REMOVEDSaint Seiya - Soul of Gold

"Saint Seiya - Soul of Gold" is an intriguing anime series with its roots deeply embedded in mythology and action. Originated back in 2015, developed by the creative minds at Bandai, it forms an integral part of the overarching "Saint Seiya" franchise. "Saint Seiya - Soul of Gold" takes viewers on a mystical and thrilling journey through a universe where golden-armored warriors, known as Gold Saints, bravely grapple against malevolent forces to protect the deity they serve, Athena, and the earth itself.

The "Saint Seiya" franchise emerged in the 1980s as a popular manga series by author Masami Kurumada and has inspired numerous spin-offs in the years since. "Soul of Gold" is one such spin-off, successfully captivating audiences and carving its niche in the "Saint Seiya" universe with its unique blend of action, drama, and supernatural elements. With Bandai's meticulous design and detailed animation, the narrative world's depiction features palpably real and riveting, drawing viewers into the heroic saga of the Gold Saints.

In "Saint Seiya - Soul of Gold," the story is set in the context of the aftermath of a ferocious battle against Hades in which the Gold Saints sacrificed their lives to destroy the Wall of Lamentation, thereby assisting the Bronze Saints in their mission to protect Athena. However, rather than experiencing the tranquility of the afterlife, the Gold Saints unexpectedly wake up in the beautiful, dazzlingly bright world of Asgard, confronted once again with the ceaseless battle for peace and justice. The mystery of their survival and resurrection in Asgard forms the crux of the "Soul of Gold" storyline.

This series successfully offers a deeper insight into each Gold Saint's persona, exploring their individual narratives, motivations, and backstories while they strive to unravel the enigma that resulted in their unexpected resurrection and additional power boost. Furthermore, the series introduces Asgard as a new battlefield, a realm ruled by the ambitious God Loki who craves for the power to dominate Earth.

The lead characters in "Soul of Gold" are the Gold Saints themselves. They were introverted in the original "Saint Seiya" series, regarded as guardian figures who rarely partook in physical combat. However "Soul of Gold" changes that dynamic completely, shifting the spotlight to these iconic characters, thereby offering the audience a fresh perspective on their personality and character growth. Each episode immerses the audience in their struggles and victories, growing more attached to these brave and selfless warriors.

The Gold Saints' resurgence is marked by stronger cosmos and magnificent new Gold Clothes. The animation of these newly minted armors is visually stunning- an absolute feast for anime aficionados. Bandai wonderfully incorporates Norse mythology's essence into this series, creating a genuinely unique and captivating storyline, filled with breath-taking combat scenes, and ending on a high note with a dramatic climax.

Furthermore, "Soul of Gold" does not forget to pay tribute to its roots often, referencing classic moments, characters, and story arcs from the original "Saint Seiya" series, thereby simultaneously providing nostalgia to older fans and attracting newer fandom.

Indeed, "Saint Seiya - Soul of Gold" presents itself as an enthralling addition to the "Saint Seiya" series. Despite the limited number of episodes, each packed full of fast-paced action, gripping narrative, and stunning visual storytelling. From Bandai's innovative use of special effects to the emotive soundtrack that accompanies each scene, every element of the show is meticulously crafted to create a vibrant world and an immersive viewing experience.

Whether you're an ardent fan of the original "Saint Seiya" series or a newcomer delving into the world of these legendary warrior saints, "Saint Seiya - Soul of Gold" is a must-watch, demonstrating that the cosplay and action genre in anime can be reinvented, refreshed, and revived for a new generation of viewers. Although steeped richly in mythology and supernatural elements, the show maintains a strong emotional core, exploring the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, honor, and undying spirit of our heroes.

To sum it up, "Saint Seiya - Soul of Gold" is a commendable testament to the enduring legacy of the "Saint Seiya" franchise, offering viewers old and new a rousing, immersive viewing experience that reinforces the timeless appeal of these golden heroes. Prepare to venture into a fantastic journey filled with epic battles, power-play, unraveling mysteries, and the high stakes drama attributes that have cemented "Saint Seiya - Soul of Gold" as a fan-favorite in the anime world.