Creator Masami Kurumada has announced the launch of a new manga franchise Saint Seiya. Titled Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen (The Heavens Arc), the series will debut on May 14, 2026 in Weekly Shonen Champion, published by Akita Shoten.
The magazine revealed the news in its 15th issue. In addition, the publication included the third special chapter of Saint Seiya Then, called “Saint Seiya Then III: Ketsui”. As with the previous parts, the chapter has eight full-color pages.
A direct sequel to Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac)
The new Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen is described as the official continuation of the Saint Seiya and Saint Seiya: Next Dimension – The Myth of Hades manga. The work also connects concepts previously explored in the franchise, expanding the narrative of the universe created by Kurumada.
Interestingly, the film Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen Josō ~Overture~, released in 2004, was also presented at the time as an official sequel to the story following the events of Next Dimension.
The Saint Seiya Then special continues to expand
spin-off series Saint Seiya Then continues to expand the universe of the original work. The first chapter, "Haikyo no Hana," was published in November 2024 in Weekly Shonen Champion. The second, "Shimei," was released in December in Champion RED magazine. Created by Masami Kurumada, Saint Seiya is an action manga originally published between 1986 and 1990. The work has inspired numerous anime, films, OVAs, and spin-off manga. Currently, the franchise has over 35 million copies in circulation.
Finally, the Saint Seiya: Next Dimension – The Myth of Hades, which began in 2006, came to an end in July 2024. Meanwhile, the franchise remains active with new animated productions and adaptations, including the CG remake Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac and a live-action film released in 2023.
In your opinion, Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen open up a new and important arc for the franchise?
Source: ANN