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Saint Seiya

Saint Seiya is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Saint Seiya is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada. The story follows young warriors called Saints who wear constellation-based armours, or Cloths, and fight to protect the goddess Athena from rival gods and other threats. The series was adapted into a long-running anime and became a major franchise across manga, animation, and spin-offs.

Premise

The series follows a group of young fighters who battle using supernatural energy called Cosmo. They defend Athena, the reincarnated Greek goddess, against gods and other enemies seeking to control Earth.

Publication history

Saint Seiya was written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada and originally serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1986 to 1991. It later expanded into sequel and spin-off manga works.

Anime and adaptations

Toei Animation produced a television anime adaptation that aired from 1986 to 1989. The franchise also includes OVAs, films, and later reinterpretations and remakes.

Cultural impact

Saint Seiya became a major international franchise, with strong recognition in Japan, Latin America, and Europe. Its imagery, characters, and mythological themes helped establish a lasting fan base.

Key facts

  • The story centres on the Saints, warriors who use Cosmo and wear Cloths inspired by constellations.
  • The main protagonist is Seiya, the Pegasus Saint, who fights in Athena’s name.
  • The original manga was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump and later collected in tankōbon volumes.
  • Toei Animation adapted the manga into a 114-episode television anime.
  • Saint Seiya has been especially popular in Japan, Latin America, and parts of Europe.
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Canadian context

Saint Seiya has been available to Canadian audiences through manga publishing, home video, and streaming-era anime distribution, and it is part of the broader international anime culture followed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Saint Seiya?
Saint Seiya is a Japanese manga and anime franchise about armored warriors who serve Athena and fight other gods and evil forces.
Who created Saint Seiya?
It was created by Japanese manga artist Masami Kurumada.
What are the Saints?
The Saints are Athena’s warriors, each associated with a constellation and protected by a Cloth armor.
Who is the main character?
The main character is Seiya, also known as Pegasus Seiya.
When did the original anime air?
The original television anime aired from 1986 to 1989.
Is Saint Seiya only a manga?
No. It has anime, OVAs, films, sequel manga, and other spin-off works.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Seiya
    Supports: Core series description, creator, publication dates, anime adaptation, and franchise scope.
  2. Wikipedia (Spanish)https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Seiya
    Supports: Plot synopsis and identification of Athena and the Saints.
  3. Saint Seiya Fandomhttps://saintseiya.fandom.com/es/wiki/Saint_Seiya_Encyclopedia
    Supports: Databook title and 2001 publication as part of the franchise revival.
  4. Saint Seiya Fandomhttps://saintseiya.fandom.com/wiki/Saints
    Supports: Definition of the Saints and their Cloth armours.
  5. Saint Seiya Fandomhttps://saintseiya.fandom.com/wiki/Pegasus_Seiya
    Supports: Seiya as the titular protagonist and Pegasus Saint.