Saint Seiya «FHD»
Verdict: An 80s anime masterpiece that defined the "Cosmo" of battle shonen, despite the inevitable wear of time.
Before Naruto spoke of ninja ways and Bleach warned us not to break our masks, there was Saint Seiya. Created by Masami Kurumada in 1986, this series is the grandfather of the "power-up" genre. It is a show where screaming, glowing armor, and intense feelings are valid combat strategies. While modern viewers might find the pacing sluggish, Saint Seiya remains a foundational pillar of anime history that offers an experience unlike any other.
The "Cloth" Phenomenon Saint Seiya revolutionized the merchandise industry for anime. Unlike previous robot toys or simple figures, the Saint Seiya figures featured die-cast metal and were designed to be "worn" by the figures in complex ways. This "Saint Cloth Myth" line remains a top seller for Bandai Namco today.
Influence on Shōnen Manga The series established the "Tournament Arc" and the "Power Tier" systems (Bronze < Silver < Gold) that would become staples in later series like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and Bleach. The concept of characters powering up based on emotional willpower (burning their Cosmo) is a direct predecessor to many modern shōnen tropes.
Regional Popularity While the anime aired in the late 80s, its popularity varies by region: Saint Seiya
The emotional core of Saint Seiya rests on five Bronze Saints. Unlike the higher-ranking Silver or Gold Saints, these warriors wear the lowest tier of armor—but what they lack in power, they make up for in resilience.
If you are a fan of Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, or My Hero Academia, you owe a debt to Saint Seiya. It popularized the "ragtag group of warriors with distinct elemental powers" trope. It invented the "armor evolution" mechanic (later copied by Sailor Moon and Power Rangers).
However, be prepared for 80s pacing. The original anime has slow motion sequences and repeated attack animations. But the emotional beats—like Shiryu sacrificing his blood to fix a shield, or Hyoga freezing his own tears—are timeless.
Where to start?
The original Saint Seiya manga (and the 1986 anime) is divided into three definitive sagas:
Visually, Saint Seiya is a product of its time, but it has aged with a unique charm. The character designs are iconic—the "bishonen" (pretty boy) aesthetic was revolutionary for action anime and influenced countless series that followed. The Cloths (armors) are intricately designed, looking like wearable sculptures.
The animation, by Toei Animation, fluctuates. In key battles, particularly during the Sanctuary Arc, the animation is fluid and visceral. However, the series suffers from the 80s tradition of heavy recycling of animation frames (stock footage for attacks).
Where the show truly shines is the audio. The soundtrack by Seiji Yokoyama is legendary. It uses choral arrangements and orchestral swells that feel like a holy crusade. And then there is the opening theme, "Pegasus Fantasy" by MAKE-UP. It is arguably one of the greatest anime opening songs of all time; it gets you hyped every single time. Verdict: An 80s anime masterpiece that defined the
While not in the manga, the Asgard arc is a fan favorite. It pits the Saints against the warriors of the northern pole, the Odin Saints. It is praised for its darker tone and the tragic villain, Hilda of Polaris.
You cannot discuss Saint Seiya without mentioning its soundtrack. The 1980s anime featured legendary theme songs by MAKE-UP (Pegasus Fantasy) and Blue Forever. These songs are anthems of resilience in Japan and Latin America—especially in Brazil, France, and Mexico, where Saint Seiya enjoys cult status comparable to Dragon Ball.
The phrase "Ikki, tasukete!" (Ikki, help!) and the concept of the "Seventh Sense" (accessing Cosmo beyond human limits) have entered the lexicon of anime culture.
