Divided into 14 chapters, Sandland is one of the seven one-shot thatAkira Toriyama produced in his life – exactly as much as the number of Dragon Ballwhat a coincidence! He was pre -published in 2000 in the Weekly Shōnen Jumpbefore being published for the first time at Glénat in 2002. The manga experienced three notable adaptations, including one in film and another in animation series, released respectively in 2023 and 2024. published six months after the unexpected death of the author, the reissue of Sandland That same year appears as a real tribute. There is a file with an interview with the author, as well as exclusive drawings and sketches. A great way to honor the memory of this great mangaka that was Akira Toriyama.
Promotional poster of the series
A world where Van Damme was right
From the first pages, we quickly understand what the title is alluding to. The intrigue takes place in a vast desert of Toriyama World – called Dragon World by fans of Dragon Ballit is a representation of the earth on which the action of several Mangas de Toriyama takes place -, in which human beings and monsters live side by side …. in a desert, because it does not There is more a drop of water on the surface of the earth! It then becomes complicated to survive without being able to hydrate, especially in strong heat. A motif that makes us think of the famous vandeamerie of Jean-Claude Van Damme : « I love water. In 20/30 years, there will be no more ».
It is in this context that we discover Beelzebub, the prince of demons, as well as other monsters stealing bottles of water to humans, to bring them back to their fellows. Respectable activity, because after all, all means are good for surviving. The monsters receive the visit of Rao, a sheriff who came to ask for help for the search for a so -called “legendary” source. Difficult for them to believe in the existence of an oasis in the heart of this arid land, until the officer signals having seen a certain kind of birds. With the downstream of his father, Beelzebub leaves alongside Rao and Thiefa hilly monster, in search of the legendary source.
Cover of the first edition
A little Mad Max and Dragon Ball
Like an adventure game, writing Sandland wants to be simple and linear. In addition to planting the decor and presenting us the characters who will participate in the quest, the first chapter perfectly announces the structure of the following 13. Once left, our heroes lead Rao’s car in turn, in the most complete calm. A Geji Dragon, a kind of giant central, arises from the ground and pursues the protagonists. Our protagonists lighten the vehicle as much as possible to sow the creature. Each chapter is similar to a mission to accomplish, to be able to continue the adventure. From the exploration phases to the combat phases, also passing through those of discussion, Akira Toriyama frankly uses video game codes to build his story.
Format obliges, the mangaka must go to the essentials. He cannot therefore develop the universe, as well as events in the past. We only have the right to two pages explaining to us why there is no more water, due to the actions of human beings, as well as wars to access this resource. The explanatory pages also show us that the sovereign uses the last tank to get rich. Toriyama’s writing leads us to question ourselves, both on previous events and on human nature. A nature that the mangaka treats through the character of Rao. His beliefs and philosophy are questioned, as the plot progresses. It is particularly interesting to see Beelzebub and Thief to be shocked, when the sheriff tells them to have already killed. One wonders who are the real monsters: yokai and other demons or human beings?
As for the graphic aspect, the vast desert is reminiscent of the deputted and endless landscapes present in Dragon Ball. This large space allows the mangaka to implant dynamic fights there, where Beelzebub and Rao show the full extent of their strength, as well as distant clashes with tanks. The post-apocalyptic side of the universe is visible through the outfits of certain characters, such as the thugs present in chapter 2. Their punk appearance could make us think of the cult manga HOKUTO NO KEN, Ken the survivor in its French version, or in the film Mad Max. The mangaka also distills a few touches of humor, especially with the family of Swimmers. In addition to the big glasses and weapons to recall the post-apocalyptic character, each member is dressed in a swimsuit. This explains their name “swimmers”. Ideal to avoid being too hot, but ridiculous in view of the setting.
Reading Sandland is pleasant. We find all the elements that made the success of Akira Toriyama. The story wants to be simple and makes us think about human activity and its impact on the environment. Hopefully not know such a fatal future …
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