Saint Seiya Omega: Is It Canon?

Hey there, Saint Seiya fans! Let's dive into a topic that sparks a lot of debate: Is Saint Seiya Omega canon? This question has been swirling around the fandom since the series first aired. To really get to the bottom of this, we need to understand what "canon" means in the context of Saint Seiya, explore the different viewpoints, and look at the evidence within the series itself. So, grab your cosmos and let's jump in!

Understanding Canon in Saint Seiya

When we talk about canon, we're essentially asking: "What is considered the official storyline?" For Saint Seiya, the primary canon usually refers to Masami Kurumada's original manga and the anime adaptation that closely follows it. This includes the Galaxian Wars, the Twelve Zodiac Temples arc, the Poseidon arc, and the Hades arc. These are the foundational stories that most fans agree are definitively canon. They establish the core characters, the universe's rules, and the overarching narrative.

However, the Saint Seiya universe is vast and includes numerous spin-offs, movies, and sequels, each with varying degrees of canonicity. Some of these are officially licensed and even supervised by Kurumada, while others are created by different teams with more creative freedom. This is where things get murky. For example, the movies from the 1980s and 1990s, like Evil Goddess Eris or Legend of Crimson Youth, often present self-contained stories that don't necessarily fit neatly into the main timeline. Similarly, Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas, a manga spin-off written and illustrated by Shiori Teshirogi, offers an alternate take on the Hades war, featuring different characters and plot developments. These works exist in a sort of "grey area" – they're part of the broader Saint Seiya multiverse but not always considered part of the main, uninterrupted storyline.

So, when we approach Omega, we need to consider its relationship to this established canon. Does it build upon the original story in a way that feels consistent? Does it contradict established facts or characterizations? And perhaps most importantly, how does its creator, Toei Animation, position it within the larger Saint Seiya narrative? These are the questions that will help us determine whether Omega earns its place in the official Saint Seiya canon.

Arguments for and Against Omega Being Canon

Now, let's weigh the arguments. Why do some fans consider Saint Seiya Omega canon, while others dismiss it? There are valid points on both sides, and understanding these perspectives is key to forming your own informed opinion.

Arguments for Canonicity

• Official Sequel: Omega was produced by Toei Animation, the same studio behind the original anime adaptation. It was explicitly marketed as a sequel to the classic series, taking place several years after the Hades arc. This carries some weight, as it suggests that the creators intended for Omega to be a continuation of the established storyline. In this context, it would mean a direct narrative link, building upon the events and characters we already know.
• Returning Characters: Many familiar faces from the original series appear in Omega, including Seiya, Saori (Athena), Shiryu, Hyoga, and Shun. Their presence helps to connect Omega to the original series and provides a sense of continuity. The way these characters are portrayed and how their stories have progressed since the Hades arc can either reinforce or undermine the sense of canonicity.
• Expanding the Universe: Omega introduces new concepts and elements to the Saint Seiya universe, such as the Cloth Stones and the elemental cosmos. While some fans criticize these additions, others see them as a natural evolution of the series' mythology. The introduction of new ideas isn't inherently a problem for canonicity, as long as they don't contradict the fundamental principles of the established universe. For instance, the concept of elemental cosmos could be seen as an extension of the existing cosmos system, adding another layer of complexity.

Arguments Against Canonicity

• Inconsistencies with the Original Series: One of the main criticisms of Omega is that it contains several inconsistencies with the original series. These include changes to character backstories, power levels, and the overall tone of the story. For example, some fans argue that the power scaling in Omega is significantly different from the original series, with characters achieving levels of strength that seem incompatible with what was previously established. Similarly, changes to character backstories can create contradictions that disrupt the established narrative flow.
• Art Style and Tone: Omega features a different art style and a more lighthearted tone compared to the original series. Some fans find this jarring and feel that it detracts from the overall Saint Seiya experience. The original Saint Seiya was known for its dramatic storytelling, intense battles, and often tragic character arcs. Omega's shift towards a brighter, more shonen-oriented style can feel out of place to those who prefer the original's darker and more epic feel.
• Kurumada's Involvement: Masami Kurumada, the creator of Saint Seiya, had limited involvement in the production of Omega. While he is credited with the original concept, he did not write or illustrate the series. This lack of direct involvement leads some fans to question its canonicity, arguing that it doesn't represent Kurumada's vision for the Saint Seiya universe. Without his guiding hand, the series may deviate from the core themes and ideas that define Saint Seiya.

Examining Key Elements of Omega

To further analyze Omega's canonicity, let's delve into specific elements of the series and compare them to the original Saint Seiya.

The Cloth Stones

One of the most significant departures from the original series is the introduction of Cloth Stones. In Omega, the Cloths are stored within these stones, which the Saints wear like pendants. When they need to fight, they activate the Cloth Stones, and the Cloths materialize onto their bodies. This is a significant change from the original series, where the Cloths were usually stored in Pandora Boxes and had a more tangible, almost mystical presence. Some fans see the Cloth Stones as a simplification of the Cloth concept, making them seem less special and more like generic power-up items.

Elemental Cosmos

Omega introduces the concept of elemental cosmos, where each Saint has an affinity for one of the elements: fire, water, light, darkness, earth, wind, and lightning. This adds a new layer of strategy to battles, as Saints can exploit elemental weaknesses and strengths. However, it also deviates from the original series, where the cosmos was primarily presented as a universal energy that all Saints could tap into, regardless of elemental affinities. The introduction of elemental cosmos can be seen as a way to create more diverse fighting styles and abilities, but it also risks overcomplicating the established power system.

Character Portrayals

The portrayal of returning characters in Omega is another point of contention. While some fans appreciate seeing their favorite characters again, others are critical of the way they've been developed. For example, Seiya, who is now a Legendary Gold Saint, is often seen as underutilized, and his personality seems different from his younger self. Similarly, the other Bronze Saints from the original series have taken on mentor roles, but their appearances are often brief, and their contributions to the story are limited. These changes in character roles and personalities can be jarring for fans who have a strong attachment to the original series.

The Impact on the Saint Seiya Universe

Whether or not you consider Omega canon, it's undeniable that it has had an impact on the Saint Seiya universe. It introduced new fans to the series, expanded the mythology, and sparked countless debates about its place within the larger narrative. Even if it's not universally accepted as canon, it remains a significant part of the Saint Seiya franchise. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of Saint Seiya that even a controversial sequel like Omega can generate so much discussion and passion among fans.

So, Is Omega Canon? A Final Verdict

After considering all the evidence, there's no definitive answer to the question of whether Saint Seiya Omega is canon. It ultimately comes down to personal interpretation and how you choose to view the Saint Seiya universe. If you prioritize consistency with the original series and Kurumada's vision, you may not consider Omega canon. However, if you're open to new interpretations and enjoy seeing the Saint Seiya universe expanded in different ways, you may be more willing to accept it as part of the broader canon. Ultimately, the decision is yours.

No matter where you stand on the Omega debate, one thing is certain: Saint Seiya continues to captivate fans around the world. Whether you're a purist who sticks to the original manga and anime or an open-minded fan who embraces all the spin-offs and sequels, there's something for everyone to enjoy in the Saint Seiya universe. So, keep exploring, keep debating, and keep celebrating the epic saga of the Saints!