The 80s Anime Era was often referred to as the Golden Age of Anime. The Anime Produced in this Era changed the concept of shonen for the masses. One of these Anime was, “Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac”. It Aired from October 1986 to April 1989. It was one of the best classic hits in japan but it was neglected in western countries. The adaptation of the Anime was very bad and lots of censorship was done to cut some great fight scenes. However, everything aside, it remains one of the best Shonen Animes ever made.
Saint Seiya is based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada. The Anime was produced by Toei Animation under the direction of Yasuhito Kikuchi. Saint Seiya’s story revolves around five young men who are Loyally trying to Protect Athena. Our Protagonist Seiya Pegasus was trained to become one of the saints of Athena. Athena, the Goddess of wisdom Reincarnates every 250 years.
One of her mission is to protect the earth from any sinful deity. 88 Powerful holy Saints Assisted Athena in her mission to protect Earth. These 88 Saints are divided into 48 Bronze, 28 Silver, and 12 Gold Saints. 12 Gold Saints represent 12 Zodiac Signs. The Five young men who protect goddess Athena is among the 48 Bronze Saints.
Here are 10 reasons why you should watch Saint Seiya :
1. Gripping Story Line
A gripping storyline is when a series of plots grabs your attention. And you are so enthralled by it that it holds your attention throughout the series. Saint Seiya never fails to hold the gripping aspect of the storyline. The story’s main focus is on an orphan Seiya. And due to some unfortunate incidents, he turned into one of the Guardian Saints for Athena. Together with four other Saints, Seiya battles many demons to save the honor of Goddess Athena. All the events leading up to the final Ark are justifiable.
Also, Read – Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Watch Platinum End Anime
2. Great Characters
Characters are the soul of a story and each character tells a different story. Which gives viewers a chance to connect to them emotionally. The five main Characters of Saint Seiya are Seiya, Ikki, Shiryuu, Hyouga, and Shun. Seiya has lots of respect and love for earth and Athena, for which he fights many tough battles. Ikki is the toughest among the five having an aggressive personality but he loves his younger brother shun. Shiryuu is the person who always has his emotions under control and is the second most powerful Saint in the group. Hyouga has a very sad past and his determination toward his goal is the result of that past. My favorite character shun, is a kind person with a shy complex and a pacifist.
Also, Read – Top 10 Most Beautiful Female Anime Characters That Will Leave You Mesmerized
3. Mesmerising Soundtrack
The soundtrack helps convey emotions to the viewers. The Soundtrack has to match the feeling of Intense Fights and Emotional Sequences. Saint Seiya’s music composer is Seiji Yokoyama, who is loved by all the fans for creating such an enthralling soundtrack. There is a total of two Opening themes and two ending themes, which is perfect for the screenplay. My Favourite song is, “Pegasus Fantasy” and listening to it can make you feel like fighting some gods. Just try to watch the opening song and you will have your reason to watch the Anime.
Also, Read – Farming Life In Another World Anime Adaptation Announced
4. Brutal Fights
Without a Fight sequence, an Action Shonen Anime is incomplete. The more brutal and intense the fight sequences are the more invested viewers become in that Anime. Saint Seiya is filled with gore violence brutal fight sequences. The way the fight sequences are shown is breathtaking. You will be on the edge of your seats while witnessing the fights. My favorite Fight is between Ikki and Shaka. Fights also help build character development and many fights were able to resolve many character weaknesses. Shun who never liked to resolve to violence, had to fight for the sake of Athena and his friends. This made his Character develop with great resolve.
Also, Read – Sasaki and Miyano Anime Season 2: Is It Happening?
5. Bonding between Saints
Bonding between a team is very important especially when you have to work together for a specific goal. Saint Seiya has many Iconic moments between characters filled with many emotions. All the five Saints are so loving towards each other, besides having different personalities. My Favourite bonding between characters would be Shun and Hyoga. Both Characters Connect well with each other. Saints like Hyoga had an emotional past that led him to hide his true feelings. And shun being an emotionally shy person brings out the emotions from Hyoga and helps his character develop.
Also, Read – Top 10 Anime You Need to Watch Before Going to Sleep
6. Ahead of its time
What Appeals to a viewer’s Imagination in the Anime is the sheer volume of remarkable character material. During Fights, if the character’s weapons or Armour is well signified then it becomes arousing for the viewers. Saints have many different types of Armour composed of Bronze, Silver, and Gold matter. Each type of Matter is given to a specific group of Saint with different power levels. The sets of Armour that the Saints wear to fight are called, “Cloths”. The design and inspiration for this cloth are derived from the various constellation. The Fiery Cloths look great on characters, many fans have cosplayed the colorful Armour of Saint.
Also, Read – 10 Anime Like Bleach To Watch In 2022
7. Entertaining Arcs and great Spinoffs
Many Viewers avoid watching or dropping the series with boring arcs. But that’s, not the case here because Saint Seiya has many great Arcs throughout the Story with a consistent plot. There is a total of four big story Arcs in the Anime.
The Galaxian Wars Ark is the First Main ark that Introduces the character and the Saints. This Ark focuses on the tournament to win the most powerful cloth, “The Sagittarius Gold Cloth”. The Sanctuary Ark focuses more on team building between Saints as they unite to defeat the pope. Lastly, Poseidon Arc and Hades Arc. Without revealing much I can assure you that these Arcs are filled with Amusement.
Also, Read – Top 10 Anime Filler Arcs That You Should Not Skip
8. Life Lessons and Knowledge
There are many life lessons that you can obtain from watching interactions between Saints. The first and foremost lesson you will learn is Duty and Responsibility towards your Friends. You must Face the reality of your duties as a Saint and not run from them, running will only make it hard. You will also come across many new Power which will engross you into opening your encyclopedia and searching them. Like many of you, will be new to the concept of Constellation. After watching the Anime you will be interested to know more.
Also, Read – 10 Life Lessons From Naruto That Made Me a Better Adult
9. Badass Antagonists
Besides the Protagonist, if there is someone who rules the heart of fans, It is the Antagonist of the Story. Shonen Anime is popular for its Iconic Antagonist, cause a hero can only shine when there is darkness beside him. A great Antagonist is someone who evolves with time and becomes deadlier the moment he loses the fight. Saint Seiya has some of the best Antagonists for whom you will feel strongly excited. My Favourite Antagonist of Saint Seiya is, “Hades” and “Poseidon”. Both antagonists are from important Arcs and are the personification of Real Mythology. You will Yearn for more fights between the Saint and Antagonists.
Also, Read – Hunter X Hunter: Top 10 Nen Abilities, Ranked According To Strength
10. Mythology and Cosmology References
Saint Seiya Anime has many Mythological references, especially Greek Mythology. There are a lot of mythological Greek elements used to create figures and intrigues in the story. There are references to many gods in the Anime like Athena, Artemis, Hades, Hecate, and many more. Seeing this Anime will only increase your desire to know more about the particular mythology. And the cosmo power associated with the Mythology.
Also, Read – Top Anime Releasing on Funimation in April 2022