Available November 18
Seeing Paru Itagaki follow the success of BEASTARS with the success of SANDA has been delightful. Her father, Baki the Grappler creator Keisuke Itagaki, recently praised her work publicly and added that the character of Legoshi will keep her fed for life. Volume 2 of Santa-centric fighting manga SANDA shows Itagaki has plenty of strong stories left in her. And this second volume drives home that this manga isn't just about a gimmick: there's a lot of story to tell here.
The series takes place in a future where youth isn't celebrated so much as it is jealously guarded. The extremes to which this is taken become more evident in these new chapters. Too, we get a closer look at the character of Shiori, whose quest to find her missing-presumed-dead friend kicked off Sanda's "curse" and this whole adventure. The true nature of Shiori and Ichie's relationship begins to come to light, presenting yet another facet of this hypothetical future's view of youth and coming of age.
Itagaki's art style is really magnificent, and her character designs have an almost gothic vibe to them. They're rough and emotional, and the young cast looks simultaneously childlike and weary. Naturally it's great for action scenes, but this run of chapters also lets the art shine in quieter, more personal moments.
Whether you're watching the anime adaptation as it airs or are completely new to the title, I do very much recommend SANDA. The anime stays very true to the art style, but there's something visceral about Itagaki's work on the printed page.
TEA PAIRING: Gingerbread Bookshop
Christmas and Santa may no longer be a thing for the kids of SANDA, but they're doing their best to bring that magic back. Gingerbread Bookshop is a limited-edition holiday tea from Chapters that fits that festive vibe perfectly. Use my code KARA15 at checkout for 15% off your order!
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