English Dub Review: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Steel Ball Run “The Sheriff’s Request to Mountain Tim”
Overview
After a shocking end of the 1st STAGE, Abnormal murers unfold. Legendary Cowboy Mountain Teim steps in to investigate as the tense 2nd Stage Begins!
Our Take
Picking up from the previous episode, JoJo Steel Ball Run is finally back after a long break, continuing Johnny and Gyro’s journey through the race. The episode quickly settles back into the series’ trademark blend of intense competition, eccentric characters, and bizarre action, while giving us more time to see Johnny and Gyro’s partnership develop.
The production remains impressive, with detailed landscapes, strong character animation, great horse animation, and some creative use of CGI. The action is brief but inventive, while the soundtrack keeps the episode moving. The new opening is a major highlight, pairing striking visuals with a catchy theme, though the new ending is an original hip-hop song which may take some getting used to, especially for longtime fans accustomed to JoJo’s traditional choice of licensed Western songs. Of course, this is subject to change later on depending on how many episodes this adaptation ultimately receives. Usually, the intro and outro change halfway through a JoJo series.
Overall, Steel Ball Run makes a strong return with another entertaining episode that captures the unpredictable energy of JoJo. The pacing can feel a little quick at times, but Johnny and Gyro’s chemistry, creative action, and gorgeous presentation make this an easy episode to enjoy. There’s also a brief post-credits scene that adds an intriguing bit of mystery. With the race only getting started, there’s clearly plenty more chaos waiting around the next bend.
