Saint Seiya Anime: Where It Ends & Manga Chapters Start

Finished the classic Saint Seiya anime and wondering where the story goes? You’re likely confused because the 114-episode series ends abruptly, leaving the main story of the Bronze Saints feeling incomplete. You need to know the exact point to jump into the manga without missing a single beat of the canonical story.

The original 1986 Saint Seiya anime, which ran for 114 episodes, concludes at the end of the Poseidon Arc. To continue the story in Masami Kurumada’s manga, you must start reading from Chapter 96, which is the beginning of the Hades Arc. This transition point typically falls within Volume 18 of the original 28-volume Tankōbon release.

Based on a direct analysis of the manga‘s 28 tankōbon volumes and the anime television series’ production history, this guide provides the exact chapter numbers you need. You’ll discover the correct starting points for the original series and the popular spin-off The Lost Canvas, and understand the timeline of the official sequel, Next Dimension.

Key Facts

• Original Anime Stops at Chapter 95: The 114-episode anime from 1986 concludes with the Poseidon Arc, which corresponds to Chapter 95 of the manga, leaving the final arc unadapted.
• Asgard Arc is Anime-Only: The arc featuring the God Warriors (episodes 74-99) is filler content created by Toei Animation and does not exist in the original manga.
• Hades Arc Has a Separate Adaptation: The final manga saga was later adapted into a separate 31-episode Original Video Animation (OVA) series, released between 2002 and 2008.
• The Lost Canvas Continues at Chapter 96: The spin-off anime Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas was cancelled after 26 episodes. Its story continues in its own manga starting from Chapter 96.
• Next Dimension is the Official Sequel: The canonical continuation of the original manga after the Hades Arc is Saint Seiya: Next Dimension, written and illustrated by the original creator, Masami Kurumada.

Where Does the Saint Seiya Anime End in the Manga? A Complete Chapter Guide

The original 1986 Saint Seiya anime series [an anime television series produced by Toei Animation] ends after the Poseidon Arc, which corresponds to Chapter 95 of the manga. To continue the story without missing any canonical events, you should start reading Masami Kurumada’s source material from Chapter 96. This is the precise beginning of the manga‘s final and climatic saga: the Hades Arc.

The classic anime adaptation ran for 114 episodes and was, for the most part, a faithful adaptation of the early parts of the manga. However, to allow the manga to get further ahead, Toei Animation created an entire anime-exclusive arc—the Asgard Arc—that is not part of the main story. After adapting the Poseidon Arc, the TV series concluded, leaving fans waiting for over a decade for an animated conclusion. For a clear breakdown of how the 1986 anime aligns with the manga volumes, our experience mapping the series shows the following structure.

This table provides a clear guide to which manga chapters correspond to each arc of the classic 1986 anime series.

What About the Hades Arc? Was It Adapted from the Manga?

Yes, the Hades Arc, the final saga of the original manga, was not part of the 1986 TV anime but was adapted later as a three-part, 31-episode OVA series. This series of direct-to-video releases, known as Original Video Animation (OVA), was produced between 2002 and 2008, finally giving fans the animated conclusion they had been waiting for.

This means you have two official options to experience the canonical finale after watching episode 114 of the original anime:

1. Read the Manga: Start at Chapter 96 and read through to the final chapter (Chapter 112) in the manga tankōbon volumes.
2. Watch the OVAs: Watch the 31-episode Saint Seiya: Hades OVA series, which adapts this exact section of the manga.

The OVA series faithfully covers the events of the final battle against Hades and his 108 Specters, including the Gold Saints’ sacrifice at the Wailing Wall and the Bronze Saints’ journey into the underworld to awaken their eighth sense, the Arayashiki.

What Are the Three Parts of the Hades OVA Series?

The 31-episode Hades OVA adaptation is divided into three distinct chapters, released over several years. For a smooth viewing experience, you must watch them in this specific order:

1. Saint Seiya: Hades – Chapter Sanctuary (13 Episodes): This part covers the shocking return of the deceased Gold Saints as Specters and the renewed battle within the 12 Houses.
2. Saint Seiya: Hades – Chapter Inferno (12 Episodes): This continues the story as Seiya and the other Bronze Saints descend into the underworld to confront Hades’ forces directly.
3. Saint Seiya: Hades – Chapter Elysion (6 Episodes): The final installment details the ultimate battle against Hades himself in the paradise of Elysion, concluding the original saga.

Where Should You Start The Lost Canvas Manga After the Anime?

The ‘Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas’ anime was cancelled after its second season (26 episodes), adapting up to manga Chapter 95. To continue the story and find out what happens next, you must pick up the manga starting at Chapter 96. This chapter begins the final push towards the conclusion of the 18th-century Holy War.

It is critical to understand that The Lost Canvas is a different series by a different author, Shiori Teshirogi. It is a spin-off that reimagines the previous Holy War. The fact that its anime also stops at a point where the manga continues at Chapter 96 is a major source of confusion, but it is entirely separate from the original series’ transition point.

Pro Tip: Don’t confuse The Lost Canvas Chapter 96 with the original manga‘s Chapter 96. They are two different stories. If you finished The Lost Canvas anime, you need to find Shiori Teshirogi’s manga, not Masami Kurumada’s original work, to continue that specific narrative. The cancellation of a potential “Season 3” was a huge disappointment for fans, but thankfully, the complete 25-volume manga provides a deeply satisfying conclusion to the story of Tenma, Alone, and Sasha.

What Is Saint Seiya: Next Dimension and How Does It Continue the Story?

‘Saint Seiya: Next Dimension’ is the official manga sequel to the original series, written by creator Masami Kurumada. It directly follows the conclusion of the Hades Arc, making it the canonical continuation of Seiya’s story. If you have finished the entire original manga (or the Hades OVAs), Next Dimension is your next and final step.

This series serves as both a sequel to the original manga and a prequel, involving time travel that sends the Saints back to the 18th-century Holy War. From years of following the franchise, it’s clear this is Kurumada’s definitive continuation. A key detail is that Next Dimension was published entirely in full color, a unique feature for a weekly shonen series.

For clarity, here is the official canonical timeline:

• The story begins with the Original Saint Seiya Manga (Volumes 1-28), which concludes with the Hades Arc.
• The story officially continues in Saint Seiya: Next Dimension, the canonical sequel written by Masami Kurumada.
• Other series like The Lost Canvas or Soul of Gold are considered spin-offs or side stories and are not part of this direct timeline.

As of early 2026, after a run of nearly 18 years, the Saint Seiya: Next Dimension manga has officially concluded, providing a final ending to the saga of the Bronze Saints.

Where Can You Legally Read the Saint Seiya Manga Series Online?

You can legally read the Saint Seiya manga in English through Viz Media. The company is the official publisher, providing fans with high-quality translations for both digital and physical formats. This is the best way to support the creator and ensure you are reading the authentic story.

Here are your primary options for reading the series legally:

• Digital Subscription: The Shonen Jump mobile app and website offer a subscription service that gives you access to their massive digital vault, which includes the original Saint Seiya manga series. This is often the most cost-effective way to read the entire story.
• Digital Purchase: You can purchase digital tankōbon volumes individually from platforms like the Viz Manga app, Amazon Kindle, and other digital booksellers.
• Physical Purchase: For collectors, nothing beats having the physical volumes. You can purchase individual books or look for the complete manga box sets from major online retailers.

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For spin-offs like The Lost Canvas or the sequel Next Dimension, you may need to check with their respective publishers, as licensing can differ between series.

FAQs About where does the saint seiya anime end in the manga

Does the Saint Seiya anime cover the whole manga?

No, the original 1986 Saint Seiya anime does not cover the whole manga. The 114-episode TV series stops after the Poseidon Arc. It completely omits the final and crucial Hades Arc, which was later adapted into a separate 31-episode OVA series from 2002-2008.

Is the Asgard arc from the anime in the manga?

No, the Asgard arc is anime-only filler content and does not appear in Masami Kurumada’s original manga. Toei Animation created this 26-episode arc to place between the Sanctuary and Poseidon sagas, allowing the manga‘s story to progress further ahead before the anime adapted it.

Why was Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas Season 3 cancelled?

The exact reason for The Lost Canvas’s cancellation was never officially announced by TMS Entertainment. However, industry analysis suggests it was likely due to lower-than-expected Blu-ray/DVD sales in Japan. Despite its popularity overseas, the domestic performance was not strong enough to justify producing a third season.

Is Saint Seiya: Next Dimension finished?

Yes, as of early 2026, Masami Kurumada’s Saint Seiya: Next Dimension has officially concluded. The manga, which serves as the canonical sequel to the original series, ran for approximately 18 years before reaching its finale, finally completing the story that began after the Hades Arc.

What is the difference between the Saint Seiya manga and Knights of the Zodiac on Netflix?

The Netflix ‘Knights of the Zodiac’ series is a modern 3D CGI reboot, not a direct adaptation of the manga. It significantly alters plot points, character designs, and pacing to appeal to a new, global audience. The original manga is the source material for the classic 1986 anime and tells the complete, unaltered story.

How many volumes are in the original Saint Seiya manga?

The original Saint Seiya manga by Masami Kurumada consists of 28 tankōbon (standard) volumes. There are also other editions, such as a 22-volume kanzenban (perfect edition) release, but the 28-volume version is the most common and contains the entire story from the Galaxian Wars through the Hades Arc.

Is Saint Seiya: Soul of Gold canon?

No, Saint Seiya: Soul of Gold is not considered canon to the original manga. It is an anime-only side story produced by Toei Animation. Its events take place concurrently with the Elysion portion of the Hades Arc, focusing on the 12 Gold Saints who were thought to have perished at the Wailing Wall.

Should I read the Saint Seiya manga or watch the anime?

For the most complete and authentic experience, reading the manga is recommended. The manga contains the entire canonical story without any filler (like the Asgard arc) and features Masami Kurumada’s original artwork and pacing. However, the anime is beloved for its iconic 80s animation, character designs, and legendary soundtrack by Seiji Yokoyama.

Who wrote Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas?

Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas was written and illustrated by Shiori Teshirogi. While it is based on the universe created by Masami Kurumada and he supervised the project, Teshirogi was given creative freedom to develop the story and her distinct art style, which is why it feels different from the original series.

Is there a satisfying ending in the Saint Seiya manga?

The original manga‘s Hades Arc provides a conclusive and emotional ending to that specific Holy War. However, the story is canonically continued in the sequel, Saint Seiya: Next Dimension, which has its own definitive conclusion. So, while the original 28 volumes have a satisfying end, the entire franchise story continues beyond it.

Key Takeaways: Saint Seiya Anime to Manga Guide Summary

• Original Anime Ends at Chapter 95: The 1986 TV series (114 episodes) concludes after the Poseidon Arc. To continue the story, you must start the manga at Chapter 96.
• The Hades Arc is Separate: The final manga arc was adapted years later as a 31-episode OVA series. You can either read the manga from Chapter 96 onwards or watch this separate OVA series.
• Lost Canvas Has a Different End Point: The spin-off series, The Lost Canvas, was cancelled. To continue its unique story, you must start its manga (by Shiori Teshirogi) at Chapter 96, which is a different point than the original series.
• Next Dimension is the True Sequel: The official, canonical continuation of the original manga after the Hades Arc is Saint Seiya: Next Dimension, written by the original creator Masami Kurumada.
• Asgard Arc is Anime-Only: The popular Asgard Arc featuring the God Warriors is a filler arc created by Toei Animation and is not part of the official manga storyline.
• Official Reading Source is Viz Media: The best legal way to read the manga in English is through the Viz Media and the Shonen Jump app for digital access or by purchasing the physical volumes.

Final Thoughts on Continuing the Saint Seiya Saga

Navigating the vast universe of Saint Seiya can feel as complex as crossing the 12 Houses, but now you have a clear map. You know precisely where the classic anime leaves off and exactly where to pick up the manga to witness the epic conclusion of the Hades Arc. More importantly, you understand how the acclaimed spin-off The Lost Canvas and the official sequel Next Dimension fit into the grand timeline.

Whether you choose to dive into the manga tankōbon volumes starting at Chapter 96 or experience the stunning animation of the Hades OVAs, you are now equipped to continue the journey. The world of Saints, Cosmo, and Greek mythology is rich and rewarding, and with this guide, you won’t miss a single moment of the canonical story.

Last update on 2026-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API