Saint Seiya Saintia Sho

Saint Seiya: Saintia Sho is an anime series that first made its appearance on Crunchyroll in 2018. The show is inspired by the classic Saint Seiya franchise by Masami Kurumada, which was immensely popular during the 1980s and 1990s. It was further derived from the manga of the same name by Chimaki Kuori, published under the banner of the saint Seiya franchise. However, Saintia Sho brings its unique spin to the beloved universe by adding a lively dose of female energy, shifting the main characters from knights to saintias, a group of female warriors.

The series unfolds within the complex and mystic cosmos of the Saint Seiya universe, where the champions of Greek goddess Athena, known as Saints, wear mystical armors known as "Cloths" and wield cosmic energy within them, to fight against the forces of evil that threaten peace and balance in the world. Saintia Sho builds upon this mythology but with a thematic departure by primarily focusing on a group of female warriors, the Saintias.

The Saintias hold a distinct place in the order of Athena's Saints. Unlike the female Saints who are required to give up on their femininity, the Saintias retain their femininity and serve as personal handmaidens to Athena. Above their roles as protectors, the Saintias serve under Athena's direct orders – becoming her trusted shields in the struggle against the relentless forces of chaos and darkness.

The story presents a tale of courageousness, growing up, perseverance, friendship with an emphasis on femininity and the girl power that furthermore enhances the Saint Seiya universe. It revolves around our lead protagonist Shoko, a spirited and determined young woman who discovers that her missing sister has become a Saintia for the deity Athena. This realization draws Shoko into the dangerous world of celestial battles and powers beyond human comprehension, as she also becomes one of Athena's Saintias to find her sister and unravel hidden secrets of their connected past.

Saintia Sho successfully retains the central elements that define the Saint Seiya franchise: tales of heroic saints, mystic celestial battles, themes of friendship, sacrifice, destiny, and valor. However, it gives such elements a refreshing take with its female-led cast of characters, demonstrating that women can be as strong, determined, and courageous as their male counterparts in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The series visuals and animations are equally potent and compelling, doing justice to the cosmic and ethereal aspects of the Saint Seiya universe. There's a good balance between action-packed battle scenes and moments of personal reflection. It reflectively utilizes classic designs to usher in nostalgia for fans of the original series, and at the same time, introduces more modern-looking designs that would resonate with new viewers.

In terms of character development, the series has a novel approach. The leads are strong, likeable, and engaging, especially Shoko, who's marked by her unwavering resolve, determination, humanity, and her growth into a warrior is portrayed in an inspiring light. This significantly enhances the emotional core of the series, ensuring viewers remain invested in their journey.

With its exciting premise, strong female characters, dynamic plotlines, and action-packed sequences, Saint Seiya: Saintia Sho adds a fresh and fascinating perspective to an already epic fantasy universe. It's a must-watch for Saint Seiya enthusiasts who are eager to explore the Saint Seiya cosmos's new corners and intriguing newcomers who are always in store for high-stakes celestial battles and engaging character-driven stories. The show succeeds in connecting past with the present, complementing the original without ever undermining its legacy. It’s a deserving successor to the Saint Seiya series and, at the same time, a captivating standalone series in its right.

Overall, Saint Seiya: Saintia Sho is a compelling addition to the magical and mystical world of Saint Seiya, combining fascinating mythology, gripping narratives, intense action, and celebrating the power of femininity – all marked out in the name of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war.