Saint Seiya, the anime smash hit that ran during the 80’s in Japan and Europe is making a comeback to TV in April 2012. Originally created as a manga series by Masami Kurumada, it ran on TV from 1986-89 and in Eastern European countries under the title Knights of the Zodiac. This new chapter is announced by Toei Animation to be an original story rather than an adaption of Kurumada’s manga.

This story takes place about 23 years after the events in the original series which is the same time since the original broadcast airing. We follow the main character Koga as he is taken in and raised by the goddess Athena in human form named Saori Kido. Here he is mentored to become a Pegasus Bronze Saint with help from Pegasus Seiya who has now reached the level of Gold Saint.

When Athena is kidnapped by Mars, Koga must fight alongside a new generation of Saints with the familiar powers but completely redesigned costumes (Cloths). Show creators hope this remake will bring a new generation of fans to the story.

The new anime series will also attract fans in their 30’s who grew up watching the original series as children on TV. Here concepts like the Cloths (the magical armor Saints use) or Cosmos (the inner power that Saints wield) have become ingrained in this generation’s culture.

In other Saint Seiya news, Shingo Araki who worked on character design for the original Toei Saint Seiya anime series as well as several other titles passed away December, 2012.

In Spain, avid Saint Sieya fan and illustrator, Vandell, has painted a loving tribute to Araki for both entertaining and inspiring him as a youth. He created a collection of portraits of Seiya, and the four of Odin’s Asgardians from Vandell’s favorite storyline. All the painting are unique in their photorealism. The detail in these paintings clearly shows the Spanish artists appreciation of the man he calls “master.”

Mr. Araki may have left us but with the new series his legacy will live on. Hopefully this new story will carry his Cosmo to a new generation.

Original Story: Nikkan Sports (Japanese)
Vandell: Blog (Spanish) Art (English/Spanish)

▼Dubhe Alpha Siegfried

▼Benetnasch Eta Mime

▼Merak Beta Hägen

▼Phecda Gamma Thor