Andromeda Shun is generally depicted as male in the original Saint Seiya series and related adaptations, but as female in the 2019 Netflix remake, Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac.
Understanding Shun's Gender Across Adaptations
The gender of Andromeda Shun, one of the main Bronze Saints, varies depending on the specific Saint Seiya adaptation. This distinction is crucial for understanding the character's portrayal.
Original Series and Manga
In the original Saint Seiya manga by Masami Kurumada and its various anime adaptations (including the classic TV series), Andromeda Shun is explicitly male. He is known for his gentle nature, aversion to violence, and strong empathy, traits that often contrasted with traditional masculine stereotypes but firmly established him as a male character within the narrative. He is the younger brother of Phoenix Ikki.
2019 Netflix Remake
Conversely, in the 2019 CG animated series Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac, produced by Netflix, Andromeda Shun is portrayed as female. This creative decision was a significant change from the established canon and was met with varied reactions from the fanbase. The character retains many of her original personality traits, such as her compassion and desire for peace, but is presented as a girl.
Key Character Details
To further clarify the character of Andromeda Shun, here's a breakdown of his/her key attributes across the different versions:
| Attribute | Original Series / Manga | 2019 Netflix Remake |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | Male | Female |
| Relatives | Phoenix Ikki (older brother) | Phoenix Ikki (older brother) |
| Affiliation | Bronze Saints | Bronze Saints |
| Birthplace | Japan | Borkum, Germany |
Regardless of the gender portrayal, Shun remains a pivotal member of the Bronze Saints, fighting alongside characters like Seiya, Shiryu, Hyoga, and his brother Ikki to protect Athena and justice.
