In the anime film Saint Seiya: Legend of Crimson Youth, Abel Phoebo, also known as Phoebus Abel, serves as the main antagonist. He is introduced as a powerful deity and the older brother of Athena, who is reincarnated as the mortal Saori Kido. Abel is a god not found in traditional myths, created specifically for the film's narrative. He is identified as a son of Zeus who, in the age of mythology, was originally the God of the Solar Corona. His immense pride and ambition led him to claim the entirety of the sun for himself and attempt to dethrone his father, an act of rebellion that resulted in his death at the hands of the young Apollo. Following this, his soul was imprisoned by Zeus, and his name, image, and places of worship were erased from human history.

In the 20th century, Abel is revived and returns to Earth, claiming to have been chosen by Zeus to deliver final judgment upon humanity for its corruption and sins. His personality is a study in divine contradictions. On the surface, he is the epitome of refinement and serenity, often depicted as a calm, kind, and stoic figure whose pastime is playing a beautiful golden harp. He possesses an appreciation for art and beauty, carrying himself with an extremely refined and aristocratic demeanor. This tranquil exterior, however, masks a being of profound cruelty and ruthlessness. He holds a deep disdain for those he considers inferior and is capable of turning into a terrifying brute in an instant to defend his convictions. He is driven by a conviction that humanity has squandered the gifts of the gods and is unworthy of his sister Athena’s protection, making their extinction a necessary act to pave the way for a new, uncorrupted world.

Abel’s central role in the story is defined by his complex relationship with Athena. He appears before Saori Kido not as a conqueror, but as a brother seeking to save his sister from a doomed world. He proposes that she join him to reside in his final residence, the Corona Temple, so she may be spared the suffering of humanity’s final hours. He demonstrates a genuine, albeit twisted, affection for Saori, referring to her as his beloved younger sister. This fraternal bond is so significant that when she ultimately rebels against his plan and reveals her intention to protect humanity, he kills her without hesitation—yet is visibly saddened by the act, even shedding tears for her. To secure his sister and achieve his goals, Abel resurrects the five Gold Saints who had previously died in the Sanctuary battle, forcing them to swear allegiance to him as additional guardians. He is also accompanied by his own devoted followers, the Corona Saints: Carina Atlas, Lynx Jaoh, and Coma Berenike.

Throughout the film, Abel shows little to no character development, remaining a static and absolute figure of divine judgment. He is supremely confident in his power and sees no flaw in his reasoning, considering any opposition to be futile. The only moment that hints at a change is his final reaction to his defeat, where he feels a measure of respect for the Bronze Saint Pegasus Seiya, who musters the cosmos to overcome him. As a deity, Abel's notable abilities are vast, placing him on a power level far above Athena. He is a user of the Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Senses, granting him superhuman strength, speed, and durability. His powers include atomic manipulation, reality warping, telepathy, telekinesis, and the ability to manipulate life, death, and souls. Any attack thrown by a being without a Divine Cosmos is instantly redirected back with even greater potency. He can also manipulate the weather, creating tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, and his standard equipment is a golden lyre. He is considered an exceptionally powerful god, second only to Zeus himself, requiring the combined effort of multiple Olympians to be defeated in the mythological age.