Description
Description
"Top 10 Must-Read Manga of 2025" - Publishers Weekly Now an anime adaptation on Amazon Prime Video! From the creator of the best selling manga series - Beastars, Paru Itagaki! Join Sanda and Shiori on an unforgettable journey to restore the magic of Christmas, uncovering secrets, friendship, and adventure in a future Japan. In a near-future Japan, Christmas has faded into myth, and the birth rate has dropped so dramatically that children are now the most precious commodity. Society has artificially extended adolescence to preserve their youth, and traditional holidays, like Christmas, are a mere legend of the past. Volume 1 of Sanda introduces Sanda Kazushige, a middle-school student who unexpectedly becomes entangled in a strange and dangerous mystery. When his classmate, Fuyumura Shiori, accuses him of carrying a curse that could help find her missing friend, Ono Ichie, Sanda's life takes a dramatic turn. Together, they embark on an incredible adventure to unravel the truth behind Ichie's disappearance and uncover the hidden magic of Christmas itself. As they delve deeper into the mystery, the duo faces external threats and internal challenges--questions about loyalty, courage, and the power of belief. Along the way, they confront the true meaning of friendship, trust, and the possibility of magic in a world that has all but forgotten it. With a mix of supernatural elements, heartfelt moments, and a nostalgic quest to restore childhood wonder, Sanda Volume 1 kicks off a sixteen-volume saga blending mystery, adventure, and emotional depth. The series is also being adapted into an anime, so fans can dive further into the world of Sanda.
About the Author
About the Author
Paru Itagaki is a talented manga artist and writer best known for her work on the popular series Beastars. Her distinct art style and deep storytelling have earned her a dedicated fanbase, with her works often exploring themes of identity, society, and personal growth. Itagaki steps into the world of adventure and mystery with Sanda, once again creating a story rich in emotional depth and fantastical elements.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"Top 10 Must-Read Manga of 2025" Publishers Weekly "Readers who love shonen action manga but tire of predictable formulas will be thrilled to find this in their stockings." Publishers Weekly "It is memorable [...] with a unique concept and stunning visuals." KabOOOOOm "I found the world-building interesting. The story is paced well. [...] I'm looking forward to volume 2! Verdict: Buy It" Behind The Manga "A fun premise and a story that doesn't take itself too seriously. [...] Itagaki's signature illustrations evoke the large, expressive, round eyes of Tim Burton's haunting stop-motion animation." Booklist "SANDA Vol. 1 by Paru Itagaki strikes a perfect balance between yuletide trappings and dystopian decline [...] to create an engaging first volume that's perfect for Christmas lovers who've lost some of their own innocence." Anime Atelier "Most entertaining manga I've read in a while." The Digital Minute "SANDA is a wonderful read; it is everything that I think a good manga or anime should be." Daniel MacKeith "Sanda Vol. 1 is a sensational new-gen manga worth collecting." CBR
"With a mix of supernatural elements, heartfelt moments, and a nostalgic quest to restore childhood wonder, Sanda Vol. 1 [...] blends mystery, adventure, and emotional depth." CGMagazine "It's about as [...] zany as you would expect from the very interesting mind of Paru Itagaki." Anime News Network "Volume 1 of Sanda is pure Paru Itagaki: raw, experimental, and deeply strange. [...] Sanda is a refreshing break from formula, making it a MUST READ." The Kitsune Network "The story explodes in more ways than one into a mash-up of the Tom Hanks movie Big and the Wednesday TV series. [...] A strange fantasy for older teens that will challenge your view of what makes a Christmas story." BORG "SANDA does what Itagaki did so well in BEASTARS. [...] It's classic satire." Animanga "The story is funny and fresh." The Wonder of Anime "I honestly really enjoyed reading this. [...] Paru Itagaki's art is, as usual, extremely identifiable and expressive. It was an absolute joy to experience." Grimsabr "The art style is unique and works so well with this story." My Wee Reads "There wasn't a single time when I was bored with it. Paru Itagaki has created something that feels pretty unique, with some artwork that I find genuinely delightful in how boldly different it is." Trans Scribe "Can't wait to read more of it in print." Kara Dennison "I absolutely recommend reading this." Ginta1jm (TikTok) "Paru Itagaki is on the nice list with Sanda, and I'm overjoyed to see the Christmas spirit coming this early! Put this on your manga to read list NOW! 5/5" Miso" "Sanda [is] the gift that keeps on giving, from its insane bordering on psychotic characters, intriguing world building, and hilariously over-the-top interpretation of the Santa Claus mythos. Sanda is everything that we love about manga." Manga Mavericks "Paru Itagaki knows how to deliver an entertaining story while sending a message. [...] Whether for the mystery, the themes of the fights, after the end of Volume 1, you will need more of Sanda!" Anime Corner "It's a coming-of-age story in which the titular character is caught between accepting adulthood as Santa Claus and experiencing his own adolescence as a teen without completely losing himself. I can't wait to see where this series goes." Strict Algorithm "If you're looking for some zany antics and a Santa Clause that kicks butt, look no further than Sanda!" Maple Leaf Manga
"With a mix of supernatural elements, heartfelt moments, and a nostalgic quest to restore childhood wonder, Sanda Vol. 1 [...] blends mystery, adventure, and emotional depth." CGMagazine "It's about as [...] zany as you would expect from the very interesting mind of Paru Itagaki." Anime News Network "Volume 1 of Sanda is pure Paru Itagaki: raw, experimental, and deeply strange. [...] Sanda is a refreshing break from formula, making it a MUST READ." The Kitsune Network "The story explodes in more ways than one into a mash-up of the Tom Hanks movie Big and the Wednesday TV series. [...] A strange fantasy for older teens that will challenge your view of what makes a Christmas story." BORG "SANDA does what Itagaki did so well in BEASTARS. [...] It's classic satire." Animanga "The story is funny and fresh." The Wonder of Anime "I honestly really enjoyed reading this. [...] Paru Itagaki's art is, as usual, extremely identifiable and expressive. It was an absolute joy to experience." Grimsabr "The art style is unique and works so well with this story." My Wee Reads "There wasn't a single time when I was bored with it. Paru Itagaki has created something that feels pretty unique, with some artwork that I find genuinely delightful in how boldly different it is." Trans Scribe "Can't wait to read more of it in print." Kara Dennison "I absolutely recommend reading this." Ginta1jm (TikTok) "Paru Itagaki is on the nice list with Sanda, and I'm overjoyed to see the Christmas spirit coming this early! Put this on your manga to read list NOW! 5/5" Miso" "Sanda [is] the gift that keeps on giving, from its insane bordering on psychotic characters, intriguing world building, and hilariously over-the-top interpretation of the Santa Claus mythos. Sanda is everything that we love about manga." Manga Mavericks "Paru Itagaki knows how to deliver an entertaining story while sending a message. [...] Whether for the mystery, the themes of the fights, after the end of Volume 1, you will need more of Sanda!" Anime Corner "It's a coming-of-age story in which the titular character is caught between accepting adulthood as Santa Claus and experiencing his own adolescence as a teen without completely losing himself. I can't wait to see where this series goes." Strict Algorithm "If you're looking for some zany antics and a Santa Clause that kicks butt, look no further than Sanda!" Maple Leaf Manga
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
Titan Manga
Pub date:
2025-09-09
Length:
208 pages
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