‘Sand Land: The Series’ To Feature New ‘The Angel Hero’s Arc’ Sequel Story Written By Akira Toriyama
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With its twenty-four year anniversary swiftly approaching, the upcoming Sand Land: The Series has confirmed that in addition to recounting the full events of Akira Toriyama’s obscure manga, it will also tell a direct sequel story conceived by the late series creator himself.
RELATED: ‘Dragon Ball’ Creator Akira Toriyama Passes Away At Age 68 From Reported Acute Subdural Hematoma
Making up the first six episode of the series, The Demon Prince arc will serve as a retelling of Beelzebub (CV: Mutsumi Tamura – Stigma in SHY) , Rao (CV: Kazuhiro Yamaji – Yamaji in Ninja Kamui), and Thief’s (CV: Cho – Oono in Under Ninja) original manga adventure, as portrayed in last summer’s Sand Land movie.
As revealed on March 4th via the series’ official website, Sand Land: The Series will consist of 13 episodes divided into two chapters, The Demon Prince and The Angel Hero, both named by Toriyama himself.
Notably, the anime version of events will feature the addition of both previously unreleased footage as well as completely new scenes.
Following this retelling, The Angel Hero’s arc will tell a brand new sequel story (translated via Deep L) “set in the country of Forest Land” wherein “Beelzebub and his friends will encounter new characters including mechanic Anne (CV: Mikako Komatsu – Senku Ishigami in Dr. Stone) and the heavenly angel Muniel (CV: Ayumu Murase – Shouyou Hinata in Haikyuu!!).
Alongside this news, the late Toriyama also released both a new illustration featuring Anne and Muniel as well as a short message reflecting on the history behind Sand Land: The Series‘ green lighting.
“The Sand Land Project started with a game and then progressed to an animation,” recalled the mangaka. “When I was first shown the character designs, I thought it was a game. As the project progressed, I thought, “What? I began to wonder if it was an animation, As the project progressed further, I began to think, ‘What? It was both!’ I remember being surprised.”
“To counter Dragon Ball which was a bit flashy, all of my short stories were about a small world and loose heroes, which is what I prefer,” he then acknowledged. “I have drawn only simple and peaceful stories with a small world and loose heroes, which is my preference. Sand Land is basically like that, but I guess they thought it would be too tough to make it an action piece, The animation staff added various flashy tricks to add a sense of gravitas to the production.”
From there, Toriyama delved into the aforementioned new characters Anne and Muriel, in particular his thought process behind their designs and their role in The Angel Hero’s arc.
“The synopsis we received consisted of several dramatic elements and dynamic developments from the very beginning. I proposed the setting and design of a new character, the Angel Muniel, as well as the design of Anne and other characters and episodes, and the sequel was completed,” said the series creator. “The dramatic development, which would not have been possible for me, a simple-minded person, was a fresh surprise.”
Signing off what would eventually be his last production comment ever, Toriyama concluded, “I am sure you will enjoy the new world view and powerful action. Beelzebub, Rao, and Thief meet new great adventures and new characters. Enjoy the exciting story of the terrifying energy ‘Aquanium’, It would really be great if you could take your time and feel the peace.”
The first seven episodes of Sand Land: The Series are currently on track to hit the road on March 20th via Hulu in the US and Disney Plus for international viewers.
The Angel Hero’s arc will then follow on March 27th, with the remaining episodes releasing on a weekly schedule every Wednesday.
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