Why every Dragon Ball fan should watch the Sand Land anime

The Sand Land anime concluded this week, and there is a compelling reason for Dragon Ball enthusiasts to consider giving this series a chance. In honor of the legendary author Akira Toriyama, who passed away on March 1, the world is both grieving his loss and honoring his legacy, with Sand Land serving as a noteworthy piece of his career.

Despite being best known for his work on popular series like Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, Toriyama also gained recognition for his character designs in popular video game franchises such as Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger. However, during a particular period in his career, he shifted his focus away from his well-known series and created the Sand Land anime. This manga, which was longer in volume and showcased Toriyama’s passion for the medium, marked a unique moment in his career.

Please note: This article includes spoilers for multiple series.

Explaining why Dragon Ball fans should watch the Sand Land anime

The recent passing of Akira Toriyama on March 1 has inspired numerous individuals to commemorate his contributions and achievements throughout his career. While Dragon Ball remains his most widely recognized work, it is worth noting that the Sand Land anime serves as a significant moment to honor the lasting impact of the mangaka’s talents.

If you are a fan of the original Dragon Ball with kid Goku as the main character, the Sand Land anime will be a welcome change. The manga was created by Toriyama in 2000, a few years after completing his highly successful work. This story was a personal project for the author, as it was not driven by the need for commercial success at the time.

Set on a planet inhabited by both humans and demons, the story follows Sheriff Rao as he embarks on a mission to find a new water source for their parched land. In order to accomplish this task, he forms an unlikely team of misfits. However, their actions do not go unnoticed by the tyrannical king who controls the territory and monopolizes the water supply. Despite facing challenges and danger, the anime has received high praise for its faithful adaptation of Toriyama’s manga and its lively and enjoyable plot.

The Legacy of Toriyama

Akira Toriyama in his youth (Image via Akira Toriyama)

The Sand Land anime has provided insight into one of Toriyama’s lesser-known works, a fitting tribute during the celebration of the mangaka’s career. Although Dragon Ball remains his most acclaimed and triumphant creation, inspiring authors globally, there is much more to appreciate and learn about this talented author.

Despite not being as well-known in the Western world as it is in Japan, Dr. Slump was a major success for Toriyama and brought him great wealth before his release of Dragon Ball in the 1980s. The protagonist, Arale, also became an iconic figure in the manga world. In the 2000s, Toriyama adapted the work Sand Land into an anime, showcasing his established reputation and success as a mangaka.

Final thoughts

For those who are fans of Dragon Ball, experiencing Toriyama’s trademark humor and storytelling style from the original series’ early days, giving the Sand Land anime a try is highly recommended. Although it may not be as well-known as some of his other works, the recent adaptation by Sunrise truly showcases the brilliance of the legendary mangaka and deserves greater appreciation.