Titan Releases First Trailer for Paru Itagaki’s Dystopian Thriller Sand
Titan Manga has officially released a trailer for SANDA, a manga series created by BEASTARS author Paru Itagaki. The trailer offers a first look into the futuristic world of the series, just ahead of the English release.
Originally set for September 2, Volume 1 of SANDA will now be released in English on September 9. Volume 2 is scheduled to follow on November 18. Fans can already pre-order the first volume from major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and Forbidden Planet.
What is SANDA About?
The story is set in a near-future Japan, where the birth rate has plummeted and children have become society’s most valued citizens. Christmas, once a beloved holiday, has faded into myth. In an attempt to protect youth, the government has artificially extended adolescence.
The plot follows Sanda Kazushige, a regular middle-schooler whose life takes a dramatic twist. When his classmate Fuyumura Shiori accuses him of being cursed and potentially linked to the disappearance of her friend Ono Ichie, the two set out to uncover the mystery. Along the way, they rediscover the long-lost magic of Christmas.
Themes of Friendship, Magic & Belief
As Sanda and Shiori dive deeper into the mystery, they face not only outside dangers but also emotional struggles. The story explores ideas of friendship, courage, belief, and the power of forgotten traditions, especially the holiday of Christmas.
Paru Itagaki first launched SANDA in July 2021 in Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine. The series concluded in July 2024, with 16 volumes published in total. A TV anime adaptation is already in the works and is set to premiere on October 3, animated by Science SARU, the same studio behind shows like Devilman Crybaby and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken.
Paru Itagaki is best known for her hit series BEASTARS, which ran from 2016 to 2020. The BEASTARS anime premiered globally on Netflix, gaining massive popularity. Its final season will air in two parts, with the second part expected in 2026.