Saint Seiya Saint Cloth Myth figures

What is a Saint Cloth Myth figure?

Successors to the Saint Cloth Series toys first released in 1987, Saint Cloth Myth figures made their debut in 2003, produced by Bandai Tamashii Nations to coincide with the release of the OVAs dedicated to the Hades Chapter of Saint Seiya. These highly detailed articulated collectible figures were designed to allow fans to recreate memorable scenes and poses from the series.

Since their introduction on the international market, they have become highly popular among collectors. Many of the Knights of the Zodiac have consequently found their way into display cabinets around the world. In addition to the five main Bronze Saints — Pegasus, Cygnus, Dragon, Phoenix and Andromeda — many other characters have received their own figures, including the Gold Saints, Silver Saints, God Warriors of Asgard, Marinas of Poseidon and Specters of Hades.

How are Saint Cloth Myth figures made?

The articulated bodies of Saint Cloth Myth figures are made from high-quality ABS plastic, providing good durability and resistance.

The Cloth parts are produced through a sophisticated manufacturing process. Moulds are created from 3D models, which are first used to produce prototypes through 3D printing. These prototypes are then used to create the production moulds from which the figures are manufactured in series.

After moulding, the metal parts are filed and polished by skilled craftsmen. They are then electroplated, coated with a copper underlayer and nickel-plated. Finally, several layers of colour are applied by hand.

This lengthy production process combines quality materials with skilled labour, both of which are affected by inflation. Manufacturing costs therefore increase regularly and are ultimately reflected in retail prices. Collectors nevertheless benefit from the full support provided by Bandai Tamashii Nations through its after-sales service and authorised retailers.

You can also watch this video summarising the different stages involved in producing Saint Cloth Myth figures.

What are the main features of Saint Cloth Myth figures?

Each figure stands approximately 15 cm tall and comes with Cloth parts made from both metal and plastic. The Cloth can either be fitted onto the character or assembled separately in its Object form.

Interchangeable hands, hair parts and faces are also included, along with an articulated cape on some releases, offering collectors numerous display possibilities.

Saint Cloth Myth figures and the art of posing

One of the main attractions of Saint Cloth Myth figures lies in the time collectors can spend posing and displaying them. Finding a pose that looks natural, dynamic and properly balanced often requires several attempts and allows you to make full use of the figure’s articulation, interchangeable hands and faces, as well as the different parts of its Cloth.

This « art of posing » requires patience and a little experience: the position of the legs, hips, torso, arms and even the direction of the character’s gaze can dramatically change the final appearance of a figure. To help collectors improve their posing skills, we have written a complete guide on the subject: Saint Cloth Myth Saint Seiya: 9 Tips for Better Poses.

What is the difference between Saint Cloth Myth and Saint Cloth Myth EX?

Since 2011, Bandai Tamashii Nations has produced Saint Seiya Saint Cloth Myth EX figures. They are an enhanced evolution of the classic Saint Cloth Myth figures, with a slightly larger size of around 18 cm and more refined proportions.

They also feature a newer generation of articulation allowing for more dynamic poses. The faces and Cloth parts of a Saint Cloth Myth EX figure are also more detailed than those of the original line.

What is a Saint Cloth Myth « Revival » version?

In 2017, Bandai Tamashii Nations began reissuing some figures that had become unavailable in stores and online shops. These reissues are released under the Saint Cloth Myth Revival and Saint Cloth Myth EX Revival labels.

Revival versions can nevertheless differ from the original editions, for example through different or improved interchangeable face parts.

What does « OCE » mean on a Saint Cloth Myth figure?

Different figures can be released by the manufacturer as an Original Color Edition, commonly abbreviated as OCE.

These versions reproduce colours inspired by the original manga, whereas the standard collection is primarily based on the colour schemes seen in the Saint Seiya anime (Knights of the Zodiac).

What is a Saint Cloth Myth EX Metal figure?

The Saint Cloth Myth EX Metal concept was introduced by Bandai Tamashii Nations with the OCE version of the Wyvern Rhadamanthys Saint Cloth Myth EX figure.

The bodies of Saint Cloth Myth EX Metal figures feature metal elbows and knees finished in colours matching the character’s Cloth.

This creates a more continuous appearance across the armour and avoids visually distracting breaks around the joints.

Although the result provides a particularly seamless appearance, Saint Cloth Myth EX Metal models are generally 10 to 20% more expensive than classic Saint Cloth Myth EX figures. Choosing between the two therefore ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.

Are Japanese Saint Cloth Myth figures higher quality?

The answer is very simple: no.

This misconception is partly linked to the history of Saint Cloth Myth distribution in Europe, and more specifically in France.

Initially, Bandai Japan marketed Saint Cloth Myth figures to collectors aged 15 and over, whereas Bandai France marketed the figures to children aged 8 and over. To comply with European safety requirements, certain figures featuring parts considered too sharp therefore had to be modified, such as the classic Saint Cloth Myth figure of Siegfried, the Alpha God Warrior.

This separate production lasted for approximately two years. In 2008, European distribution was officially redirected towards an adult audience, putting an end to these market-specific modifications.

Another factor that helped create the myth of superior Japanese releases was the difference between the stickers applied to Saint Cloth Myth packaging depending on the territory in which the products were distributed. In addition to the different colours of the metallic Toei sticker, importers and distributors applied their own labels to the underside of the boxes.

These stickers are simply used to identify the company responsible for providing after-sales support in the event of a problem and have no impact on the quality of the product itself.

Today, there is therefore no difference in design or technical specifications between figures imported from Japan and those sold elsewhere in the world.

Nevertheless, the myth of « superior Japanese quality » still persists among some collectors. It is not uncommon to hear references to Japanese, Spanish, German, French (FR), European (EU) or Hong Kong (HK) « versions », even though these are simply products distributed by different companies and supplied from the same Bandai Tamashii Nations production lines.

Furthermore, the difference between resale prices for second-hand Japanese and European figures has now become almost negligible. It therefore rarely compensates for the additional cost originally paid for a parallel import, particularly once customs duties and import costs are taken into account.

Should I add a Saint Cloth Myth figure to my collection?

Saint Cloth Myth figures from Saint Seiya have become iconic collectible figures for fans of the manga and anime. They combine quality materials with a high level of detail.

For Saint Seiya fans, Saint Cloth Myth figures remain one of the most representative ways to build a collection dedicated to the series.