Fall 1986
Saint Seiya
Toei AnimationIn ancient times, a group of young men devoted their lives to protecting Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and War. These men were capable of fighting without weapons—a swing of their fist alone was powerful enough to rip the very sky apart and shatter the earth beneath them. These brave heroes became known as Saints, as they could summon up the power of the Cosmos from within themselves.
Now, in present day, a new generation of Saints is about to come forth. The young and spirited Seiya is fighting a tough battle for the Sacred Armor of Pegasus, and he isn't about to let anyone get in the way of him and his prize. Six years of hard work and training pay off with his victory and new title as one of Athena's Saints.
But Seiya's endeavor doesn't end there. In fact, plenty of perils and dangerous enemies face him and the rest of the Saints throughout the series. What new quests await the heroes of the epic Saint Seiya saga?
Story Synopsis
Fired up and ready for some interstellar action? Then step right into the grand cosmos with the anime series, Saint Seiya directed by Kōzō Morishita and produced by Toei Animation. This franchise created by Masami Kurumada and serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1986 to 1990, transports you into a world where Greek mythology meets martial arts and explosive cosmic battles.
Our hero, Seiya, along with his companions, train tirelessly for years to earn the sacred armor of the Saints called “Cloths” with the ultimate goal to protect the reincarnation of the Greek goddess Athena. Together, they make up the “Saints of Athena”, who must stand against other Olympian Gods seeking to obliterate mankind. A worldwide phenomenon, the series sparks with mythological lore, high-stake battles and the true essence of friendship and courage.
Visuals And Soundtrack
Over the years, Saint Seiya has re-invented itself multiple times in terms of animation style, reflecting the changing landscape of anime. But one thing that has remained persistent is its aesthetic appeal and detailed character design. The battles are staged in various mythical realms, and the world-building is top-notch. Each blow ignited by our heroes’ cosmos sends out dazzling visual effects that never cease to amaze.
The soundtrack, orchestrated by the talented Seiji Yokoyama, packs a punch. With a vivid blend of orchestral grandeur, heroic themes, and melancholic melodies, it amplifies the emotional depth in each scene, immersing the audience deeper into the story.
Character Development And Plot
While the storyline seems straightforward – protect Athena, defeat evil – it’s the ample twists and turns, along with profound character development that paces ahead the anime. Each Saint has a unique backstory, personality, and motivations that hook viewers. The trials they overcome aren’t just physical confrontations but emotional hurdles as well. The relationship dynamic further adds to the narrative appeal.
Plot-wise, Saint Seiya does stumble once in a while due to pacing issues and some filler episodes. However, the high-stake conflicts, which raise questions about destiny, duty, loyalty, and brotherhood, never allow the flame to dim.
Should You Watch It?
Without a doubt, Saint Seiya is a legendary series that defined the 1980s. It’s an epic fantasy drama that successfully fuses myth with martial arts, fostering a sense of nostalgia while setting ablaze the essence of a true Shonen anime. This show isn’t just about saving the world. It delves into the characters’ depths, their relationships, and the philosophies they live by. So if you’re a fan of action-packed storytelling laced with emotional resonance, then Saint Seiya won’t disappoint you.
Overall, for a nostalgic ride into the cosmos where the universe’s fate rests in the hands of our youthful heroes, Saint Seiya is a definite rent or buy! It’s also streamable for those who want to indulge in an astronomical voyage from the comforts of their homes.
Until our next anime galaxy exploration, stay awesome!
The Anime Critic
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