《聖鬥士星矢》40 週年紀念新作是由原作者車田正美親自執筆的短篇漫畫《聖鬥士星矢 Then II－使命－》。作品刊載於2025年12月號的《Champion Red》雜誌，以天馬座星矢守護女神雅典娜的經典意象為核心，再次回到系列最本質的精神，同時也巧妙地為未來可能展開的新篇章留下想像空間，讓無數老粉絲重新燃起對星矢傳說延續的期待，一同追尋所謂的「使命」與不滅的「小宇宙」。

這部作品是一則僅有八頁的短篇漫畫，但因為由車田正美本人親筆創作，而具有極高的象徵意義。故事並未著墨於複雜的劇情推進，而是透過高度凝縮的畫面與台詞，回顧《聖鬥士星矢》一路走來的精神核心，將焦點放在星矢為了守護雅典娜、為了愛與正義而一次又一次站起來的信念之上。「使命」這個主題，不只是星矢身為聖鬥士的宿命，也正是整個系列四十年來不曾動搖的靈魂。

在紀念意義之外，同時扮演承先啟後的角色。一方面，它向四十年來的讀者致敬，喚起大家對早期《聖鬥士星矢》的記憶；另一方面，作品中留下的語氣與氛圍，也被不少粉絲解讀為對未來新故事的暗示。漫畫中出現的經典元素，例如星矢低頭跪地的姿態，也引發粉絲熱烈討論，有人將其視為對星矢謙卑與犧牲精神的象徵，也有人期待這是否預示著新的試煉與戰鬥即將展開。

自1985年開始連載以來，《聖鬥士星矢》不僅在日本，更在全球累積龐大的粉絲群，成為影響深遠的經典作品。配合40週年紀念，官方也同步推出多項企劃，包括在秋田書店線上商店販售的紀念商品，進一步強化這部作品在流行文化中的地位。

總體而言，《聖鬥士星矢 Then II－使命－》並不只是對舊故事的重現，而是一種精神上的延續。它象徵著星矢那份即使遍體鱗傷也不放棄的意志，也是一封寫給陪伴作品走過四十年歲月的粉絲的感謝信，再次喚醒每個人心中那股永不熄滅的「小宇宙」。

The 40th-anniversary commemorative work of Saint Seiya is a short manga titled Saint Seiya Then II – Shimei –, written and illustrated by the original creator, Masami Kurumada. It was published in the December 2025 issue of Champion Red magazine. Centered on the iconic image of Pegasus Seiya protecting the goddess Athena, the story returns to the most fundamental spirit of the series while subtly leaving room for the possibility of a new chapter in the future. As a result, long-time fans have once again been inspired to believe that Seiya’s legend may continue, as they follow the themes of “mission” and the eternal “Cosmos.”

Although the work consists of only eight pages, it carries strong symbolic weight because it is personally created by Kurumada himself. Rather than advancing a complex plot, the manga uses highly condensed imagery and dialogue to reflect on the core values that have defined Saint Seiya throughout its history. The focus is placed on Seiya’s unwavering resolve to stand up again and again in order to protect Athena and to fight for love and justice. The theme of “mission” represents not only Seiya’s destiny as a Saint, but also the unshakable soul of the entire series over the past forty years.

Beyond its commemorative purpose, Then II – Shimei – also serves as a bridge between past and future. On one hand, it pays tribute to readers who have supported the series for decades, evoking memories of early Saint Seiya. On the other hand, the tone and atmosphere of the story have been interpreted by many fans as a hint toward future developments. Familiar elements, such as Seiya kneeling, have sparked lively discussion among readers. Some see this posture as a symbol of humility and self-sacrifice, while others speculate that it may foreshadow new trials and battles to come.

Since its original serialization began in 1985, Saint Seiya has gained immense popularity not only in Japan but around the world, becoming a timeless and influential classic. As part of the 40th-anniversary celebrations, various projects have also been launched, including commemorative merchandise sold through Akita Shoten’s online store, further reinforcing the series’ cultural significance.

In the end, Saint Seiya Then II – Shimei – is more than a simple revival of past stories. It represents the continuation of Seiya’s spirit—an unyielding will that never gives up no matter how wounded he may be—and stands as a heartfelt message of gratitude to fans who have walked alongside the series for forty years. It rekindles the eternal “Cosmos” that still burns within the hearts of its audience.