The classic manga has been adapted into two new versions, but opting for the streaming anime is likely the better choice.
It seems like stories set in arid, dystopian landscapes are having a moment this year, with Dune, Fallout, and Mad Max leading the charge. Joining this trend is Sand Land, based on the manga by Akira Toriyama. However, Sand Land offers a unique twist with two new iterations: an anime streaming on Hulu (or Disney Plus internationally) and a video game transforming the narrative into an open-world RPG.
Both versions share the same storyline, characters, and visual style, presenting audiences with a choice. But if you’re seeking a gripping and immersive experience, the animated series emerges as the superior and more engaging adaptation of this post-apocalyptic world.
Sand Land presents a unique and quirky storyline that unfolds in a vast desert world ravaged by wars and natural calamities, leaving water scarce except for a king who monopolizes a hidden water source. In this setting, Sheriff Rao embarks on a mission to locate this precious water reserve for the benefit of all desert inhabitants.
Adding to the eccentricity of the narrative, demons coexist in this world, and Rao teams up with a youthful Beelzebub, whose father Lucifer allows him to assist the human in exchange for appearing on screen. Their party also includes Thief, a demon with a penchant for crime, often seen donning a Santa outfit, and they traverse the desert in a spherical tank, adding a touch of whimsy to their adventures.
Sand Land stands out from typical post-apocalyptic settings due to its unique blend of tones, akin to a fusion of Mad Max with Dragon Ball. While delving into serious themes like the repercussions of a militaristic regime’s control over essential resources and the hardships faced by its characters, the series also embraces a whimsical and eccentric atmosphere.
For instance, Beelzebub embodies a mix of mischief and innocence, resembling a demonic version of Bart Simpson who’s more into video games than actual evil deeds. The world of Sand Land features quirky elements such as a gang dressed as Olympic swimmers, a floating cyborg general, and an army of insect-like creatures, all set against a backdrop of a vast desert teeming with bizarre life forms like raptors and lounging demonic blobs under umbrellas. This juxtaposition of serious themes and playful eccentricity is beautifully captured in Akira Toriyama’s distinctive artistic style, adding depth and charm to the narrative.
The anime adaptation of Sand Land brilliantly condenses the essence of the story into a concise 13 episodes, maintaining a brisk pace without unnecessary filler episodes. The series offers a delightful blend of exhilarating action sequences, ranging from slow-motion sniper shots to thrilling high-speed foot chases, interspersed with quirky character interactions that add a touch of humor to the narrative. On the other hand, the video game adaptation falls short due to its reliance on filler content.
The game follows a typical open-world format with numerous quests that often lack engaging elements. Whether it’s the combat mechanics, stealth missions, or dungeon exploration, every aspect of the game feels simplistic and underdeveloped. While not inherently bad, the game lacks the unique charm and captivating storytelling that define Sand Land. Moreover, its extended length as an RPG dilutes the pace and excitement found in the anime adaptation.
While the Sand Land video game excels in vehicle mechanics, offering a variety of customizable options like a jumping robot, sleek motorcycle, and upgradable weapons, its true standout is the vehicular combat, adding an enjoyable dimension to traversing the vast wasteland. The game effectively portrays the vastness and desolation of the environment, creating a sense of scale that emphasizes the protagonist’s smallness amidst the expansive world.
However, despite these strengths, the game falls short in terms of world interaction and content density. For instance, exploring large structures like a downed airship reveals mostly empty rooms with occasional boss encounters, missing opportunities for immersive exploration.
In contrast, the anime adaptation of Sand Land shines in storytelling and capturing the unique style of Akira Toriyama’s manga. The series delves deep into the narrative and thematic elements of Sand Land, offering a more comprehensive exploration of its postapocalyptic universe.
Moreover, the anime introduces a captivating new story arc authored by Toriyama himself, injecting fresh dynamics and enticing twists into the established lore. Overall, the animated series serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to experience the eccentricities and charm of the Sand Land universe.
