Description
Now an anime adaptation on Amazon Prime Video! From the creator of the best selling manga series - Beastars, Paru Itagaki!
Santa Claus is now in the crosshairs of his enemies, as Sanda leaves a trail of destruction and confusion in his wake with intense battles.
In Sanda Volume 3, the mystery around Ono Ichie's disappearance deepens - and Sanda's dual identity grows ever more unstable. As shrouded forces tighten their grip, Sanda finds himself increasingly unable to control when he transforms into his Santa Claus form - threatening not only his mission, but the fragile hope he carries. With Shiori by his side, he must confront sinister societal forces in a 2080 Japan where Christmas is myth and children are under strict governmental control.
Secrets from Sanda's heritage begin to surface, revealing ancient obligations that could reshape everything he thought he knew. Friendships are tested, loyalties strained, and the very essence of the lost "magic of Christmas" flickers on the edge of extinction. As conspiracy and danger swirl, the pair's emotional bond is tested like never before.
With parabolic tension building and supernatural stakes higher than ever, Volume 3 intensifies the series' blend of mystery, heart, and unreal wonder. And for fans new and returning: an animated adaptation by Studio Science Saru is set to premiere this October 2025, bringing this unique world to vivid life.
About the Author
Paru Itagaki is a talented manga artist and writer best known for her work on the popular series Beastars. Her distinct art style and deep storytelling have earned her a dedicated fanbase, with her works often exploring themes of identity, society, and personal growth. Itagaki steps into the world of adventure and mystery with Sanda, once again creating a story rich in emotional depth and fantastical elements.
Reviews
"Top 10 Must-Read Manga of 2025" Publishers Weekly
"Readers who love shonen action manga but tire of predictable formulas will be thrilled to find this in their stockings." Publishers Weekly
"It is memorable [...] with a unique concept and stunning visuals." KabOOOOOm
"I found the world-building interesting. The story is paced well. [...] I'm looking forward to volume 2! Verdict: Buy It" Behind The Manga
"A fun premise and a story that doesn't take itself too seriously. [...] Itagaki's signature illustrations evoke the large, expressive, round eyes of Tim Burton's haunting stop-motion animation." Booklist
"SANDA Vol. 1 by Paru Itagaki strikes a perfect balance between yuletide trappings and dystopian decline [...] to create an engaging first volume that's perfect for Christmas lovers who've lost some of their own innocence." Anime Atelier
"Most entertaining manga I've read in a while." The Digital Minute
"SANDA is a wonderful read; it is everything that I think a good manga or anime should be." Daniel MacKeith
"Sanda Vol. 1 is a sensational new-gen manga worth collecting." CBR
"With a mix of supernatural elements, heartfelt moments, and a nostalgic quest to restore childhood wonder, Sanda Vol. 1 [...] blends mystery, adventure, and emotional depth." CGMagazine
"It's about as [...] zany as you would expect from the very interesting mind of Paru Itagaki." Anime News Network
"Volume 1 of Sanda is pure Paru Itagaki: raw, experimental, and deeply strange. [...] Sanda is a refreshing break from formula, making it a MUST READ." The Kitsune Network
"The story explodes in more ways than one into a mash-up of the Tom Hanks movie Big and the Wednesday TV series. [...] A strange fantasy for older teens that will challenge your view of what makes a Christmas story." BORG
"SANDA does what Itagaki did so well in BEASTARS. [...] It's classic satire." Animanga
"The story is funny and fresh." The Wonder of Anime
"I honestly really enjoyed reading this. [...] Paru Itagaki's art is, as usual, extremely identifiable and expressive. It was an absolute joy to experience." Grimsabr
"The art style is unique and works so well with this story." My Wee Reads
"There wasn't a single time when I was bored with it. Paru Itagaki has created something that feels pretty unique, with some artwork that I find genuinely delightful in how boldly different it is." Trans Scribe
"Can't wait to read more of it in print." Kara Dennison
"I absolutely recommend reading this." Ginta1jm (TikTok)
"Paru Itagaki is on the nice list with Sanda, and I'm overjoyed to see the Christmas spirit coming this early! Put this on your manga to read list NOW! 5/5" Miso"
"Sanda [is] the gift that keeps on giving, from its insane bordering on psychotic characters, intriguing world building, and hilariously over-the-top interpretation of the Santa Claus mythos. Sanda is everything that we love about manga." Manga Mavericks
Book Information
ISBN 9781787747265
Author Paru Itagaki
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Titan Books Ltd
Publisher Titan Books Ltd
Series Sanda
Weight(grams) 369g
Santa Claus is now in the crosshairs of his enemies, as Sanda leaves a trail of destruction and confusion in his wake with intense battles.
In Sanda Volume 3, the mystery around Ono Ichie's disappearance deepens - and Sanda's dual identity grows ever more unstable. As shrouded forces tighten their grip, Sanda finds himself increasingly unable to control when he transforms into his Santa Claus form - threatening not only his mission, but the fragile hope he carries. With Shiori by his side, he must confront sinister societal forces in a 2080 Japan where Christmas is myth and children are under strict governmental control.
Secrets from Sanda's heritage begin to surface, revealing ancient obligations that could reshape everything he thought he knew. Friendships are tested, loyalties strained, and the very essence of the lost "magic of Christmas" flickers on the edge of extinction. As conspiracy and danger swirl, the pair's emotional bond is tested like never before.
With parabolic tension building and supernatural stakes higher than ever, Volume 3 intensifies the series' blend of mystery, heart, and unreal wonder. And for fans new and returning: an animated adaptation by Studio Science Saru is set to premiere this October 2025, bringing this unique world to vivid life.
About the Author
Paru Itagaki is a talented manga artist and writer best known for her work on the popular series Beastars. Her distinct art style and deep storytelling have earned her a dedicated fanbase, with her works often exploring themes of identity, society, and personal growth. Itagaki steps into the world of adventure and mystery with Sanda, once again creating a story rich in emotional depth and fantastical elements.
Reviews
"Top 10 Must-Read Manga of 2025" Publishers Weekly
"Readers who love shonen action manga but tire of predictable formulas will be thrilled to find this in their stockings." Publishers Weekly
"It is memorable [...] with a unique concept and stunning visuals." KabOOOOOm
"I found the world-building interesting. The story is paced well. [...] I'm looking forward to volume 2! Verdict: Buy It" Behind The Manga
"A fun premise and a story that doesn't take itself too seriously. [...] Itagaki's signature illustrations evoke the large, expressive, round eyes of Tim Burton's haunting stop-motion animation." Booklist
"SANDA Vol. 1 by Paru Itagaki strikes a perfect balance between yuletide trappings and dystopian decline [...] to create an engaging first volume that's perfect for Christmas lovers who've lost some of their own innocence." Anime Atelier
"Most entertaining manga I've read in a while." The Digital Minute
"SANDA is a wonderful read; it is everything that I think a good manga or anime should be." Daniel MacKeith
"Sanda Vol. 1 is a sensational new-gen manga worth collecting." CBR
"With a mix of supernatural elements, heartfelt moments, and a nostalgic quest to restore childhood wonder, Sanda Vol. 1 [...] blends mystery, adventure, and emotional depth." CGMagazine
"It's about as [...] zany as you would expect from the very interesting mind of Paru Itagaki." Anime News Network
"Volume 1 of Sanda is pure Paru Itagaki: raw, experimental, and deeply strange. [...] Sanda is a refreshing break from formula, making it a MUST READ." The Kitsune Network
"The story explodes in more ways than one into a mash-up of the Tom Hanks movie Big and the Wednesday TV series. [...] A strange fantasy for older teens that will challenge your view of what makes a Christmas story." BORG
"SANDA does what Itagaki did so well in BEASTARS. [...] It's classic satire." Animanga
"The story is funny and fresh." The Wonder of Anime
"I honestly really enjoyed reading this. [...] Paru Itagaki's art is, as usual, extremely identifiable and expressive. It was an absolute joy to experience." Grimsabr
"The art style is unique and works so well with this story." My Wee Reads
"There wasn't a single time when I was bored with it. Paru Itagaki has created something that feels pretty unique, with some artwork that I find genuinely delightful in how boldly different it is." Trans Scribe
"Can't wait to read more of it in print." Kara Dennison
"I absolutely recommend reading this." Ginta1jm (TikTok)
"Paru Itagaki is on the nice list with Sanda, and I'm overjoyed to see the Christmas spirit coming this early! Put this on your manga to read list NOW! 5/5" Miso"
"Sanda [is] the gift that keeps on giving, from its insane bordering on psychotic characters, intriguing world building, and hilariously over-the-top interpretation of the Santa Claus mythos. Sanda is everything that we love about manga." Manga Mavericks
Book Information
ISBN 9781787747265
Author Paru Itagaki
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Titan Books Ltd
Publisher Titan Books Ltd
Series Sanda
Weight(grams) 369g
