JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run Anime Officially Announced — A New Chapter Begins

It’s official — JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run is getting an anime, and the wait is finally over. Announced at the JOJODAY STAGE event in Tokyo this past April, the long-rumored adaptation of Part 7 is now in production, and fans of the series couldn’t be more excited. If you’ve been following the JoJo franchise, you already know that each part reinvents the story in a completely new way. But Steel Ball Run takes that idea and runs with it — literally. It’s not just a new chapter; it’s a bold reset that flips the entire JoJo formula while keeping everything that makes the series so iconic.

What's Steel Ball Run about?

Set in an alternate timeline in 1890, Steel Ball Run follows a transcontinental horse race across the United States, from San Diego to New York. The prize? A cool $50 million. But this isn’t your typical western — the race is packed with deadly Stand users, secret agendas, and a whole lot of danger along the way. At the center of it all is Johnny Joestar, a former jockey who’s lost the use of his legs. He enters the race hoping to reclaim his purpose — and maybe even walk again. Alongside him is Gyro Zeppeli, a mysterious racer with a strange power called the Spin, and a mission of his own. As the race unfolds, the two find themselves caught up in a conspiracy that stretches all the way to the White House.

Yes, Steel Ball Run is still JoJo at heart — but with a heavy dose of western adventure, political intrigue, and philosophical depth. It’s part horse race, part soul-searching journey, and it’s widely considered by many fans to be the best arc in the series.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run Anime Announcement & Teaser:

The Team Behind the Scenes:

The animation is in good hands, with David Production once again leading the charge. They’ve handled every JoJo anime so far, and Steel Ball Run looks set to continue that legacy of bold visuals and over-the-top energy.

So… When Does It Come Out?

No firm release date yet, but the hype train is already moving. A livestream event is scheduled for September 23, 2025, where we’ll likely get a trailer and maybe even a release window. Based on past timelines, the anime could land in late 2026 or early 2027, but that’s just speculation for now.

In the meantime, there’s more good news: Steel Ball Run is finally getting an official English print release.Viz Mediais dropping Volume 1 on May 27, 2025 — the first time this arc will be available in English as a collected volume. It’s a great way to dive into the story before the anime hits screens.

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Why People Are So Hyped About Steel Ball Run?

For longtime JoJo fans, this arc has always felt special. It’s deeper, darker, and more grounded — while still being completely off-the-wall in true JoJo fashion. It mixes wild action and surreal powers with a surprisingly emotional story about healing, identity, and belief. And it does all that while galloping across deserts, canyons, and chaos.

⭐It's a fan-favorite arc– Steel Ball Run has consistently ranked at the top of JoJo fan polls for its emotional storytelling, high-stakes narrative, and unforgettable characters. Many longtime fans see it as the peak of the series in both writing and world-building.

⭐A fresh start for the JoJo universe– As the beginning of an entirely new continuity, this part resets the JoJo timeline while maintaining everything people love about the franchise. It’s a perfect entry point for newcomers who want to experience JoJo without needing to watch Parts 1–6.

⭐The Johnny & Gyro duo– Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli have one of the most compelling dynamics in the entire series. Their friendship, banter, and emotional growth carry the story and give it real heart, offering some of JoJo’s most human moments.

⭐The setting is wildly unique– A brutal, 6,000-kilometer horse race across 1890s America creates a backdrop unlike any other in anime. It blends historical fiction with supernatural battles and wild terrain, making every stage of the race feel like its own mini-epic.

⭐Mature, thoughtful storytelling– Compared to earlier parts, Steel Ball Run digs deeper into themes like trauma, perseverance, morality, and the human will to change. It’s still packed with bizarre battles and Stand powers, but it also hits hard emotionally.

⭐David Production’s return– With the original JoJo animation studio and veteran staff back on board, fans are confident this adaptation will deliver the same vibrant visuals, killer soundtrack, and larger-than-life energy that made previous arcs so iconic.

But what really makes it stand out is how accessible it is. Since it kicks off a whole new timeline, you don’t need to watch the previous seasons to jump into this one. Sure, longtime fans will catch the callbacks and parallels — but newcomers won’t feel lost at all.

Conclusion:

There’s a reason Steel Ball Run is one of the most beloved parts of the JoJo saga. It’s big, bold, emotional, and full of bizarre twists. Now that it’s finally getting the anime treatment, it’s set to reach an even bigger audience — and maybe convert a few new fans along the way. With a top-tier team behind the production and anticipation already sky-high, Steel Ball Run is shaping up to be a major moment not just for JoJo, but for anime in general.