Steel Ball Run stands as the seventh part of the renowned manga series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, authored by Hirohiko Araki.

Unlike its predecessors, Steel Ball Run marks a significant shift not only in its narrative setting but also in how it redefines the JoJo universe.

Traditionally, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure follows the epic journey of various Joestar family members across generations, each possessing remarkable psychic abilities and facing off against formidable foes.

JoJo Part 9 introduces new teenage protagonist from Hawaii
Credit: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, ONE Esports
JoJo Part 9 introduces new teenage protagonist from Hawaii

On the other hand , the continuity takes a significant turn with Steel Ball Run by diverging into a distinct universe.

While classic elements like Stands persist, the story unfolds in a new timeline, separate from the events of the first six parts.

Warning: Major spoilers if you haven’t read the manga and have yet to watch Stone Ocean.

Is Steel Ball Run a JoJo reboot?

Steel Ball Run protagonists Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli
Credit: Hirohiko Araki

The catalyst for this reboot stems from the final events of the sixth part, Stone Ocean, where antagonist Enrico Pucci’s Stand, Made in Heaven, triggers a cosmic transformation.

Pucci’s goal of reshaping reality leads to a reset of the universe, resulting in altered destinies and revived characters.

This reset creates a blank canvas for Steel Ball Run to explore, free from the constraints of past continuity.

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Credit: Megan Thee Stallion, David Production, ONE Esports
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One of the intriguing aspects of Steel Ball Run is its parallel universe concept. Characters in this new timeline often mirror counterparts from earlier parts, such as Jonathan “Johnny” Joestar echoing the legacy of Jonathan Joestar, the protagonist of the series’ first part.

This parallelism allows for fresh character dynamics and narrative twists while maintaining a sense of familiarity for long-time fans.

Creator Hirohiko Araki ‘s decision to reboot the JoJo universe with Steel Ball Run signifies a bold evolution in storytelling.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure All Star Battle R: Full list of playable characters
Credit: Bandai Namco Entertainment
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure All Star Battle R: Full roster list

By venturing into uncharted territory, Araki revitalizes the series, infusing it with renewed creativity and narrative possibilities.

The impact of Steel Ball Run’s reboot extends to subsequent parts, notably JoJolion, the eighth installment.

Set in the same revamped continuity, JoJolion delves into the aftermath of Steel Ball Run, exploring the fates of characters like Johnny Joestar and Lucy Steel in a post-reboot world.

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