With „Sand Land: The Series“ started one of the last projects on Disney+ “Dragon Ball” creator Akira Toriyama was still actively involved personally. Over the course of 13 episodes, we follow the unlikely trio Belzebub, Sheef and Rao, who want to achieve a common goal. That's why they cross the life-threatening desert landscape of Sandland in the hope of improving the lives of all residents.
As the name suggests, the anime series is based on the manga short story “Sand Land,” which was first published in 2000. We watched the first 7 episodes of the animated show and will tell you in our series preview why you should definitely get involved in this adventure.
Can humans and demons really get along?
The world of “Sand Land: The Series” turned into a barren desert after devastating wars, as a result of which people increasingly overexploited nature. Since peace has returned, the king and his military have controlled the world's last water reserves. Those in power enrich themselves with the precious water by selling it to the suffering population at horrendous prices.
However, Rao, an aged sheriff, is convinced that there must still be a source of water somewhere. To investigate his suspicions, the law enforcement officer embarks on an arduous journey. However, he doesn't go off alone, because after hearing rumors of a friendly demon, Rao asks Belzebub, the Demon Prince, for help. Together with Sheef, the advisor to the heir to the throne, they search for the legendary source.
Belzebub, Sheef and Rao are an unlikely trio.
Belzebub, Sheef and Rao are an unlikely trio.
Belzebub, Sheef and Rao are an unlikely trio.
So much for the story of episodes 1-6 of the anime series, which basically retells the plot of the “Sand Land” anime film released in Japan in 2023. Not 1:1, because the makers expand the film with a few additional scenes, which makes the show an “extended cut”, so to speak. Although on the surface the series appears to be quite child-friendly, adult viewers can still have fun with the anime adventure.
War crimes and the exploitation of nature
In his previous works, one of Akira Toriyama's great strengths was to tell simple stories at first glance. Already in “Dr. Slump”, “Dragon Ball” or his manga short story “Kajika”, the main characters initially experience fairly simple escapades. Only later on were more and more facets added, which noticeably expanded both the worlds and the characters themselves.
It's an effective trick because it allows each reader to quickly find a character that they can relate to and want to continue following. Almost casually, the world around the character, just like the character himself, becomes more and more complex. In the case of “Sand Land,” for example, we learn after a few episodes that Sheriff Rao has a pretty dark past in the king's military that still haunts him.
Sheriff Rao has a dark past.
Sheriff Rao has a dark past.
Sheriff Rao has a dark past.
Without wanting to reveal too much at this point, he received incorrect information from his superior, which ultimately had serious consequences. The consequences of his actions left Rao with deep psychological scars that still torment him. Moments in which Rao slowly opens up to Demon Prince Belzebub and Sheef are among the most emotionally powerful scenes in the Disney+ exclusive anime series.
In addition, Akira Toriyama deals with other complex topics such as the exploitation of nature and abuse of power in “Sand Land”. These are things that have lost none of their relevance. Both the mangaka and those responsible for the animated show manage to convey these complex themes throughout the story in such a way that they are easily understandable for adults and young people alike.
Likeable characters and the beginning of a new adventure
Another reason why both younger and older viewers can stay tuned to “Sand Land: The Series” is the likeable main characters. Each of them has their own quirks that make them special and approachable in their own way. Belzi, for example, thinks he is a bad boy, after all he stays up late and goes to bed without brushing his teeth, but when he hears from Rao that he has killed many people in his past, our protagonist suddenly becomes completely different.
Ann is a new character in Sand Land: The Series.
Ann is a new character in Sand Land: The Series.
Ann is a new character in Sand Land: The Series.
In this colorful and equally charming bunch of different characters, everyone is sure to quickly find a personal favorite. It's one of Toriyama's great strengths that shines through here. Another thing that can also shine in the anime series is his talent for crazy and equally memorable character designs. The “Dragon Ball” creator has given free rein to his almost limitless creativity.
There are even more characters in the anime series than in the manga that viewers can get excited about. In the 7th episode, a completely new storyline begins with the “Angel Hero” arc, which begins after the end of the manga. By the way, Akira Toriyama was still actively working on this new story section. He provided plot feedback and character designs to the anime team.
More specifically, Toriyama created the designs for Ann and Muniel. Both are at the center of the new storyline that will take Belzi & Co. to Woodland. This is a neighboring state of Sandland in which a rebel group is rebelling against those in power. Ann wants to ask Rao for help so that he will stand by her side in this fight. Not an easy undertaking, after all the sheriff doesn't want to take any more lives.
“Sand Land” creator Akira Toriyama still worked on the anime series.
“Sand Land” creator Akira Toriyama still worked on the anime series.
“Sand Land” creator Akira Toriyama still worked on the anime series.
Of course, we can't tell you too much about the new “Angel Hero” arc at the moment, but what we've seen so far definitely makes you want more. It promises to be an exciting start to a brand new adventure!
Excellent 3D animations
Bringing the world of “Sand Land” to life in the form of an anime was a truly Herculean task. Three animation studios worked together to create the friendly fantasy adventure: Studio Sunrise (“Cowboy Bebop”), Studio Kamikaze Douga (“Batman: Ninja”) and Studio Anima (“Monster Strike The Animation”).
Even though this is a 3D anime, this is usually not noticeable. Many settings are of such high quality that at first glance they look like classic 2D drawings. This fact will probably help many fans warm up to the show on a purely visual level. After all, with a few exceptions such as “Beastars” or “Trigun Stampede”, 3D anime do not enjoy a particularly good reputation.
The action scenes in “Sand Land: The Series” are superbly staged!
The action scenes in “Sand Land: The Series” are superbly staged!
The action scenes in “Sand Land: The Series” are superbly staged!
Luckily, all three studios have experience when it comes to producing 3D anime. This is particularly noticeable in the action scenes of “Sand Land: The Series”, which, with their stirring tracking shots, quickly develop an energy that the viewer cannot resist. Thanks to dynamic choreographies and cracking sound effects, every fight between Belzebub and his friends is really fun.
The soundtrack is also well done with its sometimes beautiful, sometimes fast-paced pieces. In addition, the opening “Water Carrier” by Kroi is a real catchy tune and we actually never skipped the little intro film. The Japanese speakers also do a great job, as they clearly put their heart and soul into it. It's a shame that there is currently no German soundtrack available on Disney+ (yet?).
Over the course of its first seven episodes, “Sand Land: The Series” does one thing above all else and it’s really fun. The main characters are fundamentally likeable with their little quirks, the desert world is a fascinating place and the implementation is a real eye-catcher with its great 3D animations. It is also an entertaining introduction to the action RPG “Sand Land”, which will be released at the end of April 2024, in which you can experience the story of the manga template and the anime series up close.
If you have a heart for such small fantasy adventures that don't shy away from some adult themes, or if you want to find out more about Akira Toriyama's work, you'll definitely get what you're looking for with this beautifully told story about trust, forgiveness, remorse and friendship Cost. In short: you should definitely take a closer look at the anime series, it's worth it.
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