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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The start of one of the most iconic anime/manga of all time is silly and fun, but an unfortunate romance can sour the experience for more critical readers. Sailor Moon is so famous for good reason. The character designs are incredibly memorable and unique, the art style is beautiful and dreamy, and the characters are charming in their imperfections. Still, Mamoru as a character is weird and vaguely creepy.
To get this out of the way, Mamoru is stated to be "17/18." One of those two numbers. Usagi is explicitly 14 years old. Mamoru is shown to be much older than her and even goes to a different school due to the age gap. Despite this, they are the main romantic couple of the series. This age gap is so unnecessary, and nothing about the story would change if Mamoru were aged down to 15 and simply went to a different school due to being richer or living in a different area. It's obvious to me that he is older because it adds an attractive sense of maturity to him that young readers will swoon over.
Unfortunately, his age is brought up too often for me to overlook it and a romantic/potentially sexual relationship between a 14 year old and someone about to be old enough to graduate is icky. No, this story being in Japan, where standards are "different," doesn't make it okay. A child is a child no matter the country and must be treated as such.
Having said that, Usagi being only 14 is frequently forgotten by the story. She routinely uses her magic to put herself in commonly known fetish outfits for no narrative reason. She changes out of these outfits after just a couple panels each time, so there is no plot purpose to them. She only wears them, seemingly, to titillate readers. She and all other girls are drawn with curvy, tall bodies that don't reflect their stated ages, and anytime someone comments on how "young" they look, it doesn't make sense. Usagi even drinks alcohol at one point because, again, her being barely even a teenager is ignored.
This is my biggest issue with the story. Moving on from that, I love Sailor Moon.
Usagi is such a likeable and fun protagonist. Some readers may consider her whiny and annoying for being a self-reported "crybaby," but I like how immature and irresponsible she is because it contrasts with her elegant power set. She has so many expectations to meet, and so far she doesn't even bother. Her friendships with the Guardians are sweet, and everyone has simple but distinct personalities.
The art is crisp and beautiful with an iconic style. Sparkles are absolutely everywhere, and the visuals are unapologetically feminine and pretty, even during action scenes. It's whimsical and usually done very well. The biggest flaw I noticed was that hands are sometimes broken, presumably due to the artist rushing to get the manga finished.
The story is terribly cliché because, as we know, Sailor Moon inspired countless magical girl stories to come after it. It wasn't the first, but it did set a standard, and now, as a result, it itself feels predictable. Maybe because of this exact reason, I find it charming in its simplicity. I will say, though, that Sailor Moon unlocks random, new powers as the plot demands, and the frequent deus ex machinas come off as lazy writing. It's hard to feel a sense of tension when it's become apparent Usagi will whip out a previously unknown spell to save the day the second things get difficult.
For its flaws, it's a good time for both new manga readers and nostalgic older fans who grew up on the anime like I did. I never got to read the manga as a child, so it is nice to experience it now.
To get this out of the way, Mamoru is stated to be "17/18." One of those two numbers. Usagi is explicitly 14 years old. Mamoru is shown to be much older than her and even goes to a different school due to the age gap. Despite this, they are the main romantic couple of the series. This age gap is so unnecessary, and nothing about the story would change if Mamoru were aged down to 15 and simply went to a different school due to being richer or living in a different area. It's obvious to me that he is older because it adds an attractive sense of maturity to him that young readers will swoon over.
Unfortunately, his age is brought up too often for me to overlook it and a romantic/potentially sexual relationship between a 14 year old and someone about to be old enough to graduate is icky. No, this story being in Japan, where standards are "different," doesn't make it okay. A child is a child no matter the country and must be treated as such.
Having said that, Usagi being only 14 is frequently forgotten by the story. She routinely uses her magic to put herself in commonly known fetish outfits for no narrative reason. She changes out of these outfits after just a couple panels each time, so there is no plot purpose to them. She only wears them, seemingly, to titillate readers. She and all other girls are drawn with curvy, tall bodies that don't reflect their stated ages, and anytime someone comments on how "young" they look, it doesn't make sense. Usagi even drinks alcohol at one point because, again, her being barely even a teenager is ignored.
This is my biggest issue with the story. Moving on from that, I love Sailor Moon.
Usagi is such a likeable and fun protagonist. Some readers may consider her whiny and annoying for being a self-reported "crybaby," but I like how immature and irresponsible she is because it contrasts with her elegant power set. She has so many expectations to meet, and so far she doesn't even bother. Her friendships with the Guardians are sweet, and everyone has simple but distinct personalities.
The art is crisp and beautiful with an iconic style. Sparkles are absolutely everywhere, and the visuals are unapologetically feminine and pretty, even during action scenes. It's whimsical and usually done very well. The biggest flaw I noticed was that hands are sometimes broken, presumably due to the artist rushing to get the manga finished.
The story is terribly cliché because, as we know, Sailor Moon inspired countless magical girl stories to come after it. It wasn't the first, but it did set a standard, and now, as a result, it itself feels predictable. Maybe because of this exact reason, I find it charming in its simplicity. I will say, though, that Sailor Moon unlocks random, new powers as the plot demands, and the frequent deus ex machinas come off as lazy writing. It's hard to feel a sense of tension when it's become apparent Usagi will whip out a previously unknown spell to save the day the second things get difficult.
For its flaws, it's a good time for both new manga readers and nostalgic older fans who grew up on the anime like I did. I never got to read the manga as a child, so it is nice to experience it now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Fatphobia, Stalking, Car accident, Death of parent, Alcohol
I have collected all of the Eternal Editions and I will be finally for the first time in my life reading all of my favorite Japanese manga !! Also I have Sailor Moon's birthday and I will always be happy about that. This was a super fun introduction to the story.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If you've seen the anime you know what's happening in this. I did enjoy it regardless. It is a lot faster, the pace of it is very quick. Almost too quickly, but it's still enjoyable. And this edition is a good chunk of the beginning of the story.
adventurous
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Usagi has big bi energy and I’m really here for it. My first manga and my favorite anime from childhood!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A