The Saint Seiya universe is set to grow with exciting new installments, as Masami Kurumada’s Saint Seiya Then is receiving its second chapter, titled Saint Seiya Then II: Shimei, and Chimaki Kuori’s Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō Memories is launching a new short serialization. These announcements were made in the January 2026 issue of Akita Shoten’s Champion RED magazine, which hit shelves on November 19.
Fans can look forward to these new manga entries building upon the rich lore of the beloved franchise.
Saint Seiya Then II: Shimei Continues Kurumada’s Narrative
Masami Kurumada, the original creator of Saint Seiya, is set to release “Saint Seiya Then II: Shimei” (Mission) in the upcoming December 19 issue of Champion RED magazine.. This new installment follows “Saint Seiya Then: Haikyo no Hana” (Flowers of Ruin), which was published in Weekly Shōnen Champion in November 2024. Like its predecessor, “Saint Seiya Then II: Shimei” will feature eight full-color pages. The previous installment served as an epilogue to Saint Seiya: Next Dimension – The Myth of Hades, which concluded its irregular serialization in July 2024 after eighteen years.
The term “Shimei” translates to “duty” or “mission,” hinting at the potential direction of this new narrative. There are high expectations that this mini-manga could pave the way for the long-awaited Heaven Saga. The January 2026 issue of Champion RED also includes a cover illustration by Kurumada, a poster-calendar featuring the same artwork, autographed illustrations by Champion RED authors to celebrate Saint Seiya‘s anniversary, and a special article reviewing the franchise’s 40-year history.
Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō Memories Begins New Short Serialization
In addition to Kurumada’s new work, Chimaki Kuori’s spin-off side-story manga, Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō Memories, is beginning a new “short serialization” with “Memory 4: Kōri no Tōshi” (Warrior of Ice). Kuori has been publishing these spin-off side stories irregularly in Champion RED since July 2022, and there have been three “Memory” installments and two “Extra Memory” installments thus far. This marks a shift from previous side stories, which were typically published as single chapters.
The Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō manga itself was serialized in Champion RED from August 2013 to July 2021 and inspired a 10-episode original net animation (ONA) released from December 2018 to February 2019. The Memories chapters delve into the backstories of the Saintias, providing additional context and expanding on their adventures. The latest installment, “Memory 4,” is expected to focus on the character Katya.
