Sand Land, one of the lesser-known works of Akira Toriyama, the creator of the immensely popular Dragon Ball series, has been garnering increased attention from fans in recent years.
The series has seen a surge in popularity, particularly following its adaptation into a movie in 2023, as well as the announcement of a 13-episode anime series set to debut on March 20, 2024.
The upcoming anime adaptation of Sand Land holds promise for fans, with expectations for a more detailed and faithful portrayal of Toriyama’s original manga.
As anticipation builds for the anime’s release, many fans of Toriyama’s works are turning to explore the source material of the upcoming adaptation.
Meanwhile, there is also curiosity surrounding the current status of the Sand Land manga. While not as widely recognized as Dragon Ball, the manga continues to hold its own among fans of Toriyama’s distinctive style and storytelling.
As interest in Sand Land continues to grow, fans are eager to delve into the manga and uncover the unique world and characters crafted by the acclaimed mangaka.
Sand Land: Akira Toriyama’s Dystopian Adventure Makes its Mark in Manga and Anime
Following the monumental success of his Dragon Ball series, renowned mangaka Akira Toriyama ventured into the Shonen once again with his series, Sand Land.
Serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump from May 9, 2000, to August 8, 2000, this concise yet impactful series ended its narrative arc within just 14 chapters. Its collected volume, or Tankobon, was published on November 2, 2000, encapsulating the entirety of its tale.
Despite being one of Toriyama’s lesser-known works, Sand Land has gradually garnered a devoted following among fans over the years. Notably, it received two anime adaptations, with the first being a feature film released on August 18, 2023.
Produced in collaboration with Studio Sunrise, Anima, and Kamikaze Douga, the movie was met with acclaim from audiences, further bolstering the series’ popularity.
Moreover, an original net animation (ONA) series based on the Sand Land manga was announced to be in the works. Scheduled for a premiere date of March 20, 2024, this ONA will reunite the cast and staff from the film, ensuring continuity and fidelity to the source material.
Comprising 13 episodes, the series will initially retell the events of the film’s storyline across its first six episodes, supplemented with additional scenes.
Subsequently, the narrative will transition into Toriyama’s original arc for the series, promising viewers a deeper exploration of the Sand Land universe.
Set in a dystopian future ravaged by war, Sand Land paints a vivid picture of a world desolated by conflict. With the primary water supply depleted, the land has transformed into a barren wasteland, leaving its inhabitants desperate for survival.
Amidst this chaos, a tyrannical king controls the precious water reserves, sparking conflict and chaos among the populace as they vie for access to this vital resource.
Enter Sheriff Rao, weary of the king’s oppressive rule, who seeks aid from an unlikely source—the king of demons. Rallying the king’s son, Beelzebub, and his ally, Thief, Rao embarks on a perilous journey across the unforgiving desert landscape.
Their quest is fraught with danger as they confront dragons, bandits, and other formidable adversaries, navigating treacherous terrain in pursuit of justice and liberation for the people of Sand Land.