What do you think?
美少女戦士セーラームーン [Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon] #4
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Vol. 4
Un nuevo enemigo mucho más poderoso amenaza no solo a las sailors guardianas, sino al planeta completo. En tanto, Usagi sufre tanto por la pérdida de sus amigas como por la relación odio-¿amor? que sostiene con Chibiusa. Para salvar a sus compañeras, ella, junto con Venus y Tuxedo Mask viajarán al futuro ¡y conocerán algo insólito! ¿Qué crees que sea?
243 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2003
About the author
Naoko Takeuchi
198 books2,157 followersNaoko Takeuchi (武内直子) born March 15, 1967, a manga artist (mangaka), lives in Tokyo, Japan. Takeuchi's works have a wide following among anime/manga fans. She has become a well-known mangaka worldwide. Her most popular work, Sailor Moon, rose to become one of the most recognized manga/anime figures to date.
Takeuchi is married to Yoshihiro Togashi, the author of the YuYu Hakusho series and Hunter × Hunter series.
Please note that anime related books are listed under Kōdansha.
Takeuchi is married to Yoshihiro Togashi, the author of the YuYu Hakusho series and Hunter × Hunter series.
Please note that anime related books are listed under Kōdansha.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews
June 26, 2012
Am I the only one who finds the idea of Neo Queen Serenity really sad? I can't imagine how Usagi could become a person that her daughter sees as beautiful and unreachable. Someone who's never given her daughter a hug. I don't know that I want her to mature if that's what maturity looks like on her. :/ Based off this volume I think I prefer the relationship Chibi-Usa has with Sailor Moon over the one she has with her mother.
At the same time I spent a lot of the volume pleading with Usagi to display a little more maturity with her interactions with Chibi-Usa so. ^^; Usagi you're better than this! She's a child! I have to keep reminding myself she's only fourteen to stave off my frustration with her.
On a more positive note Sailor Pluto was introduced in this volume. <3 I love my lonely solitary guardian. The few bits of her we've seen so far have already catapulted her into my favourites. Though again she makes me question Neo-Queen Serenity because since when is Usagi someone who would let anyone stay as lonely as Pluto clearly is? What happened to my emotional friendship-making queen? Usagi's silly and a cry baby but she's also someone who's excellent at reaching out to people. :( Idk guys, I'm kind of Team Change the Future right now. I don't think I like this one. 3.5 stars
At the same time I spent a lot of the volume pleading with Usagi to display a little more maturity with her interactions with Chibi-Usa so. ^^; Usagi you're better than this! She's a child! I have to keep reminding myself she's only fourteen to stave off my frustration with her.
On a more positive note Sailor Pluto was introduced in this volume. <3 I love my lonely solitary guardian. The few bits of her we've seen so far have already catapulted her into my favourites. Though again she makes me question Neo-Queen Serenity because since when is Usagi someone who would let anyone stay as lonely as Pluto clearly is? What happened to my emotional friendship-making queen? Usagi's silly and a cry baby but she's also someone who's excellent at reaching out to people. :( Idk guys, I'm kind of Team Change the Future right now. I don't think I like this one. 3.5 stars
June 30, 2017
Aunque no soy muy fan de estos villanos, me re emociona empezar a leer esta parte de la trama, que es la que "no conozco".
Ya quiero el siguiente volumen <3
Ya quiero el siguiente volumen <3
August 16, 2021
Cada tomo me va gustando más y más. Me está agrandando encontrar un toque mucho más adulto del que recordaba del aníme. En este tomo ya aparece Chibiusa, personaje al que le tenía mucha manía en el aníme y que, sin embargo, en el manga me está dando ternurita. Eso sí, hay una especie de "trío amoroso" muy turbio, que estoy tratando de obviar para seguir disfrutando. Mal rollito. ¡A por el quinto!
April 10, 2015
I remember why the Black Moon arc is my least favorite in the entire manga series. It has problematic written all over it, the plot is not that interesting, the villains are kind of nah and apart from Venus and THE AMAZING SAILOR PLUTO, all the other characters are terrible in this. Well, let me exclude the other Inner Senshi, because they stay the entire volume kidnapped. Mamoru is in crisis because he doesn't feel strong enough to protect Usagi, so he redirects his feelings toward ChibiUsa. Usagi is constantly doubting herself, crying and is jealous over her own daughter because she thinks a 9-year-old girl will steal her boyfriend. ChibiUsa...the bratty, crybaby, problematic daughter of Usagi and Mamoru. I understand her feeling of powerlessness, the idea that maybe she is unloved because she's not strong and beautiful and poised like her mother, but honestly, instead of helping solve the problem, she only creates MORE problem. Not to mention that she is also jealous of Usagi over Mamoru - talk about Electra complex! All in all this was my least favorite volume, but Sailor Pluto compensated that a little. This was actually a 3.5 stars, but I couldn't bring myself to up the rating to 4 stars.
July 24, 2024
Une p'tite BD pour faire changement. Pour moi les Sailor Moon c'est comme du comfort food. Les dessins sont beaux 🥹
December 28, 2025
Ero partito con le migliori intenzioni, con tutti i volumi del manga pronti sul comodino per divorarli durante queste ferie, ma mi arrendo.
È proprio una roba brutta.
Mi fermo al quarto volume perché la vita è troppo breve e, ad andare avanti, temo finirei per inabissare nello schifo persino i ricordi positivi dell'anime che vedevo da ragazzino su Italia 1.
I disegni sono belli, ma finisce lì. Che poi è una bugia, perché a volte pure quelli mi sono sembrati confusi.
L'ambientazione è un'accozzaglia di nozioni buttate a caso, con spiegoni infiniti che mi sono rimasti indigesti tanto per la loro lunghezza quanto per l'incomprensibilità, e la loro mole complessiva è talmente imponente (per dire niente!) da soffocare tutto il resto. Decine e decine di spunti, uno sull'altro in un continuo espandere sregolato e sconclusionato.
Gli unici personaggi con un minimo di personalità sono Sailor Moon e Milord, ma pure loro hanno come unica caratteristica quella di essere gli spettri di loro altre versioni. Per tutte le altre guerriere non c'è niente, sono comparse inutili che lanciano attacchi fallimentari e vengono sconfitte: quella intelligente, quella forzuta, quella che fa la sensitiva e quella che palesemente doveva essere la protagonista ma poi la mangaka è stata spinta verso altro. Proprio per questo, Sailor Venus finora è l'unica ad aver ricevuto un po' di spazio, ma è anche fucking insopportabile. Per tutte le altre non si può dire nulla, neanche a livello caratteriale. Non hanno background, né un cazzo di scopo se non proteggere la loro stupida principessa - e lo fanno male, la principessa si salva sempre da sola!
I nemici, poi, sono ridicoli. Penso ne abbia già introdotti almeno una ventina, ma nessuno di loro ha fatto nulla se non comparire su una tavola e venire sconfitto in quella dopo. In una dinamica sempre uguale che si ripete continuamente, tra uno spiegone e l'altro, diventando noiosa già alla fine del primo volume. Figuriamoci al quarto, con nessuna prospettiva di cambiamento in vista.
E tanti saluti al ritmo narrativo. Ma del resto, con quei cazzo di rigurgiti di mezze idee, aspettarsi altro è ingenuo. Viaggi da un angolo all'altro della Terra, sulla Luna, nel tempo: tutto approssimativo, spesso muovendosi da un parte all'altra dell'universo nello spazio vuoto tra una vignetta e l'altra.
Devo continuare a leggere per Usagi? Una ragazzina infantile, gelosa e irritante, che per ogni passo avanti caratteriale ne fa quattro indietro? Per le sue frignate? O per l'inutile cavalier servente che la segue come un cagnolino?
Volevo arrivare a Sailor Neptune e Uranus solo per leggere la dinamica lesbo che è stata censurata negli adattamenti italiani dell'anime, ma non ne ho la forza. Anche perché dubito che, all'improvviso, Naoko Takeuchi impari a gestire i suoi personaggi.
Non c'è in me abbastanza passione per il lesbodrama per trovare la tenacia necessaria a compiere l'impresa di digerire altre pagine di slavine di informazioni ingarbugliate.
Ho letto qualcosa sulle varie giustificazioni per l'operato dell'autrice - sostanzialmente, il successo enorme della sua storia ha fatto sì che ne venisse tratto un adattamento anime pressoché in contemporanea, dandole pochissimo spazio di manovra -, ma stiamo comunque parlando di 4 archi narrativi in 12 volumetti. Il risultato, alla fine, non varia: è una prova narrativamente pietosa.
È proprio una roba brutta.
Mi fermo al quarto volume perché la vita è troppo breve e, ad andare avanti, temo finirei per inabissare nello schifo persino i ricordi positivi dell'anime che vedevo da ragazzino su Italia 1.
I disegni sono belli, ma finisce lì. Che poi è una bugia, perché a volte pure quelli mi sono sembrati confusi.
L'ambientazione è un'accozzaglia di nozioni buttate a caso, con spiegoni infiniti che mi sono rimasti indigesti tanto per la loro lunghezza quanto per l'incomprensibilità, e la loro mole complessiva è talmente imponente (per dire niente!) da soffocare tutto il resto. Decine e decine di spunti, uno sull'altro in un continuo espandere sregolato e sconclusionato.
Gli unici personaggi con un minimo di personalità sono Sailor Moon e Milord, ma pure loro hanno come unica caratteristica quella di essere gli spettri di loro altre versioni. Per tutte le altre guerriere non c'è niente, sono comparse inutili che lanciano attacchi fallimentari e vengono sconfitte: quella intelligente, quella forzuta, quella che fa la sensitiva e quella che palesemente doveva essere la protagonista ma poi la mangaka è stata spinta verso altro. Proprio per questo, Sailor Venus finora è l'unica ad aver ricevuto un po' di spazio, ma è anche fucking insopportabile. Per tutte le altre non si può dire nulla, neanche a livello caratteriale. Non hanno background, né un cazzo di scopo se non proteggere la loro stupida principessa - e lo fanno male, la principessa si salva sempre da sola!
I nemici, poi, sono ridicoli. Penso ne abbia già introdotti almeno una ventina, ma nessuno di loro ha fatto nulla se non comparire su una tavola e venire sconfitto in quella dopo. In una dinamica sempre uguale che si ripete continuamente, tra uno spiegone e l'altro, diventando noiosa già alla fine del primo volume. Figuriamoci al quarto, con nessuna prospettiva di cambiamento in vista.
E tanti saluti al ritmo narrativo. Ma del resto, con quei cazzo di rigurgiti di mezze idee, aspettarsi altro è ingenuo. Viaggi da un angolo all'altro della Terra, sulla Luna, nel tempo: tutto approssimativo, spesso muovendosi da un parte all'altra dell'universo nello spazio vuoto tra una vignetta e l'altra.
Devo continuare a leggere per Usagi? Una ragazzina infantile, gelosa e irritante, che per ogni passo avanti caratteriale ne fa quattro indietro? Per le sue frignate? O per l'inutile cavalier servente che la segue come un cagnolino?
Volevo arrivare a Sailor Neptune e Uranus solo per leggere la dinamica lesbo che è stata censurata negli adattamenti italiani dell'anime, ma non ne ho la forza. Anche perché dubito che, all'improvviso, Naoko Takeuchi impari a gestire i suoi personaggi.
Non c'è in me abbastanza passione per il lesbodrama per trovare la tenacia necessaria a compiere l'impresa di digerire altre pagine di slavine di informazioni ingarbugliate.
Ho letto qualcosa sulle varie giustificazioni per l'operato dell'autrice - sostanzialmente, il successo enorme della sua storia ha fatto sì che ne venisse tratto un adattamento anime pressoché in contemporanea, dandole pochissimo spazio di manovra -, ma stiamo comunque parlando di 4 archi narrativi in 12 volumetti. Il risultato, alla fine, non varia: è una prova narrativamente pietosa.
April 25, 2013
Es war soooo toll! Ich will sofort weiterlesen! Leider habe ich das 5. Band nicht da :(
Aber es ist super spannend!
Update 2024: Mega Band, es kam viel Licht ins Dunkel, spannendes Ende, I need more!
Aber es ist super spannend!
Update 2024: Mega Band, es kam viel Licht ins Dunkel, spannendes Ende, I need more!
September 8, 2015
Things get awkward and complicated.
February 4, 2024
4 stars, because I dont like Black Moon Family. They scare me, but illustrations are pretty. The cover is so cool. I like Sailor Jupiter very much :)
April 5, 2014
2026 REREAD:
WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER MOON!
Today I reread 'Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Vol. 4', and picking up where the last volume left off, here are my renewed thoughts and insights, as a lifelong thirty-five-year-old 'Sailor Moon' fan:
I'll start by correcting a mistake I made on my rereview of volume 3: Mamoru did not in fact make a hand puppet of Tuxedo Mask. It turns out he won it in a claw machine game at the arcade, and it is a plushie, not a puppet. In my defence, however, it is not until the beginning of this volume that this is established, and I never took Mamoru to be the arcade playing type, and it is never made clear throughout the entire manga series whether Sailor Moon, the Sailor Guardians and Tuxedo Mask are even thought to be real by the general public, or are considered urban myths; let alone that they would be popular enough for dolls to be made of them, that accurately resemble them. I was not aware that the public even knew that Tuxedo Mask existed - mainly it's Sailor V who's the open and popular one, with fans and everything, and who also has her own doll.
Furuhata and his sister Unazuki make cameo appearances at the beginning. They remain a part of the Sailor group's lives... for now.
What exactly is Luna-P? Who made it for Chibi-Usa? It'd make sense if the science and robotics genius Sailor Mercury invented it for Small Lady.
Yeah, Chibi-Usa's other name, what she is called by everybody in the future, is Small Lady, which has always felt so odd to me. It doesn't sound complimentary at all, and it wouldn't boost her confidence and self-esteem. Surely a more appropriate and respectful name would be required for a crown princess, future queen and inheritor of the "Legendary Silver Crystal"? No wonder she never grew up, and is stunted - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
The art continues to be stunning, especially of the characters' facial expressions. There are subtleties present, where a single small detail can convey to the reader what a character must be thinking and feeling. The amount of care and effort shown is as glorious as everything else in the manga.
So Black Moon are a rebel group from Crystal Tokyo on Earth in the thirtieth century, and they use the "Malefic Black Crystal", which is like the dark equivalent of the "Legendary Silver Crystal", and their base is a cursed prison planet called Nemesis - the "tenth planet of the solar system" - which is home to Wiseman and the "Malefic Black Crystal", and to the criminal and murderer "Phantom", aka Prince Demande. Yet Nemesis is also called a "Phantom planet"? Did I get that right, down to the basics? It is rather complicated.
And speaking of, in the future, Crystal Tokyo, ruled by Neo Queen Serenity and King Endymion, is the greatest, most powerful and magical place on Earth for a thousand years up until the thirtieth century, that grants its people, and to an extent everyone else in the world, a thousand-year lifespan, thanks to the "Legendary Silver Crystal". The royal family live at the Crystal Palace. And yet, the restored Silver Millennium on the moon, which Sailor Moon/Usagi/Serenity is heir to, also still exists? Crystal Tokyo is called Silver Millennium a few times, too. How does the moon factor into all this? On top of the all time travel are a lot of details and complications that I cannot begin to talk about here.
One thing I will mention about the time travel element that I don't think anyone else has (and there is plenty to discuss there): Black Moon planned to travel back in time to the manga's present day to take over the world of the past... and Chibi-Usa did the exact same thing at the exact same time in order to find the Sailor Moon of said past, to save her mother Neo Queen Serenity and her kingdom of Crystal Tokyo from Black Moon. It's not clear if she knew Black Moon were travelling back in time as well, but they knew of her, and that she was in the past like them. They each have different means of time travel... is the fact that they initially used them to travel to the exact time and spot just a coincidence? WTH?
Usagi being jealous of Chibi-Usa due to the attention she receives from Mamoru, and acting out because of it, is stupid and childish, and she acknowledges this, and is ashamed of herself for it: "To be so jealous of Chibi-Usa at [a] time like this... What kind of nonsense am I up to?! Chibi-Usa is our very own child! There's nothing wrong with Mamo-chan trying to keep her safe!...But...why can't the two of us protect her together...?" She does have a point about that last part, however; Mamoru could be more thoughtful of her feelings, and think to share parenting responsibilities, even before they actually become parents!
Yet despite her annoyance at Chibi-Usa (and who can blame her?) that could be equated to sibling rivalry, Usagi is simultaneously depicted as acting serious, mature and grown-up when it comes to the child, beyond scolding her. She is even drawn to look older, more contemplative. More motherly? Was that intentional?
The biggest cause of Usagi's fears, anxiety and stress this arc is three of her friends - Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter - get kidnapped by Black Moon. It's not all about her love life; friendship is as important as ever. It is because she is worried about her friends that Usagi is taking things very seriously, and thinking smartly, in a way she didn't before.
Sailor Venus manages to avoid capture by Black Moon, when even Sailor Moon falls victim to them, and good on her, even if it doesn't reflect well on her as a Sailor Guardian leader.
The scene where Makoto and Asanuma are at her apartment in the volume's first act/chapter is absolutely wonderful. Revelations! Character development! Asanuma is an ordinary citizen who is putting two and two together about Makoto, Mamoru and their group, and is aware of something supernatural or extraterrestrial going on, and in turn Makoto confesses how much she treasures her friends, to make up for taking someone from her past for granted. She's a different person since becoming a Sailor Guardian, who knows the "true value of friendship". She's less selfish and flighty, and more caring of others. Makoto and Asanuma are teenagers doing the best they can in bizarre and impossible circumstances, and they never forget to stop caring for people, no matter what. Theirs is a platonic relationship, I believe, even when Asanuma holds Makoto's hand and declares he wants to be strong and able to protect her, and she responds by kissing his forehead. They leave it there. You would not expect such nuance in a magical girl manga from the early '90s, but here we are: 'Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon' is full of surprises, and genuinely good writing.
Surely Makoto's parents' deaths are the main cause of her troubled past? And is it because she's tall and could therefore pass as a legal adult in Japan that she is able to live in an apartment on her own? Doesn't she have other family?
Mamoru/Tuxedo Mask's power is named as psychometry.
Black Moon's plot in the first act/chapter is suspiciously similar to that of 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers', with alien pod people replacing real people via a "virus" and "infection" from space and a UFO. It's entertaining, and even meaningful to Makoto's character, regardless.
Holy Moonie, Sailor Moon's mask comes back! - as a way for her to identify the enemy aliens.
Usagi's best schoolfriend Naru has a significant and sad moment in Act 18, where she reflects how much Usagi has changed, and doesn't seem to have any time for her anymore. "The minute Usagi heard the word, "Black Moon", the color in her face drained. [...] ...Actually I've been aware for a long time that... Usagi has a certain something that I don't possess. [...] That there exists another world for Usagi that somebody like me can't enter... [...] But I just wanted to be of some help." It's as close as she gets to self-awareness and cognizance. It is a shame that Naru is never made aware of her friend's identity as Sailor Moon, and isn't a part of that "world", or anything, really, and she is pushed further to the sidelines the more the manga series progresses. Is it canon that she dates Umino's? That would be something for her character, at least.
I would be remiss not to mention - Sailor Pluto appears in this volume! She is as awesome, complex, multilayered and unique in her own way as the rest of the Sailor Guardians. She is the guardian of time - of "the Door to Hades" - and is immortal, sort of, and the god Chronos's daughter, or descendant? She has his blood, and that's all the explanation we get as to her origins.
It looks as though Usagi and Mamoru have sex in Act 19... while Chibi-Usa is sleeping in another room. What could have been deeply romantic becomes extremely awkward in so many ways.
Perhaps Chibi-Usa's best line in the whole series: "Say, Luna-P, is this person really Mama in the past? The invincible Sailor Moon? [...] She seems really unreliable, always getting scolded by everybody! [...] Just like me."
There is foreshadowing of Black Lady at the beginning of Act 21, not just the end...
Mamoru contacts the spirits of the Four Kings of Heaven in Act 18, for guidance, support and reassurance that he isn't powerless and useless - powerless to protect Usagi, his princess and true love. I'd forgotten that he kept the stones of Kunzite, Jadeite, Nephite and Zoisite.
Naru, Asanuma, and Rei's friend Kotono act as concerned ordinary citizens and friends to the Sailor girls, who aren't in on the secret Sailor Guardian business but wish to help nonetheless (especially in regards to the missing Rei, Ami and Makoto). They should have been given actual stuff to do, and not just be victims of the enemy. They'd be much better friends to the Sailors than Furuhata, who knows their secret but does nothing, zilch, about it.
Villains are defeated and killed a little too easily at the end of fights in 'Sailor Moon', with nearly no fanfare, thought and lasting consequences.
Diana, the future daughter of Luna and Artemis, is a cutie, and a friend to Chibi-Usa along with Sailor Pluto.
More can be found on my blog (Goodreads word count, what can you do?).
Happy September Moon!
Final Score: 4.5/5
Original Review:
One of the best volumes to come out of the 'Sailor Moon' manga. Reading this is just a joy.
Where to begin? Chibiusa becomes more tolerable as the characters - and the reader - get to know more about her. Sailor Jupiter is next to be kidnapped by Black Moon, but not before we are treated to an awesome character piece concerning her caring, motherly and tough badass nature. A guilt-ridden and frightened Chibiusa reveals that she is from the future - the 30th century, and is the princess of Crystal Tokyo, a utopian earth. Sailor Moon, Venus, Tuxedo Mask, Luna and Artemis, by using Chibiusa’s Space-Time Key, travel to the future to see what has become of the revived Silver Millennium. What happened that was bad enough for Chibiusa to desperately break a taboo and go into the past for Sailor Moon's help, and for the Legendary Silver Crystal of that time period? In between space and time is where we meet the best character of the Black Moon arc, Sailor Pluto, the Guardian of the Underworld and the Door of Space and Time. Despite putting on a cold and formidable front, Pluto is warm friends with Chibiusa, who is called "Small Lady" in the 30th century. In the ruins of Crystal Tokyo, it's revealed that Chibiusa is the daughter of Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion - Sailor Moon’s and Tuxedo Mask's future selves! And that she's really 900-years-old! And that Luna and Artemis also have a kid 1000 years in the future - Diana! Usagi struggles with this knowledge of the future, and of Chibiusa's relation to her - in addition to her grave worry for her missing friends - on top of her jealousy of Mamoru's almost-blind devotion to protecting the little princess. She's ashamed of herself for her selfishness, but it's understandable given the universe-shattering circumstances (in a time paradox, she was in danger of disappearing from existence from being near her comatose future-queen self, trapped in crystal). Through all this emotion, and in a good twist and subversion on the predictable, Sailor Moon is the next to be taken prisoner by Black Moon - on the forbidden planet Nemesis, where their base is. Black Moon oppose the rule and immortal life conditions of 30th century Crystal Tokyo. Their leader, Prince Demande, is in love with its queen, Serenity; he wishes for what he cannot have. So in his twisted obsession he’ll make do with the queen's past self. Meanwhile, Chibiusa continues to be lost and confused. She feels useless, without any power, and, not for the first time, doubts herself as Neo-Queen Serenity's daughter. The creepy Wiseman takes advantage of the plight of the little girl who can never grow up: He offers her a sure place of power, where she can at last become a lady and earn respect...
To be continued!
So much is going on now, what's not to love?
Sailor Jupiter/Makoto Kino is the star of her own beginning chapter, where, like with Mars and Mercury in the previous volume, we learn more about her. The tall, domestic "tomboy" delivers an insightful speech about humanity and friendship to Asanuma. This shows how deep she truly is. Having had no lasting friends before the Sailor Guardians, she is all the more loving and protective of them. Mako-chan is outwardly confident, but possesses a great loneliness deep down. In view of so much tragedy in her life, it’s admirable that she lets nothing get the best of her. She is a fighter in every sense of the word; strong both physically and emotionally.
Usagi also shows surprising new developments to her character. When it comes to Chibiusa, she can be forceful and determined to get answers when the fate of her loved ones is on the line. As she grows in her responsibilities as a Sailor Guardian, we see that even the protector of love and justice has limits, and she can't always remain cheerful or level-headed. The part where she outwardly accuses Mamoru of caring more about Chibiusa than her or anyone else - even though she knows Chibiusa's their future child - really sticks out, because here is a taste of her expressing her frustration and confusion in an outburst that is selfish but human, and above all understandable. A genuinely angry Sailor Moon is something to behold, I can tell you.
Her and Tuxedo Mask are growing up and tackling obstacles that come with being a couple, including jealously. Their making-out moments are lovely and beautifully-drawn, too.
I love Sailor Pluto - her design; her set convictions in never breaking time-travelling taboos; her hard demeanour barely hiding a heart filled with love and loneliness; her sweet friendship with Chibiusa, whom despite superficial and positional differences, she shares quite a lot in common. You want to know more about the Sailor Guardian who nobody knew existed beforehand. An existence of protecting space and time for all eternity - what must it be like for her? It's also hinted that Pluto has a soft spot for King Endymion. But then again, who isn't in love with Mamoru Chiba in this series?
Even his daughter wants him all to herself. I would like to take this opportunity to express how confusing Chibiusa's character is in relation to the whole of 'Sailor Moon'. She's from the future - that in itself makes her a walking contradiction and plot hole emitter, for if she exists in a utopian kingdom where everyone lives for a thousand years, then the audience knows how the series ends no matter what dangerous enemy subsequently comes. If there is no happily ever after, then Chibiusa won’t exist; we know that things will always turn out okay. And why is she so infatuated with Mamoru, and annoyed at Usagi, when she knows they are her future parents? Anything she does in the past might affect her own timeline. She's in constant danger of ceasing to exist, especially when she makes herself a rival of Usagi for Mamoru's affections, which doesn’t change throughout the series’ run. Jeez, she must have serious daddy complex issues. But she clearly loves her mother from the future as well, so...
Oh, and if she is meant to be 900-years-old, why does she still act and think like a little kid?
But in spite of all that, the Small Lady has her share of excellent moments in the manga. There is far, FAR less of the obnoxious kiddie crap serving as filler in the anime. The manga gives us glimpses into Chibiusa’s thoughts, her anxieties, and her inferiority complex (it could be she acts like her appearance suggests because she feels she is no better than a worthless child with no future as queen). Even though she cries more than Usagi does, it's shown she holds within her courage and determination; qualities inherited from her parents.
Mamoru also doubts himself in this volume. In moments of self-reflection and awareness, he feels useless compared to Sailor Moon and the others. But he receives his own magical attack power from Endymion's old guards, and from his future self, strangely enough. Like with everything else, it makes sense in context.
Naru is given a brief but significant instance where she acknowledges how Usagi has been spending less time with her. She wishes to be involved in her friend's other life, which is kept secret from her. It's a pity Naru pretty much disappears from the manga after this (the anime expands her role more, if just for getting saved from trouble every week), as it could have been very interesting to see how she'd fare with being Sailor Moon's friend, and a reminder of her old, ordinary life.
So the fourth volume of 'Sailor Moon' has great character development, along with action, suspense, heart, and humour. It has a bit of everything. Nuanced and exciting, it’s wonderfully good.
Final Score: 5/5
P.S. I am sad to hear the news of the legendary David Bowie's passing. In light of this I can't help but notice that the majority of Black Moon/Nemesis's rebels bear a striking resemblance to Bowie's many famous styles of dress, and his body shape. I wonder whether this was intentional on Takeuchi-san's part...
RIP, David Bowie.
WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER MOON!
Today I reread 'Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Vol. 4', and picking up where the last volume left off, here are my renewed thoughts and insights, as a lifelong thirty-five-year-old 'Sailor Moon' fan:
I'll start by correcting a mistake I made on my rereview of volume 3: Mamoru did not in fact make a hand puppet of Tuxedo Mask. It turns out he won it in a claw machine game at the arcade, and it is a plushie, not a puppet. In my defence, however, it is not until the beginning of this volume that this is established, and I never took Mamoru to be the arcade playing type, and it is never made clear throughout the entire manga series whether Sailor Moon, the Sailor Guardians and Tuxedo Mask are even thought to be real by the general public, or are considered urban myths; let alone that they would be popular enough for dolls to be made of them, that accurately resemble them. I was not aware that the public even knew that Tuxedo Mask existed - mainly it's Sailor V who's the open and popular one, with fans and everything, and who also has her own doll.
Furuhata and his sister Unazuki make cameo appearances at the beginning. They remain a part of the Sailor group's lives... for now.
What exactly is Luna-P? Who made it for Chibi-Usa? It'd make sense if the science and robotics genius Sailor Mercury invented it for Small Lady.
Yeah, Chibi-Usa's other name, what she is called by everybody in the future, is Small Lady, which has always felt so odd to me. It doesn't sound complimentary at all, and it wouldn't boost her confidence and self-esteem. Surely a more appropriate and respectful name would be required for a crown princess, future queen and inheritor of the "Legendary Silver Crystal"? No wonder she never grew up, and is stunted - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
The art continues to be stunning, especially of the characters' facial expressions. There are subtleties present, where a single small detail can convey to the reader what a character must be thinking and feeling. The amount of care and effort shown is as glorious as everything else in the manga.
So Black Moon are a rebel group from Crystal Tokyo on Earth in the thirtieth century, and they use the "Malefic Black Crystal", which is like the dark equivalent of the "Legendary Silver Crystal", and their base is a cursed prison planet called Nemesis - the "tenth planet of the solar system" - which is home to Wiseman and the "Malefic Black Crystal", and to the criminal and murderer "Phantom", aka Prince Demande. Yet Nemesis is also called a "Phantom planet"? Did I get that right, down to the basics? It is rather complicated.
And speaking of, in the future, Crystal Tokyo, ruled by Neo Queen Serenity and King Endymion, is the greatest, most powerful and magical place on Earth for a thousand years up until the thirtieth century, that grants its people, and to an extent everyone else in the world, a thousand-year lifespan, thanks to the "Legendary Silver Crystal". The royal family live at the Crystal Palace. And yet, the restored Silver Millennium on the moon, which Sailor Moon/Usagi/Serenity is heir to, also still exists? Crystal Tokyo is called Silver Millennium a few times, too. How does the moon factor into all this? On top of the all time travel are a lot of details and complications that I cannot begin to talk about here.
One thing I will mention about the time travel element that I don't think anyone else has (and there is plenty to discuss there): Black Moon planned to travel back in time to the manga's present day to take over the world of the past... and Chibi-Usa did the exact same thing at the exact same time in order to find the Sailor Moon of said past, to save her mother Neo Queen Serenity and her kingdom of Crystal Tokyo from Black Moon. It's not clear if she knew Black Moon were travelling back in time as well, but they knew of her, and that she was in the past like them. They each have different means of time travel... is the fact that they initially used them to travel to the exact time and spot just a coincidence? WTH?
Usagi being jealous of Chibi-Usa due to the attention she receives from Mamoru, and acting out because of it, is stupid and childish, and she acknowledges this, and is ashamed of herself for it: "To be so jealous of Chibi-Usa at [a] time like this... What kind of nonsense am I up to?! Chibi-Usa is our very own child! There's nothing wrong with Mamo-chan trying to keep her safe!...But...why can't the two of us protect her together...?" She does have a point about that last part, however; Mamoru could be more thoughtful of her feelings, and think to share parenting responsibilities, even before they actually become parents!
Yet despite her annoyance at Chibi-Usa (and who can blame her?) that could be equated to sibling rivalry, Usagi is simultaneously depicted as acting serious, mature and grown-up when it comes to the child, beyond scolding her. She is even drawn to look older, more contemplative. More motherly? Was that intentional?
The biggest cause of Usagi's fears, anxiety and stress this arc is three of her friends - Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter - get kidnapped by Black Moon. It's not all about her love life; friendship is as important as ever. It is because she is worried about her friends that Usagi is taking things very seriously, and thinking smartly, in a way she didn't before.
Sailor Venus manages to avoid capture by Black Moon, when even Sailor Moon falls victim to them, and good on her, even if it doesn't reflect well on her as a Sailor Guardian leader.
The scene where Makoto and Asanuma are at her apartment in the volume's first act/chapter is absolutely wonderful. Revelations! Character development! Asanuma is an ordinary citizen who is putting two and two together about Makoto, Mamoru and their group, and is aware of something supernatural or extraterrestrial going on, and in turn Makoto confesses how much she treasures her friends, to make up for taking someone from her past for granted. She's a different person since becoming a Sailor Guardian, who knows the "true value of friendship". She's less selfish and flighty, and more caring of others. Makoto and Asanuma are teenagers doing the best they can in bizarre and impossible circumstances, and they never forget to stop caring for people, no matter what. Theirs is a platonic relationship, I believe, even when Asanuma holds Makoto's hand and declares he wants to be strong and able to protect her, and she responds by kissing his forehead. They leave it there. You would not expect such nuance in a magical girl manga from the early '90s, but here we are: 'Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon' is full of surprises, and genuinely good writing.
Surely Makoto's parents' deaths are the main cause of her troubled past? And is it because she's tall and could therefore pass as a legal adult in Japan that she is able to live in an apartment on her own? Doesn't she have other family?
Mamoru/Tuxedo Mask's power is named as psychometry.
Black Moon's plot in the first act/chapter is suspiciously similar to that of 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers', with alien pod people replacing real people via a "virus" and "infection" from space and a UFO. It's entertaining, and even meaningful to Makoto's character, regardless.
Holy Moonie, Sailor Moon's mask comes back! - as a way for her to identify the enemy aliens.
Usagi's best schoolfriend Naru has a significant and sad moment in Act 18, where she reflects how much Usagi has changed, and doesn't seem to have any time for her anymore. "The minute Usagi heard the word, "Black Moon", the color in her face drained. [...] ...Actually I've been aware for a long time that... Usagi has a certain something that I don't possess. [...] That there exists another world for Usagi that somebody like me can't enter... [...] But I just wanted to be of some help." It's as close as she gets to self-awareness and cognizance. It is a shame that Naru is never made aware of her friend's identity as Sailor Moon, and isn't a part of that "world", or anything, really, and she is pushed further to the sidelines the more the manga series progresses. Is it canon that she dates Umino's? That would be something for her character, at least.
I would be remiss not to mention - Sailor Pluto appears in this volume! She is as awesome, complex, multilayered and unique in her own way as the rest of the Sailor Guardians. She is the guardian of time - of "the Door to Hades" - and is immortal, sort of, and the god Chronos's daughter, or descendant? She has his blood, and that's all the explanation we get as to her origins.
It looks as though Usagi and Mamoru have sex in Act 19... while Chibi-Usa is sleeping in another room. What could have been deeply romantic becomes extremely awkward in so many ways.
Perhaps Chibi-Usa's best line in the whole series: "Say, Luna-P, is this person really Mama in the past? The invincible Sailor Moon? [...] She seems really unreliable, always getting scolded by everybody! [...] Just like me."
There is foreshadowing of Black Lady at the beginning of Act 21, not just the end...
Mamoru contacts the spirits of the Four Kings of Heaven in Act 18, for guidance, support and reassurance that he isn't powerless and useless - powerless to protect Usagi, his princess and true love. I'd forgotten that he kept the stones of Kunzite, Jadeite, Nephite and Zoisite.
Naru, Asanuma, and Rei's friend Kotono act as concerned ordinary citizens and friends to the Sailor girls, who aren't in on the secret Sailor Guardian business but wish to help nonetheless (especially in regards to the missing Rei, Ami and Makoto). They should have been given actual stuff to do, and not just be victims of the enemy. They'd be much better friends to the Sailors than Furuhata, who knows their secret but does nothing, zilch, about it.
Villains are defeated and killed a little too easily at the end of fights in 'Sailor Moon', with nearly no fanfare, thought and lasting consequences.
Diana, the future daughter of Luna and Artemis, is a cutie, and a friend to Chibi-Usa along with Sailor Pluto.
More can be found on my blog (Goodreads word count, what can you do?).
Happy September Moon!
Final Score: 4.5/5
Original Review:
One of the best volumes to come out of the 'Sailor Moon' manga. Reading this is just a joy.
Where to begin? Chibiusa becomes more tolerable as the characters - and the reader - get to know more about her. Sailor Jupiter is next to be kidnapped by Black Moon, but not before we are treated to an awesome character piece concerning her caring, motherly and tough badass nature. A guilt-ridden and frightened Chibiusa reveals that she is from the future - the 30th century, and is the princess of Crystal Tokyo, a utopian earth. Sailor Moon, Venus, Tuxedo Mask, Luna and Artemis, by using Chibiusa’s Space-Time Key, travel to the future to see what has become of the revived Silver Millennium. What happened that was bad enough for Chibiusa to desperately break a taboo and go into the past for Sailor Moon's help, and for the Legendary Silver Crystal of that time period? In between space and time is where we meet the best character of the Black Moon arc, Sailor Pluto, the Guardian of the Underworld and the Door of Space and Time. Despite putting on a cold and formidable front, Pluto is warm friends with Chibiusa, who is called "Small Lady" in the 30th century. In the ruins of Crystal Tokyo, it's revealed that Chibiusa is the daughter of Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion - Sailor Moon’s and Tuxedo Mask's future selves! And that she's really 900-years-old! And that Luna and Artemis also have a kid 1000 years in the future - Diana! Usagi struggles with this knowledge of the future, and of Chibiusa's relation to her - in addition to her grave worry for her missing friends - on top of her jealousy of Mamoru's almost-blind devotion to protecting the little princess. She's ashamed of herself for her selfishness, but it's understandable given the universe-shattering circumstances (in a time paradox, she was in danger of disappearing from existence from being near her comatose future-queen self, trapped in crystal). Through all this emotion, and in a good twist and subversion on the predictable, Sailor Moon is the next to be taken prisoner by Black Moon - on the forbidden planet Nemesis, where their base is. Black Moon oppose the rule and immortal life conditions of 30th century Crystal Tokyo. Their leader, Prince Demande, is in love with its queen, Serenity; he wishes for what he cannot have. So in his twisted obsession he’ll make do with the queen's past self. Meanwhile, Chibiusa continues to be lost and confused. She feels useless, without any power, and, not for the first time, doubts herself as Neo-Queen Serenity's daughter. The creepy Wiseman takes advantage of the plight of the little girl who can never grow up: He offers her a sure place of power, where she can at last become a lady and earn respect...
To be continued!
So much is going on now, what's not to love?
Sailor Jupiter/Makoto Kino is the star of her own beginning chapter, where, like with Mars and Mercury in the previous volume, we learn more about her. The tall, domestic "tomboy" delivers an insightful speech about humanity and friendship to Asanuma. This shows how deep she truly is. Having had no lasting friends before the Sailor Guardians, she is all the more loving and protective of them. Mako-chan is outwardly confident, but possesses a great loneliness deep down. In view of so much tragedy in her life, it’s admirable that she lets nothing get the best of her. She is a fighter in every sense of the word; strong both physically and emotionally.
Usagi also shows surprising new developments to her character. When it comes to Chibiusa, she can be forceful and determined to get answers when the fate of her loved ones is on the line. As she grows in her responsibilities as a Sailor Guardian, we see that even the protector of love and justice has limits, and she can't always remain cheerful or level-headed. The part where she outwardly accuses Mamoru of caring more about Chibiusa than her or anyone else - even though she knows Chibiusa's their future child - really sticks out, because here is a taste of her expressing her frustration and confusion in an outburst that is selfish but human, and above all understandable. A genuinely angry Sailor Moon is something to behold, I can tell you.
Her and Tuxedo Mask are growing up and tackling obstacles that come with being a couple, including jealously. Their making-out moments are lovely and beautifully-drawn, too.
I love Sailor Pluto - her design; her set convictions in never breaking time-travelling taboos; her hard demeanour barely hiding a heart filled with love and loneliness; her sweet friendship with Chibiusa, whom despite superficial and positional differences, she shares quite a lot in common. You want to know more about the Sailor Guardian who nobody knew existed beforehand. An existence of protecting space and time for all eternity - what must it be like for her? It's also hinted that Pluto has a soft spot for King Endymion. But then again, who isn't in love with Mamoru Chiba in this series?
Even his daughter wants him all to herself. I would like to take this opportunity to express how confusing Chibiusa's character is in relation to the whole of 'Sailor Moon'. She's from the future - that in itself makes her a walking contradiction and plot hole emitter, for if she exists in a utopian kingdom where everyone lives for a thousand years, then the audience knows how the series ends no matter what dangerous enemy subsequently comes. If there is no happily ever after, then Chibiusa won’t exist; we know that things will always turn out okay. And why is she so infatuated with Mamoru, and annoyed at Usagi, when she knows they are her future parents? Anything she does in the past might affect her own timeline. She's in constant danger of ceasing to exist, especially when she makes herself a rival of Usagi for Mamoru's affections, which doesn’t change throughout the series’ run. Jeez, she must have serious daddy complex issues. But she clearly loves her mother from the future as well, so...
Oh, and if she is meant to be 900-years-old, why does she still act and think like a little kid?
But in spite of all that, the Small Lady has her share of excellent moments in the manga. There is far, FAR less of the obnoxious kiddie crap serving as filler in the anime. The manga gives us glimpses into Chibiusa’s thoughts, her anxieties, and her inferiority complex (it could be she acts like her appearance suggests because she feels she is no better than a worthless child with no future as queen). Even though she cries more than Usagi does, it's shown she holds within her courage and determination; qualities inherited from her parents.
Mamoru also doubts himself in this volume. In moments of self-reflection and awareness, he feels useless compared to Sailor Moon and the others. But he receives his own magical attack power from Endymion's old guards, and from his future self, strangely enough. Like with everything else, it makes sense in context.
Naru is given a brief but significant instance where she acknowledges how Usagi has been spending less time with her. She wishes to be involved in her friend's other life, which is kept secret from her. It's a pity Naru pretty much disappears from the manga after this (the anime expands her role more, if just for getting saved from trouble every week), as it could have been very interesting to see how she'd fare with being Sailor Moon's friend, and a reminder of her old, ordinary life.
So the fourth volume of 'Sailor Moon' has great character development, along with action, suspense, heart, and humour. It has a bit of everything. Nuanced and exciting, it’s wonderfully good.
Final Score: 5/5
P.S. I am sad to hear the news of the legendary David Bowie's passing. In light of this I can't help but notice that the majority of Black Moon/Nemesis's rebels bear a striking resemblance to Bowie's many famous styles of dress, and his body shape. I wonder whether this was intentional on Takeuchi-san's part...
RIP, David Bowie.
February 25, 2025
es el único al que no le he dado cinco estrellas solo porque me perturba que usagi esté celosa de chibiusa.
June 7, 2013
Me ha encantado este tomo. Sigue la línea de los anteriores, pero en esta ocasión hay mucha más acción y la trama avanza con más rapidez. Me ha parecido más adulto que la versión del anime, cosa que se agradece. Estoy deseando leer el siguiente, y eso que ya sé cómo continúa.
February 14, 2016
Definitivamente nada como leer el manga. Me encantan los giros en la historia y la actitud mas adulta y con mucha mas acción. La actitud de Chibiusa hacia Usagi nada que ver con la niña grosera del anime y el desarrollo de Tuxedo Mask es algo que esperaba ver.
October 13, 2018
Chi vuole davvero qualcosa non deve fuggire
March 20, 2018
Whoa this one was kinda sexy, wasn’t it? I really liked seeing the intimacy between Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. It’s a nice little insight.
I really liked that this edition showed more from Jupiter’s perspective. Also, new Guardian alert! Go Pluto!
I’m liking this Black Moon antagonist better than [whatever you would call the previous antagonist].
I did feel that this edition was a little dialogue-heavy, but I still read it all in just over an hour.
This book finale has me stoked for the next one! Ooh the intrigue!
I really liked that this edition showed more from Jupiter’s perspective. Also, new Guardian alert! Go Pluto!
I’m liking this Black Moon antagonist better than [whatever you would call the previous antagonist].
I did feel that this edition was a little dialogue-heavy, but I still read it all in just over an hour.
This book finale has me stoked for the next one! Ooh the intrigue!
March 18, 2014
This needs to be said: "The choppy still continues." At first it wasn't noticeable at all, but then towards the end there's scenes that show Chibiusa where it was flashbacking, present daying, and then—?—confusion. It was so rough I had to go back and read it again to understand it. I'm still a little iffy on what happened “exactly” 100 percent. But I got enough of it that I'm not too worried.
What I love is how the guardians are slowly being picked off. However, what I loved the most is that this allowed some time with Makoto, Sailor Jupiter. It allowed readers to see past her strong "yankee" persona and see the softy she is. Plus, I caught a hint of a romance? What's even cooler is how the time traveling is coming in, and I believe it's affecting Usagi. It's interesting how she's jealous of Chibiusa and the attention that Mamoru gives her. Clearly Mamoru immediately understands who Chibiusa is and her importance to him. Usagi. Well let's be honest she's a bit of a selfish person. Mamoru is her man, and I understand that in both lives she really hasn't had time with Mamoru. They still need to build up their love and trust. So Usagi's jealousy is understandable. Unlike a lot of readers I can see how this could lead to her future self becoming distant with someone she's supposed to love unconditionally. Jealousy is a powerful emotion. Plus, let's be honest Mamoru does kind of ignore her . . .
The Black Moon arc is in full swing and the art style is truly inspiring. The future world of Crystal Tokyo is gorgeous, even in its death. The villains are meh. The evil Prince Demand having a crush on Neo Tokyo Princess Serenity is a very interesting plot device. Looking at the drawing of Serenity who could blame him? Usagi clearly is still an average girl at heart, she's only human. So as her heart breaks so does her powers. What I'm hoping for is that by seeing the negative emotions shape her present and future she can enter a more positive state of being. That her love can extend past her ultimate obsession for Mamoru. Also, I think Mamoru's complete obsession with taking care of Chibiusa is kind of creepy. Outside of some alone time where he comforts Usagi, after she's had a total heart breaking melt down, he really doesn't do much to assure Usagi—or me—that he is thinking of her. There should be two women he's worried about here!
All right away from my tangent. The dramatic events of this title and the repercussions of time travel are refreshing! Especially since it's not just the affect upon the world, but the characters down to their emotional levels. The introductory of Sailor Pluto was fun and as always I'd love more on her. At least Jupiter got some development and I'm hoping this is a sign that other guardians will get the same attention. Tuxedo Mask finally gets some powers! (No rose tossing thank you!) Usagi's personal growth is fascinating--I f you can't tell by my serious over analyzation above—and I'm practically just as hungry for more of that and if Mamoru might finally realize that he's got two leading ladies to share the love with. Especially after that cliffhanger. No really. Have the next volume on hand!
Sexual Content: Kissing. And I'm seriously wondering if the kiss that was hinting at a steamy make out session . . . may have been more steamier then we're led to believe.
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
What I love is how the guardians are slowly being picked off. However, what I loved the most is that this allowed some time with Makoto, Sailor Jupiter. It allowed readers to see past her strong "yankee" persona and see the softy she is. Plus, I caught a hint of a romance? What's even cooler is how the time traveling is coming in, and I believe it's affecting Usagi. It's interesting how she's jealous of Chibiusa and the attention that Mamoru gives her. Clearly Mamoru immediately understands who Chibiusa is and her importance to him. Usagi. Well let's be honest she's a bit of a selfish person. Mamoru is her man, and I understand that in both lives she really hasn't had time with Mamoru. They still need to build up their love and trust. So Usagi's jealousy is understandable. Unlike a lot of readers I can see how this could lead to her future self becoming distant with someone she's supposed to love unconditionally. Jealousy is a powerful emotion. Plus, let's be honest Mamoru does kind of ignore her . . .
The Black Moon arc is in full swing and the art style is truly inspiring. The future world of Crystal Tokyo is gorgeous, even in its death. The villains are meh. The evil Prince Demand having a crush on Neo Tokyo Princess Serenity is a very interesting plot device. Looking at the drawing of Serenity who could blame him? Usagi clearly is still an average girl at heart, she's only human. So as her heart breaks so does her powers. What I'm hoping for is that by seeing the negative emotions shape her present and future she can enter a more positive state of being. That her love can extend past her ultimate obsession for Mamoru. Also, I think Mamoru's complete obsession with taking care of Chibiusa is kind of creepy. Outside of some alone time where he comforts Usagi, after she's had a total heart breaking melt down, he really doesn't do much to assure Usagi—or me—that he is thinking of her. There should be two women he's worried about here!
All right away from my tangent. The dramatic events of this title and the repercussions of time travel are refreshing! Especially since it's not just the affect upon the world, but the characters down to their emotional levels. The introductory of Sailor Pluto was fun and as always I'd love more on her. At least Jupiter got some development and I'm hoping this is a sign that other guardians will get the same attention. Tuxedo Mask finally gets some powers! (No rose tossing thank you!) Usagi's personal growth is fascinating--I f you can't tell by my serious over analyzation above—and I'm practically just as hungry for more of that and if Mamoru might finally realize that he's got two leading ladies to share the love with. Especially after that cliffhanger. No really. Have the next volume on hand!
Sexual Content: Kissing. And I'm seriously wondering if the kiss that was hinting at a steamy make out session . . . may have been more steamier then we're led to believe.
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.
Originally reviewed at Book Whispers.
June 13, 2012
The fourth volume and the stealing of senshi continues as in this one Sailor Jupiter gets kidnapped. But thankfully that stops when our crew heads to the future and meet themselves (which must be quite a shock). I do have questions. Chibi-Usa knows darn well that Usagi is her mom, she knows that stealing the silver crystal WON'T work, why does she do it then? Why does she keep interfering? Also, it seems that Chibi-Usa just loves stealing stuff from people, especially her mom. We learn how things went wrong and wow. Girl, you are 900 years old, get over it and learn a bit. Dumb brat. Plus, how did Mamo and Usagi not know that Chibi-Usa was their child? It was quite obvious. :P There are also some other things that had me wondering. Plot holes? There is a sweet sweet scene between Mamo and Usagi that had me squeeing in delight. I loved that Usagi is really growing, becoming more mature and caring. She did some very brave things in this book that I just adored. There is Dark Moon awesomeness, and a lot of creepiness (that kiss and that forcing upon Sailor Moon had me not happy). The art was once again gorgeous.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 20, 2012
By far my favourite volume so far. The interaction between Usagi and Mamoru is inspiring.
If you are this far into Sailor Moon though, I don't think you need the reviews. You already know.
If you are this far into Sailor Moon though, I don't think you need the reviews. You already know.
February 12, 2019
Ok so usagi is kinda the worst but nostalgia is making me still love this series and want to continue reading it even though there are some problematic aspects ...
August 30, 2019
Ahhhhh 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Muy interesante la trama hahaha
Muy interesante la trama hahaha
November 3, 2020
простите фаны Такседо Маска, я теперь шипперю Серенити и Принца Алмаза
October 28, 2021
Book: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Volume 4
Author: Naoko Takeuchi
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I am still having a great time with this series. I fell like as I get deeper and deeper into the manga, the more things expand. We started out with what really seemed like a small world and have a expanded it to a world that is literally out of this world.
I really like the outer space elements of this world. I normally am not a fan of outer space elements. However, I feel that it is really well done here and it just makes sense. I know to those of you how haven’t read the manga, you may think I’m losing it. However, I feel like the more you look at the world and really stop and think it about, it does work. The guardians have been named after planets and other elements of space. We get to see how more and more of the elements are making sense. The world and the magic system made sense. It just fits.
The characters still act like middle school students, which is what they are. I know a lot of people complain about the way the characters act, but you have to take into account their age. They are very young. While they do have these special powers and have been given this great responsibility, they are still middle schoolers. They are students, gamers, and experiencing their first crushes. I personally do enjoy the more immature side of the characters. I like that they do act their age in certain situations. I like that we get to see the younger side of them.
The art is messy-still. The plot, though, is very fast paced. Like I have said in my other reviews, this manga does go fast and if you miss a single detail, you will be lost. You have to pay attention and really key in on these details. Again, I personally do enjoy the fast paced nature of the manga. It allows us to get through more and see more of the world. It also allows us to have a little bit of a shorter manga.
Anyway, I can’t wait to pick up the next volume.
Author: Naoko Takeuchi
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I am still having a great time with this series. I fell like as I get deeper and deeper into the manga, the more things expand. We started out with what really seemed like a small world and have a expanded it to a world that is literally out of this world.
I really like the outer space elements of this world. I normally am not a fan of outer space elements. However, I feel that it is really well done here and it just makes sense. I know to those of you how haven’t read the manga, you may think I’m losing it. However, I feel like the more you look at the world and really stop and think it about, it does work. The guardians have been named after planets and other elements of space. We get to see how more and more of the elements are making sense. The world and the magic system made sense. It just fits.
The characters still act like middle school students, which is what they are. I know a lot of people complain about the way the characters act, but you have to take into account their age. They are very young. While they do have these special powers and have been given this great responsibility, they are still middle schoolers. They are students, gamers, and experiencing their first crushes. I personally do enjoy the more immature side of the characters. I like that they do act their age in certain situations. I like that we get to see the younger side of them.
The art is messy-still. The plot, though, is very fast paced. Like I have said in my other reviews, this manga does go fast and if you miss a single detail, you will be lost. You have to pay attention and really key in on these details. Again, I personally do enjoy the fast paced nature of the manga. It allows us to get through more and see more of the world. It also allows us to have a little bit of a shorter manga.
Anyway, I can’t wait to pick up the next volume.
June 5, 2022
Creo que desde el primer volumen este es el que menos me ha disgustado, hay nuevos villanos, se nota un poco más de pelea por parte de las sailors, eso es obvio ya que han recuperado su memoria.
La paz parecía haber vuelto a Tokio, todo parecía ir bien incluso con Endimion 😍. Aparece chibiusa y le da ese toque especial, ya no recordaba a Luna P 🤣🤣🤣🤣.
Y esas escenas en las que bunny se pone celosa y toda desconfiada de chibi, son tan tiernas.
Aún así siento que todo sigue avanzando demasiado rápido, pero en fin gracias por el anime.
La paz parecía haber vuelto a Tokio, todo parecía ir bien incluso con Endimion 😍. Aparece chibiusa y le da ese toque especial, ya no recordaba a Luna P 🤣🤣🤣🤣.
Y esas escenas en las que bunny se pone celosa y toda desconfiada de chibi, son tan tiernas.
Aún así siento que todo sigue avanzando demasiado rápido, pero en fin gracias por el anime.
March 10, 2026
This was so action packed getting to a huge big battle and it was so satisfying yet so heartbreaking! So happy i picked this series back up! ✨
June 25, 2017
Black Moon buatku musuh yang paling greget di antara yang lainnya. Karena mereka muncul saat Sailor Senshi belum begitu kuat, bisa menculik para heroine satu persatu, ulah mereka yang bikin time paradox dan mengancam keselamatan Queen and King Silver Millenium, sampai abad 33 yang semua manusianya udah mati kecuali Chibiusa dan Sailor Pluto. Hiii... Gawat banget pokoknya.
Sayang soal Kakak-Beradik Black Moon nggak terlalu digali di sini. Kisah kepahitan dan kegetiran mereka lebih jelas di serial TVnya. Aaaa kapan komik dari adegan TVnya diterbitkan ulang, ya?
Dan ngomong-ngomong Sailor Moon ini tampaknya penuh dengan time slip, ya. Dalam beberapa episode-nya, musuh-musuhnya selalu digambarkan menyamar menjadi public figure ternama. Pertanyaannya, tidak mudah proses yang dilalui orang untuk bisa jadi public figure sampai bisa diliput di TV secara nasional juga, kan? Sedangkan penggambaran di Sailor Moon ini semuanya terlihat instan. Berapa tahun waktu berlalu setiap satu musuh dikalahkan agar satu musuh bisa menggantikan posisi yang sudah dikalahkan Sailor Senshi tersebut? Apa mereka semua memakai metode hipnotis? Ada sebenarnya mereka sudah lama tinggal di bumi dan menunggu kesempatan untuk bisa muncul?
Begitu juga soal Kristal Perak. Tak ada penjelasan mengapa hal tersebut bisa tiba-tiba menjadi terkenal di seantero Tokyo bahkan Jepang XD Meskipun kurang realis dan setingan waktunya banyak bolongnya, kekuatan simbol dan filosofilah yang membuat Sailor Moon bisa begitu abadi di hati kita semua. Unik. Sekaligus anomali. Sebenarnya tidak heran juga karena serial ini bisa dibilang sebagai salah satu pelopor boomingnya genre magical girl. Genre yang menekankan kekuatan tersembunyi para gadis yang seringkali hanya perlu sedikit dipoles (make-up henshin system) agar aura dan pesona mereka bisa menonjol keluar.
Btw, tahun Pisces dan tahun Aquarius itu apa, sih?
Sayang soal Kakak-Beradik Black Moon nggak terlalu digali di sini. Kisah kepahitan dan kegetiran mereka lebih jelas di serial TVnya. Aaaa kapan komik dari adegan TVnya diterbitkan ulang, ya?
Dan ngomong-ngomong Sailor Moon ini tampaknya penuh dengan time slip, ya. Dalam beberapa episode-nya, musuh-musuhnya selalu digambarkan menyamar menjadi public figure ternama. Pertanyaannya, tidak mudah proses yang dilalui orang untuk bisa jadi public figure sampai bisa diliput di TV secara nasional juga, kan? Sedangkan penggambaran di Sailor Moon ini semuanya terlihat instan. Berapa tahun waktu berlalu setiap satu musuh dikalahkan agar satu musuh bisa menggantikan posisi yang sudah dikalahkan Sailor Senshi tersebut? Apa mereka semua memakai metode hipnotis? Ada sebenarnya mereka sudah lama tinggal di bumi dan menunggu kesempatan untuk bisa muncul?
Begitu juga soal Kristal Perak. Tak ada penjelasan mengapa hal tersebut bisa tiba-tiba menjadi terkenal di seantero Tokyo bahkan Jepang XD Meskipun kurang realis dan setingan waktunya banyak bolongnya, kekuatan simbol dan filosofilah yang membuat Sailor Moon bisa begitu abadi di hati kita semua. Unik. Sekaligus anomali. Sebenarnya tidak heran juga karena serial ini bisa dibilang sebagai salah satu pelopor boomingnya genre magical girl. Genre yang menekankan kekuatan tersembunyi para gadis yang seringkali hanya perlu sedikit dipoles (make-up henshin system) agar aura dan pesona mereka bisa menonjol keluar.
Btw, tahun Pisces dan tahun Aquarius itu apa, sih?
December 5, 2020
Listen, I can't be objective here. Sailor Jupiter, aka my favourite Sailor Guardian, is on the cover and then it introduces Sailor Pluto, my second favourite.
The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because Usagi's and Chibi-Usa's interactions were really exhausting. And also Neo Queen Serenity is sort of awful. How am I supposed to believe that Usagi, a huge crybaby and dork, who loves so passionately, grew into this cold, distant person who won't even hug her own child?
Usagi being jealous of Chibi-Usa and Mamoru was such a proof of her immaturity, I wanted to shake her. Hard.
But then Sailor Pluto. Such a lonely woman. Give her a hug and then send her to be with other people. She deserves a treat. Or two. Or hundred.
I also find Black Moon a little less annoying than Beryl and Metalia. It DID feel like things were moving too fast. There were just so many battles that appeared a bit out of nowhere.
But again. My love for Jupiter and Pluto beats anything.
The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is because Usagi's and Chibi-Usa's interactions were really exhausting. And also Neo Queen Serenity is sort of awful. How am I supposed to believe that Usagi, a huge crybaby and dork, who loves so passionately, grew into this cold, distant person who won't even hug her own child?
Usagi being jealous of Chibi-Usa and Mamoru was such a proof of her immaturity, I wanted to shake her. Hard.
But then Sailor Pluto. Such a lonely woman. Give her a hug and then send her to be with other people. She deserves a treat. Or two. Or hundred.
I also find Black Moon a little less annoying than Beryl and Metalia. It DID feel like things were moving too fast. There were just so many battles that appeared a bit out of nowhere.
But again. My love for Jupiter and Pluto beats anything.
April 5, 2013
Its still fun and interesting even with all that time-travel thingies. The explanation of who chibi-usagi is, the future cristal empira, the kidnappings, it keeps you Reading even so.
Aquí es donde se estructura la historia, las explicaciones y el preparar la confrontación.
SPOILERS,
Aquí es donde se estructura la historia, las explicaciones y el preparar la confrontación.
SPOILERS,
December 7, 2014
Varias cosas me sorprendieron de este volumen, y una de ellas fue el temperamento de Usagi.
Hay mucha más profundidad de lo que esperaba en los personajes, a algunos se los ve poco pero ese poquito dice mucho. Es tan diferente de la serie en ciertas cosas que es como leer una historia casi desconocida.
Hay mucha más profundidad de lo que esperaba en los personajes, a algunos se los ve poco pero ese poquito dice mucho. Es tan diferente de la serie en ciertas cosas que es como leer una historia casi desconocida.
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