Two notable series from Akita Publishing's Champion RED magazine are set to conclude, marking a significant moment for fans. Kenji Saitō and Nobuyuki Ueda's Saint Seiya: Dark Wing and Yousuke Takahashi and Mimori's Garagarapon manga will both wrap up their respective runs in the magazine's January 2027 issue, scheduled for release on November 19. This early announcement gives readers ample time to prepare for the finales of these compelling stories.
Saint Seiya Dark Wing Gears Up for Its Final Battle
Saint Seiya: Dark Wing, a thrilling spinoff in the beloved Saint Seiya universe, first captivated readers when it debuted in Monthly Champion RED in December 2020. The series has since published eight compiled book volumes, with the most recent having shipped on December 19. Fans have followed the extraordinary journey of Shōichirō, an ordinary high school student thrust into the role of Wyvern, one of Hades' dreaded Judges of the Underworld. His destiny intertwines with Cattleya, the reincarnation of Athena, as they navigate a war transcending life and death amidst a darker conspiracy.
The manga explores intense battles and profound revelations as Shōichirō and his classmates are transported to the land of the dead during a school trip. There, they find themselves embroiled in an epic struggle between gods and their warriors. Titan publishes Saint Seiya: Dark Wing in English, making this chapter of the Saint Seiya saga accessible to a global audience. Its conclusion in the January 2027 issue promises an epic and long-awaited resolution to this complex narrative, building upon the rich legacy of Masami Kurumada's original manga, which ran from 1986 to 1990 and inspired numerous anime adaptations and spinoffs.
Garagarapon's Unique Story Nears Its End
Yousuke Takahashi and Mimori's Garagarapon manga, which launched more recently in Akita Shoten's Champion RED magazine in November 2023, is also preparing for its conclusion alongside Saint Seiya: Dark Wing. Despite its relatively shorter run, Garagarapon has quickly gathered a following, with its second volume released on January 20. The details of its specific plot have intrigued readers, and its impending finale will undoubtedly bring its unique narrative to a satisfying close.
Co-creator Yousuke Takahashi is a well-regarded figure in the manga world, known for his long-running Mugen Shinshi mystery manga. Mugen Shinshi originally began in Asahi Sonorama's Manga Shonen magazine in 1981 and has since generated multiple spinoff manga, novels, an original video anime project, and even a live-action film. The conclusion of Garagarapon adds another chapter to Takahashi's diverse and influential body of work, leaving readers to anticipate his next creative venture.
Reflecting on a Dual Conclusion
The dual announcement of Saint Seiya: Dark Wing and Garagarapon concluding in the same Champion RED issue highlights the dynamic nature of the manga industry. While it marks the end of two engaging stories, it also opens possibilities for new narratives to emerge within the magazine's pages. Fans of both series will have a considerable lead time to enjoy the remaining chapters and prepare for the finales in November 2026, when the January 2027 issue hits shelves. The end of these manga leaves behind memorable characters and intricate plots that have enriched the Champion RED lineup, ensuring their impact resonates long after their final pages are turned.
