Why Did I Read This Book?
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 1 by Naoko Takeuchi was a re-read of sorts, I read the TokyoPop/MixxComics editions back in the day because I am awesome. I also was that kid who got up early to watch Sailor Moon on Fox Kids and then later on, tried to get home in time to watch Sailor Moon on Cartoon Network’s Toonami programming block. When I purchased the reprints of the Sailor Moon comics, I just knew that I had to read them during a readathon, because I am always, always down for re-reads of graphic novels and manga that I love and have not already reviewed here on Good Books And Good Wine.
What’s The Story Here?
Anyways, so in this one it’s all about how Usagi becomes Sailor Moon and then how she forms the inner senshi, minus Sailor Venus of course. AND AND AND Tuxedo Mask makes appearances and it’s like there is swooning all over the place because those shoulders.
To get even more detailed, basically Usagi is going to school and she’s not very good at school. However, she is very well liked. Anyways, there has been a spat of jewelry heists, including the theft of this beautiful crystal. However, that is just a side tidbit. Anyways, Usagi starts playing this Sailor V video game and is very good at it, the game gives her a pen, which this talking cat with a crescent moon on her head instructs Usagi to use. Oh yeah, that cat is Luna and Luna kind of guides Usagi and tells her what to do. Along the way, this manga covers how Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, and Sailor Jupiter become Sailor Scouts and we get to see Tuxedo Mask who helps Sailor Moon. AND! Queen Beryl who is a douchebag.
Basically, I just love this book.
Who Is My Favorite Sailor Scout?
In the beginning, it was Sailor Moon because we share a lot of similarities – we both can be ditzy. We both like eating. We both have a thing for Tuxedo Mask.
However, in the long run, I love Sailor Mars the most. She’s just so angry and badass and snarky and awesome. Also, she has the best hair out of the scouts and you guys, hair counts for a lot with me. Obviously.
How Is The Art?
These books were my gateway manga. I love Naoko Takeuchi’s art. I love that we get to read about strong feminine characters. Growing up, I hated the idea that one could only be powerful or a hero if they had masculine features. Like, I really hated that, which kind of explains why I gelled so much to Sailor Moon, because they all kick ass and are stylish and pretty. Judge me all you want. It’s okay. Anyways, the art in Sailor Moon Vol. 1 is gorgeous. There’s like these bits between the chapters that are full page art and I just like to sit there and look at them because I am weird. ALSO! TUXEDO MASK, I will say that over and over again, but it is so cool to see the swoons illustrated on the page.
Sum It Up With A GIF:
In which art imitates my face while reading.
Disclosure: Purchased My Own Copy
Other reviews of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Vol 1 by Naoko Takeuchi:
Book Brats – “a HUGE recommendation that you pick up the Sailor Moon manga”
Quinn’s Book Nook – “It’s kind of funny.”
Book Googles – “worth looking at for the nostalgia value”
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I started reading this on the train ride home after I bought a copy at ComicCon in October but never finished it – definitely need to get on that!
That’s awesome! You should finish it will take you like 20 minutes. 🙂
I really need to read these. I use to watch the show a lot as a kid and I’ve really missed it. I think Mars was my favorite too, though I always wanted to like Jupiter the most because that’s my favorite planet.
OH! I used to love Jupiter a lot, like she was my second favorite because I liked her hair and her uniform and her boots.
Mars was always great because she’s so fiery and angry and I just gel with that.
Glad I am not the only one who misses the show.
You should totally read the graphic novels, they are great! Also? Quick reads too so if you have a goodreads challenge, they will get you closer to completion.
Sailor Moon has been on my radar ever since I started reading graphic novels/manga. Your fan-girling has convinced me to give them a try soon 😀
You are seriously making me want to (1) watch Sailor Moon all over again and (2) read the Sailor Moon manga (which I’ve never done). I loved seeing you gush about familiar characters (TUXEDO MASK!), and I love that it’s made me want to snag copies and read them for myself.
I seriously don’t even remember how I ended up with a copy of this book but I did. I just read it a few weeks ago and I really enjoyed it. It is the first manga book that I have read and my library is awesome and has the whole series. Book 4 is next up in the TBR pile.
You’re right the art is beautiful. I love the full page illustrations but the ones in color at the beginning are hypnotizing. 🙂 Thanks for the great review.
P.S. Queen Beryl is totally a douche.
Oh heck yeah, hair matters! Especially when all the Scouts have some pretty amazing hair. But I totally agree, Sailor Mars has the BEST hair.