The world lost a titan of creativity and imagination on March 1, 2024, when SAND LAND creator Akira Toriyama passed away at the age of 68. The news sent shockwaves through the anime, manga, and gaming communities as fans worldwide mourned the loss of a legendary creator who had shaped their childhoods and inspired their dreams. Toriyama’s influence on pop culture is immeasurable, with his iconic series’ like SAND LAND and Dragon Ball standing as some of the most beloved and impactful franchises of all time.
Even before I knew what anime or manga were as art forms, I managed to find the original Dragon Ball series on YTV and watched it religiously. It was one of the first animated series that I made sure never to miss a single episode, and even when on trips or doing things with family, I would find a way to catch the latest episodes to see how Goku and friends would find all the mythical balls, and finally summon the dragon. I have since watched or read most of the things Akira Toriyama has had some part in creating, with his work serving as a major gateway into the world of animation.
Even as the world was shocked and devastated by the loss, one of his works was ready to make a splash in 2024 in a big way. SAND LAND has been adapted into an anime series and video game, offering fans one of the last opportunities to experience Toriyama’s storytelling magic. SAND LAND represents a fitting capstone to Toriyama’s illustrious career, showcasing his trademark humour, inventive world-building, and dynamic character designs in a very unique way.
“Toriyama’s influence on pop culture is immeasurable, with his iconic series’ like SAND LAND and Dragon Ball standing as some of the most beloved and impactful franchises of all time.”
For those who have not yet watched the series or read the manga, the SAND LAND story takes place in a post-apocalyptic desert world where water is scarce and demons coexist with humans. The protagonist, a pink demon named Beelzebub, embarks on a quest with his human companions to find the legendary Phantom Lake and end the drought that plagues the land. It’s a classic Toriyama setup, blending high-stakes adventure with whimsical comedy and memorable characters, and despite the off mix of Mad Max and Dragon Ball, it works and carries forward the charm Toriyama is known for.
The SAND LAND anime adaptation, currently airing on Hulu and Disney+, brings Toriyama’s vibrant vision to life with the same flair and energy that made Dragon Ball a global phenomenon. Meanwhile, the video game, developed by ILCA Inc. and published by Bandai Namco, is set to allow players to explore the world of SAND LAND firsthand, customizing vehicles and engaging in fast-paced combat across the sprawling desert landscape. CGM writer Zubi Khan enjoyed what the series brought to the table, with that sentiment being universal, looking over critic and audience reviews of the series so far.
Honestly, it was the game from Bandai that first introduced me to SAND LAND. I got to see it at Summer Game Fest 2023, and I was impressed at how interesting everything was. The mix of RPG elements, expansive world-building, and vehicles made it seem like it would be overwhelmed by too many concepts, but strangely enough, it worked. The characters felt memorable and enjoyable and managed to capture the whimsy Toriyama brought to all his work. The art style was instantly iconic as something Akira Toriyama had a hand in creating, and the characters had a charm to them that made me want to know more about their backstories and the world they call home.
It’s a bittersweet moment for fans, knowing that this will be one of the last times we experience a new Toriyama story in multiple mediums. But it’s also a testament to the enduring power of his creativity and the dedication of the teams working to honour his legacy. SAND LAND may not have the same industry-changing impact as Dragon Ball—yet—but it represents a labour of love from a creator who never stopped pushing the boundaries of his art. It is exciting to know that both the game and anime will be the first time the SAND LAND world and characters will be expanded on by Toriyama himself, going beyond what was in the manga, something I am sure fans will be eager to experience.
“It is exciting to know that both the game and anime will be the first time the SAND LAND world and characters will be expanded on by Toriyama himself, going beyond what was in the manga…”
It’s impossible to discuss Toriyama’s impact without diving into the cultural phenomenon that is Dragon Ball. The series, which began as a manga in 1984 and spawned multiple anime adaptations, movies, and video games, redefined the shonen genre and set the template for countless imitators to follow. From the iconic character designs to the epic battles and transformative power-ups, Dragon Ball’s DNA can be found in nearly every action-oriented anime and manga that followed in its wake.
But Dragon Ball was more than just a trailblazer for its genre; it was a global cultural shift that transcended the boundaries of anime and manga fandom. Goku, the series’ protagonist, became a household name, and his spiky hair and orange gi instantly made him recognizable to millions worldwide. The series’ themes of perseverance, friendship, and the power of hard work resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making Dragon Ball a truly universal story. As I said, it was my first introduction to anime, and while Dragon Ball is bananas, it also has a core essence that makes it endearing, even beyond anime fans.
Toriyama’s influence extended far beyond the pages of manga and the scenes of anime. He was also a prolific character designer for video games, lending his distinct style to beloved franchises like Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger. His involvement elevated these games from mere RPGs to true works of art, with character designs that were instantly iconic and unforgettable. Even before I knew how much impact he had on gaming, I had played many of his early entries, and I can remember looking at magazines talking about games he had contributed to and hoping I could one day experience them if I only owned an SNES.
“As long as there are young artists drawing their first manga pages, aspiring animators bringing their visions to life, and gamers exploring new worlds, Akira Toriyama’s spirit will endure.”
In many ways, Toriyama was the perfect ambassador for the fusion of anime, manga, and gaming culture. His work bridged the gap between these mediums, demonstrating the power of a singular creative vision to shape multiple industries. He was a master of his craft, equally adept at crafting epic sagas and silly gag comics, and his influence can be felt in every corner of the pop culture landscape. He managed to build worlds that could go beyond fandom and be something anyone can latch onto and enjoy. I can not count how many people I know who will openly admit they hate anime but still, to this day, will watch an episode of Dragon Ball Z if it ever pops on TV.
Now that a few of the anime episodes have been released and the game’s launch is fast approaching, SAND LAND, while lesser-known, still represents the kind of passion project that Toriyama poured his heart and soul into. It’s a reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that even the most successful artists never stop chasing their dreams. Toriyama’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched with his work, the generations of fans who grew up watching Goku’s adventures, playing Dragon Quest, and dreaming of their own fantastical worlds.
SAND LAND may be one of Toriyama’s final gifts to his fans, but it’s far from the end of his story. As long as there are young artists drawing their first manga pages, aspiring animators bringing their visions to life, and gamers exploring new worlds, Akira Toriyama’s spirit will endure. He may be gone, but his impact on pop culture will never fade, and for that, we are forever grateful.
So, let us celebrate the life and work of Akira Toriyama, the legendary storyteller who changed the face of anime, manga, and gaming forever. Let us embrace SAND LAND as a fitting tribute to his creative genius, and let us carry his legacy forward, knowing that as long as we keep dreaming, the spirit of Dragon Ball and others will never die.
Thank you, Toriyama-sensei, for everything.
