An adaptation isn't a perfect copy of a work, but a different interpretation of it. This has never been more true than with Saint Seiya, which underwent numerous changes during the transition from manga to anime, whether by choice or due to production issues. Here are 7 things that shouldn't have been changed during this transition.
#1 The design of the bronze armor
The most shocking thing for a reader who first discovered the anime is the design of the bronze armor. It's true that the designs in the animated series are more colorful, attractive, and iconic, but they are less logical compared to those in the manga. In the latter,our heroes are more undressed, which better suits their rank. Thus, the difference between bronze armor and silver armor is more marked. The same goes for their evolutions, which are naturally more numerous, even if some designs, it must be admitted, leave something to be desired.
#2 Black Dragon has a twin brother
Overall, the fight against the Black Knights is very different in the manga, and is even better than in the anime. One of the reasons for this is the confrontation between Shiryu and Black Dragon. In the manga, the latter has a twin brother who hides in the shadows, but Dragon Noir doesn't take him into consideration, as evidenced by his lack of consideration when he is eliminated by Shiryu. However, Dragon Noir will change his mind thanks to his opponent. Doesn't this story remind you of anything? Well, it should, because this story was more or less repeated with Syd and Bud in the Asgard arc. It's considered one of the most moving moments in the anime, and it's just as moving in the manga version.
#3 Camus is Hyoga's Master
This is one of the major changes in the anime adaptation, and the one that poses the most problems. Toei chose to replace Camus with Crystal as Hyoga's master. Actually, this isn't entirely their fault, as Masami Kurumada himself wasn't sure who the Bronze Saint's master would be. However, if we compare the two works as they are, it is obvious that it looks much better in manga with much more emotion emerging in each confrontation between the two characters.
#4 Milo
The Milo case is quite unique. Whether in the manga or the anime, we have the impression that we didn't know what to do with him. For example, Kuramada initially envisioned him as Hyoga's master before changing his mind. Toei should have done the same when they decided to make Milo the executioner of Shun's master. This creates an inconsistency with the character, especially since the studio had to assign this role to Aphrodite by force of circumstance.
#5 The fight against Saga
The confrontation against Saga is, in our opinion, one of the best fights in the anime, but it could have been even better if it had remained a little more faithful to the manga. In the adaptation, the fight is much more expeditious, while in the original material, it is longer. There are passages that change, additional techniques, and especially flashbacks that give more depth to Saga. We would particularly have liked to see the antagonist's Galaxian Explosion or Seiya's enormous Pegasus Suisei Ken in the anime. On the other hand, we can't take away from the anime its vision of the villain's final moments, which are much better.
#6 Saga has been the Grand Pope for 13 years
The biggest change in the anime compared to the manga, and one of the least clear among fans, concerns the status of the Pope. Simply put: in the manga, Saga took Shion's place 13 years before the start of the story; in the anime, he replaced Shion's disciple Ares and impersonated him for 13 years before taking the Pope's life and taking his place. The path taken by the adaptation is questionable, as it's hard to believe Shion and that some of the Golden Saints were so easily fooled. However, in the manga, it's more nuanced. Saga was a respected Pope, and almost no one suspected that he was actually evil. This love that others had for him is even shown, which should have been the case in the anime as well.
0 Comments