Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac

There'll never be enough space to describe how special this series really is here, but maybe it can't be said with words as it is. Saint Seiya is very much a visual experience, after all.

The story, in a nutshell, is about five young boys who's task it is to defend the modern-day reincarnation of Athena against several threats. This translates into loads of very theatrical duels between these five Bronze Saints and their rivals, who happen to all be pretty boys with groovy armors and hairstyles. At a glance, it sounds terribly daft, but there's so much -more- in here than in your average boys-oriented battle series.

For starters, the overall quality of the presentation is quite a surprise. Of course, for such a long TV series there are always one or two episodes that look a bit drab. But taking in the big picture, Saint Seiya has an immediately recogniseable visual style of it's own that really leaves an impression. Long, fluttering strands of hair (in some very groovy colors) surround faces with dreamy eyes, and the fine, stylised bodies of the characters are shot from many inventive angles and animated with lots of flair. Kudos also to the one behind the backdrops; Saint Seiya sports some of the most gorgeous background paintings I've ever seen. From ruins of Greek temples to snowy wastelands, every setting is painted with rich and exquisite detail.

The music would really deserve a full review of it's own, as composer Seiji Yokoyama has done a marvellous job. Rousing, dramatic themes are the order of the day, who fit the scenes wonderfully and amplify the impact of the series no end. They also stick in your head forever, as do the punchy rock songs in the opening credits (it's the music that drew me into this series to begin with, actually. One listen of "Soldier Dream" and you're marked for life).

The plots and structure of the battles have their own "typically Saint Seiya" style as well. What is remarkable is how much cruelty and sadness shows through here. Not just meaning that the fights get rather bloody at some points (Hyoga's duel against Milo of Scorpio), but also that a lot of the characters have painful pasts and deep traumas. This makes for a rich, and very interesting cast. The opponents of our heroes aren't plain "nasties", they usually have their own ways of thinking which pushes them to fight for their cause. They're often misguided, or being used for someone's other dark means, which makes it all the more tragic to see them bravely dying in a battle to the limits, after they've shown such rich and fascinating personalities. There are only one or two truly "evil" characters among the enemies (and even they are very captivating to watch).

The five young heroes have equally likeable and deep personalities (with the exception of mister big hero Seiya, perhaps), and develop distinct styles of thinking and of fighting throughout the series. It makes for a gripping experience, full of rich and very dramatic moments.

Another interesting touch is the clever use of mythologic references. Each character is affiliated to a constellation, and often to a mythological figure as well. These are usually well-researched and very clever references, and it's probably the best job I've ever seen of bringing ancient myths up to date again, all while respecting the tone of the original myth.

With such a long series (114 episodes), there are ups and downs, inevitably. Particularly during the first "Sanctuary" series, Toei larded on a big dose of filler episodes and soulless extra characters, purely for marketing purposes, who just hamper the series as a whole. The later "Poseidon" episodes are also rather dull and empty. The best of the series is concentrated in the latter Sanctuary episodes, and the tremendous Asgard series. Next to the TV series, there are also 4 short movies, worth watching just for the eye candy (the Abel movie is really wonderful to look at).

All in all, Saint Seiya is and always will be one of the greatest works Japan has produced. It has gathered a huge lot of very faithful fans, simply because once you've gotten into the flavor of Saint Seiya, you'll never be able to forget it again. Some may be put off by it's delicate visual style and baroque touches, but this was never intended for those who can't appreciate beautiful stories in the first place. Just a shame this is hardly known on the English-language market.

Saint Seiya (also known as Los Caballeros del Zodiaco in Spanish, Knights of Zodiac in English and Les Chevaliers du Zodiaque in French) is one of the best series ever created. First aired in 1986, the series was not as outstandingly popular as your DBZ's or your Sailor Moon's in Japan but strangely it contains/contained an almost religious following in Hispanic (Argentina, Chile, Dominican Republic, etc) and Europ(France and Spain). Based around the idea that our modern world coexists with warriors wearing cloth/armors which are associated with constellations, the series dwells with the adventures of the saints/knights of the goddess Athena. Swearing to protect her, the Bronze saints (the main characters of the story) go to any length and fight anyone who threatens Athena or the well-being of mankind.

The series aired in Adult Swim for a while in a crappy time slot and has never really developed an American audience, which is a shame.I can not stress enough how good the series is.

This is one of the greatest animes ever made. I grew up watching the show, hell I still do watch it when ever I can find it on tv.

I am totally addicted to Saint Seiya, there is so much adventure, action and everything here!! I especially like the old episodes, but still they're so cool! All the characters are very well done, each one with especial habilities and skills, and in every episode, something new and cool comes up, you just never know what will come next! I love their powers, for being a show from the 80's is quite impressive how they did it, and even nowadays, it's still very impressive.

it's about 5 (more like 4, Ikki shows up not very often) "saints" trained to serve and protect everything that represents good. They always face new adventures and keeps us in the edge of our seat.

Also special mention to the music.. wow the music is probably the very soul of Saint Seiya, it suits to every single ocation, a sad moment, a fight, a happy moment, etc.

Masami Kurumada es definitely a genius, and now with the new Hades OVAS coming, is definitely something to look forward.

Well if you want to see a good anime filled with action and entertainment, you can not miss this one! ***** out of *****

Saint Seiya "The Knights of the Zodiac" is a cult anime that marked an entire generation of fans, which had enormous success worldwide at the turn of the 80s and early 90s.

The animated series, produced by Toei Animation in 1986, is based on the famous manga of the same name by Masami Kurumada, and tells the adventures of a group of young warriors, the knights of Athena, who fight to protect the goddess and the Earth. The story of the anime is fascinating and has several elements of Greek and Nordic mythology and religions including Buddhism, Shintoism, etc.

The characterization of the many characters is one of the anime's strong points.

The knights (saint) designed and created by Masami Kurumada are all beautifully characterized, with strong and distinct personalities, which make them unique, and many of them are memorable characters.

The main characters are: Seiya of Pegasus, the protagonist, a good, impulsive and courageous boy who never gives up in the face of countless difficulties; Shiryu of the Dragon, a stoic and wise warrior, who fights for others; Hyoga of the Swan, a cold boy, who however hides a great pain in his heart; Shun of Andromeda, a kind and compassionate boy, who sacrifices himself for others; Ikki from Phoenix, a strong, rebellious and lonely boy, who hides a dark and sad past; Saori, a girl, reincarnation of Athena in the 20th century, torn between her human feelings and her duties as a goddess who protects humanity.

And then there are several secondary characters, including silver knights, golden knights, warriors of Asgard and marine generals, some of whom are wonderful antagonists both in terms of visuals and characterization.

Shingo Araki's character design is another very positive element of the anime, an effective, beautiful and very suitable design, which makes the anime immediately recognizable, which stands out from the mass of anime.

The armor of the knights and enemies are a real spectacle, with their bright colors and fascinating details. Some of the armor designs created by Masami Kurumada are amazing ideas.

The music of the anime is another memorable element, a pleasure for the ears. The background music is epic and engaging, and helps to create a very evocative atmosphere.

Another honorable mention are some duels present in the anime, unforgettable and of great charm.

In conclusion, "The Knights of the Zodiac" is an anime of great quality, obviously we must and must contextualize it in the period in which it was released, that is, in the mid-80s: contextualized in that period, it is one of the best anime ever of the late 80s, a true cult, which has managed to conquer audiences of all ages. The series is a true jewel of 80s Japanese animation that conquered the whole world of that period, and which in Italy (and not only) has remained unforgettable.

Rating: 10. I give it the best, because it is an absolute cult anime of the animation of the late 80s and early 90s.