Synopsis:Usagi Tsukino is a normal girl until she meets up with Luna, a talking cat, who tells her that she is Sailor Moon. As Sailor Moon, Usagi must fight evils and enforce justice, in the name of the Moon and the mysterious Moon Princess.

She meets other girls destined to be Sailor Senshi (Sailor Scouts), and together, they fight the forces of evil!This new edition of Sailor Moon will feature:-An entirely new, incredibly accurate translation!-Japanese-style, right-to-left reading!-New cover art never before seen in the U.S.!-The original Japanese character names!-Detailed translation notes!This version of Sailor Moon will be completely true to original. Join us as Sailor Moon returns to the U.S. For the first time in years!(Well, it not’s really a strict reviewI’m using this “review” as an excuse to share my Sailor Moon life story with y’all.)My first encounter with Sailor Moon was when I was a little kid perusing the (now obsolete) video and record store Tower Records.

Sailor Moon & The Scouts: Lunarock 'The Power of Love' is a song that replaces La Soldier in the DiC English dub of episode 88 during the battle with the Death Phantom and Neo Queen Serenity and Chibiusa discovering where the Silver Crystal of the future had gone and using it, joins Sailor Moon to help defeat the Death Phantom. Please practice hand-washing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. Dismiss Visit.

I spotted a VHS that had two Sailor Moon either episodes or movies on it, and my mom, knowing Sailor Moon was a fun, girly thing, bought it for me.I think I watched it once, sad to say, and I no longer own it. Thinking back, I know I would now enjoy it, or would have enjoyed it if I had been a bit older. I was probably eight or something when I watched that Sailor Moon video for the first time, so I think I was too young to appreciate Usagi and her gang of Sailor Soldiers/Scouts. (I do remember Sailor Mini Moon.

She was hilarious, and obviously I liked her the most because she was closest in age to me.)Over the next few years I’m pretty certain I caught a few random episodes of Sailor Moon on television, because I have vivid memories or certain battles against a wide array of villains. I never did seek out the anime or the manga on my own, however. I wasn’t really into that kind of stuff as a kid.

It took me a while to get interested and ask friends what they were reading and watching.When Sailor Moon Crystal was released, I watched the first episode on Hulu because right around that time I was finally discovering the world of Japanese anime — television shows. (Since I was a kid I’d been watching Studio Ghibli films. Please see and for my in-depth fangirl thoughts on all the Ghibli movies. Now, returning to our regularly scheduled programming) I really enjoyed the first Sailor Moon Crystal episode and then went back to watch the original Sailor Moon first episode, which was definitely interesting. Somehow, though, I didn’t continue with the reboot (or original) anime series, and I wish I had.And now a few more years later, I’ve suddenly become very interested in manga. (I tried getting into manga when in middle school and asked a friend for recs, but I wasn’t that into it and scoffed, thinking, “What’s the point of reading a book with pictures?” Oh, snooty little Mallory) Now I think manga is fun and awesome and kind of crazy. (As of writing this post, I’m currently in the middle of the first volume of Death Note. Whoa, it’s fascinating.) I’m behind on my Goodreads reading goal so I am aiming to catch up and forge ahead by binge-reading various popular manga series.

They’re quick to read and addicting, and I have no shame. Because manga is awesome.So, to get back to what this post is about One manga that came in at the library recently was the renewal series of Sailor Moon. I scarfed this book up like there was no tomorrow. It’s pretty corny and you need to take it with a grain of salt, but I absolutely loved Usagi’s quest to keep the villains from obtaining the Legendary Silver Crystal.

Also, Mamoru — Tuxedo Mask. Can I just say that I am TOTALLY ON BOARD THIS SHIP?!

I squealed like an idiot whenever Tuxedo Mask showed up. He’s mysterious and awesome and definitely my favorite character so far, ha!Now, I’m no Sailor Moon expert, I’m pretty much a newbie, but I can totally see why Sailor Moon is one of the most famous manga and anime of all time — definitely in terms of mainstream manga and anime. It’s about a bunch of kick-ass teenage girls who save the world with their superpowers. They’re smart, they’re pretty — but they also go through the real struggles of young girls who are growing up. When Sailor Moon came out, it was the early ’90s, and I’m guessing girls and young women craved anything with strong heroines.

(Even today we’re still craving stories with strong female leads.) Sailor Moon is awesome, and I am thrilled to be joining in on all the fun and adventures even if it is a bit later than I intended.TL;DR: I know this wasn’t so much a review as it was a rambling Basically, I loved Sailor Moon, Volume 1, despite some of it’s illogical moments and not-very-well-explained parts, and it inspired me to gush about everything you read above. I will definitely be continuing with the manga, and I might even try the anime again! ♦Have you read Sailor Moon?Original or renewal series?If you haven’t, would you be interested to?Have you watched any of the Sailor Moon anime?Comment below letting me know!Follow me @ toweroftomes on !

“ ” The Super Live was the first of this relatively young, exciting, constantly evolving and expanding phenomenon from Japan to be performed to audiences in America with one show on March 24th at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. And three over the span of March 29-30th at the Theater in the heart of Times Square. Called “2.5 Dimensional Musical Entertainment”, this new genre of stage performances are based on Japan's ubiquitous and profitable cultural exports — anime and manga. The memorable moniker bestowed upon the style infers the mashup of 2D animation and graphic novels with live 3D entertainers and is rumored to have been a referential title originally circulated by early fans of the genre themselves.The decades-long, multi-generational devotion and popularity of the series proved to be the right choice to introduce American audiences to this new brand of Japanese entertainment. All four shows in both cities sold out within a couple of weeks and crowds flew in from over 40 states to see the Pretty Guardians up close. The show brought to vibrant, rainbow technicolored life the charming characters from 's endearing (girl-centric) manga published by and the mega popular anime series that debuted in the early 1990s, and has since found almost continuous success and many incarnations. Top executives at Kodansha who have been working with the series for years, even decades, were eager with anticipation on how fans of the manga would respond to seeing their favorite characters in the flesh., Senior Managing Editor of USA felt as excited as any superfan, “I grew up with Sailor Moon and got interested in anime and manga because of it.

Now new generations are drawn to it because of the classic themes and relatability. She's not the brightest or most mature but Usagi fights for her friends and what's right.”, Editor-in-Chief for Kodansha, has been involved with Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon since its inception in 1991 and has witnessed its many evolutions over the decades. “Though immediately popular in Japan, oddly, the series did not initially do very well in the U.S. But when it was reintroduced and finally took off, it was unstoppable and has been a beloved fixture in America and worldwide.”Much like Scanlan, to some (especially those who grew up in the '90s) Sailor Moon was one of the first manga or anime series they discovered, sparking their interest and serving as their introduction. For those budding otaku, encountering these distinctive offerings inspired them to further investigate and explore other varieties and Japanese culture in general.

The eager attendees could not restrain their enthusiasm and broke into hysterical squeals of exuberance when favorite characters appeared, iconic interactions occurred or epic battle scenes of girl power and good overcoming obstacles and evil forces unfolded. Admittedly, I was one of them, for Sailor Moon was my own introduction to anime and it was glorious to watch cherished characters such as Queen Beryl, the Sailor Guardians and especially, Tuxedo Mask - the first crush of many young female (and male) otaku - in action. The uncontrollable reactions were both an unexpected and heartwarming surprise to the Japanese production staff and cast, who are used to the much more polite, reserved responses from fans on their home turf. Even with the show's European debut in Paris November 2018, fans were much more demure in their affections. This fantastic fusion of performance styles adds another dimension to what a theatrical experience can offer. To pull it off well, however, a show needs an amalgam of entertainment magicians.

Akiko Kodama, who wrote the book that propels the action and story, has also written and directed for the uber-successful ultra-glamorous, all-female Broadway-meets-Vegas extravaganza style Takarazuka Revue Company (which may explain a few things including the women-only cast and their slick, sensual portrayals of the male characters). Director and choreographer TAKAHIRO created the moves for Madonna's Sticky and Sweet Tour and Pretty Guardians shared the same music video feel and high-intensity dynamics as a pop diva concert. Rounding out the creative team was, a composer who has written songs for numerous acts including the all-girl group, was responsible for the multifaceted electro-pop and rock score with influences as varied as video game-style “chiptunes”, eerie gothic high soprano vocals, Asian elements, Latin flair and tender piano ballads.Live theatrical performances have been taking off in Japan since the early 2000s, when, currently the Chairman of Japan 2.5-Dimensional Musical Association and Nelke Planning Co, Ltd., transformed the sports manga, (hailed TENNIMU by fans) into a musical. Before that, there had only been a couple of live anime/manga adaptations, including Saint Seya which was onstage at the time the Sailor Moon series was launched in 1991 and the first of such shows Matsuda worked on as “the lowest-ranking staff member.” But the seed was planted and he saw great potential for the future.Matsuda's vision and fearlessness to take risks has certainly paid off-Musical: Prince of Tennis (in various incarnations over its span) has been playing to sold-out audiences for 16 years and company has now produced and toured multiple other 2.5D shows. When shaping a new kind entertainment that would attract fans of anime and manga as well as regular theatregoers, Matsuda knew an old Japanese theatre standard of utilizing performers of same sex to play both genders (employed by kabuki for hundreds of years with all-male casts and by the 105 year old all-female Takarazuka Revue Company) would be a formula for success. He also took inspiration from Takarazuka Revue's tradition of ending their productions with a lavish concert extravaganza and noted, “When you see their shows, you feel that you are given so much added value in the entertainment experience as an attendee.” His reputation has granted him the exclusive rights to major properties such including “ Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” The Super Live.

“There was no choice other than Matsuda and Nelke Planning for whom would produce this,” confirmed Osano, “He has the creativity to make it come to life and honor the original authentically.”. The success of this new style of live entertainment attracted a loyal fanbase and other anime and manga adaptations followed, including two from, the most respected producer and promoter of kabuki (a 400 year old art form): and Super Kabuki II:. Next up for Matsuda and company is another U.S. Fan favorite, “ ” The “Ultra” Stage, which opens in Tokyo in April, travels to Osaka and on to Shanghai in June. Given the pedigree of titles like this, it was only a matter of time before the stage spectacles would arrive on U.S. Shores.High risks performed with a lot of heart, belief and a good dash of luck (not to mention a built-in fan base of millions for the brand worldwide) can reap remarkable rewards.

The question now is not if, but when and where the next showing of these sensational spectacles will occur? Just like the anime and manga industry itself, the world of 2.5D stage adaptations is a growing, evolving and relatively new genre of entertainment.

But demand creates supply and there is already a plethora of outstanding stage spectacles in Japan ready to be imported if the audience is there to support them. Now it's up to the otaku to ensure this phenomenon is not a passing trend or a one-tour wonder. Which begs the question: what Japanese anime, manga or video game adaptation would you most like to see live on stage?Photo credit for all images: © Naoko Takeuchi・PNP / “ Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” The Super Live Production Committee.