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Steel Ball Run #14
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 7 - Steel Ball Run, Vol. 14
スティール・ボール・ラン #14 ジャンプコミックス (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 7, Steel Ball Run #14)
193 pages, ebook
First published December 4, 2007
9 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Hirohiko Araki
659 books2,082 followersHirohiko Araki ( 荒木飛呂彦) is a Japanese manga artist. He left school before graduation from Miyagi University of Education.
He enjoys the baseball manga Kyojin No Hoshii (Star of the Giants); the video games Mario Kart and Bomberman; and likes Prince and other African-American singers, as well as jazz, rock, and rap.
He is a recipient the Tezuka Award for manga.
He enjoys the baseball manga Kyojin No Hoshii (Star of the Giants); the video games Mario Kart and Bomberman; and likes Prince and other African-American singers, as well as jazz, rock, and rap.
He is a recipient the Tezuka Award for manga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 21, 2020
Gyro is definitely, 100%, my favorite SBR character. I'd been thinking about this already and I keep confirming it all the time. So, yeah. I love the guy.
PS. I really like Wekapipo.
PS. I really like Wekapipo.
July 11, 2020
On paper, the Wrecking Ball arc should have done more for me. It's a figure from Gyro's past, with a fleshed-out backstory, coming to duel him in a battle of steel balls. It includes a random reference to real world phenomena (left side ataxia) and a beautiful backdrop of a frozen wasteland. But it just doesn't come together the way it should.
Going to Gyro's flashback, it's pretty well done. Gyro made a couple of key mistakes. First of all, he engaged in patriarchal medicine, which would have been the norm of the time (and honestly, is still the norm today). Gyro talked about how "consent" is so important for his role as an executioner, but had no problem performing invasive surgery on the poor woman without her consent.
And Gyro decides to go forward with the surgery, stating that this isn't truly a case where the ball hit the net, since she will be lost in darkness if he does nothing. However, this is very much a case where that metaphor applies. Nobody knows which side the ball will land on. Gyro was certain that he could make the ball land on one side, but an unforeseen accident pushed the ball in the other direction. Gyro's mistake was thinking he could control "fate"- that he could determine, without a doubt, which side the ball would land on.
Returning to the action, I like how the inability to find the golden ratio is portrayed with broken rectangles. It's a simple thing, but helps convey to the reader what is going on better than Gyro just telling us he can't find a rectangle. Wekapipo brings up the lesson of "paying your respects". When this lesson was first introduced, I recall it being more in reference to paying respects to the Zepelli bloodline (I could be remembering this wrong though). I think that it also applies to paying your respects to nature. Gyro and Johnny power themselves up by paying their respects to the beautiful (or even intelligent) design of nature. By paying their respects to the miraculous beauty of nature, Gyro and Johnny are able to tap into a greater power. It's really cool.
So why doesn't this fight really work for me? A couple of reasons, really. Left side ataxia and Halo Reach's armor lock do not make for particularly interesting battles. They're both passive abilities, rather than active ones. This battle doesn't have a lot of interesting set piece moments. All the action I can remember from this entire volume of fighting is Magenta's bullet falling down to hit him and the part where Gyro looks at snowflakes. Aside from that, it's kind of just sound and motion. There's lots of shooting and ball throwing, but few memorable or clever moments. The characters don't really get to express their personality in how the battle plays out and there are few setpieces that stuck with me. It's fine, but not much stands out.
Going to Gyro's flashback, it's pretty well done. Gyro made a couple of key mistakes. First of all, he engaged in patriarchal medicine, which would have been the norm of the time (and honestly, is still the norm today). Gyro talked about how "consent" is so important for his role as an executioner, but had no problem performing invasive surgery on the poor woman without her consent.
And Gyro decides to go forward with the surgery, stating that this isn't truly a case where the ball hit the net, since she will be lost in darkness if he does nothing. However, this is very much a case where that metaphor applies. Nobody knows which side the ball will land on. Gyro was certain that he could make the ball land on one side, but an unforeseen accident pushed the ball in the other direction. Gyro's mistake was thinking he could control "fate"- that he could determine, without a doubt, which side the ball would land on.
Returning to the action, I like how the inability to find the golden ratio is portrayed with broken rectangles. It's a simple thing, but helps convey to the reader what is going on better than Gyro just telling us he can't find a rectangle. Wekapipo brings up the lesson of "paying your respects". When this lesson was first introduced, I recall it being more in reference to paying respects to the Zepelli bloodline (I could be remembering this wrong though). I think that it also applies to paying your respects to nature. Gyro and Johnny power themselves up by paying their respects to the beautiful (or even intelligent) design of nature. By paying their respects to the miraculous beauty of nature, Gyro and Johnny are able to tap into a greater power. It's really cool.
So why doesn't this fight really work for me? A couple of reasons, really. Left side ataxia and Halo Reach's armor lock do not make for particularly interesting battles. They're both passive abilities, rather than active ones. This battle doesn't have a lot of interesting set piece moments. All the action I can remember from this entire volume of fighting is Magenta's bullet falling down to hit him and the part where Gyro looks at snowflakes. Aside from that, it's kind of just sound and motion. There's lots of shooting and ball throwing, but few memorable or clever moments. The characters don't really get to express their personality in how the battle plays out and there are few setpieces that stuck with me. It's fine, but not much stands out.
May 14, 2020
Memes in this volume:
Mr. Zeppeli, I don't feel so good...
Man finds rectangles in snowflakes that make his magic spinning balls more powerful
Mr. Zeppeli, I don't feel so good...
Man finds rectangles in snowflakes that make his magic spinning balls more powerful
January 6, 2026
I found the duel of metal balls to be quite interesting, although I feel that the stand that magenta magenta had was uninteresting as he essentially just stands there when he is invincible. But I will say that the left side ataxia was an interesting way to hinder both gyro and Johnny throughout the fight. I don’t think it really served a metaphorical purpose but I enjoyed seeing how they reacted to this phenomena.
As for gyro’s flashback I think it was a little weird that he was so focused on consent as an executioner but performed the surgery anyways — granted this could’ve been a teaching moment for gyro that you can’t control fate and force a ball on one side of the net.
Fate is a consistent theme throughout jojos and it seems that the stance is that fate I cannot be willed towards your own direction. The only time fate was changed was in part 5 but that lead to a lot of negative consequences due to Rolling Stones.
As for gyro’s flashback I think it was a little weird that he was so focused on consent as an executioner but performed the surgery anyways — granted this could’ve been a teaching moment for gyro that you can’t control fate and force a ball on one side of the net.
Fate is a consistent theme throughout jojos and it seems that the stance is that fate I cannot be willed towards your own direction. The only time fate was changed was in part 5 but that lead to a lot of negative consequences due to Rolling Stones.
April 11, 2025
wekapipo was another GREAT anatagoinst. gave me ringo vibes (i guess if you give them a backstory I'm gonna fuck with it) but i think the stand was SO COOL and like he knew gyro could beat him so he fought in the area where gyro is the weakest. THIS WAS ALSO GREAT FOR GYRO. he is deadass the main character. we see his morals, development, backstory, HIM JUST BEING BADASS LIKE he's so fucking cool. love the BL! wdym he looks into johnny eyes to help him find the golden ratio.... HELLO!
April 23, 2025
fellas, is it gay to see the golden rectangle, the basis for natural perfection in your homies eyes or is that normal friend behavior?
September 29, 2025
Going strong so far. So far of all the JoJo parts I am loving this the most for sure. And there's going to be an anime adaptation next year too. But I am pretty sure that it won't be anywhere near the manga already. There's just no way.
November 8, 2022
It's funny to resume Steel Ball Run after so long, as it shows just how far I've degenerated in my Goodreads. I'd ceased rating the manga's volumes after a certain point, as I felt ashamed of bloating my Reading Challenges with manga ratings. I put this manga on hold, for no reason in particular - I recall I was reading .zip files of volumes I'd downloaded, rather than reading online (as I did for this volume), and I know I started by downloading a handful of volumes at a time, eventually reaching a point where I decided to grab the rest of the series... then ended up stopping for some years. I think it's because I was reading more on my phone, namely through the MangaPlus app, and didn't want to pick SBR back up online when I had the files readily accessible, despite going ages without touching my computer. Now, the files are still there, but I've chosen to read online, as I'd been juggling re-reads of Dragon Ball and Hunter x Hunter and felt tempted to re-read prior JoJo stories, so naturally I felt I should finish this Part first....
I had no idea I was as far as Wekapipo, but luckily my MyAnimeList profile was up-to-date, and when checking out the first chapter of this fight (which ended Volume 13), I immediately recognized Wekapipo and Magent Magent. I was tempted to re-read that chapter in full, in case I'd feel "lost" starting from "part 2" in Volume 14, but I decided to just jump into this volume, and was able to easy regain my bearings so long since last reading.
I did feel 20th Century Boy was underutilized here, but it seems , so that's probably something to look forward to. Wekapipo wasn't too interesting in the beginning, though "Left Side Ataxia" is pretty interesting, and generally speaking I appreciate how Steel Ball Users remain somewhat distinct from Stand Users (even though I'd prefer we just had Hamon again...). As the battle continues, Wekapipo becomes a bit more likeable, namely when the flashbacks to Gyro operating on the blind girl come into play in the present. I must say, I don't think I'd have minded much if the "snow" was pure coincidence, as I'm not unused to convenience in JoJo (and, anyway, the wood under the ice is kind of coincidental itself), but it's cool that it was somewhat "strategic," if not necessarily intentional.
Something "moved" me into choking up a wee bit, but I can't remember what it was at all. Gyro sparing Wekapipo? I don't know. I think it's more that I re-read a fantastic moment from Hunter x Hunter and it was still on my mind while reading another, somewhat similar battle series....
The last chapter here is exceedingly "comfy" with Johnny's narration on the process of the race, when to take breaks, &c., ending with a lower-stakes burst toward the finish line of this phase, involving some Stand and Steel Ball activity, and definitely competition against rivals, but nothing so "serious" as the fights to the death in the middle of race-phases.
I had no idea I was as far as Wekapipo, but luckily my MyAnimeList profile was up-to-date, and when checking out the first chapter of this fight (which ended Volume 13), I immediately recognized Wekapipo and Magent Magent. I was tempted to re-read that chapter in full, in case I'd feel "lost" starting from "part 2" in Volume 14, but I decided to just jump into this volume, and was able to easy regain my bearings so long since last reading.
I did feel 20th Century Boy was underutilized here, but it seems , so that's probably something to look forward to. Wekapipo wasn't too interesting in the beginning, though "Left Side Ataxia" is pretty interesting, and generally speaking I appreciate how Steel Ball Users remain somewhat distinct from Stand Users (even though I'd prefer we just had Hamon again...). As the battle continues, Wekapipo becomes a bit more likeable, namely when the flashbacks to Gyro operating on the blind girl come into play in the present. I must say, I don't think I'd have minded much if the "snow" was pure coincidence, as I'm not unused to convenience in JoJo (and, anyway, the wood under the ice is kind of coincidental itself), but it's cool that it was somewhat "strategic," if not necessarily intentional.
Something "moved" me into choking up a wee bit, but I can't remember what it was at all. Gyro sparing Wekapipo? I don't know. I think it's more that I re-read a fantastic moment from Hunter x Hunter and it was still on my mind while reading another, somewhat similar battle series....
The last chapter here is exceedingly "comfy" with Johnny's narration on the process of the race, when to take breaks, &c., ending with a lower-stakes burst toward the finish line of this phase, involving some Stand and Steel Ball activity, and definitely competition against rivals, but nothing so "serious" as the fights to the death in the middle of race-phases.
December 31, 2023
Series: Steel Ball Run #14
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This continues Wekapipo and Gyro’s steel ball fight. This was a fascinating fight because you would think it is the same technique being used but Wekapipo’s steel ball is different from Gyro’s and causes very unique side effects. Wekapipo is a former Imperial Guard and uses a wrecking ball that causes a side effect called left-side ataxia which makes everything on the left side disappear, including your body. It was a very fascinating side effect and made the battle a lot harder for Johnny and Gyro. I really enjoyed seeing Gyro realize that just because he uses these steel balls he isn’t unstoppable and while his dad was a dick, it is nice to see that he is actually putting his training into practice now. Gyro does eventually defeat Wekapipo but he doesn’t kill him because he reveals the truth about his sister, who is still in Naples, and gives him a second chance and tasks him with protecting Lucy. It will be interesting to see what he does in the future.
This volume ends with the end of Part 6 of the race with Gyro claiming first and Johnny second. We also see that Magenta Magenta is still alive, even though he took a bullet to the head and I can’t wait to see if he actually survives.
TW: gun violence
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This continues Wekapipo and Gyro’s steel ball fight. This was a fascinating fight because you would think it is the same technique being used but Wekapipo’s steel ball is different from Gyro’s and causes very unique side effects. Wekapipo is a former Imperial Guard and uses a wrecking ball that causes a side effect called left-side ataxia which makes everything on the left side disappear, including your body. It was a very fascinating side effect and made the battle a lot harder for Johnny and Gyro. I really enjoyed seeing Gyro realize that just because he uses these steel balls he isn’t unstoppable and while his dad was a dick, it is nice to see that he is actually putting his training into practice now. Gyro does eventually defeat Wekapipo but he doesn’t kill him because he reveals the truth about his sister, who is still in Naples, and gives him a second chance and tasks him with protecting Lucy. It will be interesting to see what he does in the future.
This volume ends with the end of Part 6 of the race with Gyro claiming first and Johnny second. We also see that Magenta Magenta is still alive, even though he took a bullet to the head and I can’t wait to see if he actually survives.
TW: gun violence
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
Entiendo el mensaje que quería dar con la malla de tenis, pero lo repitieron tantas veces que terminó agotándome. Muchas veces en la vida no podemos ser jueces de lo que vendrá, la vida hay que dejarla llevar y nos dará las respuestas para situaciones negativas como un gran augurio en nuestras vidas. Gyro tuvo un momento donde la pelota de tenis le cayó en contra, pero no se dio cuenta que fue la salvación para una mujer que estaba perseguida por su pasado.
Toda esta historia me hizo recordar al proverbio chino de un campesino con su hijo, donde la historia comienza con la fuga de un caballo y finaliza con el hijo sin a la guerra dada una herida que se hizo a caballo. ¿Son las malas acciones siempre un buen presagio a futuro? No lo sabemos, pero la vida en retrospectiva me ha dado varios indicios sobre los hechos que muchas veces vemos como malos, terminan siendo buenos. ¿Por qué? Probablemente porque después los analizamos con otra perspectiva, para contentarnos con nuestras vidas.
Toda esta historia me hizo recordar al proverbio chino de un campesino con su hijo, donde la historia comienza con la fuga de un caballo y finaliza con el hijo sin a la guerra dada una herida que se hizo a caballo. ¿Son las malas acciones siempre un buen presagio a futuro? No lo sabemos, pero la vida en retrospectiva me ha dado varios indicios sobre los hechos que muchas veces vemos como malos, terminan siendo buenos. ¿Por qué? Probablemente porque después los analizamos con otra perspectiva, para contentarnos con nuestras vidas.
January 4, 2025
Básicamente sólo tenemos la pelea con Wekapipo, que me ha resultado lenta y aburrida. Además, no entiendo todo el rollo de "no puedo fijarme en nada que tenga un rectángulo aúreo porque aquí sólo hay hielo", después de que nos hayan dicho que Gyro está entrenado para crearlo él mismo con las manos, tiene la hebilla del cinturón y a las malas siempre puede mirar a Johnny (o Wekapipo), que son seres de la naturaleza con proporciones aúreas.
La motivación de Wekapipo también se me hace muy floja. Supongo que se creía que su hermana había muerto por culpa de Gyro, pero no entiendo muy bien por qué.
Por lo demás, le sigo dando 4 estrellas porque los paneles son preciosos. También sigue siendo bonito ver cómo se protegen mutuamente Gyro y Johnny.
BTW, espero que hayan recogido las patitas fuera de cámara y no se les hayan olvidado.
La motivación de Wekapipo también se me hace muy floja. Supongo que se creía que su hermana había muerto por culpa de Gyro, pero no entiendo muy bien por qué.
Por lo demás, le sigo dando 4 estrellas porque los paneles son preciosos. También sigue siendo bonito ver cómo se protegen mutuamente Gyro y Johnny.
BTW, espero que hayan recogido las patitas fuera de cámara y no se les hayan olvidado.
December 8, 2022
This fight was much easier to follow the second time reading it. The panels can be quite busy at times but the clear theming causes everything to track quite well. The flashbacks add a much appreciated second level to the conflict. I don't remember anything of Magenta Magenta's narrative course between here and his last appearance so it will be interesting to see how his revenge proceeds.
December 29, 2022
I didn’t really like Wreaking Ball tbh the ability is kind of cool but I wasn’t that into it even with the glimpses of Gyro’s past.
End of the sixth stage!! And we’re moving forward in our quest for a body part and onto the next destination! but I am very invested in Lucy Steel and hope next volume gives us more of her!
End of the sixth stage!! And we’re moving forward in our quest for a body part and onto the next destination! but I am very invested in Lucy Steel and hope next volume gives us more of her!
January 22, 2023
3.5/5
this arc has everything in it that should’ve had me interested but something about wrecking ball just didn’t do it for me. i have such a soft spot for gyro, so for a villain to have a plot interwoven with his backstory, i was just hoping for more. all of my stars are going to sweet gyro and his snowflakes
this arc has everything in it that should’ve had me interested but something about wrecking ball just didn’t do it for me. i have such a soft spot for gyro, so for a villain to have a plot interwoven with his backstory, i was just hoping for more. all of my stars are going to sweet gyro and his snowflakes
February 10, 2019
I didn't care about the central fight of this volume so it was rather mediocre arc, comparing to previous ones.
January 13, 2020
Wow Gyro got hot HARD
February 13, 2020
Pretty good 7th part of Jojo’s bizarre Adventures and far from the best! This series lacks awesome intense fights and the story of this series was dull😭😁❤️❤️
December 17, 2021
took the longest sbr hiatus for no reason whatsoever but i am BACK and i am loving it
Read
July 2, 2022this one was booooooring
January 2, 2023
Esta parte esta siendo maravillosa
February 18, 2023
this was a perfect volume. i need to catch up to read jojolands 😭
April 10, 2023
4 estrellas.
Como siempre, las historias, peleas y estrategias de Araki son simplemente fascinantes, las cosas se vuelven más complicadas, las luchas, y los personjes, y sus historias complejas.
Como siempre, las historias, peleas y estrategias de Araki son simplemente fascinantes, las cosas se vuelven más complicadas, las luchas, y los personjes, y sus historias complejas.
July 26, 2023
por fin gano una carrera gyro dios estaba x enojarme
October 4, 2023
"No one will know by which side the ball will fall over after it hits the net."
October 24, 2023
Wekapipo is the absolute GOAT
January 6, 2024
As long as you dont get your head blown off, cut off, or exploded, you survive with no scratches in this series lol
March 10, 2024
Fantastic battle, and glad to receive some back story on Gyros coffee.
March 18, 2024
Około 40 rozdziałów do końca.
March 26, 2024
great as always. i enjoyed this arc, the technique of the protagonist was pretty interesting! and it was cool to see how gyro & johnny would favor since they were at a major disadvantage.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews