Tenku Senki Shurato

Revised January 2026

Shurato was one of those old anime I watched as a kid and it’s the kind of show I now think should have stayed there. I had high hopes for the series before revisiting it, but it’s easy to see why Shurato never became a major hit.

To put it bluntly, Shurato is wasted potential much like many Japanese anime that never quite find their footing. The series never achieved anything noteworthy beyond being labeled a Saint Seiya clone. It has strong character pieces and a fascinating setting that could have made it a darker, more compelling version of Saint Seiya. But the series moves in the opposite direction, gradually losing respect and momentum. 

The story becomes dragged out, and by the time the second arc begins, everything falls apart quickly. What could have been a tighter, more intense narrative turns into a long and uneven journey.

What disappoints me most about Shurato is how Tatsunoko handled Hinduism the very foundation of the series. It feels disrespectful and poorly researched, giving the impression that the creators were not aware of the culture they were adapting.

As someone who is somewhat familiar with Hindu mythology, I can confidently say:

• Vishnu is not a woman (even if some avatars are)

• Shiva is not a malevolent god even if destruction and death is part of his portfolio

• And even Shin Megami Tensei—a franchise known for its mythological interpretations—handles these themes more carefully.

The way Shurato misrepresents Hindu lore makes the series feel even more wasted. It’s a shame because the premise had real promise.

Honestly, Shurato deserves a reboot, one that treats its mythological roots with the respect and depth they deserve. And if there were ever a Tatsunoko vs. Capcom 2, I’d love to see Shurato make an appearance.