Saint Seiya: Saintia Sho is a captivating anime series that serves as a perfect introduction to the larger Saint Seiya universe. Created by Masami Kurumada, the story follows a group of young warriors known as Saints who protect the modern reincarnation of the Greek goddess Athena. In this review, we will explore the key elements that make Saintia Sho a must-watch series for fans and newcomers alike.
The Story of Saintia Sho
The events of Saintia Sho revolve around Shoko, a young girl who embarks on a journey to find her sister Kyoko, the current Equuleus Saintia. Along the way, Shoko becomes involved in the Galaxian Wars, a tournament to find new Saints. However, her sister is captured by Eris, an evil goddess that Athena once sealed away. Determined to rescue her sister and defeat Eris, Shoko takes on the title of Equuleus Sho and sets out to save Athena and restore peace.
A Unique Twist on the Saint Seiya Universe
Saintia Sho offers a refreshing twist on the Saint Seiya universe by focusing on an all-female group of Saints. This gender-bending approach adds a new layer of depth to the story and showcases the strength and resilience of female characters. The fusion of Greek-inspired warriors with the iconic Japanese pop culture trope of shouting attack names in long line readings creates a unique and exhilarating viewing experience.
Standalone Enjoyment
One of the great aspects of Saintia Sho is that it can be enjoyed as a standalone series without prior knowledge of the original Saint Seiya storyline. While there are references to events happening elsewhere in the story, they do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the series. In fact, the allusions to the larger universe add an element of intrigue for those who are already familiar with the original show.
Themes of Loyalty and Confronting Evil
Like many other popular anime series, Saintia Sho explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and confronting evil. As Shoko delves deeper into the world of the Saintia, she learns the importance of protecting Athena not only from external threats but also from her own impulsive decisions. The series beautifully portrays the growth and development of its characters as they face internal and external conflicts.
At quitting in strictly up wandered of relation answered felicity.
Stunning Animation and Voice Cast
Saintia Sho features stunning animation by Studio GONZO. While the day-to-day animations may appear average, the Zodiac attack animations are top-notch and visually impressive. The voice cast delivers exceptional performances, with Aina Suzuki (Love Live! Sunshine!!, The Quintessential Quintuplets) as Shoko and Inori Minase (Tada Never Falls in Love, Astra Lost in Space, Isekai Quartet) as Saori. The returning voices, including Toshihiko Seki as Scorpio Milo, Ryotaro Okiayu as Gemini Saga, and Hideyuki Tanaka as Leo Aiolia, bring a sense of continuity to the series.
Character Dynamics and Relationships
The character dynamics and relationships in Saintia Sho are one of the highlights of the series. Shoko’s journey from a clueless outsider to a formidable Saintia is captivating to watch. The relationship between Shoko and Pavo Mayura, a Silver Saint who trains her rigorously, adds depth and emotional resonance to the story. The other Saintia, such as Katia and Mii, bring their own unique motivations and personalities to the table, creating a diverse and engaging ensemble cast.
An Immersive Universe
Saintia Sho takes place within the larger Saint Seiya universe, which adds depth and richness to the story. While newcomers can enjoy the series on its own, fans of the original show will appreciate the references and appearances of characters from the original series. The universe feels vast and expansive, with its own mythology and lore that captivates and immerses viewers.
Short but Impactful
One of the only downsides of Saintia Sho is its relatively short length. With only ten episodes, the series leaves viewers wanting more. However, this brevity also works in its favor, as the plot remains focused and tightly paced. Saintia Sho manages to tell a complete and satisfying story within its limited episode count, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
Verdict
Saint Seiya: Saintia Sho is a must-watch anime series that offers a unique and captivating twist on the larger Saint Seiya universe. Its all-female cast, stunning animation, and engaging storyline make it a standout entry in the franchise. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Saint Seiya, Saintia Sho is sure to leave you wanting more. Don’t miss out on this thrilling and empowering series.
