Saint Seiya Vol 3: Dark Adversaries (1986)
Animation Production: Toei Animation
Released by: ADV Films
Official Website: Saint Seiya
Episodes: 11-15
By Jeffrey Couto

Introduction

“Why did you come to this battle in such a condition? …For Friendship”

I think this exchange between Black Dragon and Shiryu best encapsulates what the third DVD volume in ADV Film’s release of this classic anime series is really all about. After seeing episodes six through ten in the 2nd DVD I was really excited to see the next set and I’m happy to report that these keep the momentum going!

Story

“The fighting continues as the Bronze Saints struggle to recover the Golden Cloth. The pieces of the armor are scattered about, and each of our heroes will have to prove his mettle in order to return the stolen mystical armament to Saori. Answering a challenge from Phoenix, the Bronze Saints must prepare themselves for their most personal adversaries yet-the Black Saints. Secrets about Phoenix’s past are revealed, answering many of the questions surrounding his torturous time living on Death Queen Island. The Black Saints are taking control, the Bronze Saints’ are falling apart, and a new foe, enraged from a loss from his past, is threatening the lives of them all.” -- ADV's Saint Seiya Vol-3 Page

Review

We pick up right where we left off as the Saints travel to Murder Valley in order to meet and challenge Ikki and his Black Saints to a final showdown for the Gold Cloth. Seiya having recovered his Pegasus armor thanks to the sacrifice made by Shiryu is the first to engage in battle as the powerful Black Pegasus Saint makes an appearance. This duel ends as our hero gets hit by one final and devastating blow by the Black Saint, the Black Meteor Attack, which slowly consumes the body of the person who gets hit by it.

This is the catalyst that sets the following three episodes in motion as each of the Bronze Saints is tested by the Black Saints and Ikki himself. Seiya, Shun, Hyouga, and Shiryu must individually and collectively face their dark counterparts and defeat them by not only using their individual armors' powers, but also by working together as friends.

Ultimately this theme of friendship runs throughout each of the episodes, with an emphasis on how it empowers each of the featured Saints with not only abilities that go beyond those of their counterparts, but a bond that strenghtens their willingness to win and see each other through any situation they face, no matter what the odds may be. This is probably one of the most enduring and used themes in anime (generally speaking) and it's carried out here in a great fashion.

These are not self-centered heroes who fight for revenge, they do it to protect the ones they love and to defend what is right. No matter how powerful Ikki is, his anger and hatred ultimately are his Achilles heel as Seiya and the others work together to stop him and make Ikki realize that their friendship is what gives them the power to stand up to him and fight.

All in all these were a great set of episodes as they bring the story arch that started with volume two to a conclusion and set the stage for another saga to begin. Overall the DVD was heavier on the action than the previous release and as such it makes for a fun popcorn anime experience as the characters engage each other in some fun duels and even better dialogue (like the line I quoted at the beginning of this review).

The animation was up to par with previous episodes and in some cases surpasses them as some pretty dynamically drawn action scenes unfold and flashy special attacks are traded between combatants. The music and vocal acting again, continue to impress and support the on-screen action quite nicely.

The DVD itself includes the following five episodes:

Episode 11: “Seiya VS The Black Pegasus”
Episode 12: “The Nebula Chain – Fight for Friendship”
Episode 13: “A Battle for Friendship”
Episode 14: “The Phantom Devil is Finally Defeated”
Episode 15: “The Mystery of Ikki Revealed”

As with the previous two volumes English and Japanese tracks are included as is the original Japanese opening, a special that takes a closer look at the armor of the ancient Greeks and previews for other ADV Films products.

Final Thoughts

I am happy to report that Saint Seiya continues to deliver! This volume contains some great moments and further advances the story as we end episode 15 with a new mystery character who challenges our heroes for possession of the Gold Cloth, which they had just recovered. Can't wait to find out what happens next!

Jeffrey Couto