by The journey across America becomes even more dangerous in Episode 8 of STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Titled “Tusk, Part 2,” the episode follows Johnny Joestar as he awakens an extraordinary new ability and begins to understand the mysterious purpose behind the Steel Ball Run race.
Ahead of the episode’s release, new story details and scene stills have been revealed, featuring characters including Johnny, Gyro Zeppeli, Pork Pie Hat Kid, and Funny Valentine. The episode is part of the anime’s ongoing 2nd & 3rd STAGE, which is streaming exclusively worldwide on Netflix.
In this instalment, Johnny encounters a mysterious spirit-like figure that awakens an unknown power within him. After managing to escape Pork Pie Hat Kid’s pursuit, Johnny begins to understand that the mysterious Left Arm is not the only important object connected to the race. He becomes convinced that other parts of the Corpse exist and that gathering them may be the real purpose behind the competition.
This discovery gives Johnny something he thought he had lost: hope for a future beyond his physical limitations. With Gyro captured and the Left Arm in danger, Johnny decides to fight back using his newly awakened ability, which he names Tusk.
Episode 8 “Tusk, Part 2”: Johnny Discovers the Power of Tusk
Episode 8 continues the confrontation between Johnny Joestar and the mysterious enemy known as Pork Pie Hat Kid.
During the encounter, a spirit-like vision suddenly appears before Johnny and awakens an unknown power within him. This mysterious ability gives him a chance to escape his pursuer and changes his understanding of the events surrounding the race.
Until this point, Johnny has been focused on the competition and the strange Left Arm that has become connected to his journey. However, he begins to realize that the Left Arm is only one piece of something much larger.
Johnny becomes convinced that additional parts of the Corpse are scattered elsewhere and that collecting them is closely connected to the true purpose of the Steel Ball Run race.
This revelation is especially important for Johnny because his journey is not simply about winning a competition. After losing the use of his legs, he has struggled to find a reason to move forward with his life. The possibility of discovering something extraordinary gives him renewed hope.
But there is no time to celebrate. Gyro Zeppeli has been captured, and the Left Arm must be protected. Johnny decides to use his newly awakened ability to turn the situation around.
He gives the power a name: Tusk.
The episode marks an important development for Johnny, as he begins to discover the potential of an ability that will play a significant role in his journey.
What Is Tusk? Understanding Johnny’s New Ability
For viewers who are new to Steel Ball Run, Tusk is the mysterious ability that Johnny awakens during his confrontation with Pork Pie Hat Kid.
Its appearance is connected to the strange events surrounding the Corpse and the supernatural elements of the race. Rather than relying only on his horse-riding skills or Gyro’s Steel Ball technique, Johnny now has a new power that gives him another way to fight his enemies.
The name Tusk also reflects the unusual appearance of the ability. Its first manifestation introduces a new dimension to Johnny’s character and marks the beginning of an important stage in his development.
The episode focuses on Johnny’s discovery and first use of this power, while also establishing why the Corpse parts are so important to the larger story.
For anime-only viewers, this is a major turning point. The race is no longer just a contest between skilled riders competing for a prize. It is becoming a dangerous journey involving mysterious objects, hidden motives, and powerful individuals.
Why Is the Left Arm Important?
The mysterious Left Arm is one of the most important discoveries in the story so far.
During the journey, Johnny and Gyro encounter unusual events that suggest the race has a deeper purpose than its public competition. The Left Arm becomes central to these developments, leading Johnny to suspect that other parts of the same Corpse may exist.
His realization changes the way he looks at the competition. Instead of seeing the race only as an opportunity to achieve his personal goals, he begins to understand that the participants may be involved in something much larger.
The episode also connects this discovery to Johnny’s personal struggle. His physical condition has affected his confidence and his hopes for the future. The possibility that the Corpse may hold the key to something extraordinary gives him a new reason to continue.
However, the Corpse is not simply a mysterious treasure waiting to be collected. Its existence attracts the attention of powerful people, and the competition surrounding it could put Johnny and Gyro in even greater danger.
Gyro Zeppeli and Johnny’s Partnership Faces Another Challenge
The relationship between Johnny and Gyro remains at the heart of Steel Ball Run.
Johnny initially approaches Gyro because he is fascinated by the mysterious Steel Ball technique and wants to understand how it works. Gyro, meanwhile, is an experienced competitor with his own reasons for entering the race.
Although they have different personalities and goals, their partnership gradually becomes an important part of the journey.
Gyro often acts as a guide for Johnny, teaching him about the race, the techniques used by its competitors, and the importance of understanding the world around him. Johnny, in turn, begins to develop his own determination and fighting abilities.
In Episode 8, Gyro’s capture gives Johnny an immediate reason to use his new power. Protecting the Left Arm and rescuing his companion become his priorities.
Their partnership is therefore tested once again, but Johnny’s decision to fight back shows how much he has changed since the beginning of the journey.
What Is Steel Ball Run About?
STEEL BALL RUN JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is based on the seventh part of Hirohiko Araki’s long-running manga series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
The story takes place in America in 1890, when the country is preparing for an extraordinary cross-continental horseback race. Known as the Steel Ball Run, the competition attracts riders from different backgrounds who are eager to win the enormous prize money.
The race covers a vast distance across North America, putting its participants through dangerous landscapes, difficult weather conditions, and unexpected encounters.
The main character is Johnny Joestar, a former jockey who was once considered a talented riding prodigy. However, after a tragic incident leaves him unable to use his legs, Johnny loses his confidence and struggles to find direction in life.
His circumstances begin to change when he meets Gyro Zeppeli, a mysterious outlaw who possesses unusual Steel Balls and demonstrates an extraordinary technique.
Fascinated by Gyro’s abilities, Johnny becomes involved in the race and decides to follow him. Their journey soon reveals that the competition is connected to mysterious events and hidden motives that go far beyond winning the prize.
As the story progresses, Johnny must overcome his personal struggles, face dangerous opponents, and discover the truth behind the mysterious Corpse.
The 2nd and 3rd STAGES Are Streaming Weekly on Netflix.
The anime’s 2nd & 3rd STAGE began streaming worldwide on Netflix on September 25, 2026.
Unlike the initial release, which consisted of a single extended episode, the new instalments are being released weekly. The combined 2nd & 3rd STAGE consists of 11 episodes, with a new episode arriving every Friday.
The second stage takes Johnny and Gyro across a challenging desert route of approximately 750 miles. The region includes a dangerous area known as the Devil’s Palm, where unusual incidents make the two realize that the competition is far more complicated than they originally expected.
The story introduces new characters, hidden agendas, and dangerous encounters as the competitors continue their journey.
The official release information confirms the following details:
- Streaming platform: Netflix
- Release start: September 25, 2026
- Release schedule: Every Friday
- Release format: Weekly episodes
- Total episodes: 11 for the combined 2nd & 3rd STAGES
- Availability: Worldwide exclusive streaming on Netflix
The weekly release format gives viewers an opportunity to follow Johnny and Gyro’s journey as the mystery surrounding the race gradually unfolds.
New Characters and the Production Team
The Steel Ball Run anime brings another chapter of Hirohiko Araki’s manga to the screen with a production team experienced in the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure anime franchise.
The anime is directed by Yasuhiro Kimura and Hideya Takahashi, with Toshiyuki Kato serving as series director. Yasuko Kobayashi is responsible for series composition, while Daisuke Tsumagari handles character design.
The animation is produced by David Production, the studio that has worked on previous television adaptations of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
The second and third stages also introduce important characters, including Mountain Tim, Hot Pants, and Funny Valentine.
Some of the announced Japanese voice cast members include:
- Shogo Sakata as Johnny Joestar
- Yohei Azakami as Gyro Zeppeli
- Tomokazu Seki as Diego Brando
- Rie Takahashi as Lucy Steel
- Tomokazu Sugita as Funny Valentine
- Tomokazu Maeno as Mountain Tim
- Yoko Hikasa as Hot Pants
The series also features music by Yugo Kanno, who has contributed music to earlier entries in the anime franchise.
The opening theme for the 2nd & 3rd STAGE is “SPIN” by Kroi, while the ending theme is “Shinukaikiruka” by Yuki Chiba.
What Comes Next After Episode 8?
Episode 8 is an important turning point because Johnny finally awakens Tusk and begins to understand the deeper mystery surrounding the Corpse.
The revelation that the Left Arm is only one part of a larger object changes the direction of his journey. It also raises new questions about the real purpose of the race and the people who may be trying to collect the Corpse parts.
The appearance of Funny Valentine in the story further adds to the mystery surrounding the competition and its hidden interests.
With the 2nd & 3rd STAGE continuing through weekly Netflix releases, viewers can expect the journey to become increasingly complicated as Johnny and Gyro encounter new challenges.
For Johnny, however, the most important development is personal. The discovery of Tusk gives him renewed hope and a reason to keep moving forward.
Episode 8, “Tusk, Part 2,” is therefore a major milestone in Johnny Joestar’s journey. It introduces his new ability, strengthens his determination to save Gyro, and reveals that the Steel Ball Run race is connected to a much larger mystery.
