Paru Itagaki, the visionary behind the acclaimed manga Beastars, has once again captivated the manga and anime world with her latest work, Sanda. While Beastars explored the complex relationships between anthropomorphic animals in a society grappling with prejudice and coexistence, Itagaki’s Sanda delves into a future where a seemingly ordinary middle school student discovers he is the descendant of Santa Claus and is targeted because of a mysterious curse. This new series, which has recently concluded its manga run, is already generating buzz for its unique blend of action, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural, drawing comparisons to the symbiote-driven world of Venom.
A Departure From Anthropomorphic Worlds
Beastars was renowned for its intricate portrayal of a world populated by anthropomorphic animals, complete with their own social structures and biases. Itagaki masterfully used this setting to explore themes of prejudice, identity, and the challenges of adolescence. In contrast, Sanda takes place in a future where the birth rate in Japan is declining rapidly, and while not featuring anthropomorphic animals, it still contains Itagaki’s signature blend of the bizarre and the deeply human. The series focuses on Kazushige Sanda, a seemingly average middle schooler whose life takes a sharp turn when his classmate, Shiori Fuyumura, reveals he is a descendant of Santa Claus.
The “Venom” Twist: A Symbiotic Relationship?
The “Venom” twist in Sanda isn’t about a parasitic alien, but a similarly transformative and potentially dangerous power. Sanda discovers that he can change into a Santa Claus-like figure, complete with enhanced abilities, by wearing red or having his body “seal” broken. This transformation is triggered by external factors, much like the symbiote in Venom, and is not fully under Sanda’s control. The series also alludes to a “curse” that Sanda carries, a mysterious element that could draw parallels with the unpredictable nature of the symbiote and its effects on Eddie Brock. The ability to switch between his ordinary form and his Santa Claus persona by eating jellybeans adds a peculiar and unique element to this transformation.
Sanda’s Plot: Mystery and Action Combined
The plot of Sanda revolves around Fuyumura’s belief that Sanda’s transformation is the key to finding her missing classmate, Ono Ichie. Fuyumura, who initially threatens Sanda with a kitchen knife, suspects that Sanda’s “curse” and Santa Claus lineage are connected to the disappearance. This sets the stage for a compelling mystery that is intertwined with action sequences, as Sanda and Fuyumura investigate the truth behind Ichie’s disappearance while confronting various threats.
From Manga to Anime
The Sanda manga, which ran in Weekly Shonen Champion from July 2021 to July 2024, has been compiled into 16 volumes. The series has garnered significant attention, and an anime adaptation by Science Saru is slated to premiere in the fall of 2025. This news has excited fans who have been eager to see more of Itagaki’s work brought to life on screen. This adaptation follows the success of the Beastars anime, which was also critically acclaimed for its unique animation style and faithful adaptation of the manga.
Paru Itagaki’s Unique Style
Paru Itagaki is known for her distinctive art style, characterized by expressive characters and dynamic action scenes. Her work often delves into the complexities of human relationships, and she is not afraid to tackle darker themes. This is evident in both Beastars and Sanda. Itagaki’s ability to blend fantastical elements with real-world issues has made her a favorite among manga enthusiasts. Furthermore, Itagaki’s style is heavily inspired by Disney movies and artists like Nicolas de Crécy and Egon Schiele, contributing to the unique look and feel of her works.
More Than Just Beastars
While Beastars brought Itagaki widespread recognition and several awards, her body of work extends beyond this beloved series. She has created other notable series, such as Beast Complex, a short story collection which predates Beastars, Paruno Graffiti, an autobiographical manga, and Drip Drip. These works highlight her versatility as a storyteller and her willingness to experiment with different genres and themes. Her latest work, Taika’s Reason, introduces a world of humanized pets and explores the social issues stemming from it.
Themes and Influences
Itagaki’s mangas often explore social commentary with a touch of the surreal. Beastars tackled issues of prejudice and societal structures, while Sanda examines the impact of a declining birth rate and the search for hope in a bleak future. These elements, coupled with action and mystery, create narratives that are both engaging and thought-provoking.
A Family of Mangakas
Itagaki’s passion for manga is deeply rooted in her family background. Her father is none other than Keisuke Itagaki, the renowned creator of the martial arts manga series Grappler Baki. This family legacy adds another layer of intrigue to Paru Itagaki’s career and is evident in her dedication to her craft. The influence of her father’s work can be subtly seen in her dynamic action sequences and ability to create unique and compelling characters.
Looking Ahead
With the anime adaptation of Sanda on the horizon and her other works gaining traction, Paru Itagaki continues to solidify her status as one of the most innovative and exciting manga artists of our time. Her ability to weave complex narratives with distinctive art and compelling characters ensures that her work will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. The “Venom” twist in Sanda, while not a direct parallel, showcases Itagaki’s talent for drawing from various genres and creating a unique and compelling storyline that will undoubtedly keep viewers and readers engaged.
