JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Who is the protagonist of Steel Ball Run?

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a one-of-a-kind animanga series, as it is known for its unique art style and unforgettable characters. Johnny Joestar is the protagonist of Steel Ball Run. The author, Hirohiko Araki, introduces a new JoJo in Part 7 Steel Ball Run — a protagonist from the Joestar bloodline, with new adventures, ideals, and battles.

This story takes place in the rebooted universe after Pucchi, the antagonist of Part 6 of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, titled Stone Ocean, wiped out the original timeline. So, with the timeline reset, Steel Ball Run introduces a new continuity where familiar names and themes reappear with a fresh twist. The viewers are introduced to Johnny Joestar, a child from a wealthy family in the late 19th century.

He is a horse-racing prodigy who is ambitious and determined to make his name in the field of horse racing. Although his talent is commendable, he is left immobilized waist down after being shot in the spine . He is unable to partake in horse riding, which ends his career. Filled with anger and despair, Johnny Joestar withdraws from socializing and keeps to himself most of the time.

Unlike other Joestars, he is a bitter and jealous person. Even his father, George Joestar, did not console him or show any affection to his son, which led his condition to spiral out even more. The spark he once had reignited again when he witnessed Gyro Zeppeli’s strange steel ball technique during a horse race. Now, Johnny Joestar wants to regain the mobility he once had, to reclaim his old status as a jockey.

Johnny Joestar is a flawed character, as he is self-centered and insecure. Throughout the story, though, he seems to mature and snap out of his selfish behaviour. In the first half of the story, Johnny Joestar is overshadowed by Gyro Zeppeli, as his confidence and skills help him dominate the narrative. Also, unlike Johnny, Gyro does not care about fame or fortune.

After touching one of Gyro’s steel balls, Johnny regains some sensation in his legs, and they both decide to team up and win the Steel Ball Run Race. But he needs to impress Gyro first.

By the end of the race, his determination impresses Gyro, and he agrees to teach him about Spin, and they become friends. For the first time in his life, because of Gyro, he feels hopeful. Their relationship as mentor and student begins, and Gyro teaches him everything he knows about the mechanics of Spin, indirectly helping him unlock his Stand.

Johnny Joestars' Stand is called Tusk. This stand is similar to the Koichi Hirose Stand from Part 4, called Echoes. As the story progresses, his stand evolves through four acts, each symbolizing his growth.

Once an act is unlocked, Tusk can switch between various Acts as needed. With each enemy he faced and battles he won, Johnny found new ways to creatively use his stand. Finally, by the end of his journey, Johnny Joestar forgives himself and, in time, even learns to understand and reconcile with his father’s legacy. He also marries Rina and has a child, George Joestar III, and an unnamed daughter.

Who is the antagonist of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run?

President Funny Valentine is the main antagonist of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run. He is the United States' 23rd President, and he wants to use the holy relic known as the Saint's Corpse to bring prosperity and security to his country. His stand is called Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (D4C), and it allows him interdimensional travel. He can replace people or events, too.

As a villain in Steel Ball Run, he is blinded by his philosophy of serving his country, and Valentine truly believes what he is doing is correct. His charisma, intelligence, and unshakable belief in his cause make him a formidable villain.

Trending

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run has recently been announced to be adapted into anime. On April 12, 2025, this announcement was made during the JOJODAY STAGE, an event hosted by Warner Bros. The anime is produced by David Production, and fans all around the world are excited for the new installment of the anime to be released. Additionally, they have also released a teaser revealing the visual featuring Johnny and Gyro.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback