I might get stoned for this, but I think Sand Land is better than Dragon Ball. I say this as an anime fan who watched plenty of Dragon Ball in his youth… and now I wonder why.
I make the comparison as after retiring from Dragon Ball, its creator, Akira Toriyama, went on to make Sand Land.
The characters in Sand Land are similar, with one of them being the actual and young (a mere 2,500) Beelzebub, but the fight scenes are lower in power and over more quickly!
There’s a definite Tank Girl vibe here, except the tanks look like angry ducks, and there’s a grumpy old man as the rebel hero. Ah, perhaps that’s why I prefer Sand Land to Dragon Ball. I am a grumpy old man.
Sand Land look and feel
Sand Land visually captures the essence of Akira Toriyama’s distinctive art style, known for its blend of cartoonish exaggeration and detailed mechanical designs. The animation translates this style effectively, with expressive characters and a vibrant, sun-drenched desert world.
The film has a classic adventure feel, reminiscent of Toriyama’s other works like Dragon Ball and the not so well known Dr. Slump.
The overall feel is a lighthearted adventure with a touch of quirky humour. The action sequences are dynamic and fun, with over-the-top battles and creative uses of vehicles and weaponry. The film’s soundtrack complements this adventurous tone with an upbeat score that blends orchestral and rock elements.
While the visuals are faithful to Toriyama’s style, the animation quality can sometimes be somewhat inconsistent. Some scenes exhibit stunning detail and fluidity, while others appear a bit more simplistic.
I get the theory that the ‘sand land’ is behind this, as it’s hard to render a bare waste beautifully. I think some of the problems are with the character design, though, as some demons are very simple. Despite this minor drawback, “Sand Land” successfully brings Toriyama’s unique world to life on the big screen, creating a visually engaging and entertaining experience.
Plot and characters
Sand Land is a visually striking anime film with a classic adventure story. Set in a desert world ravaged by drought, the plot follows Beelzebub, the mischievous demon prince, as he teams up with a human and demon friend on a quest for a legendary lake. While the narrative is fairly straightforward, it delivers satisfying action sequences and moments of humour reminiscent of classic shonen anime.
The characters, while not particularly complex, are charming and engaging. Beelzebub steals the show with his childish antics and surprising compassion, while the human sheriff Rao provides a grounded, world-weary counterpoint. The supporting cast, including the skilled thief Thief and the enigmatic Swimmer’s Papa, add further comedy/depth to the adventure.
However, Sand Land falls short in some areas. The plot can sometimes feel predictable, and the villains lack depth, serving more as obstacles than compelling antagonists.
Overall
Overall, Sand Land is an enjoyable but somewhat unambitious film. It offers a fun, action-packed adventure with likeable characters and a visually impressive world. However, it lacks the depth and complexity to stand out in the crowded anime landscape.
Fans can buy the PlayStation 5 game, which Amazon currently discounts by nearly 70%.
🍻 Sponsor: Cheers, Dusk Wave Arts and Barheim, the beer tower defence game, for enabling our Scotland Loves Anime trip.
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