Related
Few anime have had as much lasting cultural impact asSailor Moon . The magical girl series revolutionized the genre , charm everything from anime storytelling to fashion while introducing a generation to the power of friendly relationship and self - love . As beloved asSailor Moonis , it ’s not without its flaws . For every moment of triumph , there ’s a moment of frustration . Whether it’sformulaic villains , inconsistent tempo , or adaptations that clamber to do the series justice , Sailor Moonhas plenty of reason to throw off uncertainty upon its place as a top - grade Zanzibar copal .
Naoko Takeuchi ’s manga , Pretty GuardianSailor Moonhas been accommodate into multiple gum anime serial publication , moving picture , and video plot since its liberation in 1992 . UnlikeSailor Moon ’s Toonamipeers , Dragon BallandNaruto , the series ’ story has not been expanded upon or reinterpreted . Despite limited source material , Sailor Moonhas become a ethnic iconand darling anime touchstone . While pacing issues , predictable villains , and version struggles can be frustrating , they do n’t overshadow the franchise ’s undeniable strengths . Its compelling character , mythical depth , and heartfelt message have made it a timeless classic .
Bad: Inconsistent Pacing
The Series Relies on Stock Footage Too Often
For a show with so much activity and emotional depth , Sailor Moonoften falls dupe to discrepant pacing . The 90s anime extend out story discharge with filler episodesthat give picayune to the overall plot of ground , then short resolves the conflict with the principal antagonist in the final episodes . Some conflict are drawn out unnecessarily , while others are decide far too chop-chop . This uneven pacing can make certain episodes find like a slog , specially when equate to the manga ’s much close storytelling .
While the Sailor Moon anime adaptations are some of the most beloved sorcerous girl series ever , they have some Brobdingnagian differences from their manga .
Adding to the thwarting experience is the excessive usage of stock footage . While transformation and flack chronological sequence are an iconic part ofthe sorcerous girl musical genre , Sailor Moonoften recycles the same footage multiple times in the same episode . Seeing the Sailor Guardians go through their full transmutation sequences is sorcerous the first few times , but when it ’s retell most every episode , it can start to feel likepadding rather than spectacle .
Good: Iconic Characters
Everyone Has Their Favorite
Despite its tempo issues , Sailor Moonboasts one of the most beloved casts in anime history . The Sailor Guardians each have unparalleled personality , need , and interpersonal dynamics that add depth to the serial . Thecontrast between the Inner and Outer Guardians ply an interesting dynamic , with the Outer Guardians serve as more mature and morally complex counterparts to Usagi ’s core team .
Plastique Tiara ’s Sailor Moon - cheer fashions on RuPaul ’s Drag Race All - Stars delight fans with a singular blend of high fashion and gum anime .
Usagi herself is a fantastical protagonist . She ’s not the perfect heroine , but she ’s endlessly relatable . Her growthfrom a clumsy crybaby to a dictated warrioris inspiring , and her relationships with her acquaintance sense authentic . Whether it ’s the bubbly Minako , bookworm Ami , or the steely - convinced Haruka , every character work something extra to the serial , makingSailor Moona rich and engage ensemble narration .
Bad: Copy & Paste Antagonists
An Evil Queen and a Bunch of Red Shirts
WhileSailor Moon ’s heroes are fabled , its villain often accrue into a repetitious cycle . most every season features an evil organization deploying underlings to steal energy or corrupt innocent people , only for them to be purify or defeated by the Guardians ; rinse and repetition . This pattern becomes even more rote as each time of year ’s MacGuffin vary little from the last , from unadulterated - heart Crystals to Dream Mirrors and Star Seeds .
Nearly every season feature an evil organization deploying underlings to steal energy or tainted clean-handed people , only for them to be purify or defeated by the Guardians ; rinse and repetition .
Even major scoundrel like Queen Beryl and Wiseman , while visually outstanding , often miss compelling need beyond generic humanity domination or devastation . Compared to other Zanzibar copal with deeply layered villains , Sailor Moon ’s rogues gallery can feel one - dimensional . A few exception exist , like Sailor Galaxia andthe Spectre Sisters , but overall , the repetitive nature ofSailor Moon ’s villain is one of its weakest pointedness .
Good: Mythology-Infused World-building
Sailor Moon Is Deeper Than Most Think
One ofSailor Moon ’s large strength is its integration ofmythology and folklore . Takeuchimasterfully blends elements of Greco - Roman and Asian mythologyto create a rich , interconnected world . The fundamental romance between Serenity and Endymion echoes the myth of the Moon Goddess , Selene , and her human lover , Endymion . Each Sailor Guardian ’s planetary connection mirrors romish god like Mars , Venus , and Jupiter .
Sailor Moon ’s Sailor Guardians are 10 charwoman with diverse powers and personalities , but their ability range otherwise in terms of forcefulness .
Beyond Western influence , the serial publication also draws from Shinto custom , particularly in Sailor Mars ’ ghostlike abilities and role as caretaker of her family shrine . The Sailor Crystals and reincarnation paper align with Eastern concepts of the soul and cosmic balance . This fusion of myths givesSailor Moona insidious timelessness and universal appeal which has cemented its place in pop culture .
Bad: Melodrama & Plot Armor
Poor Communication and Misunderstandings Are Far Too Common
Sailor Moonthrives on emotional storytelling , but sometimes it slant too far into melodrama , peculiarly in the 2014 reboot , Sailor Moon Crystal . Characters often cry over office that could have been solved with unclouded communicating , and conflicts often hinge on misunderstandings rather than meaningful character growing . While this heightened emotion is part of the show ’s charm , it can also make certain story beat experience repetitious or exaggerated .
More frustratingly , last is rarely lasting inSailor Moon , and the recurring theme of reincarnation becomes plot armour . Major sacrifices lose their impact when persona are revived soon after , diminish the interest of the tale . While hope and love conquering all is a beautiful substance , the unremitting Resurrection can make battles finger hollow .
Good: Sincerity
The Series Wouldn’t Work Half-hearted
Despite its histrionic mo , Sailor Moon ’s sincerity is one of its greatest intensity level . Unlike some forward-looking anime that rely on satire or Edge - lord cynicism , Sailor Moonembraces its themes wholeheartedly . The serial publication is unapologetically about love , friendly relationship , and trust in oneself , and that excited honesty has resonated with audiences around the world for decades now .
Usagi ’s journeying is a testament to the powerfulness of kindness and perseverance . She does n’t win through brutal strength , she triumph because of her empathy and unwavering impression in the commodity of others . Becausethe ogre - of - the - week are ordinarily human , Usagi typically heal and rejuvenate them to their original bod . This direction onrehabilitation and redemptionis what makesSailor Moonendure as a source of intake for generations .
Bad: Inconsistent Adaptations
Sailor Moon Crystal Was Faithful to the Manga’s Story, Not Its Gorgeous Artwork
With multiple adaptation across anime , manga , and resilient performances , Sailor Moonhas scramble with consistence . The 90s anime is dear but deviates hard from the manga , leading to filler , role changes , and plot of ground detours . Sailor Moon Crystalattempts to stay more faithful to the root material but suffer from discrepant liveliness quality in its early season . ByCrystal ’s final arc , the two - part film , Sailor Moon Cosmos , look polished and like a completely different series .
While someSailor Moondevotees favor one version over another , the lack of a classical adaptation means that no single version ofSailor Mooncompletely satisfies everyone . This repugnance makes itdifficult for newbie to know where to begin . Should they watch the authoritative anime for nostalgia , learn the manga for the original level , or dive intoCrystalfor a more streamlined experience ?
Good: Groundbreaking LGBTQIA+ Representation
Representation Matters More Now Than Ever
One ofSailor Moon ’s most reformist and long-suffering strength is its inclusion body of LGBTQIA+ fiber , making it a trailblazer for singular representation in Zanzibar copal . At a time when such themes were oftencensored or ignored in the mainstream media , Sailor Moonintroduced openly queer relationships with depth and sincerity . The most famous example is Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune , whose romance was groundbreaking in the 90s .
Beyond Haruka and Michiru , Sailor Moonfeatures a across-the-board scope ofLGBTQIA+ characters , let in the gender - fluid Sailor Starlights , the nonbinary - coded villain Zirconia , and Zoisite , who was in the beginning depicted as male but waschanged to a woman in the intemperately censored English dub . The serial fete self - expression and defies rigid grammatical gender norms , embracing themes of sexual love and indistinguishability in a way that was revolutionary then and remains relevant today .
Bad: Difficult to Expand Upon
How Can Sailor Moon Continue Without Soiling Its Legacy?
One ofSailor Moon ’s biggest limit is its conclusive ending . Thefinal conflict against Sailor Galaxia and Chaos is meant to be the ultimate climax , andSailor Moon Cosmosreinforces this with a definitive farewell to the Guardians . Unlike franchises with unresolved - ended storytelling , Sailor Moonstruggles to introduce new threats without counteract its grand finale . Any attempt at reviving the dealership without Takeuchi ’s paternity would in all likelihood be met with grave resistance from canon purists .
Sailor Moon Crystal ’s finale pass on room for a character ’s coming - of - years story in the future as she inherits the mantle of Sailor Moon .
This makes next expansions hard . While spin - offs likeSailor V , a prequel research the Silver Millennium , or Chibiusa ’s continued adventures could crop , continue the main tarradiddle without undo its worked up resolution is a challenge . As a result , Sailor Moonrisks being interlock in nostalgiarather than evolving with new generations as theDragon Ballfranchise has done withSuperandDAIMAin late age .
Good: Variety
Sailor Moon Has Something for Everyone
Despite the challenge of retain the story , Sailor Moonstill evolves in other ways . The franchise has blow up beyond animeand manga into stage musical theater , style collaborations , and even a theme park attractiveness . Its power to reinvent itself while staying true to its essence message is a testament to its lasting appeal .
Sailor Moon is as pop as ever , with the new film , Sailor Moon Cosmos , on Netflix , and an forthcoming coaction with luxury brand , Jimmy Choo .
From haute couture telephone line featuringSailor Moon - inspired designs to official café pop - ups , the series maintain ethnical relevance decennary after its unveiling . As anime becomes more and more mainstream , famous Otaku like Megan Thee Stallion incorporate anime inspirations into their professional and personal mode . Despite its shortcomings , Sailor Moonremains a global ikon , shape everything from Western cartoons to high mode , bear witness that it is far more than just a nostalgic souvenir , it ’s an enduring cultural phenomenon .
Summary
Sailor Moon is a magic little girl franchise created by Naoko Takeuchi . It began as a manga in 1991 and was adapted into an anime series in 1992 . The tale follows Usagi Tsukino , a in-between school girl who transforms into Sailor Moon to protect Earth from malefic force out . The enfranchisement spans five original anime seasons , films , musical , video games , and a reboot serial publication , Sailor Moon Crystal . Its global shock has made it a ethnic image and one of the most successful shōjo franchise in chronicle .
