"Saint Seiya: Next Dimension - The Myth of Hades" is a direct sequel to the original "Saint Seiya" series, written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada. The story begins shortly after the events of the Hades arc, where the Bronze Saints successfully defeated Hades and saved Athena. However, the victory comes at a cost: Seiya, the Pegasus Saint, is gravely injured by Hades' sword, which curses him with a fatal wound that even Athena cannot heal. To save Seiya, Athena travels back in time to the 18th century, during the previous Holy War against Hades, hoping to alter the course of history and prevent the curse from ever being cast.

The narrative alternates between two timelines: the present day, where the Bronze Saints struggle to find a way to save Seiya, and the 18th century, where Athena, reincarnated as a young girl named Saori Kido, seeks to uncover the origins of the curse. In the past, Athena is aided by the Gold Saints of that era, including the young versions of familiar characters like Shion and Dohko, who later become the Pope and the Libra Gold Saint in the original series. The story delves into the mythology of the Holy War, revealing the intricate connections between the Saints, gods, and the cyclical nature of their battles.

As Athena navigates the challenges of the past, the present-day Saints face their own trials. The remaining Bronze Saints—Shiryu, Hyoga, Shun, and Ikki—embark on a journey to the underworld to confront Hades once more, hoping to find a way to break the curse. Along the way, they encounter new adversaries and allies, including the mysterious Ophiuchus Gold Saint, a figure shrouded in legend and forbidden knowledge. The Ophiuchus Saint plays a pivotal role in the story, as his powers and intentions remain ambiguous, adding layers of intrigue to the plot.

The series explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between the Saints and Athena. It expands on the lore of the "Saint Seiya" universe, introducing new characters and revisiting familiar ones in different contexts. The interplay between the two timelines creates a complex narrative structure, with events in the past influencing the present and vice versa. The stakes are high, as the fate of both timelines hangs in the balance, and the Saints must confront not only external enemies but also their own doubts and fears.

"Saint Seiya: Next Dimension - The Myth of Hades" maintains the core elements of the original series, including intense battles, emotional character moments, and a deep connection to Greek mythology. It serves as both a continuation and a prequel, offering fans a deeper understanding of the Holy War's history while advancing the story of the beloved characters from the original series. The manga remains ongoing, with new developments continuing to unfold as the Saints fight to protect Athena and defy the forces of destiny.