Saint Seiya: Dark Wing Vol 1 Is a Solid Start That Takes The Franchise to the Modern Day (Review)

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Spin-off series based on *Saint Seiya* haven’t generally been very popular with fans. While some, like *Lost Canvas*, have gained a dedicated following, others, such as *Saintia Sho*, have received a more divided reaction. *Saint Seiya: Dark Wing* stands out with a particularly interesting concept. This series updates the setting to the present day, focusing on a new generation of teenage characters in high school. It also gives a greater role to Hades’ Army, the main villains from the later parts of the original *Saint Seiya*. This fresh approach makes *Dark Wing* a unique spin-off, and the first volume includes enough intriguing hints to leave readers wanting to find out what happens next.

The main weakness of the first book is its unmemorable characters and overuse of familiar tropes. The characters, particularly the main heroes, feel too perfect and lack depth. The story also unexpectedly shifts focus to new characters halfway through, leaving a major plot point unresolved. Despite this, Kenji Saito crafts an engaging story that encourages readers to consider all perspectives. The conflict is complex and thought-provoking, giving fans plenty to ponder while they anticipate the next installment.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Pros Cons
Genuinely intersting mystery Bland Characters
Fun Twists Switches Protagonists
A complicated conflict where both sides could be either good or evil

Saint Seiya: Dark Wing Is Off to a Promising Start

In *Saint Seiya: Dark Wing*, high school student Shoichiro Tokito attends Graad International University High School, a school for gifted students, alongside his twin brother, Sojiro, his friend Cattleya, and the girl he likes, Yoruhime Tsukishima. During a school trip, a mysterious beam of light strikes the boat, and Shoichiro appears to drown while trying to save Yoruhime. However, he wakes up in Elysium as Wyvern, a Spectre serving Hades, one of the Underworld’s Judges. Hades, appearing as a child, orders Shoichiro to return to Earth and kill Athena, believing she is responsible for the attacks plaguing the planet, including the one on the boat.

Fans familiar with the story of *Saint Seiya* will likely question Hades’ accusations against Athena. As the main villain from the original manga, Hades’ claims are immediately suspect. The story also reveals that Athena has been reborn as Cattleya, but she doesn’t remember her past life, especially after the attack on the ship. Adding to the mystery, some of the Gold Saints act strangely, with Crapicorn appearing particularly hostile. Although a lot happens in the first volume, the story doesn’t feel rushed. Important plot points are given enough time to develop and allow readers to fully understand them.

Shoichiro is our guide through the story, and he readily accepts everything Hades says without question. Artist Shinshu Ueda does a great job giving each character distinct and expressive faces, though the style isn’t quite the same as Masami Kurumada’s original *Saint Seiya* manga. While the characters often have strong, dramatic reactions, the biggest weakness of this first volume is that the main heroes are surprisingly uninteresting. Shoichiro and his brother Sojiro are almost *too* kind – they’re practically perfect, which ironically makes them feel less real. Real siblings tease and bicker, but these brothers only show unwavering respect for each other, making it hard to connect with them as characters.

The conflict between Athena and Hades is creating tension between the two brothers, suggesting a growing divide between them. We learn that Sojiro is the Gemini Gold Saint and has been secretly protecting Cattleya, adding a personal layer to the story’s drama. In fact, Sojiro becomes the main focus for much of the volume, which can feel abrupt as readers are still getting to know him. However, his storyline introduces fascinating details about the world, including possible corruption among the Gold Saints and hints of a larger Saint Seiya universe. The author, Saito, skillfully reveals just enough information to keep readers hooked and build suspense. While his writing can be a bit over-the-top at times, this first volume delivers some genuinely surprising twists, like the revelation that Cattleya is Athena and the unexpected appearance of Aiolos.

While *Saint Seiya: Dark Wing* isn’t perfect – it still relies heavily on the Gold Saints and uses familiar attacks – it delivers a compelling mystery that could have wider implications for the *Saint Seiya* universe. The first volume is enjoyable and definitely worth a read for fans of the series.

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2025-09-16 20:11