Review: Sailor Moon Crystal

Remember that carefree school girl Usagi Tsukino who is introduced as the protagonist in the 1992 T.V. show series Sailor Moon? I do, and I'm still a fan till this day! The 1992 T.V. series lasted for 5 seasons; Sailor Moon, Sailor Moon R, Sailor Moon S, Sailor Moon Super S, and Sailor Moon Sailor Stars. Each season had roughly 40-50 episodes. America’s released versions had a little less to make it appropriate for children. They created 3 movies one for each season of Sailor Moon S, Sailor Moon Super S, and Sailor Moon Sailor Stars. You can watch the original Sailor Moon series on Hulu! Its in Japanese with English subtitles and they are still working on adding the English dub version. Now that we have covered a small throw back and some history on the 1992 Sailor Moon, lets get to the point, Sailor Moon Crystal. A completely new series, with generally the same story just a little more to almost completely accurate to the manga, and with new beautiful vibrant artwork. What I enjoy about it is, it gets right down to the point per episode. The original Sailor Moon series was 40-50 episodes with a new monster looking for the same thing and failing. Of course, I will always love the series, but at times it was a little repetitive. Sailor Moon Crystal’s episodes get straight to the point per episode. Season one and two were 26 acts aka episodes, that basically tackled two seasons of the 1992 Sailor Moon series in less than half the episodes! I personally think its more enjoyable that way, but I still enjoyed the 1992 Sailor Moon. You can watch Sailor Moon Crystal on Hulu, and Crunchy Roll. Season 3 has been announced to release on April 4.

Lets talk artwork its my favorite thing! I personally love the artwork, its very accurate to the manga, which suits the series since its pretty spot on to the manga. The artwork is beautiful, and it flows nicely. Her transformation scene is a more computer graphic look than a drawing style look, which is perfectly fine it gives it a more detailed 3D look than just flat art work. The scene gives you a 360 view of her entire transformation. The art is very detailed with better shadows and vivid colors. Even the background buildings have more detail than the original. All of the characters have a more glamorous look to them, it makes them look more feminine. I have always found the artwork in the manga to be absolutely beautiful so bringing it on screen was a perfect choice.

Spoilers! (for those who haven't read or seen any Sailor Moon series)

In Sailor Moon Crystal, Usagi Tsukino’s character remains as our favorite protagonist. She's the same clumsy, cry baby that eats everything in sight, especially if it has sugar. In season one she learns she's Sailor Moon, has to discover the 5 inner senshi to aid her in battle to save earth while falling in love with an older boy, Mamoru Chiba who is also Tuxedo Mask. Mamoru Chiba forcefully falls under the control of Queen Beryl ruler of the Dark Kingdom, all because she has an undying love for him. Usagi must fight to get Mamoru back and save the planet! Sailor Moon Crystal quickly got straight down to the point in a whopping 13 episodes instead of 40 episodes. They gave you the major details and skipped the repetitive fights.

Season 2 you meet their daughter Small Lady, who comes from the future looking for the Imperium Silver Crystal which she was careless to lose, so she can save Crystal Tokyo and her mother Neo Queen Serenity who had been placed inside the crystal by the inner senshi to protect her from the Black Moon Clan. In the manga she was trapped in a crystal in the palace, waiting for her body to heal while her guardians and her husband are all in a deep sleep in beds in a different room. Which is much like the route Sailor Moon Crystal took with their story. Bringing in Black Lady who was created by Wiseman to the mix as well, the 1992 Version wasn't too far off, but instead, the inner senshi used their life force to protect Neo Queen Serenity. The evil protagonist in this season is the Wiseman. The Wiseman was at one point human, a human who lived in Crystal Tokyo. He came to possess dark powers which used to brain wash the people on Crystal Tokyo against Neo Queen Serenity. Neo Queen Serenity banished him, and his life forced merged with a planet called Nemesis, this planet was forbidden planet. He goes to earth seeking revenge on earth and the Queen, he tries to turn the world evil to prevent Crystal Tokyo from being formed.

I would 100% recommend watching Sailor Moon Crystal. If you haven't seen either of the series, Sailor Moon Crystal is a good way to cut down on the 40 repetitive constant same battles different themed enemy episodes, and cram the important information within 13 episodes. The voice actors match the characters faces and personalities well. It drew me in from episode 1 and I'm so excited for season 3! So join your favorite Sailor Scouts, and check out Sailor Moon Crystal you won't regret it!

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