Sailor Moon (Sailor Moon, #1)

by Naoko Takeuchi

[Briana @ Pages Unbound]

Note: I have seen the Sailor Moon anime, but this is the first time I have read the manga, or really any manga for that better.

Takeuchi fills her book with beautiful illustrations that are truly half the pleasure of reading. Her work is detailed, elegant, and expressive—absolutely captivating. Looking closely always reveals something new in her drawings.

Plot-wise, the book falls only a little bit shorter in execution. Events happen very quickly from episode to episode, so it can feel as if there is a lack of characterization; readers only just meet one new character before another is introduced, and suddenly they are all one chummy group. Some of the episodes are also repetitive, following a plotline in which the enemy tries to take over the world and the Sailor Scouts show up to defeat them. However, the pace does the keep reading exciting, and it is hard to stop after just one episode, particularly with some of the cliffhangers. Exciting moments are offset skillfully with some hilarious ones that make readers laugh out loud and some very cute romantic ones that will make them daydream.

The translation can be slightly silly, but only occasionally. It is by no means a hindrance to understanding or enjoying the story. At the end there are some useful notes to help English readers understand some of the Japanese cultural practices and references in the book, including places, religion, word meanings, etc.

This is an incredibly enjoyable and imaginative story that is making me nostalgic about the anime. I will definitely continue to read!