Saint Seiya: Next Dimension (Color Edition)

Saint Seiya: Next Dimension serves as the official canonical sequel and prequel to Masami Kurumada's original 1980s manga series. Begun in 2006, the series was conceived by Kurumada to bridge the narrative gap between the conclusion of the original story and the events of the Hades arc, utilizing a time-travel plotline to revisit key historical conflicts within the Sanctuary. The decision to publish the work in full color was a significant departure from standard Japanese manga conventions, intended to honor the vibrant aesthetic of the original anime adaptation while allowing the author to experiment with a more cinematic visual presentation.

The design of the series reflects Kurumada's signature artistic style, characterized by dynamic action sequences and elaborate, mythologically inspired armor designs known as Cloths. The colorization process, overseen by Kurumada, highlights the distinct hues associated with the gold, silver, and bronze saints, creating a cohesive visual language that resonated with long-term fans. While the series faced scrutiny for its non-linear narrative structure and irregular release schedule, it remains a vital contribution to the franchise, serving as the definitive conclusion to the saga's internal lore and character arcs.