Overview
- Enhance the development of secondary characters by providing more screen time for their backstories.
- Deepen the dynamics between Johnny and Gyro through additional interactions and scenes.
- Clarify perplexing narrative elements, including Funny Valentine’s design evolution and the complexities of D4C’s abilities.
The long-awaited animated adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 7: Steel Ball Run is finally on its way. This announcement has generated a considerable buzz among the avid followers of this iconic anime and manga series. Often hailed as the pinnacle of the franchise, Steel Ball Run has a well-deserved reputation, making this adaptation a significant event for the fan community.
While the source material crafted by Hirohiko Araki is celebrated, it does include some unusual writing choices and minor plot issues. The upcoming anime by David Production represents a unique opportunity to rectify these elements and enhance the storytelling. Here are several key improvements that could be beneficial for the animated adaptation of Steel Ball Run.
1. Enhance Secondary Characters
Flesh Out Minor Character Narratives
In the animated adaptation of Vento Aureo, David Production introduced original scenes that enriched the members of La Squadra Esecuzioni, a move that resonated well with audiences. A similar approach in Steel Ball Run could provide depth to its diverse cast of secondary characters. While Part 7 lacks a cohesive set of villains like those seen in previous installments, it features a range of fascinating minor antagonists whose potential remains untapped due to limited screen time.
Notable figures such as Ringo Roadagain, Oyecomova, and Magent Magent could benefit significantly from new scenes that delve into their backgrounds, motivations, and Stand abilities. Characters such as Wekapipo and Mountain Tim also warrant more development; the animated series has the chance to expand their roles and enrich the narrative.
2. Deepen Johnny and Gyro’s Relationship
Enrich Their Relationship
The narrative of Steel Ball Run is anchored by the unique camaraderie between Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli, with their interactions being the series’ heart. The original work’s focus on their relationship proved successful, allowing for numerous entertaining and memorable moments. The new adaptation can enhance this bond by including all existing interactions while also creating additional scenes that showcase their personality clashes and comradery.
3. Clarify Funny Valentine’s Design Shift
Address the Villain’s Appearance Change
Hirohiko Araki is known for altering character designs during storytelling, but the drastic transformation of Funny Valentine stands out. Initially, he appeared as a short, portly character, only to later become tall and muscular without much explanation. While Araki humorously referenced Valentine’s supposed fitness regimen between chapters, this sketchy rationale left several fans perplexed.
A proposed solution for the anime adaptation includes either depicting his character as fit from the outset or incorporating a newly animated scene that illustrates Valentine’s transition, potentially utilizing his Stand, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, to seamlessly integrate this shift.
4. Simplify D4C’s Capabilities
Clarify the Drama Surrounding D4C
The introduction of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (D4C) is one of the most convoluted arcs within the series, tempting even the most attentive readers. Valentine leverages his Stand’s dimension-hopping abilities to orchestrate a situation that frames others for Johnny’s shooting. However, despite the in-story explanation, fans still grapple with its complexity, exacerbated by inconsistencies in the Stand’s mechanics presented later in the story.
David Production can utilize animation to enhance clarity, providing a more in-depth explanation of how D4C operates and detailing Valentine’s actions during this pivotal arc, thus alleviating confusion and enriching viewers’ understanding.
5. Refine Sandman’s Transformation
Smooth Character Transition
The storyline of Steel Ball Run begins with Sandman, a Native American character determined to reclaim his ancestral land as he races without a horse. His compelling backstory positions him as a sympathetic figure, only for him to abruptly align with Diego against Johnny and Gyro. This sudden heel turn, while manipulated by Funny Valentine, feels rushed and can leave audiences dissatisfied.
To enhance the narrative, David Production should introduce scenes that elaborate on Sandman’s motivations and moral dilemmas, ensuring that his character’s arc flows more logically and maintains the power of the plot twist without losing its impact.
6. Clarify Hot Pants’ Death
Provide Clear Closure
Hot Pants serves as a crucial component of the Steel Ball Run narrative, yet her demise raises numerous questions. Following her alliance with Diego to confront Valentine, she tragically succumbs to D4C Love Train’s effects, resulting in a chaotic and unclear death scene that many viewers are still grappling with.
To mitigate confusion, the adaptation should offer clarity on Hot Pants’ passing. Incorporating scenes from her perspective as she faces her fate could enrich the emotional weight of the moment and provide a more satisfactory closure for the audience.
7. Expand the Ending
Enhance the Final Chapters
The conclusion of Steel Ball Run sees Johnny Joestar reflect on his journey and the loss of Gyro Zeppeli. Nevertheless, the narrative could benefit from a broader exploration of outcomes for Lucy, Pocoloco, and other race participants. Previous adaptations of JoJo have effectively expanded on endings by adding scenes that depict the fates of both main and secondary characters.
David Production should consider extending the ending of Steel Ball Run by revealing how Naples residents overthrew their king, detailing Pocoloco’s newfound wealth, and exploring the aftermath of Diego and Hot Pants’ fate. Such additions would elevate the already stellar finale and leave a lasting impression on viewers.