Exciting Developments in the Saint Seiya Universe
- Anticipate a new 8-page manga titled Saint Seiya THEN: Haikyo no Hana, debuting on November 14, 2024.
- The sequel Next Dimension explores time travel as Athena strives to save Seiya, resulting in memory loss for all involved.
- Speculation arises around a new arc titled Saint Seiya THEN, which may introduce the iconic figure of Zeus.
Announcement of the Sequel Manga
Recent updates from the latest issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Akita Shoten, confirm the arrival of a sequel to the beloved Greek mythology series Saint Seiya (also recognized as Knights of the Zodiac). Originally hinted at on creator Masami Kurumada’s blog in October of the previous year, the details have remained largely elusive until now.
A Quick History of Saint Seiya
Serialized from 1985 to 1990 in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump, Saint Seiya spans three major narrative arcs: Sanctuary, Poseidon, and Hades. In 2006, Kurumada introduced Saint Seiya: Next Dimension, intending to set a storyline featuring past generations, which later merged with the plotlines of Shiori Teshirogi’s The Lost Canvas. Ultimately, Next Dimension evolved into a direct continuation of the original saga, centering around the brave warriors known as Saints, who protect the goddess Athena, particularly focusing on the five Bronze Saints: Pegasus, Dragon, Cygnus, Andromeda, and Phoenix.
What’s Coming Next?
As confirmed in the upcoming publication, readers can expect an 8-page manga titled Saint Seiya THEN: Haikyo no Hana (translated as Flowers of Ruins) to be unveiled on November 14, 2024. Early sketches released on the author’s blog showcase scenes featuring Athena (Saori Kido) alongside the original Gold Saints, capturing the excitement of what’s to come.
Insights from Next Dimension’s Conclusion
The Next Dimension series wrapped up its serialization in July, with the release of its final volume this week. This storyline takes a captivating turn as Athena travels back in time to neutralize Hades’ sword, which severely injures Pegasus Seiya. The ensuing time travel threatens the very fabric of the Earth, culminating in a sacrifice where Athena relinquishes her memories and divine status. The four main Bronze Saints who accompany her also lose their memories, concluding the story on a poignant note. Although Next Dimension has yet to be officially released in English, elements of this narrative are featured within the mobile game Saint Seiya: Legends of Justice.
Excitement for Potential Future Arcs
While it remains uncertain whether the upcoming manga will serve as a standalone one-shot or the kickoff to a larger saga, there is strong speculation that it may herald the start of a new arc, potentially titled Saint Seiya THEN. Fans have long anticipated a Zeus arc, relishing the possibility of seeing Zeus represented in this mythical tapestry. Kurumada has suggested that this new development could lay the groundwork for that long-awaited storyline, leading fans to theorize that Athena may regain her memories, setting the stage for new conflicts.
Saint Seiya’s Enduring Legacy
The Saint Seiya comic series is distributed in the United States by VIZ Media, further solidifying its international appeal. The original story inspired a hugely popular anime adaptation during the 1980s, now accessible on platforms like Crunchyroll. A CGI reboot aired between 2019 and 2023, consisting of three seasons, with the first season available on Netflix and the subsequent seasons on Crunchyroll. Additionally, a live-action movie featuring Sean Bean premiered last year, contributing to the franchise’s ongoing legacy.
For further details, refer to the coverage by Anime News Network.
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