Have you ever thought that there’s a manga or anime about any possible topic? If so, you are right and Sanda is the proof. In Anime Corner, we got to review Volume 1, so we can confirm the story is as exciting as you are imagining.
Paru Itagaki, who is also the author of Beastars, delivers another engaging story, combining an intriguing mystery with pure, shonen-like action and introspective character development. In Volume 1, the manga introduces Sanda Kazushige, a middle-schooler who lives in a near-future Japan in which Christmas has faded into a myth, and the birth rate has dropped so dramatically that children are the most precious treasure.
The best way to approach this volume, which serves as an introductory arc, is to focus on the three main aspects: the story and setting, the characters, and the antagonist. Of course, this review is spoiler-free.
Story & Setting
What impacted me the most when I started the volume was the overall background of the world. As many anime and manga fans, I was intrigued by a Santa Claus plot. At first, I expected an action-focused manga with moments of comedy. However, while Sanda Vol. 1 delivers on that front, its real strength lies in its dystopian setting.
The initial approach to Sanda’s world is the mystery surrounding Christmas, which is no more than a legend for the characters. Yet the story goes beyond that: the over-protected kids, low birth rates, a strange school. Sanda unfolds its setting little by little, so you can enjoy joining the pieces. At the end of Volume 1, you will have a general idea of what’s happening, but still strive for more—and maybe you will elaborate theories of your own!
Moreover, the Christmas theme is matched with a detective storyline: Fuyumura Shiori, Sanda’s classmates, request help to unravel Ono Ichie’s disappearance. In particular, the drawing style conveys the tension in this search, making the reader feel part of the adventure.
That said, Volume 1 reaches its peak every time the situation of children is mentioned. It’s not just about the low-birth rates: each time we understand the idiosyncrasy of this dystopian school. From how the children perceive themselves to what adults expect of them, definitely the manga gives you a lot to think about.
Overall, the manga balances the different storylines so that you can enjoy new, well-integrated discoveries chapter by chapter.
Characters
Of course, a strong setting wouldn’t work without compelling characters.
Sanda is our main protagonist, and yes, he can transform into Santa Claus. He’s not your classic over-expressive shonen protagonist, but rather a kind, innocent that only wants to reach out to people in need. Yet he has to face his new, adult side and what it means to grow in a complicated environment. For example, you can compare Sanda’s discovery of new powers and abilities with the physical changes we have to face in puberty. His conflict reminds me of Legoshi from Beastars, which is no coincidence.
Luckily for Sanda, he will find companions along the way. And the one that stands out more is Fuyumura Shiori, who makes a wish to find Ono and compels Sanda/Santa Claus to help her. From her peculiar character design to her “incendiary” personality, Shiori will be a favorite character for many. She can be a bit extreme at times, so I was surprised by every one of her appearances.
The most appealing trait of both of them is psychological introspection. Even in such a crazy society and fantastic setting, you can empathize with Sanda and Shiori’s down-to-earth adolescent struggles. Their unexpected interactions add a humorous touch to make a flow reading.
Along the way, we meet a few other new characters, everyone marked by their own conflict. But I’ll let you discover them at your own pace!
Antagonist
A good story needs a good antagonist, and Sanda certainly has one. And what better villain for a school than the Principal? Principal Ooshibu is a dark presence behind our protagonist. His obsession with youth makes him even more scary, and every one of his appearances gives you chills.
His constant smile makes him more unsettling, since you can’t know what he’s really thinking. Principal Ooshibu works in a manga that prioritizes psychological tension. I’m glad that Sanda brings to life an antagonist that doesn’t depend solely in brute force, even when fighting is an important element in the manga.
Conclusion
Sanda Vol. 1 combines the best of action and mystery genres, all in a dystopian framework that may be compared with some sci-fi works. Our protagonist and his powers also remind me of many American comics, and he’s the perfect children’s superhero in such a world.
Above all else, Paku Itagaki knows how to deliver an entertaining story while sending a message. That’s why you enjoy the punches and the characters’ introspection at the same time, which is no easy feat. Whether for the mystery, the themes of the fights, after the end of Volume 1 you will need more of Sanda!
Personally, I plan to follow the manga. Let us know if you plan to give it a try too! The anime adaptation by Science SARU is also currently ongoing.
Sanda, Volume 1, by Paru Itagaki, published by Titan Manga
Disclaimer: Anime Corner received a digital copy of Sanda Vol. 1 in exchange for a review.
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