Jesus
Heavy spoilers (Part 7) follow!
Jesus (イエス, Iesu) is a key figure in Steel Ball Run.
Appearing in proximity to the Corpse Parts, although never confirmed as such,[1] this figure is named once as[2] and heavily implied to represent the biblical and much-venerated Son of God in Christianity, Jesus Christ.
Appearance
In the chapter that tells of his history, Jesus wears long, dark hair, his body covered in scars, and a heavy robe. His face is never seen, obscured by the shadow of his hair or his robe.
In his new appearances, he is seen mainly from behind or with his face largely in shadow. He wears long, dark hair; and is variously clean shaven, with a moustache, or a light beard.[2] Wearing a crown of thorns, his body is covered in scars, and his hands bear Holy Wounds.
Personality
Like the original, Jesus in Steel Ball Run is solemn and direct, inspiring awe in everyone he meets.
His Corpse integrating most readily with Funny Valentine and Lucy Steel; in his living capacity he favors Blackmore, and Johnny Joestar most of all, to whom on one occasion he relates special advice.
Abilities
Lucy Steel's Stand, Ticket to Ride, may be taken as the Stand of Jesus' complete Corpse or living self. This Stand redirects misfortune, sending it afar, to rest elsewhere or on others.
The Parts of Jesus' Corpse occasionally merge with the analogous body parts of individuals coming into contact with them, upon which some develop unique (Stand) powers.
In JoJolion, the nature of the Corpse's power is described as the power "to remove" (e.g. healing by removing disease).[citation needed]
Rarely, as a living person, Jesus may appear and/or speak to individuals.
Synopsis
History
According to the story in the manga, after Jesus' resurrection, he thanks Joseph of Arimathea for the care of his body and states that he will travel to the east. When Joseph asks him about a future meeting, Jesus makes a map in the sand, showing Joseph nine locations.
Jesus then travels east across the continent, learning new languages and cultures, until he reaches the sea. Making a ship with the help of the locals, he crosses the sea, arriving in a new land where he lives, ages, and finally dies. Having formed a connection with the natives, prior to his death, they state that they "wish to see him again".
Shortly after his death, a great earthquake tears the ground apart and a great storm rages, dividing his corpse into nine pieces, which by the movement of the wind, sand and animals are relocated further eastward, to the nine locations on Joseph of Arimathea's map, spanning North America.[3]
Steel Ball Run
Jesus' Corpse is initially taken for that of another saint. For diverse and intensely personal reasons, several characters in the SBR race seek to collect his Corpse Parts.
In the initial chapters, a relationship between the Corpse and the Devil's Palm is described; this area granting a Stand to anyone making contact; later revealed that the Devil's Palm was generated when Jesus finally died and a natural disaster reshaped the land.
Blackmore is the first to perceive the presence of a living Jesus. Awed by this revelation, he lowers his guard to be fatally shot by Lucy Steel.[4]
During his fight with Axl Ro, Johnny receives advice from Jesus, helping him overcome the Stand Civil War; after which Funny Valentine steals all the Corpse Parts from Johnny and Gyro.[2]
Later, fleeing from Valentine, Lucy trips over the stolen Parts and somehow becomes pregnant, discovering the Corpse's head in her womb; later developing a Stand.
Quotes
Trivia
- The story of Jesus visiting the Americas is likely based off the Book of Mormon.
- Composited etymologically ("Jesus" and "Joshua" as derived from Yeshua) and patronymically ("son of Joseph"), a version of Jesus' personal name may be given as "Joshua bar Joseph".
- As a potential inspiration for Jesus and/or the Corpse's power; the Gospel of John contains the verse "Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!"
- The Japanese word (イエス, Iesu), resembles the pronunciation of the word "Yes", which also the name of one of Hirohiko Araki's favorite bands.
- Another popular manga (and also turned Anime) with Jesus in it, though in a slice of life setting is Saint Young Men, only this time he is accompanied by fellow deity Buddha as well.
See Also
References
- ↑ Author's Note, Steel Ball Run Vol. 24
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 SBR Ch. 58: Civil War (3)
- ↑ SBR Ch. 67: D4C (Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap) (4)
- ↑ SBR Ch. 38 Catch The Rainbow (On a Stormy Night...) (1)
