If you’re a KomikPDF Lover, chances are you’ve already binged through the iconic JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series, including its unique and thrilling arc, Steel Ball Run. This American Wild West-themed spin-off redefined the series, introducing us to the fascinating world of horse racing, cowboys, and, of course, bizarre Stands.
But Steel Ball Run isn’t just about the wild frontier and flashy Stands. It’s about themes of fate, destiny, and the power of willpower. The journey of Johnny Joestar, the protagonist, is filled with challenges and sacrifices that resonate deeply with readers. If you’re looking for more manga that captures the spirit of Steel Ball Run, look no further than this list.
This list, curated from our extensive library at KomikPDF, features manga that share common themes, artistic styles, and thrilling narratives with Steel Ball Run. Whether you’re looking for more stand-based battles, western adventures, or thought-provoking journeys, these manga will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Synopsis JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run
Set in the alternate 1890s America, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run follows the journey of Johnny Joestar, a former jockey who is now paralyzed from the waist down. Johnny enters the Steel Ball Run, a transcontinental race from San Diego to New York City, with the hopes of winning the $50 million prize money and curing his paralysis. He is joined by Gyro Zeppeli, a skilled Italian gun-slinging coach who uses a unique fighting style called the “Spin.” Together, they face dangerous rivals and mysterious conspiracies, all while encountering the power of Stands, supernatural entities that manifest the user’s soul.
The race soon reveals itself to be a much larger conspiracy orchestrated by the enigmatic President Funny Valentine, who is obsessed with achieving “The Great American Dream,” a plan that involves stealing the Saint’s Corpse, a powerful relic that can grant wishes. Johnny and Gyro must unravel the President’s plan and stop him before he can achieve his goals, even if it means defying the American government.
Throughout their journey, Johnny and Gyro encounter various characters with unique Stand abilities, including the charismatic Diego Brando, a ruthless and ambitious jockey; Lucy Steel, a mysterious and powerful woman with a hidden agenda; and Hot Pants, a young woman with a unique Stand that allows her to control gravity.
Steel Ball Run is a wild and thrilling adventure filled with action, suspense, and a touch of Western flair. It explores themes of redemption, friendship, and the pursuit of one’s dreams in the face of overwhelming odds.
Fist of the North Star
While seemingly disparate at first glance, Fist of the North Star and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share surprising thematic and narrative similarities. Both follow protagonists with powerful abilities navigating a dangerous, post-apocalyptic world. Kenshiro, a martial arts master in Fist of the North Star, utilizes his devastating Hokuto Shinken style, while Johnny Joestar, the protagonist of Steel Ball Run, relies on his unique Spin technique. Both stories explore themes of fate, destiny, and the search for redemption, culminating in epic battles that push the limits of human potential.
Synopsis Fist of the North Star
Fist of the North Star is a post-apocalyptic manga series set in a desolate wasteland ravaged by nuclear war. The story follows Kenshiro, the successor to the legendary martial art Hokuto Shinken, as he searches for his beloved Yuria, who was kidnapped by the ruthless warlord Shin. Kenshiro is known for his deadly fighting style, which uses pressure points to inflict devastating injuries on his opponents.
As Kenshiro travels across the wasteland, he encounters a variety of characters, both good and evil. He fights against corrupt leaders, protects the innocent, and seeks to restore order to the chaos-ridden world. Along the way, he is aided by his loyal friends and faces off against powerful adversaries, including Shin and his formidable lieutenants. The series explores themes of survival, redemption, and the enduring power of human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Berserk
While seemingly disparate at first glance, Berserk and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share surprising thematic and narrative similarities. Both series feature journeys across vast landscapes, following protagonists with tragic pasts and supernatural abilities. Guts, the tormented protagonist of Berserk, and Johnny Joestar, the paraplegic cowboy of Steel Ball Run, are both driven by a relentless quest for vengeance and redemption. Moreover, both narratives explore the complex themes of fate, free will, and the corruption of power, interwoven with fantastical elements, intense action sequences, and a dark, gritty aesthetic.
Synopsis Berserk
Berserk is a dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura. The story follows Guts, a lone mercenary with a giant sword known as the Dragonslayer, who is cursed by the demonic entity known as the God Hand. Haunted by demons and seeking revenge against the God Hand for the death of his lover, Guts travels the world fighting monsters and struggling to survive in a brutal and unforgiving world.
The story takes place in a medieval-inspired world where magic and demons coexist with humans. The manga explores themes of violence, despair, and the nature of good and evil. The story's complex characters, intricate world-building, and stunning artwork have made Berserk one of the most popular and critically acclaimed manga series of all time.
Hunter x Hunter
While on the surface, the two series seem vastly different, a closer look reveals a surprising amount of thematic and stylistic similarities between Hunter x Hunter and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run. Both series follow a ragtag group of protagonists on a journey across vast landscapes, encountering bizarre and dangerous opponents along the way. Both feature a heavy focus on Nen and Stands, respectively, which are unique abilities that allow for incredibly creative and unpredictable battles. The series also share a strong sense of adventure, showcasing diverse cultures and locations. This, coupled with a dark undercurrent of societal commentary, makes for an engaging and thought-provoking experience for viewers of both series.
Synopsis Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi. The series follows the journey of Gon Freecss, a young boy who sets out on a quest to become a Hunter, a licensed professional who specializes in various fields like tracking, treasure hunting, and extermination. Gon hopes to find his father, who is also a Hunter, and along the way, he meets other aspiring Hunters: Kurapika, a survivor of the Kurta clan who seeks revenge for their extermination, Leorio Paradinight, an aspiring doctor who wants to use his Hunter license to pursue his dreams, and Killua Zoldyck, an heir to an assassin family who is looking for freedom and a life outside of his family's expectations.
Together, this group of unlikely friends embark on dangerous adventures, facing challenging tests and battling powerful foes. They navigate the treacherous world of Hunters, encountering a diverse cast of characters, uncovering hidden secrets, and confronting their own personal demons. Along their journey, they learn about friendship, sacrifice, and the true meaning of being a Hunter.
One Piece
While seemingly different on the surface, One Piece and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share a surprising amount of thematic and narrative similarities. Both series feature protagonists with unique powers facing off against formidable adversaries in grand adventures. The journeys of Monkey D. Luffy and Johnny Joestar are both fuelled by a desire for freedom and justice, driving them to challenge the established order. Moreover, both stories explore themes of legacy, destiny, and the enduring power of friendship in the face of overwhelming odds. The parallels between these two iconic shonen series, though often overlooked, offer a fascinating insight into the common threads that bind together the stories we love.
Synopsis One Piece
One Piece follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young man who dreams of becoming the Pirate King. After eating the Gum-Gum Fruit, Luffy gains the ability to stretch his body like rubber, but at the cost of losing the ability to swim. He sets sail with his crew of pirates, the Straw Hat Pirates, to find the legendary treasure One Piece, left behind by the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Along their journey, they encounter a variety of characters, both friendly and hostile, and face many challenges, including powerful pirates, the World Government, and the mysterious Shichibukai.
Luffy's crew consists of a diverse group of individuals with unique abilities and personalities. They include Roronoa Zoro, a swordsman; Nami, a navigator; Usopp, a sniper; Sanji, a cook; Tony Tony Chopper, a doctor; Nico Robin, an archaeologist; Franky, a cyborg shipwright; Brook, a musician; and Jinbei, a fishman. Together, they explore the Grand Line, a treacherous sea filled with dangers and wonders, in search of One Piece and their own individual goals.
Dragon Ball
While seemingly disparate on the surface, Dragon Ball and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share fascinating thematic and narrative parallels. Both series feature protagonists embarking on epic journeys, facing increasingly powerful foes, and pushing their limits to protect loved ones and achieve their goals. Both highlight the importance of determination, resilience, and unwavering belief in one’s own strength. Furthermore, both explore the concepts of legacy, destiny, and the cyclical nature of history. The shared elements between these two seemingly distinct series demonstrate a deeper connection, reminding us that the essence of heroic storytelling transcends genre boundaries.
Synopsis of Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It tells the story of Goku, a young boy with a tail who is a Saiyan, a race of powerful warriors from another planet. Goku is raised by his adoptive grandfather, Gohan, and learns to train and fight. He eventually learns about his Saiyan heritage and meets other Saiyans, as well as other powerful beings. Goku travels the world with his friends, fighting enemies and protecting the Earth from threats, such as the evil emperor Frieza, who destroyed Goku's home planet.
Throughout the story, Goku and his friends train to become stronger and face increasingly powerful enemies. They learn about different power levels and techniques, such as the Kamehameha, a powerful energy blast, and the Super Saiyan transformation, which greatly increases a Saiyan's power. As Goku and his friends grow stronger, they face more dangerous threats, such as the Androids and the evil wizard Babidi. Through it all, Goku's determination and never-give-up attitude inspire those around him, as he constantly strives to protect his loved ones and the Earth.
Bleach
While seemingly disparate at first glance, Bleach and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share surprising thematic and narrative similarities. Both series feature protagonists with unique abilities who embark on journeys rife with danger and mystery. The concept of “stands” in Steel Ball Run, embodied by manifestations of the user’s soul, finds a parallel in Bleach’s “zanpakuto,” spiritual weapons wielded by Shinigami. The overarching themes of fate, destiny, and the struggle against powerful, often supernatural forces resonate deeply in both series. Moreover, both narratives delve into the complexities of good versus evil, morality, and the nature of humanity, creating captivating explorations of these universal themes.
Synopsis of Bleach
Ichigo Kurosaki is an ordinary high school student until he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who is tasked with guiding souls to the afterlife. Rukia is injured protecting Ichigo’s family from a Hollow, a malevolent spirit. To save his family, Ichigo accepts Rukia’s power and becomes a Soul Reaper himself. With his newfound abilities, Ichigo fights Hollows and other supernatural threats, protecting the living world from the dangers of the Soul Society.
As Ichigo learns more about the Soul Society, he discovers that there are many factions within the organization, each with their own agendas. Ichigo must navigate the complex politics of the Soul Society while battling powerful enemies and uncovering the secrets of his own past. Throughout his journey, he is joined by a group of allies, including his friends, Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryū Ishida, who each play important roles in his fight for justice.
Naruto
Though seemingly disparate in themes and styles, both Naruto and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share intriguing parallels. Both series explore themes of legacy and the burden of destiny. Naruto’s journey to become Hokage echoes Gyro Zeppeli’s pursuit of the Steel Ball Run, both driven by personal ambition and a sense of duty. Both protagonists, Naruto and Johnny Joestar, initially harbor deep insecurities but ultimately find strength in their convictions and the support of their allies. Moreover, the vast, often fantastical landscapes of both worlds serve as compelling settings for the thrilling battles and personal journeys of the protagonists.
Synopsis Naruto
Naruto Uzumaki is a young ninja who dreams of becoming Hokage, the leader of his village, Konohagakure. He is ostracized by the villagers for being the host of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, a powerful creature that attacked the village years ago. Despite this, Naruto is determined to prove himself and gain the respect of his peers. He trains hard with his teammates, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, under the guidance of their teacher, Kakashi Hatake.
As Naruto and his team grow stronger, they face a variety of challenges, including battles against other villages, powerful villains, and even their own inner demons. Through it all, Naruto's unwavering determination and his belief in the power of friendship help him to overcome any obstacle and achieve his dreams.
Attack on Titan
While seemingly different on the surface, both Attack on Titan and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share a compelling thematic core that transcends their unique aesthetics. Both narratives explore the complex interplay of fate and free will, questioning whether individuals can truly shape their destinies or are merely pawns in a larger game. This shared theme manifests in the protagonists’ unwavering determination to defy their predetermined paths. In Attack on Titan, Eren Yeager fights against the cyclical nature of violence, while Johnny Joestar in Steel Ball Run seeks to break free from the constraints of his past. Both stories showcase the enduring power of human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, making them resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
Synopsis Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a post-apocalyptic dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. The story is set in a world where humanity lives within three concentric walls that protect them from the Titans, gigantic humanoid creatures that devour humans. The story follows Eren Yeager, a young boy who vows to exterminate the Titans after they breach the outermost wall and kill his mother. Along with his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman and his childhood friend Armin Arlert, Eren enlists in the Survey Corps, an elite military unit that ventures outside the walls to fight the Titans.
As the story progresses, Eren discovers the horrifying truth about the Titans and the world beyond the walls. The story explores themes of war, survival, human nature, and the power of freedom. With stunning artwork and intense action sequences, Attack on Titan has become one of the most popular manga series of all time.
D.Gray-man
While both are popular shonen manga, D.Gray-man and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share striking similarities. Both stories feature protagonists who fight against supernatural threats using unique and powerful abilities. D.Gray-man’s Exorcists wield Innocence, divine weapons, to combat the Akuma, demonic beings. Similarly, Steel Ball Run’s Stand Users engage in high-stakes races with supernatural powers known as Stands. Both series feature compelling antagonists with their own motives, contributing to the intense conflicts and thrilling battles. While D.Gray-man takes a more somber tone, both series explore themes of fate, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom.
Synopsis D.Gray-man
D.Gray-man follows the story of Allen Walker, an exorcist who fights against the Akuma, artificial beings created by the Earl of Millennium. Allen is a 15-year-old who possesses an Innocence, a divine weapon that takes the form of a cursed left arm. He is determined to stop the Earl from destroying the world and uses his powers to fight the Akuma and help those in need.
Allen joins the Black Order, a secret organization dedicated to fighting the Earl's forces. Alongside his comrades, he embarks on perilous missions around the world, encountering a wide range of challenges and enemies. Throughout his journey, Allen grapples with his past, his powers, and the moral complexities of his task. He must also confront the true nature of the Earl's plans and the secrets surrounding his own existence.
Fullmetal Alchemist
While seemingly disparate, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share several thematic and narrative similarities. Both explore complex themes of alchemical manipulation, albeit in different forms. In Fullmetal Alchemist, the protagonist, Edward Elric, utilizes alchemy to achieve his goals, while JoJo’s Steel Ball Run features Stand users who embody supernatural powers. Both series weave together compelling narratives of personal growth, driven by a sense of redemption and self-discovery. The overarching theme of fate and free will, particularly in the face of challenging circumstances, resonates throughout both stories, further highlighting their parallel narratives.
Synopsis Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. The story follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who are searching for the Philosopher's Stone, a mythical object that can grant wishes. They are searching for this Stone because they want to restore their bodies after an attempted human transmutation that went wrong, leaving Edward without an arm and a leg, and Alphonse's soul trapped in a suit of armor. Their journey takes them across the land of Amestris, where they encounter a variety of people and learn about the dark secrets of their country's history.
The series is known for its complex plot, well-developed characters, and its themes of alchemy, transhumanism, and the ethics of human experimentation. Fullmetal Alchemist is a story about the importance of family, friendship, and the search for meaning in a world full of dark secrets.
My Hero Academia
Both My Hero Academia and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run, despite their vastly different settings and aesthetics, share a common thread of exploring themes of legacy, destiny, and the pursuit of dreams. Both series feature protagonists with unique powers who are destined to face challenging obstacles and make difficult choices. In My Hero Academia, Izuku Midoriya, a powerless boy in a world where superpowers are the norm, strives to become a hero. Similarly, in Steel Ball Run, Johnny Joestar, a former jockey with a debilitating injury, embarks on a dangerous race across America to fulfill a mysterious prophecy. Both protagonists are determined to overcome their limitations and achieve greatness, facing formidable adversaries along the way. This shared emphasis on ambition, resilience, and the struggle for self-discovery creates a fascinating thematic connection between these two popular anime series.
Synopsis My Hero Academia
In a world where most people have superpowers called “Quirks,” Izuku Midoriya is a quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might. He's relentlessly bullied and mocked for his lack of powers, but his unwavering spirit catches the attention of All Might, who secretly chooses Izuku as his successor.
All Might grants Izuku his Quirk, One For All, and trains him to become the greatest hero. However, the path to heroism is fraught with challenges, and Izuku must learn to control his new powers, overcome his insecurities, and prove himself worthy of the mantle of All Might while also facing off against villains who seek to destroy society.
Black Clover
Both Black Clover and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share a distinct blend of action-packed battles and fantastical elements, making them captivating reads for fans of shonen manga. While seemingly different in their settings and aesthetics, both series explore themes of ambition, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of dreams. Black Clover revolves around Asta, a young boy striving to become the Wizard King despite lacking magical abilities, while Steel Ball Run centers on Johnny Joestar’s journey across America in a race for a life-altering prize. Both protagonists face formidable opponents, utilizing unique abilities and strategic thinking to overcome adversity. The narratives in both series unfold through thrilling battles, pushing the characters to their limits and showcasing their resilience. The similarities in their core themes and captivating action sequences make them enjoyable reads for fans seeking adventure and heart-pounding excitement.
Synopsis Black Clover
In a world where magic is everything, Asta is an orphan who was born with no magical abilities. Despite this, he dreams of becoming the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the Clover Kingdom. He embarks on a journey to achieve this dream with his rival and fellow orphan, Yuno, who possesses immense magical powers. They both join the Magic Knights, an elite group of mages, and fight against various threats to the Clover Kingdom, including the other kingdoms and dark forces.
Asta's determination and perseverance are his greatest strengths, and he relies on his physical prowess and an anti-magic sword to overcome his lack of magical abilities. Yuno, on the other hand, possesses a natural talent for magic and constantly surpasses Asta in terms of power. Their rivalry pushes them to grow stronger and overcome their limitations as they strive to fulfill their dreams. Along the way, they meet a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and motivations, and face a variety of challenges that test their limits.
The Seven Deadly Sins
While on the surface, The Seven Deadly Sins and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run may seem like vastly different manga series, a closer look reveals surprising thematic and stylistic similarities. Both stories feature a group of unlikely heroes on a quest for truth and justice, often facing powerful adversaries with unique abilities. Like Steel Ball Run’s emphasis on the supernatural and the power of the Stand, The Seven Deadly Sins incorporates magical powers and divine beings, creating a world filled with extraordinary abilities. Both manga also share a penchant for intense battle sequences, showcasing intricate choreography and imaginative powers. While JoJo’s signature “Hamon” and “Stand” battles differ from The Seven Deadly Sins’ magic-based combat, the overall sense of dynamism and visual flair is undeniably comparable.
Synopsis The Seven Deadly Sins
The Seven Deadly Sins are a group of legendary knights who were framed for a crime they didn’t commit and were forced to go into hiding. They are accused of overthrowing the kingdom of Liones and are hunted by the Holy Knights. However, when the Holy Knights stage a coup and seize control of the kingdom, Princess Elizabeth of Liones embarks on a journey to find the Seven Deadly Sins to help her reclaim her throne. The series follows the adventures of the Sins as they travel across the land, fighting monsters, uncovering secrets, and forming bonds of friendship.
The Seven Deadly Sins are known for their unique abilities and personalities. Meliodas, the leader, is a powerful and skilled swordsman with a mysterious past. Ban, the Sin of Greed, is immortal and possesses immense strength. King, the Sin of Sloth, is a powerful fairy who can control nature. Diane, the Sin of Envy, is a giant with incredible physical strength. Merlin, the Sin of Gluttony, is a powerful sorceress with vast knowledge. Gowther, the Sin of Lust, is a doll with the ability to manipulate people's minds. And lastly, Escanor, the Sin of Pride, is a powerful warrior who possesses immense strength during the day and becomes weak at night.
Tokyo Ghoul
While seemingly disparate in initial appearances, both Tokyo Ghoul and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share a striking thematic overlap, particularly in their exploration of the monstrous and the human. Both stories delve into the complex nature of monstrosity, questioning whether it is a physical state or a societal construct. Tokyo Ghoul examines this through its portrayal of ghouls as creatures trapped in a world that fears and marginalizes them, while Steel Ball Run explores the similar plight of Stand users within its universe. Both narratives emphasize the blurred lines between good and evil, prompting viewers to consider the humanity within seemingly monstrous beings and the potential for monstrosity within seemingly “normal” individuals.
Synopsis of Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul is a dark fantasy manga series set in an alternate reality where ghouls, creatures who must consume human flesh to survive, live in secret among humans. The story centers around Ken Kaneki, a college student who is attacked by a ghoul and receives a life-saving organ transplant that turns him into a half-ghoul. Struggling to adapt to his new existence and to reconcile his human side with his monstrous urges, Ken is drawn into the dangerous world of ghouls and their war against humans.
Ken becomes entangled in a conflict between the CCG, a government organization dedicated to hunting ghouls, and various ghoul factions. As he navigates this treacherous world, he must confront his own identity and find a way to coexist with both humans and ghouls. Throughout the series, Ken faces moral dilemmas, agonizing choices, and the constant threat of violence and betrayal as he fights to protect those he cares about while struggling to understand his own place in this dark and twisted world.
Fairy Tail
While seemingly disparate, Fairy Tail and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run share a surprising number of similarities. Both series feature a ragtag group of protagonists with unique abilities, embarking on epic journeys filled with thrilling battles and emotional moments. The concept of “Magic” in Fairy Tail closely mirrors the “Stand” abilities in Steel Ball Run, both granting extraordinary powers that define the characters’ strengths and weaknesses. Both series also explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice, making them both satisfying reads for fans of action-packed, character-driven stories.
Synopsis Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail is a popular Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiro Mashima. The story takes place in a world of magic, where wizards are organized into guilds. Fairy Tail is one of the most famous guilds, known for its strong members and its wild, reckless ways. The story centers around Natsu Dragneel, a young wizard who is searching for his foster father, the dragon Igneel. He is joined by his childhood friend Lucy Heartfilia, a celestial wizard, and Happy, a flying cat that can talk. Together, they embark on various adventures, facing powerful enemies, and making new friends along the way. They are also joined by other members of Fairy Tail, including the ice wizard Gray Fullbuster, the fire wizard Erza Scarlet, and the strategist, Mirajane Strauss.
The story of Fairy Tail is full of action, comedy, and heart. It explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and the importance of believing in oneself. The manga has been adapted into a popular anime series, which has aired for over 300 episodes. It has also spawned several movies, video games, and other merchandise. Fairy Tail has become a global phenomenon, captivating fans with its exciting story and colorful characters.