Saint Seiya

"Saint Seiya" chronicles the saga of five young orphans—Seiya, Shiryu, Hyoga, Shun, and Ikki—who are sent across the globe to train and earn sacred armors known as "Cloths," granting them superhuman abilities. They become the Bronze Saints, sworn protectors of Saori Kido, the reincarnation of the Greek goddess Athena.

The series is broadly divided into three major arcs. The first is the "Sanctuary Arc," where the Saints must battle through twelve temples, each guarded by a powerful Gold Saint, to save Athena from a traitor within her own ranks. Following this is the anime-exclusive "Asgard Arc," where they travel to the icy northern lands to confront the God Warriors of Asgard, who are manipulated by a malevolent force. The final arc of the original TV series is the "Poseidon Arc," which sees the Saints descending into the undersea kingdom to battle the Marine Generals of the sea god Poseidon, who aims to flood the world.

At its heart, "Saint Seiya" is a powerful allegory for the indomitable nature of the human spirit. It posits that through unwavering friendship, immense sacrifice, and the sheer will to never give up, mortals can achieve the impossible—even defying and surpassing the gods themselves. The series champions the idea that one's true power, or "Cosmo," is an internal universe of limitless potential that can be ignited for a greater cause, suggesting that heroism is not a birthright but a choice forged in the crucible of adversity and loyalty.

One popular alternative interpretation views the series through a lens of anti-authoritarianism. The Sanctuary arc, in particular, can be read as a rebellion against a corrupt and dogmatic religious/political institution. The Bronze Saints, branded as traitors, are fighting not against the Sanctuary itself, but against its corrupted leadership, suggesting that true justice sometimes requires challenging established authority from the outside.

Another reading focuses on the complex morality of the antagonists. Many of the Gold Saints, God Warriors, and Marina Generals are not purely evil; they are often tragic figures bound by duty, honor, or manipulation. This suggests a more nuanced interpretation where the conflict is not a simple battle of good versus evil, but a clash of differing, and sometimes equally valid, ideals of justice. Poseidon's desire to cleanse the world, for instance, stems from a genuine disappointment with humanity's corruption.

"Saint Seiya" had a monumental impact on anime and pop culture, particularly outside of Japan. Created in the mid-1980s, it capitalized on the growing interest in shonen manga and fused it with a unique blend of Greek mythology, martial arts, and astrological lore.

Its influence on television was profound, especially in Europe and Latin America, where it became a cultural phenomenon in the early 90s. It helped popularize anime in these regions, paving the way for future series. The show's structure—a team of five color-coded young heroes with specialized powers and armor fighting for a greater cause—became a highly influential template, with echoes seen in later series like "Ronin Warriors" and even elements of "Power Rangers."

The series was praised for its dramatic storytelling, complex characters (including tragic villains), and its exploration of themes like friendship, sacrifice, and perseverance. The anime-original Asgard arc, which delved into Norse mythology, was particularly well-received for its compelling antagonists and somber tone. However, it also faced criticism in some Western markets for its level of violence, which led to censorship in certain broadcasts.

In pop culture, "Saint Seiya" left an indelible mark. The iconic Cloth designs by Shingo Araki are legendary, influencing character aesthetics in countless other manga, anime, and video games. The concept of "Cosmo" as an internal energy source has become a well-known trope. The series' legacy endures through sequels (like "Saint Seiya: Next Dimension"), spin-offs, video games, and a dedicated global fanbase that continues to celebrate the series decades after its debut.

Upon its initial release in 1986, "Saint Seiya" quickly became a massive hit in Japan. However, its international reception, particularly in Europe and Latin America in the early 1990s, was where it achieved legendary status, creating an entire generation of anime fans.

Audiences overwhelmingly praised the series for its epic scope, emotional depth, and unique blend of action with Greek and Norse mythology. The character designs by Shingo Araki and the powerful, orchestral soundtrack by Seiji Yokoyama were frequently cited as high points. The Sanctuary arc is almost universally considered a masterpiece and the definitive "Saint Seiya" experience.

The main point of criticism often revolves around the repetitive formula of the battles, where the heroes are beaten nearly to death before making a miraculous comeback. Some viewers also found the character of Saori Kido/Athena to be a perennial "damsel in distress" in the early arcs, though others point to her significant character development in the Poseidon arc. The anime-original Asgard arc, while technically filler, was a controversial point that ultimately won over the vast majority of the audience with its strong character writing and somber atmosphere, with many fans now preferring it over the manga's subsequent arc.