In a world where Christmas no longer exists, who loves and cares for the children? What did Santa Claus, the mysterious being who gifted all good children presents on December 25, represent? What happens to a world without him?
These questions and more are explored in SANDA, the newest story from Paru Itagaki, the renowned creator of BEASTARS. SANDA is published in English by Titan Manga. What comes off as a wacky premise (a teenage kid who is the descendant of the Santa Claus?!) turns out to be a deeper dive into children’s role in society and what happens when their status is elevated.
About SANDA
Sanda Kazushige believes his classmate, Fuyumura Shiori, who is currently threatening to kill him with a knife, is actually in love with him. Following him around with a knife, being mean to him, it must be love, right? Fuyumura, though, couldn’t be less in love. She is actually trying to get Sanda to reveal his family curse that can save her friend, Ono Ichie. As Fuyumura uncovers Sanda’s curse, the two must work together to find Ono.
This curse isn’t the only strange thing going on. In Sanda and Fuyumura’s world, it’s 2080, and things are drastically different. Due to declining birth rates, children and their youth are “precious.” Adults respect them, and they can do no wrong. The academy Sanda and Furuyuma attend offer a “trauma-free” curriculum to further protect the children. Things are weird.
My Thoughts
Having watched BEASTARS, I knew there would be more under the surface of this story. There’s just no way Paru Itagaki gives you a story that doesn’t make a commentary, intentional or not, on society. And with SANDA, the commentary involving children and the treatment of children is glaring.
As a parent, children are something I think about often, especially their treatment as second-class citizens. In this first volume, it seems to me SANDA is scratching the surface at how children are treated in society, especially in an effort to “protect them.” Children are robbed of agency as a result. They are usually powerless against adults and the systems in which we live in.
So in comes this old guy, whose powers are to protect children; he can tell when they’re lying, and he has weird powers. And it seems like other adults don’t want him to exist? Oh yeah, I am locked in. Plus, the story is funny and fresh. It’s different enough to keep you interested, but it has a lot of predictable tropes we all enjoy.
This first volume is laying the groundwork for what I believe is going to be a thought-provoking story on children, and I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Where to Buy SANDA
SANDA Vol 1
Created By: Paru Itagaki
Translation: Motoko Tamamuro and Jonathan Clements
Lettering: Bensidi Ayoub
Editor: Louis Yamani
Designer: David Colderly
Publisher: Titan Manga
SANDA Vol 1 is available now.
Thank you, Titan Manga, for an advanced reviewer copy.
