Nanatsu no Taizai: Seisen no Shirushi

The Seven Deadly Sins: Signs of A Holy War

Aired Date:2016-08-28

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:67/100

Genres:Action, Adventure, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Supernatural

Season:2

Total Episodes:4

Duration:25 min/ep

Studio:A-1 Pictures

Source:MANGA

Format:TV

Director:Tomokazu Tokoro

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Official Site Twitter Netflix

Synopsis

Four-part original story by mangaka Nakaba Suzuki. Having taken the kingdom of Leones back from Holy Knights, the Seven Deadly Sins, along with Elizabeth and Hawk, can finally enjoy peaceful lives they earned. However, with premonitions of a new threat looming, their happy, ordinary days are about to end.

Trailer

Characters

Meliodas MAIN

Merlin MAIN

Elizabeth Liones MAIN

Hawk MAIN

Diane MAIN

Ban MAIN

Gowther MAIN

King MAIN

Gilthunder SUPPORTING

Howzer SUPPORTING

The Seven Deadly Sins: Signs of Holy War – A Wild Ride of Action and Heart

If you’re a fan of The Seven Deadly Sins anime, then Signs of Holy War is a special treat that bridges the gap between the first season and the chaos that follows. This four-episode OVA (original video animation) dives deeper into the world of Britannia, giving us more of the lovable, flawed, and downright epic Sins we’ve come to adore. Let’s break down what makes this mini-arc so special, why it’s worth your time, and how it sets the stage for the bigger battles ahead. Spoilers? I’ll keep ‘em light, but buckle up for some enthusiasm!

What’s Signs of Holy War All About?

Released in 2016 as a lead-in to the second season, Signs of Holy War picks up right after the explosive events of Season 1. The Seven Deadly Sins—Meliodas, Diane, Ban, King, Gowther, Merlin, and Escanor—have saved the kingdom of Liones from the Holy Knights’ coup, but peace? Yeah, that’s not really their style. This OVA focuses on a brief moment of calm (well, as calm as it gets for this crew) before new threats start creeping in.

The episodes blend slice-of-life vibes with hints of darker forces stirring. You’ve got Meliodas running the Boar Hat tavern, Ban cooking up questionable dishes, and Diane dealing with her giant-sized feelings for the captain. But don’t let the cozy moments fool you—there’s a looming sense of unease. The Ten Commandments, the Demon Clan’s elite warriors, are teased as the next big bad, and the Sins’ pasts are starting to catch up with them. It’s like the show’s saying, “Enjoy the laughs now, ‘cause things are about to get wild.”

Why It’s a Must-Watch

1. Character Moments That Hit Hard
   Signs of Holy War gives each Sin a chance to shine. Whether it’s Ban’s heartbreaking backstory with Elaine or Meliodas’ playful (and sometimes creepy) dynamic with Elizabeth, these episodes flesh out the characters in ways that make you care even more. The quieter moments—like King’s awkward attempts to connect with Diane—add depth to the action-heavy narrative we’re used to.
2. A Perfect Mix of Humor and Drama
   This OVA nails the Seven Deadly Sins tone: one minute you’re laughing at Hawk’s obsession with scraps, the next you’re gripping your seat as a new villain shows up. The humor feels natural, not forced, and the action scenes, though brief, are gorgeously animated by A-1 Pictures. It’s a reminder of why this series hooks you so easily.
3. Foreshadowing Done Right
   If you’ve seen later seasons, you know the Ten Commandments are no joke. Signs of Holy War plants those seeds without overwhelming you. It’s like a teaser trailer for the chaos to come, dropping just enough hints about the Demon Clan and Meliodas’ mysterious past to keep you theorizing.
4. Elizabeth Steps Up
   Princess Elizabeth, often the heart of the team, gets some solid moments here. She’s not just the damsel anymore—she’s starting to grapple with her role and her feelings for Meliodas. Her growth in these episodes sets up her arc beautifully for what’s next.

The Animation and Soundtrack? Chef’s Kiss

A-1 Pictures brings their A-game with vibrant colors and fluid fight scenes. The character designs pop, especially during the action sequences, and the tavern scenes feel warm and lived-in. The soundtrack, led by Hiroyuki Sawano’s iconic compositions, blends epic orchestral tracks with softer, emotional beats. If you’ve ever hummed the main theme, you’ll find yourself doing it again here.

Any Downsides?

Okay, let’s be real: Signs of Holy War isn’t perfect. At only four episodes, it feels like a teaser rather than a full arc. Some fans might find the pacing a bit slow, especially if you’re craving wall-to-wall battles. And yeah, Meliodas’ handsy behavior toward Elizabeth can feel uncomfortable, though it’s par for the course with his character at this point. If you’re new to the series, this isn’t the place to start—jump into Season 1 first for context.

Why It Matters for the Bigger Story

Signs of Holy War is like the deep breath before the plunge. It’s a chance to hang out with the Sins before the Ten Commandments shake up Britannia. The OVA subtly sets up major themes—loyalty, redemption, and the cost of power—that echo through the later seasons. Plus, it’s a love letter to fans who want more of the gang’s banter and bonds.

Where to Watch and What’s Next?

You can stream Signs of Holy War on platforms like Netflix, where it’s often bundled with The Seven Deadly Sins Season 2 (labeled as Season 1, Part 2 in some regions—thanks, streaming confusion!). After this, dive into Revival of the Commandments for the full Ten Commandments saga. Trust me, it’s a rollercoaster.

Final Thoughts

The Seven Deadly Sins: Signs of Holy War is a short but sweet addition to the series. It’s got heart, humor, and just enough mystery to keep you hooked. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just catching up, these episodes are a fun pit stop in the Sins’ epic journey. So grab some snacks (maybe not Ban’s cooking), settle in, and enjoy the calm before the storm. Britannia’s about to get messy, and you won’t want to miss it.

What do you think of Signs of Holy War? Got a favorite Sin or moment? Let me know—I’m all ears (comment below)!