Sailor Moon Crystal: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Series Premiere] – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)

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A reintroduction to one of the most famous animated character ever.

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Review (with Spoilers)

Like many people who used to watch Toonami in the 1990s, I was a Sailor Moon fan. For while Serena, in the dubbed version, had the most annoying voice in all of creation, I still loved that show to death. With that said though, I never actually finished the series. So, with this new adaptation of the manga, which sadly is airing new episodes bi-weekly, I hope I’ll eventually get to see all the episodes. Until then, let’s talk about episode 1.

Topic 1: Meet Usagi – Usagi

For those familiar with the original adaptation, be it dubbed or subbed, you should already know Usagi (or Serena) is a klutz. Not only that, but she is a cry baby and seems not to be that smart, or perhaps studious, when it comes to academics. Especially in comparison to best friend Naru, and the geek known as Umino (or Melvin in the dubbed version). However, with dreams of being a princess, or even a butt kicker like Sailor V, it seems Usagi gets her wish granted when she meets a cat named Luna.

Topic 2: An Evil Force Appears

Though not properly introduced, we do learn of some evil being who uses minions to collect the energy of humans for something likely sinister. How you may ask? Well, by using jewelry. But this isn’t the mastermind’s main goal. It seems the being which controls the minion wants this Silver Crystal, and he isn’t the only one after it.

But the current focus is gathering energy from a jewelry store that Naru’s mother owns. Unfortunately for Naru though, she is unaware her mom’s identity has been stolen by this minion, and sadly she catches this wicked entity in its more natural state. Leading us to believe this new introduction is about to make a quick exit.

Topic 3: A Hero is Born – Usagi

That is until Luna reveals herself to Usagi, and Usagi assumes the role of Sailor Moon for the first time. Albeit without grace or style. But, with her loud screams, some encouragement from Tuxedo Mask, and her tiara, Sailor Moon defeats this evil entity to save Naru and even gets a compliment from Tuxedo Mask in the process. Leaving us, the next day, with Usagi realizing, as Naru goes over what happened, that everything done wasn’t a dream! Then, just to tease fans, we see someone who looks like Sailor Mercury leaving school. Which seems a bit early to hint at, but hey I’m not complaining.

Overall

This isn’t a shot for shot remake of the original series, though certainly some shots will seem more familiar than others. But perhaps the best thing about this series, thus far, is Usagi’s voice not sounding like a cat being abused. Though, unfortunately, the transformation into Sailor Moon is still long, and her first battle with the demon-like entity too short. However, I don’t remember it being that long in the original either so who am I to complain?

Either way, the first episode satisfies my nostalgia and definitely has me wanting more. Here is hoping though that with this show being more geared to adapt the manga, than whatever the 1^st adaptation did, that there will be in fact a more mature experience. Thus far though, outside of Usagi saying hell, cleavage, and showing signs of blood and scratches, there isn’t any clear sign that we may get something dramatically different. Though, remember, I’m more so speaking of the highly censored dubbed version when I critique this show. For the voice of the original Japanese Usagi was even worse than the dub, in my opinion.