Anime fans have a new reason to be excited as Paru Itagaki, the acclaimed author of Beastars, is bringing another of her works to the screen. Itagaki’s Sanda, a manga that concluded in July 2024, will be adapted into an anime set to debut in Fall 2025. The series will be produced by Science Saru, the studio known for its work on titles such as Space Dandy and Devilman Crybaby.
Confirmed Staff for ‘Sanda’ Anime Adaptation
The official website for Sanda’s anime adaptation has confirmed key production staff. Tomohisa Shimoyama, known for his work on Tiger & Bunny, will direct the series. Kimiko Ueno will oversee the scripts and series composition, while Tomoyuki Tanaka is responsible for the music. Masanobu Ishiyama will handle character design.
The anime will feature a notable voice cast, with Ayumu Murase voicing Mita Kazushige and Hiroki Tochi voicing Santa Claus. Additional cast members will be announced closer to the anime’s release.
Sanda Manga Wraps Up After 100 Chapters
Sanda, the original manga, began serialization in Weekly Shonen Champion in July 2021 and wrapped up in July 2024 with a total of 100 chapters. The manga, which has been compiled into 16 volumes, has seen moderate success, with estimates suggesting sales in the 1 to 2 million range. The upcoming anime adaptation is expected to boost sales significantly, attracting a new audience and rekindling interest in the original manga.
A Follow-Up to Beastars’ Success
Itagaki’s Beastars has already made a significant impact in both the manga and anime worlds. The Beastars anime received widespread acclaim for its mature storytelling and innovative blend of anthropomorphic characters and real-world issues. The final season of Beastars began airing in December 2024, with the second half of the season expected in 2025. The anime’s success has solidified Itagaki’s reputation as a leading storyteller in the anime industry.
The Beastars manga, which ran from 2016 to 2020, sold over 7.5 million copies globally, cementing its place as one of the most successful contemporary manga series.
What to Expect from ‘Sanda’
While Sanda shares some thematic elements with Beastars, it promises to offer a unique narrative. Set in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist, the manga follows the story of Sanda, a mysterious figure at the center of complex political intrigue and social conflicts. Fans of Itagaki’s work can expect a blend of dark themes, social commentary, and rich character development when the anime adaptation finally premieres.
With the release date set for Fall 2025, Sanda is poised to become another major success for Paru Itagaki, further expanding her influence in the anime industry.
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