Exciting news for anime fans: the much-anticipated season of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, titled Steel Ball Run, is set to premiere globally on Netflix. This announcement coincides with the platform’s tenth anniversary celebration in Japan, as reported by Deadline.
Based on the iconic manga by Hirohiko Araki, this anime continues the Joestar family’s saga across generations as they encounter a bizarre array of enemies, including the notorious Dio Brando, who can manipulate time. The hallmark of this series is the introduction of Stands, powerful spirits that grant both heroes and villains unique elemental abilities, many of which are named after modern pop culture bands.
Since its debut in 1987, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has sold over 120 million copies in the esteemed Weekly Shonen Jump anthology. The manga’s stunning visuals have even made their way to the Louvre, and it has spawned collaborations with fashion giants like Gucci.
Set in 1890s America, Steel Ball Run centers on two horseback racers: Johnny Joestar, a former jockey confined to a wheelchair, and Gyro Zeppeli, a mysterious ex-executioner capable of manipulating steel balls. Following a harrowing encounter where Gyro temporarily restores Johnny’s ability to walk, the duo embarks on a treacherous cross-country race from San Diego to New York for a staggering $50 million prize.
This race resembles less of a typical competition and more of a deadly adventure, akin to the cult classic film, Death Race 2000. Competitors equipped with their own Stand powers make the journey progressively perilous and exhilarating.
The creative team behind this anime includes:
- Series Director: Toshiyuki Kato
- Directors: Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi
- Series Composition: Yasuko Kobayashi
- Character Design: Daisuke Tsumagari
- Music: Yugo Kanno
- Sound Director: Yoshikazu Iwanami
- Animation Producer: Hisataka Kasama
Director Yasuhiro Kimura expressed his excitement: “Steel Ball Run is a narrative that epitomizes characters racing for their beliefs. The staff is passionately engaged in this project, and we can’t wait to share this journey with our audience.”
As of now, Steel Ball Run does not have a confirmed release date. However, fans can expect more details during a global livestream event from animation studio David Production on September 23.
Here’s the Teaser Art for STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, based on the manga by Hirohiko Araki!
Coming soon, only on Netflix! pic.twitter.com/Oz7VAN0JxB
— Netflix Anime (@NetflixAnime) September 12, 2025
Steel Ball Run represents the seventh arc of Araki’s ongoing manga series, which ran from 2004 to 2011 under Shueisha. This arc introduced a new continuity that continued with JoJolion and the current arc, JoJoLands. Among enthusiasts, Steel Ball Run is often hailed as a standout in the JoJo legacy.
While having JJBA on Netflix is familiar, it may serve as a reminder of the mixed reception of the Stone Ocean series. Initially, fans cherished the weekly releases of Golden Wind, celebrating “JoJo Fridays” with new fan art and community discussions after every episode. This tradition, however, faced an abrupt change when Stone Ocean was released in batches, resulting in some fans missing out on its conclusion due to poor promotion.
Will Netflix consider a weekly release format for Steel Ball Run, similar to successful shows like Dan Da Dan? Time will tell, but anticipation is building.
What is the premise of Steel Ball Run and who are the main characters? The series focuses on Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli as they participate in a perilous race across America, facing intense competition and challenges along the way.
When can we expect the release date for Steel Ball Run? While a specific date has not yet been announced, fans can anticipate updates during the livestream event on September 23.
Why is JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure so popular? The series has garnered a dedicated following due to its unique storytelling, colorful characters, and imaginative use of Stands, captivating audiences for decades.
What makes the art of Steel Ball Run stand out? The visual style of this arc has reached international acclaim, even being showcased in prestigious galleries like the Louvre.
As the excitement around Steel Ball Run continues to grow, be sure to explore more about the JoJo universe and its captivating narratives. For further insights and updates, head over to Moyens I/O.