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Saint Seiya is a 28-volume manga created by Masami Kurumada in the late 80's. It was so popular around the world that the publication of new adventures resumed at the beginning of the century. The initial story that was adapted into 114 anime episodes takes place in Greece where, under the patronage of Mitsumasa Kido, a handful of children return home after a life-threatening training that lead them to win the right to wear sacred armors tied to constellations. Having vowed to protect Saori Kido, Mitsumasa's granddaughter and War goddess Athena's reincarnation, they engage in a battle against the Sanctuary's silver and gold knights that are under the influence of an evil force.

Throughout the three arcs of the manga (Sanctuary, Hades, Poseidon), a hundred of knights reveal their origins and the rationale of their actions – devotion, love, promise, compassion, greed, obedience, revenge, lust for power. Saint Seiya's epic battles were the occasions for our heroes to burn their cosmos (read to exceed themselves).

Among the various derivative products that were commercialised after the manga, the Bandai Vintage action figures from 1986-1989 are largely sought after today. Their metallic and plastic armors could be mounted on the knights or as constellation figures.