Saint Seiya Time Odyssey volume 1 - Jerome Alquie and Arnaud Dollen

 Based on (and approved by) the oeuvre of Masami Kurumada comes this new, french written and drawn, story of Saint Seiya.

Being european though, it comes in "BD" (bande dessinee) format instead of manga, and is full colour.

The story, centered around Phoenix Ikki, takes place between the battle with the Silver Saints and the assault on Sanctuary. The bronze saints are recovering at the Grade Foundation mansion, when Drachme, a warrior of an unknown deity, appears.  Brushing aside the present bronze saints initially due to his high speed attack, he declares he is searching for the Phoenix saint.  Harmonizing with the golden cloth helmet, Seiya defeats him, but his master, Arctos of Kelpie, appears.  He tells them his master is only out to kill Phoenix Ikki and appologises to the others, claiming his master has no quarrel with Athena.

Both Athena and the Old Master deduct that Chronos has entered the fray.  Ikki, on the isle of Kanon, is ambushed by the three mistresses of Fate, who reveal to him how his life, and that of his former master Guilty, has been influenced by their lord.  Ikki defeats them, but in going so alters fate as he was originally destined to become Hades's vessel, a fate now transferred to his brother Shun.

Chronos has succeeded in his mission preventing the Phoenix to one day become the incarnation of Hades, but Zeus betrays him.  He reveals the clock of the Apocalypse as a result, swearing to wipe everything out instead to get his revenge on the Olympians...

A very intresting read for sure, a lovely drawn, this is recommended for all Saint Seiya fans!