Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Vol. 1 (2003)

Children's comic. Japanese school girls with delight over video games, princesses, jewellery, boys. Set in Japan, the story includes subtle aspects of the culture - lunch bags, food, uniforms. The explanation of the words and names from the translations into English I found useful. With it's simple storyline this book serves as the first in the series of Sailor Moon and her companions on a quest to protect the princess...and stars Luna the cat with a bald patch in it's head. ( )

When I was younger, probably around 3rd grade or so, I would wake up every morning before school and watch an episode of Sailor Moon. I loved the Sailor Scouts and even after all these years I can still sing the theme song word for word. My very first OTP pairing was Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask( this was before OTP was even a thing) and I always wanted a talking black cat named Luna. However, can you believe I never read a single manga book? Well I finally rectified that (although it has taken way too many years, that I don't even want to count)

Never I've never reviewed a Manga before (that doesn't meant I haven't read one), in saying this I ask you to please be kind about this review. Hopefully as I read more Manga and review more books (and graphic novels and comic books which I plan to review as well) I'll get better about these reviews. First off I'm super surprised at how well the art in the books have held you, you could hardly tell that these books are almost 25 years old (please don't think about how old that would make me considering). The artwork was really well done.


Secondly it took some getting used to, to read right to left. I was a little confused at first but I eventually got the hang of it. Usagi (Sailor Moon) is a bit of a crybaby and immature but considering she is only 14 (younger than I remember her being) it actually makes sense. The manga is separated into different acts which actually made it easier to read for me (and made for good stopping points if I had to). These books are definitely made for younger girls but I really enjoyed it, however I am saying that I may be a little biased since nostalgia and all. I even have Artemis shoes. ( )

There’s so much winking in this volume! ;)

Believe it or not, I have never read/watched Sailor Moon (and yet I know how utterly annoying Chibusa is, so, when I saw volume 1 at the library, I thought it was time to read what’s considered to be one of GOAT (shoujo) mangas. The artwork is so BEAUTIFUL! I love the big eyes, the frills, and the fashion! I don’t have nostalgia glasses on, but this was pretty cute. I see the appeal.

The dashing Tuxedo Mask kissing a drunk, out-of-it Usagi is not cute in 2021 despite how utterly pretty the scene looks.

3.5 ( )

This is about an average teenage girl who suddenly becomes a guardian of justice and with her friends fight by their side to bring peace to the earth. I am a huge anime fan and I love the series I can't wait to read more of it. ( )

Genre & Audience
Magical Girls
13

Artwork
Quality and detail level of the artwork is on par with this genre. The look of the evil beings err on caricatures.

Story
A focused story that moves along at a good pace. With three sides, the plot is complex enough to be interesting. The light humor about everyday life is entertaining and provides a way for readers to relate to the story. Near the end, some panel transitions jump too far ahead or the background doesn't show where the characters are.

Characterization
Although character personalities and histories aren't terribly deep, the diversity of Sailor Guardian personalities and powers keeps them interesting. Stereotypical transformations into a stewardess, a princess, and a doctor who sports a nurse's dress. It's not a good message to send to girls when a potential hero kisses the heroine when she's in a drunken sleep and she still likes him--but at least the parent figure points out his improper behavior.

Personal Notes
I started reading this series again because my daughter and I are watching the new release, Sailor Moon Crystal, which follows the manga more closely than the 1990s original series. I like the new release better than the original because--like the manga--the girls win the battles through their own skill and effort rather than requiring a man (Tuxedo Mask, in this case) to save them. Perhaps a result of its global (mostly US) target audience? Here's a thought-provoking--and well-researched--paper about how Sailor Moon works in the consumer marketplace:

http://web.archive.org/web/20120617030124/http://www.yorku.ca/jjenson/4303/readi... ( )