Fans of Masami Kurumada’s long-running Saint Seiya saga have reason to celebrate with the announcement of two new manga installments: the second chapter of Saint Seiya Then and a new short serialization for Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō Memories. These releases continue to expand the rich lore of the beloved franchise, bringing fresh stories to both main series and spin-off enthusiasts.
“Saint Seiya Then II – Shimei” Set for December Release
The much-anticipated second installment of Masami Kurumada’s Saint Seiya Then manga, titled Saint Seiya Then II – Shimei (which translates to “Mission” or “Duty”), is slated for release on December 19, 2025. This new chapter will appear in Champion Red number 2 of 2026.
Saint Seiya Then II – Shimei will consist of 8 full-color pages, which will be sealed upon publication, a special treat for collectors. The previous installment, Saint Seiya Then: Haikyo no Hana (Flowers of Ruin), was released earlier on November 14, 2024, in Weekly Shōnen Champion. Both Haikyo no Hana and Shimei serve as sequels to Kurumada’s Saint Seiya: Next Dimension, which concluded its serialization in July 2024.
Plotting the Path from “Haikyo no Hana” to “Shimei”
The preceding Haikyo no Hana delved into a critical storyline where Athena traveled back in time to prevent Pegasus Seiya’s death from Hades’ sword. This perilous journey risked the collapse of Earth and came with the severe consequence of Athena losing her memories and divine status. The title Haikyo no Hana itself, “Flowers of Ruin,” hinted at a darker narrative exploring themes of decay and rebirth.
With the title Saint Seiya Then II – Shimei, or “Mission,” speculation points towards a narrative arc focusing on Athena’s potential revival and the recovery of her lost memories and divine power. This development is particularly significant as 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the original Saint Seiya manga, an important milestone for the franchise.
“Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō Memories” Continues Short Serialization
In parallel to the main canon’s advancements, the spin-off series Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō Memories is continuing its short serialization. Written and illustrated by Chimaki Kuori, this manga is a side-story continuation of the Saint Seiya: Saintia Shō series, which originally ran from August 2013 to July 2021.
Saintia Shō Memories began its serialization in Champion Red on July 19, 2022, with individual chapters often referred to as “memory” or “extra memory.” Unlike a direct sequel, these chapters primarily offer backstories and additional insights into the world of the Saintias – a unique order of female Saints dedicated to protecting the goddess Athena.
Exploring Backstories and Expanding Lore
The “Memories” serialization has been praised by fans for expanding on existing characters and events. For instance, some chapters have depicted Xiaoling’s journey to China and her encounters with classic characters like Dohko, Shiryu, and Shunrei. The series has also provided more details on enigmatic figures such as Olivia, adding depth to the Saintia lore.
These short stories provide a nostalgic look into the lives and trials of the Saintias, bridging gaps and enriching the overall Saint Seiya universe. The ongoing nature of Saintia Shō Memories, with new chapters appearing periodically, ensures that the unique perspective of Athena’s personal maidens remains a vibrant part of the franchise.
