English Dub Review: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Steel Ball Run “Gyro Zeppli’s Destiny”

Overview

Wounded and weary, the duo finds the “Zombie Horse” that’s said to have healing powers for anyone who encounters it. As Gyo patches himself up, memories surface, revealing a family legacy steeped in duty and sacrifice…

Our Take

Picking up from the previous episode, we finally explore Gyro Zeppeli’s backstory and his family’s centuries-old tradition of serving as royal executioners for the Kingdom of Naples. However, when a young boy named Marco is sentenced to death simply for serving a treasonous Baron, despite Marco having no involvement in or knowledge of the Baron’s crimes, Gyro begins questioning his duty and enters the Steel Ball Run in hopes of securing a royal pardon.

Gyro’s backstory adds welcome depth to his character, highlighting his struggle between family expectations and his own personal convictions. The execution scene stands out for its excellent direction and sound design, while the Zombie Horse’s unusual appearance proves quite different from what I expected. The brief confrontation with Fritz von Stroheim, a German cyborg (and a subtle indirect callback to JoJo Part 2), also provides some entertaining action, although it feels a little rushed.

Overall, this is an enjoyable episode that gives Gyro’s participation in the race a more meaningful purpose while showcasing his determination to stand up for his beliefs. While his willingness to risk so much for a boy he barely knows could have used a little more development, his moral convictions make him a compelling character. The episode also maintains the series’ trademark bizarre atmosphere, leaving a memorable impression without losing sight of its central character drama, and really knew how to keep me invested, especially after that cliffhanger ending!