New Saint Seiya Manga Chapter Announced
Fans of the legendary Saint Seiya saga have exciting news to anticipate! Akita Publishing's Champion RED magazine has officially announced the upcoming release of the fourth part of Masami Kurumada's "Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen" manga. Titled "Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen Then IV," this highly anticipated installment is set to debut in the magazine's February issue on December 18. This announcement brings great excitement to the Saint Seiya community, continuing a beloved storyline.
The Next Chapter Arrives
The launch of "Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen Then IV" on December 18 marks another significant moment for the series. While some initial social media mentions incorrectly stated December 16, the official image confirmation from Champion RED clearly lists the correct release date as December 18. This new chapter continues the "Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen" narrative, building upon the rich mythology and character arcs that Masami Kurumada has meticulously crafted over decades. Readers are eager to dive back into the celestial battles and heroic journeys that define the Saint Seiya universe.
Tracing the Tenkai-hen Saga
The "Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen" series is heralded as the official sequel, directly following the events of both the original Saint Seiya manga and Saint Seiya: Next Dimension - The Myth of Hades. This continuity is crucial for long-time followers, as it provides a direct progression of the story. The 2004 film, "Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen Jōsō ~Overture~," also previously claimed status as an official sequel to Saint Seiya: Next Dimension - The Myth of Hades, setting a precedent for this new manga's narrative direction.
The "Saint Seiya Then" installments themselves serve as a direct continuation of the "Saint Seiya: Next Dimension" manga. The journey for this particular series began with "Saint Seiya Then: Haikyō no Hana" (Flowers of Ruin), published in Weekly Shōnen Champion in November 2024. Following swiftly, the second part, "Saint Seiya Then II: Shimei" (Mission), made its appearance in Akita Shoten's Champion RED magazine on December 19. The third part of the "Saint Seiya Then" manga was most recently launched on May 14, leading directly into the newly announced fourth installment. Each part further expands the epic tale, promising more adventure and character development.
A Legacy of Cosmic Battles
Masami Kurumada's original "Saint Seiya" manga captivated audiences from 1986 to 1990, establishing a monumental legacy. This foundational work has spawned a vast multimedia franchise, including numerous television anime series, original video animation projects, feature-length anime films, and various spinoff manga. The immense popularity of the original series is evident in its impressive sales, with 35 million copies in print worldwide. The "Saint Seiya: Next Dimension - The Myth of Hades" manga, which began in 2006, recently concluded its run in July 2024, paving the way for the ongoing "Tenkai-hen Then" saga.
Global Reach and Adaptations
The appeal of Saint Seiya extends globally. Viz Media published the original manga in English under the title "Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac." The anime adaptation by Toei Animation also received an English dub, initially released by ADV Films as "Knights of the Zodiac," and later unedited as "Saint Seiya." New Video Group subsequently released the series on DVD, ensuring its availability to a wider audience. More recently, the franchise has embraced modern animation with the CG anime remake "Knights of the Zodiac: Saint Seiya," which debuted globally in July 2019. Its second season, "Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac - Battle for Sanctuary -," premiered in July 2021, with "Battle for Sanctuary - Part 2" following in April 2024. The universe further expanded with a live-action film adaptation titled "Knights of the Zodiac," which opened in 2023, showcasing the enduring appeal of Kurumada's creation.
Masami Kurumada's Recent News
Beyond his creative endeavors, Masami Kurumada has also been in the news for personal matters. He announced in a Tokyo press conference on September 2 that he has filed a lawsuit against a former board director and others associated with three of his companies. The lawsuit seeks an estimated 2.8 billion yen, approximately 18 million US dollars, in damages, alleging misappropriation of funds without authorization. This development highlights the multifaceted life of the esteemed manga artist.
Anticipating the New Chapter
With the upcoming release of "Saint Seiya Tenkai-hen Then IV," fans have much to look forward to. Masami Kurumada continues to enrich the Saint Seiya universe, delivering new installments that deepen the lore and expand the adventures of its iconic heroes. Mark your calendars for December 18 and prepare for the next thrilling chapter in this legendary cosmic epic.
