Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on Saint Seiya: Saintia Show, this spin-off series.
With a critical yet loving eye, I’ll rate the story, characters, art, and provide an overall assessment to help fellow fans decide whether Saintia Sho is worth their time.
Saintia Sho Manga Synopsis
“Saint Seiya Saintia Sho” follows Shoko, an ordinary young woman who becomes the Saintia of Equuleus to rescue her kidnapped sister, Kyoko, and protect the goddess Athena.
In this thrilling spin-off of the iconic Saint Seiya series, Shoko and her fellow female warriors, the Saintias, battle formidable foes while delving into their rich mythology.
With classic characters like Seiya and Shiryu making appearances, the manga seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering epic battles, character growth, and captivating artwork.
Despite occasional storytelling inconsistencies, it’s a must-read for fans seeking fresh adventures within the beloved Saint Seiya universe. It is canon to the original Saint Seiya universe.
Story (Rating 7/10)
The story of Saint Seiya Saintia Sho takes place in the same mythological universe as the original Saint Seiya series. However, it takes a different angle by focusing on the Saintias, the female warriors of Athena who protect the goddess.
The plot centers around Shoko, a young woman who becomes the Saintia of Equuleus and embarks on a quest to save her kidnapped sister, Kyoko, and confront the malevolent goddess Eris.
While the premise is intriguing and provides a fresh perspective, the story can feel somewhat disjointed at times. It oscillates between intense battles, emotional character development, and moments of exposition, making it feel somewhat uneven.
Some subplots, such as Shoko’s relationship with her sister, are beautifully fleshed out, but others feel underdeveloped.
Despite these minor flaws, the story’s action sequences are well-crafted and true to the spirit of Saint Seiya. The fights are epic, and fans will be delighted to see their favorite characters, such as Seiya and Shiryu, making appearances.
The storytelling also delves into the rich lore of the Saint Seiya universe, expanding upon the mythological elements that fans adore
Characters (Rating 7/10)
The characters in Saintia Sho are a mixed bag. Shoko, our protagonist, is a compelling lead. Her journey from an ordinary girl to a fierce Saintia is inspiring, and her determination to rescue her sister adds depth to her character. Shoko is not your typical damsel in distress, which is refreshing.
The supporting cast is diverse, featuring both new characters and familiar faces from the original series. Fan favorites like Seiya, Shiryu, and Marin make appearances, but their roles often take a backseat to the new Saintias.
While it’s exciting to see these legendary characters in action again, their limited involvement may disappoint some fans.
However, the manga does deepen some characters, such as the stoic and enigmatic Scorpio Milo, who adds an intriguing dynamic to the story. Additionally, the main antagonist, Eris, is a formidable villain with a mysterious past. This goddess appeared in the first Saint Seiya movie too.
Art (Rating 8/10)
One aspect of Saint Seiya Saintia Sho that truly shines is the artwork. Artist Chimaki Kuori has done a commendable job in capturing the essence of the original series while giving it her unique touch.
The character designs are stunning, blending the classic Saint Seiya armor with a feminine touch that sets the Saintias apart.
The action sequences are where the art truly excels. Kuori’s attention to detail in depicting the epic battles is a visual feast for fans. The combat scenes are dynamic, and the sense of movement and power is palpable. The armor designs are intricately drawn, and the use of color adds a vibrancy to the battles.
Kuori’s art style also shines in the character expressions and emotions, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
The panels convey the intensity of the battles and the emotions of the characters, enhancing the overall reading experience. You can also check the anime, but it’s not as good.
Is Saint Seiya: Saintia Sho Worth Reading?
If you’re a Saint Seiya fan who is hungry for more cosmic battles, a deeper look into the lives of the female warriors, and some stunning artwork, Saintia Sho is a must-read.
In conclusion, Saint Seiya Saintia Sho offers fans of the original series an exciting new adventure within the same beloved universe. While the story of Saintia Sho can be uneven at times, the compelling characters and their development, combined with the outstanding artwork, make this spin-off a worthwhile addition to the Saint Seiya canon.
With a rating of 7/10 for both the story and characters, and an 8/10 for the art, Saintia Sho is a manga that is sure to satisfy long-time fans of the franchise.
While it may not reach the same heights as the original series, it offers a fresh perspective and a solid addition to the ever-expanding Saint Seiya universe. So, don your armor and embark on this new adventure with the Saintias! Overall: 7/10