The death of Akira Toriyama has been a tremendous blow for several different generations. Even more so when it has been unexpected. The father of Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump was very beloved for his mythical works that, although sometimes we forget, go far beyond Dragon Ball. In addition to creating the art for legendary RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest, he also made other, shorter mangas that demonstrate his genius. Sand Land being a good example of this.
In the last year there has been a resurgence of this particular work by Toriyama. Published from May 22nd to August 28th, 2000, contained in a single volume, it demonstrates Toriyama’s obsession and interest in original vehicles and post-apocalyptic settings. Something that has experienced a particular explosion in recent years.
Perhaps it’s because of the success of Mad Max: Fury Road, perhaps because the manga is just that good, today a new series based on this manga is premiering: Sand Land: The Series. Available on Disney+, it consists of seven episodes that tell the entirety of the manga from beginning to end. With a twist. A second season has been announced that will feature events that have never appeared in manga format and that, in principle, would be Toriyama’s last story written in his lifetime. This makes this series even more important and dramatic.
Sand Land, in terms of the plot, takes place in a world where there is barely any water left after years of endless wars and terrible natural disasters. In these circumstances, Beelzebub, son of Lucifer and prince of demons, ventures into the vast deserts to find a new water source, tired of his father monopolizing all the water sources. This will make him have to cooperate with demons, humans, and confront dinosaurs and all kinds of creatures riding on what Toriyama liked to draw the most: all kinds of vehicles.
Like a mix of Mad Max and Dragon Ball, it’s a dystopian story, full of charm and humor in the style of Toriyama. A real treat for all those in love with Dragon Ball, especially those who prefer the stories of young Goku over the more tumultuous power level stories of Dragon Ball Z.
The interesting thing about this series is that it is not made from scratch. It is an adaptation of the homonymous film made in collaboration by Sunrise, Kamikaze Douga and Anima studios, which was exclusively released in Japan on August 18th. For the series, they have added cut material from the film, developing the plots and characters much more, in order to address the entirety of the manga without leaving anything out. Making the series an even more satisfying experience.
However, that’s not all the Sand Land we’ll have in the near future. The ILCA studio, the people behind the remarkable One Piece Odyssey, will release a Sand Land video game on April 26 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
If you’re curious, the game already has a demo available on all platforms. This has allowed us to verify what it will contain. A vast open world, full of possibilities, where the customization of our vehicles will be very important, and where we will have to learn to handle ourselves well in each of the three available. A motorcycle, very fast but not so capable in combat; a tank, robust and with great firepower but limited mobility; and a chubby mech, specialized in close combat and short distances but suffers in long-range battles.
Although the demo is somewhat limited, designed more to show us the mechanics than the game world, it promises to be a fun experience that perfectly recreates Akira Toriyama’s aesthetic. Something that, although we are already used to seeing in the video game, does not make it any less spectacular. Or less endearing, now that he is no longer with us.
That’s why, if like us you miss Toriyama, Sand Land is the perfect opportunity to connect with him in a way you may not have done before. Whether it’s by reading the manga, watching the newly released animated series, playing the upcoming video game, or all of the above, there has never been a more ideal time to immerse yourself in Toriyama’s fascinating mind. Something that, we know well, we need now more than ever.
