Board Thread:Manga Discussion/@comment-28702329-20180621120402/@comment-1600949-20200210182544

What people forget about Steel Ball Run is that it's a story in which the antagonist wins regardless of whether or not they live to see their victory. Johnny, the protagonist, gets what he wants, but it's ultimately meaningless in contrast to how the land of America is the true winner. No individual controls the Corpse at the end, but it being stored in a vault underground blesses the literal territory of the USA.

This should not surprise anyone. We already know how America has benefitted at the cost of other nations throughout history. Steel Ball Run reiterates this reality.

That's the point of Steel Ball Run.