Sanda [Season 1 Episode 6]

If you thought Sanda was holding back before, Episode 6 throws all caution to the wind. Titled “Santa Regains His Power but Faces Principal Oshibu’s Superhuman Strength,” this installment is a perfect mix of heart-pounding action and emotional gut punches that’ll leave you reaching for the manga (or at least counting down the days till next week). Produced by Science SARU—the studio behind cult hits like Devilman Crybaby—it’s clear why fans are calling this episode the “peak” of the series so far.

Let’s dive into the fight first, because it’s impossible to ignore. Sanda finally regains his Santa powers, and as fans quickly pointed out, they work like Elf rules: the more kids believe in him, the stronger he gets. Cue an epic showdown with Principal Oshibu, a villain who’s equal parts creepy and compelling. Oshibu’s backstory is wild—he’s a cyborg who’s undergone so many plastic surgeries and body modifications that there’s barely any of his original self left. His obsession with stopping kids from growing up (and staying young forever) drives his superhuman strength, but it also makes him a tragic figure. The fight scenes are chaotic in the best way: Sanda’s makeshift Santa suit glows with power as he throws punches that send shockwaves through the room, while Oshibu moves with uncanny speed for someone his age—his cyborg limbs creaking as he dodges and counterattacks. Fans couldn’t get over the moment Oshibu’s eyeball popped out mid-fight; it’s a grotesque but memorable detail that highlights just how far he’s gone to defy aging. And when Sanda yells “Santa Claus has come to town” right before landing a final blow? That’s the kind of line that’ll have you cheering out loud.

But the real MVP of Episode 6 is Chief Director Tetsudome, the badass granny who steps in to save the day. Voiced by Masako Nozawa—yes, the same VA who brought Goku to life—fans went crazy when they recognized her voice (one comment even called her the “most badass granny of the season”). Tetsudome is the polar opposite of Oshibu: she embraces her age, uses her wisdom, and isn’t afraid to throw down when needed. She doesn’t just fight Oshibu; she also gives Sanda advice about being Santa, telling him to “embrace your age and use your wisdom” instead of fighting to stay young. Her fight scenes are just as epic as the main one—she moves with grace and strength, proving that aging doesn’t mean losing your edge. Fans loved this duality, with one comment noting it’s a “striking contrast between those who fight nature and those who let it take its course.”

Then there’s the emotional beat that hits you right in the feels: Ono’s return. She’s safe, but after her transformation into an adult, there’s a noticeable rift between her and Fuyumura. When Fuyumura finally sees her, he’s happy—but there’s a pause, a distance that wasn’t there before. Fans pointed out that Fuyumura and Sanda are still running around, laughing like kids, while Ono stands there looking like an adult. One fan compared it to “gamers who log in after a week to find their friends have moved on without them”—it’s a relatable feeling of being left behind. It’s a sad moment, but it’s also a realistic one: growing up means changing, and sometimes those changes push people apart.

Themes of aging and childhood vs. growing up are front and center here. Oshibu’s obsession with staying young (to the point of mutilating his body) contrasts sharply with Tetsudome’s acceptance of her age. The soundtrack also adds to this: fans noticed it uses twisted versions of Christmas songs, which fits the show’s futuristic, dystopian take on the holiday legend. It’s a small detail, but it makes the world feel more immersive—like Christmas is a distant memory, warped by time and society’s obsession with preserving childhood.

Of course, not all reactions were positive. Some fans are worried about the manga’s low score—they love the show’s themes and moving parts but fear it won’t wrap up in a satisfying way. Others found Oshibu’s surgeries uncomfortable to watch (fair, those close-ups were intense). But most agree: Episode 6 is a banger. The post-credit scene left a pit in everyone’s stomach—no spoilers, but it’s the kind of cliffhanger that makes you want to binge the manga immediately.

Overall, Sanda Episode 6 is a masterclass in balancing action and emotion. Science SARU’s animation is top-notch (the fight scenes are fluid and dynamic), the characters are complex, and the themes are thought-provoking. It’s an underrated gem that deserves more attention—so if you haven’t started watching, now’s the time. And if you’re already a fan? You know the wait for Episode 7 is going to be torture. This show isn’t just about Santa; it’s about what it means to grow up, to accept change, and to hold onto hope even when the world feels like it’s falling apart. Episode 6 hits all those notes and more—don’t miss it.