He's determined and ruthless, desiring to obtain the secrets that will let him walk again at any cost. He's not opposed to violence and is perfectly willing to use it to achieve his goals, if need be. However, Johnny grows substantially over the course of the story, something reflected in how his Stand ability develops. Johnny has to learn to take charge and lead, and when fate ultimately lands upon his shoulders, Johnny must be ready to act.

Johnny starts out a bit more ive than a typical protagonist, with Gyro acting more as the hero. Johnny and Gyro's relationship is a key element of the story, and watching it develop is arguably one of the best parts of Steel Ball Run. He becomes extremely loyal to Gyro, and the race in general forces Johnny to stop being so isolated and learn to rely on others. Araki has said that he designed Johnny with the intent of having him learn to overcome hardships, and that Johnny's physical condition mirrors the growth of himself as a person.

Steel Ball Run's Setting Gives It a Feel Unlike Any Other

The "Wild West" of Steel Ball Run Sets It Apart From Other Jojo Stories

Another fascinating element of Steel Ball Run is its setting. Taking place in the United States in 1890, there's a distinctly "wild west" theme to the story that makes it not just unlike any previous Jojo part, but unlike most anime and manga in general. The vast, expansive distances which the characters must race across not only give them a feeling of loneliness and isolation, but also a sense that there's nowhere to hide when a villain does attack. The use of horses is also an interesting element, as Johnny builds a close relationship with his horse as well, and it becomes key to the story's climax.

Despite all these differences and unique elements, ultimately Steel Ball Run is still Jojo. It features the Stand battles that fans love, many interesting side characters in the form of other racers, and a truly bizarre secret goal of the race. The series' sense of humor is still intact, and Araki's ability to develop characters is perhaps at its peak. For those who are already acquainted with Jojo, Steel Ball Run features many references and callbacks to previous Jojo storylines, but understanding these references is hardly necessary to fully enjoy the story.

With a freshly rebooted story free from continuity, a fascinating protagonist, and a very cool and unique setting, Steel Ball Run features some of the very best storytelling that Jojo has to offer. This makes it an excellent starting point for new fans, giving them the best shot at actually being able to enjoy the series. New fans who do enjoy Steel Ball Run can always go back and watch the earlier parts afterward, or continue on in the Steel Ball Run continuity by moving to part 8, Jojolion (although its anime may be quite far off). Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is in a fantastic spot, and there's never been a better time to dive in.