Calling all Moonies! Are you ready to join Usagi Tsukino and the Sailor Guardians in their fight for love and justice? The world of Sailor Moon is vast and sparkly, but with multiple series, movies, and even a remake, the watch order can be a bit confusing. Fear not, future Sailor Senshi! This guide will illuminate the path to a truly magical viewing experience.
Setting the Course: The Sailor Moon Universe
The Sailor Moon franchise consists of several anime series and movies. Here’s a breakdown of the main entries:
- Sailor Moon (1992-1997): The original series, also known as Sailor Moon Crystal, follows the adventures of Usagi and the Inner Guardians as they battle the villainous Queen Beryl and her minions.
- Sailor Moon R (1993-1994): The first season of the “Sailor Moon R” series introduces the Outer Guardians and introduces a new threat – the Death Busters.
- Sailor Moon S (1994-1995): The second season of Sailor Moon R focuses on the Sailor Senshi’s fight against the malign entity, Pharaoh 90.
- Sailor Moon SuperS (1995-1996): Usagi and the Guardians face a new enemy, the Amazon Quartet, and a mysterious entity from the Dream World.
- Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (1996-1997): The final season of the original series features a new group of Sailor Guardians from outer space and the ultimate battle against Sailor Galaxia.
- Sailor Moon Movies: Several movies exist, retelling or expanding upon specific story arcs from the series.
- Sailor Moon Crystal (2014-2016): A reboot of the original series with a more faithful adaptation to the manga.
Charting Your Course: Watch Order Options
There are two main approaches to the Sailor Moon watch order, catering to different preferences:
Approach 1: Release Order
- Sailor Moon (1992-1997): Experience the series as it was originally intended, including filler episodes and storylines not present in the manga.
- Sailor Moon R (1993-1994): Follow the continuing adventures of the Sailor Guardians.
- Sailor Moon S (1994-1995): Delve deeper into the world with the introduction of new characters and storylines.
- Sailor Moon SuperS (1995-1996): Embrace the colorful world and fantastical elements.
- Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (1996-1997): Witness the epic conclusion of the original series.
- Sailor Moon Movies (Optional): Watch these movies after completing the series for additional stories.
Benefits:
- Follows the series’ original pacing and narrative flow.
- Provides a sense of nostalgia for fans who experienced the series in its initial run.
Drawbacks:
- The original series features filler episodes and storylines not present in the manga, which some viewers might find tedious.
- The animation quality might seem dated compared to modern standards.
Approach 2: Streamlined Order
- Sailor Moon Crystal (2014-2016): This reboot offers a more faithful adaptation to the manga, with tighter pacing and less filler content.
- Sailor Moon Crystal Movies (Optional): These movies continue the story of Sailor Moon Crystal and provide a more conclusive ending.
Benefits:
- Offers a faster-paced and more focused narrative experience.
- Features improved animation quality compared to the original series.
Drawbacks:
- Skips over certain storylines and character development present in the original series.
- Might not capture the full nostalgic charm of the original series.
Setting Sail with the Guardians
No matter which watch order you choose, remember to transform with the power of the moon prism! The journey with Usagi and the Sailor Guardians is an experience filled with love, friendship, and epic battles for justice. So get ready to fight for love and the Moon with this guide by your side!
