Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas

In 18th century Europe, three orphans who grew up together make a promise to reunite, only to return to one another wearing very different identities. Tenma, once a scrappy boy, becomes the fiery Pegasus saint tasked with defending the goddess Athena. Alone, a gentle artist, is drawn toward a darker destiny and the mantle of Hades. Sasha, the girl they both love, stands as Athena, trying to hold a fragile peace. Old loyalties and new powers collide as saints and specters prepare for a large scale conflict that tests faith, loyalty, and the cost of war, without revealing how the struggle will end.

Directed by Osamu Nabeshima, the anime adaptation premiered in 2009 and draws on Shiori Teshirogi's manga, itself inspired by Masami Kurumada's original Saint Seiya universe, with Yoshiyuki Suga contributing to the series composition.

Among Saint Seiya installments, The Lost Canvas reinforced the franchise's visual and thematic identity, inspiring merchandise, soundtrack interest, and continued fan engagement. Its reinterpretation of the Holy War era helped keep Saint Seiya relevant to a new generation of viewers.

Critics and fans gave the series strong marks, reflected in an average user rating around 8.28 out of 10 from several hundred votes. Reviewers praised the emotional stakes, kinetic battle animation, and tragic tone. Recurring themes include friendship under strain, destiny versus choice, sacrifice, and the moral weight of war, all set against mythic, armoured combat.

The show did not sweep mainstream industry awards, yet it earned a lasting reputation among anime audiences and collectors. It remains a notable branch of the Saint Seiya franchise, often recommended to fans who want a darker, more tragic take on the Athena-Hades conflict.