It’s official: Sand Land is coming to the big screen! Akira Toriyama, the renowned creator behind the famous works Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, is about to share another captivating story with the world. This lesser-known work, Sand Land, dates back 23 years and showcases Toriyama’s unyielding passion for drawing and storytelling.
Sand Land, a niche work with a dedicated following, was serialized briefly in Weekly Shonen Jump from May to August 2000, and comprises a total of 14 chapters. Although it may not be well-known in the West, the story gained significant popularity in Japan upon its publication.
Rumours have been swirling for months about the possibility of an anime, web anime, or other animated adaptation of Sand Land. A movie had also been mentioned, and now, exciting news has been confirmed: Sand Land will indeed become a film, set to premiere in Japanese cinemas on August 18th this year.
The teaser, which was released a few months back, presents our three heroes roaming the desert in their beloved tank, evading a creature that bears a striking resemblance to the infamous Dune worm. This connection wouldn’t be too surprising, considering Toriyama’s affinity for science fiction stories of this nature.
The official Twitter account of Sand Land film confirmed that the movie will be released on Friday, August 18th in Japan. As is expected, fans outside of Japan will have to wait for a few months before the films hits theatres worldwide. The animation will be handled by a team separate from Toei, with notable contributors including Sunrise, Anima, and Kamikaze Douga.
Furthermore, Akira Toriyama shared a message on the official website of the series:
“I have seen many clips with still unfinished parts. I never thought it would be turned into a movie after more than 20 years, and with this quality! At this point, it’s like a dream.”
Sand Land is a captivating story set in a post-apocalyptic world where water is scarce, and humanity struggles for survival. In this unforgiving environment, Demon Prince Beelzebub, his loyal demon friend Shif, and the seasoned Sheriff Rao join forces to challenge the corrupt regime controlling the last remaining water sources. Embarking on a thrilling adventure, the unlikely trio navigates treacherous terrain and faces various adversaries, as they seek to restore hope and bring life-giving water to the parched land.
In summary, fans have been treated to some exciting news about the upcoming Sand Land film. The anticipation continues to build, as audiences eagerly await the chance to experience another animated masterpiece by Akira Toriyama, separate from his well-known Dragon Ball series.
Are you excited about the Sand Land anime film? Let us know your opinion in the comment section down below.
Source: Official Twitter
