[Special Thanks to The Toy Stores of HK, Allan Montenegro, Trevor's Blog, Rosenbach Web, Saint Seiya Brazil Collection, Cloth Myth *Japanese* Wiki, Gamefaqs.com.
The links to other pages in Mu's Corner is only available in this version.
Here is the link to Seiyapedia New Era: http://saintseiyafan.com/stseiyawiki/index.php?title=Main_Page#New_Era.5B2002.EF.BD.9EPresent.282010.29.5D ]
New Era[2002-Present(2010)]
Manga[漫画]
Even before the end of the original manga, Masami already planned the next
chapter after Hades Chapter called, Heaven Chapter[天界編: Tenkai Hen:
Sky World Chapter], even fans at the time already can guess that Zeus and
the Olympus Gods would be featured. Soundtrack VIII booklet actually had
a mention that a possible fight with Zeus in the manga was possible but
that chapter was never drawn.
Shueisha did not want to continue the story after Hades and wanted Masami
to focus on the Gold Saints. Shueisha created a new magazine called, V
Jump[ブイ ジャンプ] especially for the spin-off[外伝: Gaiden: side story]
where many Yomikiri(One Issue manga) of the Gold Saints' past would be
told. But after publishing the last issue of Saint Seiya at V Jump, they
canceled those plans, too. Instead, Shueisha decided to focus on the younger
fans and the project was called, Saint Paradise.
After the failure of Silent Knight Shou, Masami's contract with Shueisha
and Shonen Jump Weekly was dropped. Between 1995-2000, Masami worked on
other mangas with a different publishing house. The most successful was
B't X at Kadogawa Shoten[角川書店]. After the end of B't X, Masami returned
to Shueisha and worked on Ring ni Kakero 2[リングにかけろ 2] from 2000-2008
that was serialized at Super Jump Magazine.
In 2002-2003, with the Hades Chapter - Sanctuary OVA resurrecting Saint
Seiya in Anime, the manga of Saint Seiya also resurrected, titled, Episode.
G[エピソード. G: Episo-do. Ji-] serialized at Champion Red[チャンピオンRED:
Chanpion Red] Magazine published by Akita Shoten[秋田書店], but the manga
was not drawn by Masami himself because he didn't have time for it, instead
he appointed Megumu Okuda[岡田芽武].
In 2003, Toei Animation approached Masami to do an Anime movie and Masami
suggested to create Heaven Chapter Movies. To promote the first movie,
Heaven Chapter - Overture -[天界編 序奏: Tenkai Hen Jyosou: Sky World
Chapter Introduction], released in 2004, Masami finally drew Saint Seiya
manga again. The manga was titled Heaven Chapter - Overture - Introduction.
It was published in Super Jump.(8)
In the same year, an Artbook of Saint Seiya was published called, Sora[宙:
Chuu: Space, Air], one of many projects for the 30th anniversary of Masami
as a mangaka.
Between 2005-2008, Masami focused on workng on the Hades Chapter OVA. Between
2005-2006, a new edition of the original manga was published called, Complete
Edition[完全版:Kanzen Ban]. This edition published lots of the material
that was not seen since the publication of the magazine serialization.
In 2006, Masami decided to focus on the multi-angle manga project called,
Hades Mythology[冥王神話: Meiou Shinwa: Underworld King Mythology].(2)
There are 2 mangas for this project. One of them is drawn by Masami himself
titled, Next Dimension. The second is drawn by Shiori Teshirogi[手代木史織].
Both mangas are serialized at Weekly Champion Magazine[週刊少年チャンピオン:
Shuukan Shounen Chanpion: Weekly Magazine Young Boy Champion] published
by Akita Shoten.
Between 2007-2008, the second Remix Edition was published, giving news
of the Hades Chaper - Elysion OVA.. This time the whole original manga
was re-printed.
In this present time(2010), ND and LC continues to be serialized but Ep.
G has stopped. According to the Olympus 12 Gods Blog, there will be a new
serialization, called Galaxy Myth[銀河神話: Ginga Shinwa: Milky Way Mythology]
Publishing
Complete Edition[完全版:Kanzen Ban]
Published from Feb. 2005 to Oct. 2006, for the 20th anniversary of Saint
Seiya manga, as a gift to the fans, the original manga[原作: Gensaku: Original
Work(Source)] was re-published in an edition where previous full color
and 2 color monochrome pages printed in Weekly Jump Magazine were re-printed
in its original color, instead of just black and white pages like Jump
Comics Edition.(4)
Odd numbered volumes included Weekly Jump covers inside. Even numbered
volumes had folded posters of famous-scenes. Vol. 5 had 2 deleted pages
restored. Cloth Diagrams of some of the leading and supporting characters
were printed in full color. Starting from Vol 13 and on, chapter opener
images in Weekly Magazine were re-printed. Some of those openers were not
seen since the magazine publication.
Here are the chapter divisions:
Published from Dec. 2007 to May 2008, to give news of Hades Chapter - Elysion OVA, the original manga was re-printed in a New Wide[新ワイド: Shin waido] format, where the number of pages in the volumes can go from 340-500!! Vol. 7 had a mini folded poster of Elysion OVA promo.
Here are the chapter divisions:
Published in Jan. 28th, 2004 in Super Jump April issue was the introduction
manga to the Heaven Chapter Overture Movie. It was drawn by Masami and
the coloring and backgrounds were drawn and colored by Toei Animation.
This manga was to lead right into the movie. However because the movie
production diverged from Masami's original story plan. The movie does not
answer the questions, nor explains the mysteries posed by this manga.
The manga was reprinted in Artbook, Sora.(1) The plot of the manga picks
up where the end of the manga left off. Saori is taking care of Seiya who
is in a wheelchair, his Cosmo and Life Force is close to zero. He is just
a shell. Meanwhile in the Sky Prison[天空の牢獄: Tenkuu no Rougoku], someone
approaches a prisoner named Touma[斗馬] and proposes he takes down the
remaining Saints.
With the problems of the Overture movie production, all the other movies
were never produced and there was no manga drawn to continue this manga(however,
a character introduced in the movie appeared in Next Dimension manga).
Episode. G
Production
In Dec. 2002, Masami and Megumu Okuda[岡田芽武] started a new Saint Seiya
serizalization at monthly magazine, Champion Red published by Akita Shoten.
The manga is a spin-off[外伝](16), a prequel where Aiolia(14) and the Gold
Saints take center stage, set 7 years before the original manga time line.
Initially, Masami and the publisher wanted Megumu to follow the original
manga faithfully but Megumu did not want to do that. After Masami gave
his consent, Megumu was allowed to draw the manga his own way. For Megumu,
this story is to tell the 'history' of Saint Seiya. The manga has stopped
publishing after July issue of 2009.(9)
Plot
Titan Gods Chapter[ティターン神族編](10)
Chapter 1-26(Titans Return Arc)
Red issue: 2003 Feb-2005
Mar
Volume: 1-7
In the year 1979, one of the 12 Titans, Hyperion, attacks Sanctuary to
retrieve "Megas Drepanon." One of the 12 Somas of the Titans. The Soma[楚真:
Souma: Graceful True](11) are the armors and weapons of the Titans which
are connected to the Cosmo and Spirits of the Titans. By taking back the
Megas Drepanon which is the Soma of Kronos, they can resurrect him fully.
Pontos, the Sea God, are helping the Titans with their resurrection, however,
there's a twist in the plot. The Pope(Saga really) has a Spirit connection
with Kronos and Pontos actually is working together with Saga for another
scheme.
Because of Aiolia's unique Cosmo that can help the resurrection of Kronos,
the Titans sends all types of monsters and warriors to fight him. Two of
the Titans fight with him themselves. Finally at the end of Arc, 11 of
Titans are fully resurrected.
Chapter 27-40(Kronos Returns Arc)
Red issue: 2005 Apr-2006
May
Volume: 7-10
With the return of 11 Titans, Theos Sema[神ノ紋章: Kami no Monshou: Crests
of Gods] is about to be completed. They are determined to bring about another
Titanomachia[神々の戦い: Kamigami no Tatakai: Gods' War] so they can defeat
Zeus once and for all.
The Spirit of Kronos himself comes to retrieve his sealed Soma. After an
intense fight with Saga(Good Side) and Aiolia, Kronos is finally resurrected
in his body but without his memories. However, he is still able to use
his power, Adamas Psammos[金剛石乃砂: Kongouseki no Suna: Diamond Sands]
to de-evolve the human race, so that Titans can inherit the earth.
With the abduction of Lithos into the Tartaros realm, Aiolia is determined
to enter Tartaros to save her.
Chapter 41-73(Tartaros Arc)
Red Issue: 2006 Jul
- 2009 Jul(13)
Volume: 10-17
Aiolia doesn't want a war between humans and Titans. Hyperion proposes
Aiolia to fight in Khronos Labyrinthos[刻の迷宮: Toki no Meikyuu: Time
Maze] to the last Palace to discuss terms with their King Kronos.
Mu teleports Shura, Milo, Shaka, Camus and Aldebaran to aid Aiolia. By
the completion of Theos Sema, the Titans can use their full power. As the
fights between the Saints and the Titans intensifies, finally, the true
plan of Pontos is revealed!!
Aiolia is finally reunited with Lithos, but, Kronos finally regains all
his memories! The Titan King prepares to bring destruction to mankind!!
Aiolos Chapter[アイオロス編]
Red Issues: 2007
Dec-2008 Mar
Volume: 0
Production
From Oct. 2007 to Jan. 2009, a side serialization featuring Aiolos' past was published. The plot is actually detailing one of the many missions of Aiolos when Aiolia was still a child and Galan is thought to be the next Leo Saint. The whole side manga was re-published in Vol. 0 with Prologue and Epilogue mangas, along with Galaxian Encyclopedia that was first printed in issues from May - Oct. of 2006 and from Jan. - Jul. issues of 2007.
Plot
Because of the Aswan High Dam in Eygpt, the waters from the Nile River starts to flood the Abu Simbel temples. As a result, the temples had to be moved. While this was happening, a discovery was found under the temples. With the seal of the underground temple broken, Ichor starts to flow resurrecting all types of Egyption Gods. Aiolos is sent to destroy them. At the end of the story, one of the Gods Aiolos destroys is reformed into one of the 12 Titans and the story also reveals what God was actually sealed in that underground temple.
Short Manga[外伝]
Each volume of the Comic Books[単行本] contains short mangas. Most of them are fully colored and first printed in the magazine first. Some of the timeframes of the mangas are not exactly clear. Here is a list of them:
Next
Dimension Hades Mythology[冥王神話]
Production
In Apr. 2006, Masami started a new random manga serialization published
in Shonen Champion Weekly. The manga is a part of the mult-angle manga
project that tells the story of the Previous Holy War from different prespectives.
The main difference this manga has to the other manga, The Lost Canvas,
is that it tells what happens in the Present Era with Seiya and the other
characters as well, a continuation and a prequel at the same time, with
the story jumping from the present time to the previous Holy War Era(3).
The manga issues from Apr. 2006 to Feb. 2009 was printed in full color
but because of cost problems(6), the latter issues were printed in part
color, even though Masami and production still colored it in full color.(7)
Masami and the publisher has said they intended to published the Comic
Books[単行本] in full color, regardless. This manga is on-going.
Plot
Present Era
Champion Issue: 2006
#22+23; 2008 #8; 2009 #10-13, 42-44
Volume: 1-2
In the year 1990, Seiya and the Bronze Saints fight with Hades and Hades
remembers he has met a Pegasus Saint before in Time of the Myths but not
just that, also in the previous Holy War two hundred forty and some years
ago.(5)
After the Present Era war, Seiya is cursed by the sword of Hades and only
have 3 days to live. Saori/Athena is determined to save Seiya's life but
in order to do that they must travel back in time. With the help of Hecate,
both Shun and Athena reach Artemis Temple in Olympus where they find out
Chronos can help them. Using Athena's life as collateral, Chronos allows
them to embark on their journey.
Previous Era
Champion Issue: 2006
#36+37-38, 43, 51; 2007 #4+5-6, 36+37-38; 2008 #1, 8; 2009 #10, 13, 43;
2010 #15?18,(The next batch of chapters is scheduled for early summer.).
Volume: 1-2~
On-going.
Young Bronze Saints Shion and Dohko are promoted to the rank of Gold by
the Pope. They are informed that a New Holy War with Hades will begin.
Dohko wants to stop this from happening and tries to kill the boy who will
be the current body of Hades, Alone.
However, Alone's friend, Pegasus Tenma stops them. Alone ends up being
taken away to Hades Castle by Pandora. Tenma wants to save him but he is
stopped by the Specters of Hades.(One of the Specters is actually!?)
Afterward, in Sanctuary, Athena finally arrives but in an infant form!!
As it turns out, the Pope and Pisces Saint Cardinale are agents for Hades.
Shijima runs away with the baby Athena. Shun convinces Tenma he is telling
the truth and both of them confronts Shion.
And, the legend continues...
The Lost Canvas Hades Mythology[冥王神話]
Production
In August 2006, Masami and Shiori Teshirogi[手代木史織] started a new Saint
Seiya serialization as part of the multi-angle manga project Hades Mythology
at Shonen Champion Weekly. The second manga, a spin-off[外伝](17), a prequel
and set wholely in the previous Holy War era.
Shiroi is a fan of Masami. In a signing of his, she met him and gave him
a Comic Book of her Shojyo(aimed for girls) manga to Masami. Later Masami
called her to appoint her as the mangaka for LC.
Shirori uses the Asgard Chapter and movie 3, Legend of Crimsion Boys[真紅の少年伝説]
of the Anime as a base for her manga. When the manga is re-published in
Comic Book form[単行本], there's extra images and Cloth Diagrams like the
style of the original manga.
This manga is on-going.
Plot
Chapter 1-47(The Advent of Hades Arc)
Champion Weekly issue:
2006 #39 - 2007 #36,37
Volume: 1-6
In the 18th century Italy, 2 friends are torn apart by a destiny since
the Time of the Myths. Tenma is a boy who awakened the Cosmo power with
no education of it. Alone is a boy who wants to be a great painter but
the Spirit of Hades awakens inside him and he becomes the current vessel
of Hades. Libra Dohko brings Tenma to Sanctuary to train to be a Saint.
He becomes the Pegasus Saint.
Hades can resurrect his warriors, the Specters[冥闘士] as many times as
possible, no matter how many times they are defeated. To counter this problem,
Virgo Asmita created the 108 beads made from the Golden Rain Fruits[木欒子の実:
Mokurenji no Mi] retrieved by Tenma and company.
At the end of the arc, Alone begins painting, The Lost Canvas, when completed,
all of the lives in the world will be destroyed!!
Chapter 48-95(Hypnos and Thantaos Arc)
Champion Weekly issue:
2007 #38 - 2008 #27
Volume: 6-11
Tenma is determined to stop Alone himself but he is aided by Cancer Manigold,
Yato and Crane Yuzuriha. However, Thanatos, the God of Death create obstacles
for them. By the sacrifice of Manigold and his master, Pope Sage, the Spirit
of Thanatos is sealed.
After the defeat of the 4 Dream Gods, most of the Saints gather to attack
Hades Castle. By the sacrifice of Sage's big brother Hakurei, Hypnos is
also sealed. However, Aries Sion, Yuzuriha and Tenma are no match to Hades.
Dohko uses all his might to help them escape. At end of the Arc, Alone
abandons Hades Castle and moves away to his realm in the sky!!
Chapter 96-142(To Lost Canvas Arc)
Champion Weekly issue:
2008 #28 - 2009 #34
Volume: 11 - 17
Alone uses his power to bring the land to rise to Lost Canvas to kill and
destroy the human beings on that risen land. In Jamir, the Saints and pawns
there are working hard to restore an ancient ship they can use to travel
to LC in the sky. Garuda Aiacos and his troops uses all their power to
destroy the ship but they are stopped by Leo Regulus and Sagittarius Sisyphos.
By the sacrifice of Bronze Saints led by Wolf Junkers, they activate the
ship by the Orichalcum of Poseidon!!
However, as they enter LC, except for Sasha, Tenma, Shion and Regulus,
all the other Saints are turned to stone by the power of Hades!!
Chapter 143~ (Star Demon Palaces[星の魔宮: Hoshi no Makyuu] Arc)
Champion Weekly issue:
2009 #35 - 2010 #8-#24,#26-On-going
Volume: 17 ~
Athena's Cosmo is sealed by Alone and Sasha becomes just a human girl!!
Meanwhile back in Sanctuary, Dohko goes to Athena Temple to awaken Athena's
Cloth.
Tenma and company arrive in the Star Demon Palaces, there, his father,
Youma appears and reveals the truth of what really happened when the Spirit
of Hades was born!!
With the fight between Shion and Lune, Shion's past is finally revealed!!
With the return of Dohko, the decisive fight between Dohko and Kagaho begins.
And, the legend continues...
Blood-Ink Crest[血墨の紋: Chisumi no Mon]
Prodcution
Printed in Princess Gold Magazine, published by Akita Shoten, Nov+Dec issue on Oct. 16, 2009 was the Yomikri(One-issue manga) of The Lost Canvas manga detailing the past of Yuzuriha. This manga is a brief return to her roots of Shojo magazine for Shiori. The story is a prequel.
Plot
With
the deaths of her mother, father and little brother, Tokusa, Yuzuriha has
chosen to give up her life as a warrior and become married to continue
her family line. However, Hades resurrects Tokusa as a Specter and sents
him to kill her in payment for the resurrected life. Shion defeats Tokusa
and the yomikiri ends with Yuzuriha determined to become a warrior again,
marking her family crest on her body using Tokusa's blood.
Sora[宙] Artbook
One of many projects for the 30th anniversary of Masami as a mangaka was the Artbook, Sora. Published in Feb. 2004, it contains 43 illustrations picked by Masami himself, a reprinting of the chapter "Shaka! Man Closest to God" of the original manga in its original full color, an interview with Masami, a reprinting of Introduction manga of Overture movie and a Shueisha publication timeline with pictures and info starting from the serialization of the original manga at Weekly Jump until the publication of Sora itself..
Audio Drama
Special Drama, Gold 12 Palaces Chapter
For the 20 Anniversary of the birth of Saint Seiya, a drama of the original
manga, 12 Palaces Chapter, was featured in the radio program, Shuei School
Young Girl Research Club[集英学園乙女研究部: Shuei Gakuen Otome Genkyuu
Bu]. The broadcast started at the latter half of Sept. 2005. However, the
voice actors of the leading cast was not the originals but the ones used
in Underworld OVA.
The drama was re-released in 2 CDs by Columbia Music Entertainment which
contained original drama not featured in the radio program. The BGMs used
in drama was from the original Sountracks of the original Anime. Shingo
and Michi drew new cover jackets for the releases. The first CD was released
on Nov. 30, 2005 and the second, Dec. 28th, 2005.
Episode. G
Contained in Apr. issue of 2007 of Champion Red Magazine released in Feb. 19th, was the Super Sound Drama CD featuring Aiolia, Lithos, Galan, Camus, and Pontos.
Anime[アニメ]
Ever since the manga and the TV show ended, fans around the world wanted
the animation to continue. Back in the 90s, there was a plan to continue
Seiya in OVA form.(65) The title was, Modern Myth[現代神話： Gendai Shinwa],
but at the time the OVA market was low, all plans were cancelled.(43)
Between the years 1992 to 1995, the original producer of the TV Series,
Yoshifumi Hatano, wanted to resurrect Seiya as TV Series or OVA, but he
died in 95.
Finally in 2002, because of the success of Ring Ni Kakero 2 and good sales
of Saint Seiya publications, Saint Seiya Anime resurrected in OVA form.(15)
Picking up where the TV Series left off, The Hades Chapter - Sanctuary[冥王ハーデス十二宮編:
Meiou Ha-desu Jyuunikyuu Hen: Underworld King Hades 12 Palaces Chapter]
was produced.
With the success of the OVA, a Saint Seiya movie was produced, in 2004,
Heaven Chapter[天界編序奏]~Overture~
was released, a movie set after the Hades Chapter story.
Between 2005-2008, the Hades Chapter OVAs continued. The Hades Chapter
- Inferno, Precede Chapter[冥王ハーデス 冥界編 前章: Meikai Hen Zenshou:
Underworld Chapter Preceding Chapter], The Hades Chapter - Inferno, Succeed
Chapter[冥王ハーデス 冥界編 後章:Meikai Hen Koushou: Underworld Chapter
Succeeding Chapter] and The Hades Chapter - Elysion[冥王ハーデス
エリシオン編: Erishion Hen: Elysion Chapter] were produced.
In 2009, with the popularity of The Lost Canvas manga, OVAs were produced
and released in DVD and Blu-ray format. Season 1 DVDs are releasing at
this present time(2010). As of Jan. 2010, the second season has been officially
gone into production.
OVA
Hades Chapter - Sanctuary[十二宮編]
Kouzou Morishita, the inital director of the TV Series appointed Hiroyuki
Sakurada as producer for the OVA in 2002. In August, meetings were held
in Shueisha with those who were involved in realizing the OVA. They were,
manga publisher: Shueisha, animation studio: Toei Animation, cable broadcaster:
Sky Perfect TV!, DVD vendor: Bandai Visual, and adviser: Sinkpot.
It was decided that 13 episodes would be produced and the content consists
of the battle that starts in 12 Palaces and would end at the collaspe of
Hades Castle. Michiko Yokote was appointed script writer. Initially Yokote
wrote the scripts very faithfully to the manga but by Masami's advise,
she rewrote the scripts to be more original. Because of the high quality
of movie 2 and 3, Shigeyasu Yamauchi was appointed director of the OVA.
Shingo Araki and Michi Himeno returned to be Character Designers.
The original voice actors of Seiya(18), Shiryu, Hyoga, Shun, Ikki, Athena,
Shaina, Roshi(29), Aldebaran, Death Mask, Aphrodite, Aiolia(22), and Shaka,
all returned to voice their characters once again. New voice actors were
cast for the characters which were voiced by the original voice actors
who have retired or passed away or chose not to return.(23)
Because the OVA produced did not contradict what happened in the TV Series,
a Digest Episode was produced where it summarizes what happened in the
TV Series. (This Digest Episode finally confirmed that Ares was killed
by Saga 13 years ago and his corpse is on Star Hill, and Pope Shion was
killed by Saga during the time of Galaxian Wars.)
The OVA first aired on Cable, Sky Perfect TV! Animax Pay Per View(19) from
Nov. 9th, 2002. Each of the broadcast would be presented with Seiya-TV
hosted by the original voice actor of Seiya, Tooru Furuya, to talk about
the OVA and Seiya related topics.(20)
Later, when the DVDs(72) were released, not only would the Digest Episode
and the Seiya-TV show be special features in the DVDs but also the OVA
itself would be presented in its entirety featuring deleted scenes not
shown in the cable version.(21) Later in Dec of '03 a complete version[完全版]
of OVA was availble for Pay Per View.
A companion guide to the OVA, Shueisha Remix Hades Sanctuary Book, was
released on August 2003.(75)
The Deleted Scenes of the cable broadcast(28) are:
With the failure of the Heaven Chapter movie project, Masami focused his
energy on the rest of the Hades OVA but another problem surfaced. He already
had views that the original voice actors of the TV Series were too old
to voice the characters in Hades Sanctuary OVA.. He suggested to re-cast
but he was ignored. He suggested it again to replace the voice actors
in the Overture movie production, Tooru Furuya values teamwork above all
ignored him along with the production.
In 2004, Masami already worked with new voice actors for Ring Ni Kakero
1 Anime. Again, he suggested to change voice actors for Inferno OVA, keep
Tooru Furuya as Seiya and the rest be all changed. But Tooru did not want
to do that. Finally, Tooru left the production of Seiya OVAs.(33)
In Super Jump Magazine that was sold in August 10th, 2005, it announced
that the OVA would use new voice actors. (The voice actor of main character,
Ryuuji of Ring ni Kakero 1 Anime is the same voice actor of Seiya for Underworld+Elysion
OVAs.) The fans were in an uproar over this and started a campaign to voice
their opposition to all parties involved. Masami's Manager, Masashi Yamaguchi
had to release a statement on Masami's official website talking about the
above issues, hoping fans would stop the campaign.
The voice actors that did return since the TV series were Shaka, Aiolia(34),
Aldebaran, Aiolos, Sorrento, and Julian Solo(31). In the TV Series, the
same voice actor voiced Marin and Seika. In the OVA, 2 new voice actors
were cast for the two characters.
For the OVA production, producer Hiroyuki Sakurada was replaced by Seiichi
Washida(Underworld), and Kouhei Kohara(Elysion). Scriptwriter Michio Yokote
was replaced by Yousuke Kuroda. Yousuke was very faithful to the manga
and added a few original scenes. The director Shigeyasu Yamauchi was replaced
by Tomoharu Katumata. Araki Shingo and Michi Himeno were still the Character
Designers but because Araki Shingo was retiring, most of the work was done
by Michi. Most of the veteran anime staffers was replaced with new ones.
The cable broadcaster was still Sky Perfect! TV Animax Pay Per View, 6
Episodes each for the production that started to air in Dec. of 2005(Underworld
Precede), Dec. of 2006(Underworld Succeed), and Mar. of 2008(Elysion),
but, the DVD vendor, Bandai Visual, was replaced by Avex Entertainment.
The DVDs were sold in Feb. of 2006(Precede), Jan. of 2007(Succeed), and
Mar. of 2008(Elysion). When Underworld OVA was broadcasted on cable, there
were staff interviews(Precede) and Gold Saint files(Succeed) included.
These became the DVD special features.
Precede OVA dealt with the story from the collapse of Hades Castle in the
manga and ends with Ikki vs. Aiacos mid fight. Succeed OVA picks up from
the fight and ends with the Wailing Wall[嘆きの壁] broken. Elysion OVA
picks up from the breaking of the Wall and ends the same way as the Hades
Chapter manga does.
The main difference between the Cable and DVD versions was a scene where
Canon confronts Rhadamanthys. He launches Juggler Punch[幻朧拳: Genrou
Ken] on him and was about to launch Juggler Devil Punch[幻朧魔皇拳] on
him, too. This scene is in the DVD only.(32)
The main differences of the OVA and the manga are:
The
Lost Canvas Hades Mythology[冥王神話]
Season 1
With the popularity of the manga, TMS Entertainment secure the rights to
create a 13 episode OVA released in DVD and Blu-ray every other month starting
from Jun, 24th, 2009. The story covers from the beginning of the manga
up until Tenma, Yato and Yuzuriha leave Sanctuary heading to Hades Castle.
Osamu Nabeshima was hired to be the director of the OVA production. Original
TV Series writer, Yoshiyuki Suga, returned to write the scripts. Yuuko
Iwasa was hired to be Character Designer and Main Animation Director. Well
known voice actors of the present generation were hired to voice the characters
to enhance the efforts of the production. Vap is the DVD vendor.
Each DVD would have special features and Season 1 Special Feature is a
Drama CD(35). The DVD booklets would have production info on the OVA.
The OVA also was released in the theater for talk events. The 1st one was
on Jun. 14th, 2009 had Ep. 1-2. The 2nd one was Oct 18th, 2009 had Ep.
3-6. The 3rd one was on Feb. 14th, 2010, had Ep. 7-10. The 4th one was
on Apr. 11th had Ep. 11-13. The OVA is shown on Cable TV, Kids Stations
starting from May 10th. Also, for a limited time, it is distributed for
free on net service, GyaO!
The official website provides not only news and info about the OVA but
web radio broadcasts where the voice actors of Tenma, Alone, Dohko interview
other voice actors and staff of the OVA.
The main differences between OVA and manga are:
Season 2 should pick up where season 1 left off and cover the story until the collapse of Hades Castle.
Movies
The Movie Box DVD
Released in August 2004 was the DVD box set of all 4 movies. New covers
were drawn by Shingo and Michi. The limited Edition came with a Saint Cloth
Series figure, Sagittarius Seiya. The special features of the DVDs were
trailers and no credits OP, ED. The booklet has good production info.
Heaven Chapter[天界編序奏] Overture
Production
In 2003,
Toei approached Masami to do a Saint Seiya movie and Masami's suggestion
was to make the Heaven Chapter. Though he wanted to draw the chapter himself,
in this new era, he felt there are many ways in the media to release a
manga story like that. The original plan was 3 movies total to be produced.
Story treatment was created by Masami. The scripts based on the treatment
was written by Michiko Yokote but she became ill and Akatuki Yamatoya continued
writing scripts in her stead.(44) There were 11 drafts total for the scripts.(38)
Shigeyasu Yamauchi was hired to be the director and he directed the movie
in a way where he hopes the audience would figure out the hints of the
movie. The voice actors of Seiya, Shiryu, Hyoga, Shun, Ikki, Saori, Shaina,
and Marin returned to voice their characters again.(37)
To promote the movie, Masami drew an Introduction Manga with participation
from Toei Production for the movie before the release. It was published
in Super Jump, April Issue, prior to the release of the movie. The full
length feature was released on Feb. 14, 2004.
Because the production diverged from Masami's vision, no follow up movies
to this one have been produced.(36)
Plot
After the Hades Holy War, Seiya is inactive from the curse of the Underworld
King. Athena's elder sister, Goddess of the Moon, Artemis, sents 3 Angels[天闘士]
to kill Seiya but Saori/Athena stops them. Artemis herself descends and
strike an agreement with Athena to spare the lives of the Saints while
Athena goes with Artemis to retrieve her true divine self.
Seiya finally wakes and goes to Sanctuary to find it has been changed to
the realm of Artemis'. He wants to fight but the curse of Hades prevents
him from using his Cosmo fully. Joined with other boys they confronted
the Angels. They are no match to the awesome powers of the Angels but with
the encouagement of the Gold Saints' Spirits and their own fighting spirit,
they finally defeat 2 of them.
The movie reveals that the surviving Angel, Ikaros is actually Marin's
missing little brother she went to Sanctuary to find, Touma(the same man
in the Introduction manga). By Saori's help, Seiya's Cosmo is free. At
the end of the movie, Apollon descends and confronts Seiya and Athena.
Points of interest
Hikari[光]
Artbook
Released on Feb. 2004 was the artbook of Shingo Araki and Michi Himeno illustrations. The illustrations came from products, the anime productions from the original era to the new area. Some of the material was never released before. It also inlcudes anime production info and interviews with Shingo and Michi.
Music
[For track listings and lyrics, go here]
Eternal Edition
Like other classic animes, Saint Seiya music was featured in the Eternal
Edition series. Starting from Mar. 2003, a collection of 10 CDs containing
music from previous albums and previously not released materals(39) were
released. There are 10 Files sold in five 2-CD sets. The booklets themselves
contain music info and also discusses Saint Seiya related topics.
Files 1&2 contains music mainly for Galaxian Wars, Dark, Struggle for
Gold Cloth and Silver Chapters. File 3&4 contains music mainly for
Movie 1 and Gold Chapter. Files 5&6 contain music mainly for Movie
2, 3 and Asgard Series.(40) Files 7&8 contain music mainly for Poseidon
Series and music from Piano Fantasia Album. Files 9&10 contain music
mainly for Movie 4 and Hades Album.
In Jul. 30th, 2008 an Eternal CD-Box set was released with all the material
in the Eternal Edition and the material from Complete Song Collection.
Hades Chapter OVA
Yasuno Satou was the one who selected the BGMs for the TV Series. He returned
to work on the OVAs and one of the few people who was not replaced, so
he worked on all 5 productions of anime adapted from the original manga!
He chose music from the 7 recording sessions recorded for the TV Series
and Movies, Hades Concept Album, and Heaven Chapter soundtrack for the
OVA BGMs.
Seiji Yokoyama already wrote most of the music in Hades Chapter Concept
Album but for the track "Pandora's Box", it was newly recorded for the
OVA. Previously the harp music for Movie 1, was reused for Mime's music
for Asgard Series. This time for Orphee's harp music new music was written
to match his Lyre playing and the one who actually played the harp was
the director Tomoharu Katumata's daughter, a pro harpist!
For the Hades Sanctuary OVA, a Grand Opening would open the OVA and an
Grand Closing would close the OVA. The Grand Opening had the Video Size
of Globe[地球ぎ: Chikyuugi] by Yumi Matuzawa and TV Size of Pegasus Fantasy[ペガサス幻想]
by Make-Up with new sound effects! The Grand Closing had the TV Size of
Blue Forever[永遠ブルー] and the Video Size of The Same Blue Sky with You[君と同じ青空:Kimi
to Onaji Aosora](41)
The opening song of Underworld and Elysion OVA used the song, Pegasus Forever[女神の戦士:
Megami no Senshi: Warrior of the Goddess] by Marina Del Ray.(46) For the
closing songs, Underworld OVA used My Dear[託す者へ: Takusu Mono e: To
Entrusted One] by Yumi Matuzawa and Elysion OVA used Del Regno(45)[神の園:
Kami no Zono: Gods' Garden] by Yuuko Ishibashi.
Hades Sanctuary and Underworld OVA each released a theme song single. The
closing song for Elysion OVA, however, can be found in the CD titled, Saint
Seiya The Hades[冥王 ハ?デス編 スペシャル アルバム: Meiou Ha-desu Hen
Supeahru Arubamu: Underworld King Hades Chapter Special Album]. The album
includes new songs recorded at the time.
All the theme songs(except for Del Regno) and theme songs from Hits II+III,
Movie 3+Overture, Hades Concept Album can be found in the CD titled, Thema
Song&Best Album.
Overture Movie
Released on Mar. 17th, 2004 was the Original Soundtrack of the Overture movie. Seiji Yokoyama wrote the score. In Seiya History TV show, he stated that he actually wrote another score for a foreign release outside of Japan. It is not clear if that score was ever used. The album also includes "Never" by Make-Up returning since the TV Series production.
Lost Canvas OVA
The music for the OVA was written by Kaoru Wada and the BGM selection by
Maiko Aida. The Original Soundtrack was released on Sept. 25th, 2009.
The Opening Song for the OVA is The Realm of Athena by Eurox and the Closing
Song is Flower Chain[花の鎖: Hana no Kusari] by Maki Namanai with Marina
Del Ray. A theme song single was released on Jul. 25th, 2009.(42)
Audio Drama
LC Season 1 Special CD
The Special item of buying all the first print DVDs of LC Season 1 is a drama CD. The Drama is written by Shiori herself titled, Red Bond[赤い絆: Akai Kizuna]. The story is about Pisces Gold Saint Albafica and his master the previous Pisces Saint, Lugonis.
Merchandise
Saint Cloth Series Bandai Asia
With the popularity of "Saint Cloth Series Gold 12 Zodiac Gathering", in Hong Kong, Bandai Asia was able to produce old and new figures.
Although the Cloth Myth coincided with the OVA releases, the concept of
the line was thought up long before the OVA was concieved. With the popularity
of "Saint Cloth Series Gold 12 Zodiac Gathering", the one who was responsible
for that product expressed a wish for Tamashii[超合金魂: Chougoukin Tamashii:
Super Alloy Soul] like figures for Saint Seiya.
The idea of the line is to create the 'Ulitmate Cloths[究極クロス: Kyuukyoku
Kurosu]'. Hiroaki Tanaka(52) and Keita Izumi(53) were appointed to create
the line. Another intention of the line was to create a full line up, that's
why even minor characters were produced. Though the die-cast Cloth pieces
varies with each figure, with extra parts and accessories, different poses
and different skills can be created and not just anime features but manga
features can be produced.(64) The products also include background pictures
for you to use.
The product line didn't just develop the Cloth materials but the bodies,
too. The first body type had the least articulation.(47) The 2nd body type
added extra parts for more articulation in the neck, chest, wrist, thigh.(48)
For a more natural articulation, a 3rd body type was created. Female body
types were also created.(49)(76)
There are also other products like stands, Appendix, Limited figures. With
Tamashii Nation showing concept designs, fans are given hints of what possible
products will come in the future.(57) (Bandai Asia also releases Gift Plates
to go along with the CM.(50) This line is on-going.
Bronze Saint
If not for the OVA, intead of the Specters, Silver Saints CM would have been the 3rd line released after first New Bronze, Gold CM.
Except for Seiya and Bud, each God Warrior includes an emblem for the stand, Odin Sapphire with small stand and sticker.
For the Gold Saints, their object designs are toy originals.
The first limited product was supposed to be the Pegasus Seiya from the Overture Movie end credits, but it changed to Pope Shion. The conditions to get these products in Japan may vary from collecting stamps from CM or other Seiya-related products, finding them in Tamashii Nation events, Magazine limited application purchases or Webstores only purchases. Some products though limited in Japan, have general releases in foreign markets. Please be advised that price range may vary on actual collectabiliy and amount of figures that were actually produced.
Figures:
The idea for the Appendix line came from a customer who wanted different facial expressions(the initial products had only one head with no alternate faces). The creators themselves saw toy bust products sold in a convenience store and decided to make the product line a half body product that includes Cloth made in plastic, with extra pieces of Cloth gear for more flexibility or other accessories. However, fans speculate that this line was created to compensate for the poor quality of CM initial products.(At the time, other toy lines for other animes had similar poor quality.)(51)
[ For more Info and pics of some of these games go here ]
WonderSwan
Released in Jul. 31st, 2003 for the WonderSwan system, was the improved version of the old Nintendo games, titled, Gold Legend[黄金伝説編] Perfect Edition. The game play is the same but the key is to fight pawns to increase Cosmo and EXP values so you can keep fighting. The main fighters you face are Shiryu, Hyoga, Shun, Ikki, Docrates, Misty, Gemini Saint, DM, Aiolia, Shaka, Milo, Shura, Camus, Aphrodite and Saga.
Play Station 2
Sanctuary 12 Palaces
Released in Apr. 7th, 2005 was the first PS2 Game of Saint Seiya, Chapter-Sanctuary[聖域十二宮編].(73)
The game is 3D battle game. There are 4 game modes. The first mode is Gold12
Palaces or Story Mode where you fight following the story and can watch
mini-movies. You defeat pawns on the way to the Palace and after that,
you enter the Palace to fight the Gold Saint. There are alternate stories
than the usual ones you see in the anime or manga.(67)
The second mode is One Thousand Wars Mode or VS Mode where your fighter
can fight the computer or your friend controling fighter 2. The third mode
is Seiya's Rest Day Mode where you can see the items you unlocked.
The fourth mode is Juggler Devil Punch Mode or Pope Mode. You play as the
bad guys to protect the 12 Palaces. There are items you can use to weaken
you opponent or strengthen your fighter. To be able to use all the players,
you have to do a command at the Beginning/Continue Screen of the mode to
unlock other players you didn't have access to before. The code is at the
official website(http://www.bandaigames.channel.or.jp/list/ps2_seiya/system/index.html#command).
The main fighters you can control and unlock are Seiya, Shiryu(66), Hyoga,
Shun, Ikki, Marin, Shaina, Misty, Mu, Aldebaran, Gemini ???, DM, Aiolia,
Shaka, Dohko, Milo, Sagittarius Seiya, Shura, Camus, Aphrodite, Saga, Shou,
Daichi, and Ushio. There are black versions(purple color) of all the players
and there are Plain Clothes versions of Bronze 5.
Hades 12 Palaces-Inferno
Released in Apr. 7th, 2005 was the second PS2 game of Saint Seiya, The
Hades Chapter-Sanctuary[冥王ハーデス十二宮編].(74) The game is 3D battle
game with improved game play than before.(68) There are 6 game modes. The
first mode is Hades 12 Palaces Mode or Story Mode where you fight following
the story from Hades Sanctuary to Inferno Chapter where Shun gets possessed
by Hades.(70) There are extra stories from the manga.(71)
The second mode is One Thousand Wars Mode or VS Mode where your fighter
can fight the computer or your friend controlling fighter 2. The third
mode is Saint Myth Mode or Arcade Mode. You get to fight 12 random fighters.
The 12th is Sagittarius Seiya. If you don't need to use continues you get
to fight with Libra Shiryu and Aquarius Hyoga after Sag Seiya.
The fourth mode is Eternal Battlefield Mode or Survival Mode, you get to
keep on playing until you lose fully. If you survive 19 battles, on the
20th, you fight Aiolos!! The fifth mode is Light Speed Deathmatch Mode
or Time Attack Mode, where you use the least amount of time to defeat 12
opponents. The sixth mode is Seiya's Rest Day Mode where you see the items
you unlocked.
The main fighters you can control and unlock are:
Released on Nov. 23th, 2006 was the second Jump characters game,
Jump Ultimate Stars. With more characters than before, Saint Seiya characters
were featured. The characers are Seiya, Shiryu, Hyoga, Shun, Ikki, Saori
and Mu. Characters from other mangas are Dragon Ball, Naruto, Hunter x
Hunter, Fist of the North Star, Slam Dunk, Death Note, Dr Slump, YuYu Hakusho,
and etc.
Other
Other
Merchandise
Bandai
All products are limited.
Banpesto[バンプレスト]
Amada[天田]
Toei[東映]
Shueisha
Seika
Various
Companies
Champion
Red
Original manga style:
Ep.
G Volumes Limited Products
Next
Dimension
Champion Weekly Magazine Only:
Lost
Canvas
Champion Weekly
Magazine Only:
Super Jump
New Type
Further
Reading and Reference Sources
Saint Seiya Manga
(Various Editions)
Saint Seiya Anime
(Various Editions)
CDs and their Booklets
(Various Editions)
Animage Magazine
Fanroad Magazine
AnimeLand Magazine
Saint Seiya Encyclopedia
DVD Booklets
Movie Pamphlets
Shueisha Remix Hades
Sanctuary Book
Champion Red(Various
Issues)
Champion Weekly(Various
Issues)
Saint Seiya Episode.
G(Comic Books)
Saint Seiya The
Lost Canvas(Comic Books)
Saint Seiya Next
Dimension(Comic Books)
Saint Cloth Chronicle
Radio Cosmo News
#9
Links
Official Masami Kurumada
Website: http://www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~saint/
Official Saint Seiya
Manga Website: http://www.st-seiya.net/
Official Saint Seiya
Anime Website: http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/lineup/tv/seiya
Official Remix Site: http://remix.shueisha.co.jp/j_remix/03sa.html
Offical Akita Shoten Website(Champion
Red, Champion Weekly, Princess Gold):
http://www.akitashoten.co.jp/index2.html
Official The Hades Chapter - Sanctuary
OVA Website: http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/ova/seiya/
Official The Hades Chaper - Inferno Precede
Chapter OVA Website:
http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/sp/seiya_zenshou/
Official The Hades Chaper - Inferno Succeed
Chapter OVA Website:
http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/sp/seiya_koushou/
Official The Hades Chaper - Elysion OVA
Website: http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/sp/seiya/
Official Heaven Chapter Overture movie
Website: http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/movie/2004_seiya/index.html
Official Tamashii Website: http://www.tamashii.jp/
Official Bandai Asia Website: http://www.bandai-asia.com/
Official PS2 Games Websites: http://www.bandaigames.channel.or.jp/list/ps2_seiya/
http://www.dimps.co.jp/saint/index.html
http://www.bandaigames.channel.or.jp/list/ps2_seiya2/
Offical LC OVA websites: http://www.loscan.jp/index.html
http://www.vap.co.jp/seiya_tlc/
http://www.kids-station.com/program/program.84944.html
http://gyao.yahoo.co.jp/