JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is one of the most popular and long-running manga series in Japan, created by Hirohiko Araki. It follows the adventures of various members of the Joestar family, who possess supernatural abilities and face various enemies throughout different periods and locations. The manga is divided into eight parts, each with a different protagonist and setting.
The anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure began in 2012 and has covered the first six parts of the manga so far. The latest season, Stone Ocean, concluded on Netflix on December 1, 2022, and featured Jolyne Cujoh, the daughter of Jotaro Kujo, the protagonist of part 3 and a recurring character in parts 4, 5, and 6. Stone Ocean is considered the end of the original timeline of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, as it marks the conclusion of the Joestars and Dio’s shared destiny.
However, many fans are eagerly waiting for the anime adaptation of part 7, Steel Ball Run, which is widely regarded as one of the best and most ambitious parts of the manga. Steel Ball Run is set in an alternate universe in 1890, and follows Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic ex-jockey, and Gyro Zeppeli, a master of a mystic art named the Spin, as they compete in a cross-country horse race that involves supernatural phenomena and hidden secrets. Steel Ball Run introduces a new power system called the Stand, which is a manifestation of one’s spirit and will, and has been a staple of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure since part 3.
So, when will part 7 of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure be animated?
Unfortunately, there is no official confirmation or announcement from the author or the studio, David Production, as of December 2022. However, there are some clues and speculations that suggest that Steel Ball Run will eventually get the anime treatment, although it may take some time.
One of the reasons why Steel Ball Run has not been animated yet is because of its length and complexity. Steel Ball Run is the longest part of the manga, with 95 chapters and 24 volumes, compared to Stone Ocean’s 80 chapters and 17 volumes. It also has a large cast of characters, each with its own unique Stand and backstory, and a detailed plot that spans multiple genres and themes, such as western, mystery, horror, comedy, drama, and history. Steel Ball Run is also known for its stunning artwork and dynamic action scenes, which would require a high level of animation quality and budget to do justice.
Another reason why Steel Ball Run has not been animated yet is because of its status as a reboot or an alternate timeline. Steel Ball Run is not a direct continuation of the previous parts, but rather a reimagining of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure universe, with some familiar names and concepts, but also many changes and differences. For example, Johnny Joestar is not a descendant of Jonathan Joestar, the protagonist of part 1, but rather a counterpart from another dimension. Similarly, Gyro Zeppeli is not related to Caesar Zeppeli, the ally of Joseph Joestar, the protagonist of part 2, but rather a member of a different branch of the Zeppeli family. Steel Ball Run also introduces new elements and lore, such as the Corpse Parts, the Holy Corpse, and the Saint’s Eyes, which are connected to the origin of the Stands and the Spin.
Therefore, Steel Ball Run may not appeal to some fans who are attached to the original timeline and characters and may confuse or alienate some newcomers who are not familiar with the previous parts. Moreover, Steel Ball Run may not fit well with the current format and schedule of the anime adaptation, which has been releasing one part per season, with 12 to 39 episodes each, and with a gap of one to two years between each season. Steel Ball Run would likely need more episodes and seasons to cover its entire story and may require a different approach and style to adapt its tone and atmosphere.
Despite these challenges and obstacles, there is still hope and evidence that Steel Ball Run will be animated in the future. First of all, the anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has been very successful and popular, both in Japan and internationally, and has gained a loyal and passionate fanbase. The anime has also been praised for its faithful and creative adaptation of the manga, and for its high-quality animation, voice acting, music, and direction. The anime has also boosted the sales and recognition of the manga, which has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and has won several awards and accolades. Therefore, it is very likely that the anime will continue to adapt the remaining parts of the manga, as long as there is enough demand and support from the fans and the author.
Secondly, there have been some hints and rumors that suggest that Steel Ball Run is already in the works or the planning stage. For instance, some reports claim that Steel Ball Run had its patent submitted on the same day as Stone Ocean in 2021, indicating that the studio has already secured the rights and the license to adapt it. Moreover, some comments from the anime staff and cast have implied that they are interested and excited to work on Steel Ball Run. For example, the director of the anime, Naokatsu Tsuda, has stated that he would like to adapt all the parts of the manga and that he is a fan of Steel Ball Run. Similarly, the voice actor of Jotaro Kujo, Daisuke Ono, has expressed his desire to voice Johnny Joestar, who shares some similarities and connections with Jotaro.
Jojo Part 7 Anime Trailer
Therefore, based on these clues and speculations, we can estimate that Steel Ball Run will be animated in the next few years, possibly in 2024 or 2025. However, this is not a guarantee or a confirmation, and we will have to wait for an official announcement from the author or the studio to know for sure. Until then, we can enjoy the manga and the previous parts of the anime and hope that Steel Ball Run will get the anime adaptation that it deserves. Steel Ball Run is a masterpiece of storytelling and art, and it deserves to be seen and appreciated by more fans and viewers. It is a thrilling and epic adventure that will take you on a journey across America, and across JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure universe.
