A Race Toward the Brink (Episode)

A Race Toward the Brink (死の崖へつっ走れ) is the nineteenth episode of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure anime. It is also the tenth episode of Battle Tendency. It covers Chapter 85 to Chapter 88 of the manga.

Summary
Stroheim starts using his new mechanical body, which was designed to surpass Santana, to fight against Kars. Although his abdominal machine gun forces Kars outside, the Pillar Man uses the full power of his Light Mode. Turning his blades into chainsaws, Kars can cut the bullets before they touch him and cuts Stroheim in two. Kars takes the Super Aja but then Stroheim fires an eye UV beam at Kars, forcing him to drop the Aja. The stone begins to slide toward a cliff, causing Kars and Joseph to race for the stone. Meanwhile, Lisa Lisa, Caesar and Messina have arrived to witness the battle.

Unfazed by the prospect of falling into a ravine, Kars keeps his speed and grabs the stone with his foot. However, JoJo blinds him with snow and grabs the Aja, only for Kars to unveil his ankle blades to hook Joseph and pull him down with him. Thankfully, Joseph uses the Aja as a shield against Kars who wants the stone intact and manages to turn falling icicles into a makeshift rope, which is completed by Caesar. Joseph has managed to keep the stone. Kars shortens his fall, preventing him from crushing a flower. He then laughs maniacally and allows JoJo to hold onto the Red Stone a little longer.

The next day, Caesar and the others see the ruins of a hotel, a likely hiding spot for Kars. Caesar advocates assaulting the building before Wamuu arrives, but JoJo objects to it, believing it unwise to fight on their home turf. When JoJo and Caesar bring their ancestors who have fought to destroy the Stone Mask and their conflicting opinions on the matter, Caesar punches Joseph and leaves. Feeling a sense of duty to his grandfather, Caesar decides to go alone, with Messina ordered to follow him, whilst Lisa Lisa explains to JoJo that Caesar has a secret past.

Commentary
"This episode incarnates the spirit of JoJo the best out of Part 1 and 2. From the moment Joseph runs to catch the red gem, up to his freefall fight against Kars, everything only lasts a few seconds. The direction stretches everything out infinitely though, much like an older anime (laughs).

Up to now, Kars was a mysterious character set in the background. It's the first time that he really acts. He exposes himself through really cool shots and finishes perfectly by madly laughing. You can also see his Light Saber technique in detail. The compositing effect is very pretty during the close-up on the blade.

The craziness around Stroheim works well as a whole. It's like it's his episode: "Hello, I make a thunderous entry. Then I get cut in half. Goodbye." (laughs)

We have tried to perfect most shots for the TV broadcast, but we also remade several for the Blu-ray and DVD. The new viewing should give you a brand new experience."

- Naokatsu Tsuda, Blu-Ray limited edition commentaries