Wondering where the Sand Land anime ends in the manga and what to watch next? You’re not alone; many fans are confused about the different versions of Akira Toriyama’s classic story. This creates a challenge when trying to figure out the correct viewing order.
The Sand Land anime series fully adapts the original manga within its first 6 episodes, known as “The Prince of Fiends” arc. The story of the manga concludes at the end of Episode 6, which corresponds directly to the final chapter, Chapter 14. The series then continues with an all-new, anime-original story from Episode 7 onwards.
Based on a detailed analysis of the franchise, this guide provides the definitive episode-to-chapter breakdown. You’ll discover exactly how the movie and series differ, what the new anime-original sequel is about, and where to officially watch and read everything to experience the full story.
Key Facts
- Complete Adaptation: The first six episodes of the Sand Land: The Series anime adapt all 14 chapters of Akira Toriyama’s original 2000 manga.
- Canonical Sequel: The anime features an original sequel arc, “The Angelic Heroes,” with a new story conceived by Akira Toriyama himself, making it a canonical continuation.
- Movie vs. Series: The first part of the series is an extended recut of the 2023 Sand Land movie, including new and expanded scenes for the episodic format.
- Single Volume Manga: The source material is a short, self-contained story published as a single volume (tankobon), telling a complete tale with a definitive ending.
- Official Streaming: The series is a streaming exclusive, available on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in most international regions as of 2026.
Where Does the Sand Land Anime End in the Manga?
The Sand Land anime adapts the entire original manga by the end of Episode 6, “The Fiend Beelzebub.” This episode covers the events of the final chapters (12-14), concluding the story arc known as “The Prince of Fiends.” If you have read all 14 chapters of the manga, you have experienced the entire story covered in these first six episodes.
This direct adaptation means that starting from Episode 7, the series moves into completely new territory not found in the original manga published by Shueisha. The original net animation (ONA) was specifically designed to both faithfully adapt Akira Toriyama’s beloved work and expand upon it with a brand-new, creator-supervised story. This structure provides a complete experience for both longtime fans of the manga and newcomers.
For a clear breakdown, here is a detailed table mapping the anime episodes to their corresponding manga chapters. This visual guide definitively shows how the “Prince of Fiends” arc aligns with the source material before transitioning to the anime-original “Angelic Heroes” arc.
| Anime Arc | Episode Number | Episode Title | Corresponding Manga Chapters | Key Plot Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Prince of Fiends | Episode 1 | “Departure” | Chapters 1-2 | Beelzebub agrees to help Rao; the group sets off. |
| The Prince of Fiends | Episode 2 | “The Royal Army’s Secret” | Chapters 3-4 | Encounter with the Royal Army; hints of water conspiracy. |
| The Prince of Fiends | Episode 3 | “A Legend” | Chapters 5-6 | Journey continues; facing desert dangers and creatures. |
| The Prince of Fiends | Episode 4 | “Beyond the Sandstorm” | Chapters 7-8 | The group acquires a tank; confronting General Are. |
| The Prince of Fiends | Episode 5 | “The Flying Fortress” | Chapters 9-11 | Infiltrating the fortress; discovering the truth about the dam. |
| The Prince of Fiends | Episode 6 | “The Fiend Beelzebub” | Chapters 12-14 | Final confrontation with Supreme Commander Zeu; finding the Phantom Lake. |
| The Angelic Heroes | Episode 7 | “Onward to a New Adventure!” | Anime-Original Content | Introduction to Ann and the “Forest Land” mystery. |
What is the Anime-Original ‘Forest Land’ Arc?
The ‘Forest Land’ arc is a new, anime-original story that serves as a direct sequel to the Sand Land manga. It begins with Episode 7 of the series. This story arc, also known as “The Angelic Heroes,” was conceived and written by the original creator, Akira Toriyama, before his passing, making it a canonical continuation of his work. It is not “filler” but rather a posthumous new story from the master himself.
This is a significant point of information gain for fans. Unlike many anime-original stories that are created by a studio to pad out a series, the “Angelic Heroes” arc comes directly from Toriyama. He provided the plot and designed the new characters, including Ann and the angel Muniel. This creative involvement gives the arc the same canonical weight as the original manga, effectively making it the official sequel that never existed in manga form. The story takes Beelzebub and his companions beyond the desert wasteland setting into a new nation with its own unique problems.
What Are the Key Features of the ‘Angelic Heroes’ Arc?
The “Angelic Heroes” arc significantly expands the world of Sand Land. Based on our analysis of the episodes, here are the core elements that define this new adventure:
- New Setting: The story moves from the familiar desert to “Forest Land,” a lush, green nation to the north. However, this seemingly idyllic country is facing its own dire crisis related to a resource called “Aquanium.”
- New Characters: The arc introduces two central new figures. Ann is a determined and skilled mechanic from Forest Land who seeks out the “fiends” for help. Muniel is a charismatic but sinister angel from Heaven who serves as the arc’s primary antagonist.
- New Conflict: The central plot revolves around Muniel’s plan to use Forest Land’s resources for his own destructive purposes, creating a new water crisis. This thematically links back to the original manga’s conflict over the Phantom Lake.
- Expanded World-Building: Viewers learn about the political structure of other nations, the role of angels in the world, and see Beelzebub apply his fiendish powers to new and different challenges.
What Is the Difference Between the Sand Land Movie and Series?
The first six episodes of Sand Land: The Series are an extended recut of the Sand Land movie released in 2023. If you have watched the movie, you have already seen the entire story of the manga. You can safely skip to Episode 7 of the series to begin the new “Forest Land” arc.
While both the movie and the series’ first arc tell the same story, there are slight differences in their presentation. The animation, produced by a collaboration of Sunrise Studio, Kamikaze Douga, and ANIMA, is largely the same. However, the series format allowed the creators to add some new footage and extend certain sequences to better fit the episodic pacing. These additions offer a bit more character interaction and a slightly more fleshed-out narrative, but they do not change the core plot.
Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide which version is right for you:
| Feature | Sand Land: The Movie (2023) | Sand Land: The Series (Episodes 1-6) |
|---|---|---|
| Content Covered | Adapts all 14 chapters of the manga | Adapts all 14 chapters of the manga |
| Format | Single ~106-minute theatrical film | 6 television episodes (~24 mins each) |
| Pacing | Faster, cinematic pacing | Slower, episodic pacing with clear breaks |
| Exclusive Scenes | None | Contains several new and extended scenes to flesh out the story and improve pacing for TV |
| Recommendation | Watch for a concise, film-like experience. | Watch if you prefer episodic viewing or want to see every piece of animated content. |
Where Can You Officially Watch and Read Sand Land?
The Sand Land anime series is a streaming exclusive, available on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ in most other international regions. To find the official source material and other parts of the franchise, here is your guide:
- Anime: The complete 13-episode series, including both “The Prince of Fiends” and “The Angelic Heroes” arcs, can be streamed on Hulu (U.S.) and Disney+ (International).
- Manga: The original single-volume manga containing all 14 chapters is published in English by Viz Media. It is widely available for purchase from major book retailers.
- Video Game: The Sand Land action RPG, which adapts the story of both the manga and the anime’s sequel arc, is available for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam.
FAQs About where does the sand land anime end in the manga
Is there a Sand Land manga sequel?
No, the original Sand Land manga is a single, complete volume with no official manga sequel. The story concludes in Chapter 14. The anime-original “Angelic Heroes” arc, with a story concept by Akira Toriyama, serves as the only canonical continuation of the story, but it exists exclusively in the animated format.
Is the Sand Land game the same story?
The Sand Land game adapts the entire story of both the manga and the anime, and then expands on it further. Players will experience the “Prince of Fiends” arc (the manga story) and the “Angelic Heroes” arc (the anime sequel), plus additional game-exclusive content, quests, and world-building elements, making it the most comprehensive version of the story.
How many chapters are in the Sand Land manga?
The Sand Land manga is a short series collected into a single volume (tankobon) containing a total of 14 chapters. It was originally serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 2000 and tells a complete, self-contained story about the search for the Phantom Lake.
Is Sand Land canon to Dragon Ball?
No, Sand Land is not canon to the Dragon Ball universe. It is a completely separate, standalone story with its own unique world and characters. While both were created by Akira Toriyama and share his signature art style, there are no narrative connections between the two franchises. Fiends in Sand Land are distinct from demons in Dragon Ball.
Who is Ann in Sand Land?
Ann is a new, anime-original character introduced in the “Angelic Heroes” arc, starting in Episode 7. She is a skilled mechanic from the nation of Forest Land who travels to Sand Land to seek the help of Beelzebub and his friends to save her homeland. Her character was designed by Akira Toriyama for the new anime sequel.
Can I skip the first 6 episodes of the Sand Land series if I saw the movie?
Yes, you can absolutely skip the first six episodes of the series if you have already watched the Sand Land movie. The movie and the first six episodes cover the exact same story from the manga. You can start watching from Episode 7, “Onward to a New Adventure!”, to begin the new, anime-exclusive “Forest Land” arc without missing any plot.
How does the Sand Land manga end?
The Sand Land manga ends with Beelzebub, Rao, and Thief successfully finding the legendary Phantom Lake. After defeating Supreme Commander Zeu and revealing the King’s conspiracy to hoard water, they destroy the dam, restoring water to the river and bringing life back to the country. The final chapter shows the land beginning to recover and the heroes parting ways.
What happens after the Sand Land manga?
Directly after the manga’s conclusion, the story is continued in the anime’s “Angelic Heroes” arc (Episodes 7-13). This new story, conceived by Akira Toriyama, sees Beelzebub and his friends being recruited by a new character, Ann, to travel to the neighboring nation of Forest Land and deal with a new crisis orchestrated by an angel named Muniel.
Is Sand Land worth watching?
Yes, Sand Land is highly recommended, especially for fans of Akira Toriyama’s work. The series is praised for its charming characters, unique world-building, and Toriyama’s signature blend of action and humor. The adaptation is faithful to the manga while the new arc provides a welcome, canonical extension of the story.
Why did Sand Land get an anime now?
Sand Land received an anime as part of a larger multimedia project, known as the “Sand Land Project,” which also includes the video game. The renewed interest is due to the enduring popularity of Akira Toriyama’s work and the desire to expand upon the beloved but short manga, giving it the comprehensive adaptation and sequel it never received in the 2000s.
Key Takeaways: Sand Land Anime & Manga Summary
- Anime Adapts Manga in 6 Episodes: The Sand Land anime’s first arc, “The Prince of Fiends,” fully covers all 14 chapters of the original manga, concluding at Episode 6.
Anime Features a Canon Sequel: The second arc, “The Angelic Heroes” (Episodes 7-13), is an anime-original story. Crucially, its story and new characters were created by Akira Toriyama, making it a canonical continuation, not filler.
The Manga is a Complete, Single Volume: Akira Toriyama’s original Sand Land manga from 2000 is a self-contained story. There is no official manga sequel; the story continues only in the anime and game.
Movie vs. Series: The 2023 Sand Land movie is a cinematic version of the manga’s story. The first 6 episodes of the series are a recut of this movie with some additional scenes. If you’ve seen the movie, you can start the series at Episode 7.
Official Streaming on Hulu/Disney+: The anime series is exclusively available on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ in most international territories. The manga is officially published in English by Viz Media.
Final Thoughts on Sand Land’s Adaptation
Navigating the Sand Land franchise can be surprisingly complex for a story that started as a short, 14-chapter manga. However, the modern adaptation has been thoughtfully constructed to honor the original while building upon it in a meaningful way. You now have a clear roadmap to the entire saga.
The key is understanding that the anime provides the complete narrative. It faithfully adapts the original manga and then delivers a canonical sequel straight from Akira Toriyama’s mind. For fans who have only read the manga, the anime offers a fantastic new adventure. For those who have seen the movie, the journey continues in Episode 7. By following this guide, you can confidently experience every part of this charming, action-packed world without missing a beat.
Last update on 2026-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
