There are some tales that are as old as time.
Stories of heroes that inspire many by the legendary feats. But not every great hero swoops out of the shadows of obscurity and brilliantly into battle. Sometimes, even, that is the best part of it all; the journey, from failure to success.
There are so many grand and diverse heroes that line every form of media from comics, to film, to novels and countless other mediums. After all they come in countless shapes and sizes.
Going into why there is such a following and attraction to heroes and battle for justice is easily enough something that can be analyzed, dissected and discussed to extensive lengths. For everyone the draw various. As does just who we find ourselves cheering for. Perhaps we see something of ourselves in their raw state, or even something we wish had the capabilities of. It can very well simply be we want to have someone to look to.
Now in current times than ever are we finding ourselves face to face with such characters with every blink of the eye. From new series that have already captivated fans like Supergirl and even Miraculous Ladybug, to adding a new spin on things with DC SuperHero Girls, there is fighting spirit burning with such a grand intensity.
Even those all these series are grand, there is another hero that carries such strong heart and strength that you cannot help but to take note. That hero is Sailor Moon.
I know I have mentioned the series before in passing, yet oddly never actually talked about this legendary magical girl. Truly strange. Yet as I sit at my desk watching Viz Media’s Moonlight Party to mark the celebration of the moonlight legend does it don on me that this is perhaps not only the best time about the self-proclaimed ‘pretty guardian in a sailor suit’, yet just how grand a time it is to be a fan of Sailor Moon.
Fan or not of the series, but have a passing interest in anime or animation you probably are very familiar with the basic bones of the first episode of the anime or act of the manga. Usagi Tuskino, a cry-baby of a fourteen year-old girl’s life is forever changed as she encounters Luna, a talking cat. Upon their meeting Luna insists that Usagi is the guardian she has been looking for and offers her a magical broach that transforms her into Sailor Moon. A new role that Usagi is ready to refuse, until she learns her friend is in danger. With her life now forever changed, Usagi must accept her newfound destiny and fight evil, find the rest of the guardians and the mysterious princess.
The series follows the many adventures of Sailor Moon and the rest of the guardians as they encounter new allies and enemies as they keep the universe safe- and you know, lead somewhat normal lives.
There is so much to the series now twenty years old; with musicals, a live-action series, the original manga that started it all and the two anime series (the original 90s referred to by fans as ‘classic’ and Crystal). Crystal (the new re-make) has the strongest connection the manga, but also takes some liberties. Classic has quite a bit of filler content that really allows fans to have a lot of great interactions and development with the guardians. Each variation has strong roots with the basis bones of the series and carries the same heart, yet takes their own spin on some of the elements.
There is so much to love about Sailor Moon. The bond between the guardians, the power of love, and just what fantastic role models the guardians are. If there is one thing that we can all walk away from the series it is just the idea that no matter how hard or bad things might be thee is always hope. To never give up even when everything is falling apart.
It is thanks to Sailor Moon that the magical genre is how it stands today. Before magical girls did not really use their powers to battle against evil and become heroes themselves. Sailor Moon kick-started the magical girl warrior trope and gave inspiration to so many series.
There is truly a good reason why even after all this time has passed the Sailor Moon has marinated her relevance and never lost her stamina.
Be sure to check out Sailor Moon classic and Crystal over on Hulu. New dubbed episodes of Crystal every Friday and two new subtitled of classic on Mondays. But please note that there is some suggestive content in the series that parents will want to note and be aware of before viewing.
Join the conversation: If you are following Sailor Moon Crystal how are you enjoying Viz’s new dub of the series?