Sailor Moon anime series officially turned 30 today. The first episode of the anime premiered on March 7, 1992, on Japanese TV Asahi where it aired until February 8, 1997. Toei Animation animated the series which consists of:
- Sailor Moon (1992–93)
- Sailor Moon R (1993–94)
- Sailor Moon S (1994–95)
- Sailor Moon SuperS (1995–96)
- Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (1996–97)
Kotono Mitsuishi, the voice actress of Usagi Tsukino who is the titular protagonist Sailor Moon, tweeted about the anniversary saying she was able to “receive messages of love from all fans”:
The Sailor Moon franchise started with a manga by Naoko Takeuchi. The manga was serialized in Kodansha’s Nakayoshi magazine from 1991 to 1997. In addition to the original anime, the franchise also spawned a live-action series titled Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, multiple movies, OVAs, and specials. A second anime adaptation Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal started in 2014. It was an adaptation of the manga that followed its storyline more closely. The dark Kingdom and Black Moon arcs were adapted in the first two seasons, while the third one covered Death Busters (also known as Infinity) arc. The story continued with Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal: The Movie, which was released in two parts. It’s worth noting that Toei Animation animated all anime versions of Sailor Moon.
Kodansha Comics has published the Sailor Moon series in English. A new edition, with improved translation, covers, and original Japanese names, is now available, according to the official website, which describes the plot as:
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!
The official website for the Sailor Moon franchise announced special 30th-anniversary activities earlier this year. These include a new logo, new social media handles that include the number 30, as well as various collaborations and new merchandise.
Featured image: © Naoko Takeuchi, PNP / “Sailor Moon Eternal” the Movie Production Committee
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