Sand Land: The Series Anime Review

Read our review of Sand Land: The Series, an anime adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s beloved manga. Discover the captivating story, stunning visuals, and Toriyama’s boundless creativity in this must-watch action-adventure anime.

Sand Land: The Series Anime Review

Sand Land: The Series is an anime adaptation of the beloved manga created by Akira Toriyama, known for his work on Dragon Ball. Originally published as a one-volume manga in 2000, Sand Land was later adapted into a feature film and now into a series consisting of six episodes. The series takes the 106-minute movie and expands it with new footage, providing viewers with a more comprehensive story.

The plot of Sand Land: The Series revolves around a drought-stricken land where the last remaining wells are controlled by a greedy king. Rao, an aging ex-soldier-turned-sheriff, embarks on a journey to find a new water source in the dangerous south desert. To survive, he must seek the aid of the Demons, humankind’s eternal enemy and the only creatures stronger than the desert monsters.

Focus on Rao’s Journey of Redemption

Contrary to expectations, Sand Land: The Series focuses more on Rao, the old man seeking redemption, rather than the super-strong and spiky-haired “Prince of the Demons,” Beelzebub. Rao is a compelling character who steals every scene with his strength, stoicism, and respect for others. Despite the demons being humanity’s enemies, Rao treats them as equals and builds a trusting relationship with them.

Beelzebub, on the other hand, may appear as a kid despite his age and immense power. He joins Rao’s quest out of boredom and gradually reveals his kind-hearted nature. The third member of the party is Thief, an elderly demon who initially complains about everything but finds joy and validation through the adventure.

The Significance of the 104 Tank

The stolen tank, known as the 104 Tank, plays a significant role in the series. It serves as their home, companion, and lifeline in the harsh desert. The tank battles carry emotional weight, adding stakes to the story and showcasing the exceptional animation.

Stunning Visuals and Seamless Animation

Visually, Sand Land: The Series is stunning, with fast and well-choreographed fight scenes. The 3D animation seamlessly blends with the 2D art, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. The opening theme, “Water Carrier” by Kroi, sets the tone, and the overall music utilizes heavy drums to maintain tension.

A Self-Contained Story of Redemption and Adventure

These first six episodes of Sand Land: The Series provide a self-contained story about redemption and overcoming deep-rooted prejudices. While Rao’s personal tale reaches its conclusion, the future adventures of the unlikely trio of friends promise new and exciting journeys beyond their familiar desert.

Premiere and Release Information

Sand Land: The Series will premiere its first seven episodes simultaneously on Disney+ and Hulu in the United States on March 20, 2024, with subsequent episodes released weekly. With its captivating story, stunning visuals, and Toriyama’s boundless creativity, Sand Land: The Series is a must-watch for fans of action-adventure anime.