SIGN OF THE TIMES
Mega-Saga ‘Saint Seiya' Now ‘Knights of the Zodiac' This Fall

Sometimes, size does matter.

Even the most casual anime fan is familiar with the long-running anime mega-sagas such as Astro Boy , Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon . But many haven't heard of the equally popular Saint Seiya , which premiered in Japan in 1986 and ran for a whopping114 episodes. Based on a manga by Masami Kurmada that originally ran in Shonen Jump, Saint Seiya is considered one of the great anime classics and is a smash hit throughout most of Asia and South America-- but it hasn't made it to the U.S. until now. Cartoon Network has acquired 40 episodes of this series, and will air it under the title Knights of the Zodiac during the Saturday Action Block.

“The success that Knights of the Zodiac has had internationally is phenomenal,” says Andy Heyward, CEO and chairman of licensor DIC Entertainment. “Furthermore, there has never been a Japanese series that has been a mega-hit in Asia , Europe and South America that has failed become a mega-hit in the U.S. ”

Knights of the Zodiac tells the story of the Bronze Knight Seiya, who leads the Knights of Athena in battle against Phoenix and the Knights of Aries. Seiya and his comrades must fight the most formidible warriors in the galaxy to make their way up the chain of precious metals to protect the golden armor of Sagittarius and return Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, to her rightful throne. Of course, it wouldn't be good anime without tons of martial arts action, crazy plots, and enemies who just won't stay dead.

Knights premieres Saturday, August 30, at 7 p.m.

-- Caitlin Moriarity

 

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