Hope And Originality Are Just Two Reasons Why You Need To Watch ‘Sanda’
by Tito W. James
From Beastars creator Itagaki Paru and anime studio Science Saru comes a new rom-com battle shonen titled Sanda. Set in a near-future Japan where the birthrate is extremely low and children are overprotected, a young boy named Sanda gains the ability to turn into Santa Claus to give young people hope again.
I mention in my review for Rai Rai Rai that its source manga felt derivative of Chainsaw Man and Dan Da Dan. Sanda however, captures the mad-cap unpredictability of Chainsaw Man and Dan Da Dan while also adding its own unique charm. We’re treated to a twisted romantic comedy, a yazuka crime story, a sci-fi dystopia, and a henshin (transforming) superhero story — all under the umbrella of being loosely tied to Santa Claus lore.
It’s a testament to the creativity of Science Saru that they’ve made some of my favorite anime of all time: Devilman Crybaby, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and Dan Da Dan. Sanda easily joins that list of greatest hits. Itagaki Paru has created a wonderful cast of characters and I look forward to seeing more of her work.
This series came as a surprise to me and I hope more viewers will discover Sanda this holiday season.
Sanda is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
