Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal Ep 20 Review: Back to the Future Part 2?

Hello everyone! This is my Sailor Moon Crystal episode 20 review and seriously flashback can't take up 3/4 of an episode...

The short version was Chibi Usa's father is King Endymion and he is Mamoru's future self. Furthermore, Neo Queen Serentity is Usagi of the future who finally channel a way to turn everyone into immortals for a thousand years.

However a Dark Crystal asteroid crashed into Earth and created the Black Moon effect which killed everyone on Earth. Endymion and the four Sailor Senshis' bodies remained in comatose while Serentity is using her last energy to defend the castle.

All these information were a big shock to everyone especially Sailormoon and Mamoru since they knew Chibi Usa is their daughter. Even Luna and Artemis found out that Diana is their daughter too. However their past self cannot stay long in the future and they returned back to the present with the help of Sailor Pluto.

Back in the present, Sailormoon started arguing with Mamoru claiming he will take care of Chibi Usa (which is the worst act of immaturity I have even seen) But then Chibi Usa returned to the future but was ambushed by Esmeraude. Sailormoon and the others arrived but she is unable to use her powers since it doesn't work in the future.

But Sailor Venus and Mamoru defeated Esmeraude (Easiest boss fight ever!) however Demande arrived and captured Sailormoon with his third eye power...

I will like to say that Usagi is the worst female lead in the whole Sailormoon series. Maybe it is because I disliked spoilt and immature brats in general that when Demande captured her, I was actually cheering for her defeat! Usagi could not balance what is important in front of her-the fate of her friends and the future or the fact that Mamoru is caring more for his future daughter since she is all alone in the past.

I am guessing why a character like Usgai will only worked in the 90s rather than today because people are not as dumb or naive and they could understand how to balance what is important. (The Needs of the Many outweighs the Needs of the Few) Overall, Endymion telling everyone what is going on took up almost the entire episode and Esmeraude was killed in less than 5 minutes. Seriously, Sailormoon villains are one of the weakest in anime history.

In all, I gave this episode a C minus. A pretty bad episode with Usagi being a jerk and she deserved to be captured. Until then, see you in the next episode.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal Ep 19 Review: Back to the Future!

Hello everyone! This is my Sailor Moon Crystal episode 19 review and Chibi Usa is bringing everyone to the 30th Century!

Chibi Usa explained that her future was destroyed and she believe using the Silver Crystal from Usagi will bring back her family. Usagi and Minako tried to probe more but Chibi Usa was too scared to continue.

Instead, she insisted of staying with Mamoru and Usgai accused him of cheating with Chibi Usa (Face palm!) But Mamoru used his "Manhood" to win back Usgai and the next day, Chibi Usa decided to bring everyone to the future.

However the girls and Mamoru got separated with Chibi Usa and was confronted by Sailor Pluto who is the sole guardian of time and space. But Chibi Usa stopped her and surprisingly comforted Chibi Usa who is revealed to be a Princess AKA Small Lady.

Sailor Pluto allowed access to the future where Neo Tokyo (as it is called) is a living hell. They were ambushed by Desmeraude and her henchmen but Tuxedo Kamen heard a voice to overcome the trap. They defeated the henchmen and found Chibi Usa's mother lying in a crystal coffin-Neo Queen Serenity, a kitten named Diana and the voice earlier-A white Tuxedo Kamen...

Among the Outer Senshi, I always have a crush on Sailor Pluto since she has a mature vibe which turned me on. Given that it was Madea Ai voicing her, she portray a much older Karen/Cure Aqua which actually suit her. Her role is to protect the passage of time and space and she waste no time beating Sailor Moon and the others with her "Death Scream" attack. Although I still prefer the classic version with her whispering the attack and blasting in everyone's faces. Despite her cold tone, she tried to reprimand Chibi Usa for stealing one of her time keys but instead give her a hug to show her concerns.

Chibi Usa also showed her weak side as everyone desperately wanted to know the truth of the Black Moon Clan and her motives. But instead, the only person she found comfort is Mamoru and he actually treated her like a daughter. (Foreshadowing!) Usagi is still annoying as ever and go so far as to accuse Mamoru of being a lolicon! Usagi deserved to get slap but Mamoru is too nice a guy and he prove her wrong by using his "manhood" to win her back. (I rather sleep with Minako or Sailor Pluto instead!)

Overall, I give this a episode a B plus with the plus of seeing the first of the Outer Senshi-Sailor Pluto. She is great and badass unlike the inner Senshi who are all goody two shoes. Yeah, I like the Outer Senshi a bit more because they have better personalities and "no-nonsense" attitude. Sailor Moon didn't even defeat the henchmen, it was Sailor Venus and Tuxedo Kamen of all people and her character is getting from bad to worse. There were even some silly moments when Usagi and Mamoru have typical anime expressions which throw off the tension for a second which I dislike it.

With the appearance of Neo Queen Serenity and a White Tuxedo Kamen in front of them, we have to wait two weeks to find out the truth of what happened in the 30th Century! Until then, see you in two weeks time!

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal Ep 18 Review: Venus on the Move!

Hello everyone! This is my Sailor Moon Crystal episode 18 review and finally Minako has enough of her friends being abducted!

After Sailor Jupiter/Makoto being taken away by the Black Moon Clan, Minako decided to confront Chibi Usa to learn the truth. However Chibi Usa freaked out after seeing the black crystal jewel (which the girls recovered it earlier) and Usagi behaving like a jerk to Chibi Usa.

Later Mamoru decided to seek advice from his deceased followers (The former Four Dark Kings) who told him it is time for both him and Usagi to advance to the next stage of their lives. Meanwhile Chibi Usa stole the Silver Crystal which is stored in Usagi's transformation brooch and at the same time, Minako confronted the last of the Spectre sisters, Calaveras who has begin brainwashing the people in the city.

Of course, it was all a diversion for Rubeus to steal the Silver Crystal from Chibi Usa but Tuxedo Kamen arrived and even managed to drove him away with his new awakened power. Sailor Moon defeated Calaveras and finally Chibi Usa told them she is from the 30th Century and need to use the Silver Crystal to save her parents...

Finally the girls realised that they should have confronted Chibi Usa when Ami got abducted and we wasted three episodes seeing the latter, Rei and Makoto got abducted. Both Minako and Usagi tried to probe further from Chibi Usa about the Black Moon Clan with Usagi bluntly claimed she cannot trust Chibi Usa which is why Usagi is not the leader but Minako is.

Even though Minako felt responsible for her friends' abductions, they have bigger problems with Calaveras trying to brainwash the people into attacking them. The only person who think properly is Mamoru who seek advice from the Four Dark Kings (and probably the last time we will ever see them again) and learned that he is destined to be King and must guide Usagi to his queen. Later he even saved Usagi and Chibi Usa from Rubeus with his new powers (Finally he is using something useful rather than throwing a rose or swinging his cane)

At the end of the episode, Chibi Usa finally admitted she needed the Silver Crystal to save her parents in the future and it seems we are getting to see Sailor Pluto in the next episode. Overall, I give this episode a B minus. It is nice to see my favourite Sailor Senshi, Venus to be more proactive and which is why I dislike Usagi for her immature behaviour throughout this arc so far. Even Mamoru and Naru were more lovable in this episode with Mamoru thinking things through and Naru who suspect Usagi keeping a secret tried to help her. (But got brainwashed instead) Until then, see you next month for Chibi Usa's motives and the arrival of Sailor Pluto!

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal Ep 17 Review: Fall of Jupiter

Hello everyone! This is my Sailor Moon Crystal episode 17 review and today's focus is on Makoto/Sailor Jupiter who caught a cold?!

Like the previous two episodes, Makoto caught a cold and ignore it until Mamoru's junior, Asuma took her back home to rest. She told Asuma that her only family now is Usagi and company since she was orphaned at a young age.

This of course awoken Asuma's courage to tell Makoto that he will take care of her and she gave him a kiss on his forehead. Not before Asuma suspected that Makoto is involved with Ami and Rei's abductions. Earlier Asuma overheard Usgai and Mamoru talking with Luna at a cafe which for some reason, no one in the cafe except Asuma noticed that a talking cat was talking to the couple.

Of course, the Black Moon clan send their next general, Pertz who attacked Sailor Jupiter and her friends. The end result is expected with Sailor Moon killing off Pertz and Sailor Jupiter being taken away by the Black Moon clan. (Really predictable at this point now)

We also see Chibi Usa still refusing to tell Usagi her motives and is still butting heads with her. I am thinking that Usagi is really getting more and more annoying since the beginning of this arc as she get jealous very easily whenever Mamoru took sides with Chibi Usa and this episode showed no difference in their relationship since the fans knew what the final outcome will be between her and Usagi.

Overall, I give this episode a C. The only good thing was learning more of my favourite Sailor Senshi, Makoto/Sailor Jupiter and she giving a kiss on Asuma's forehead was really sweet of her. (Should have been me, hehehe!) Other than that, the whole episode was really padding until the next episode which focus on my other favourite Senshi, Sailor Venus/Minako. But seriously, do we have to wait till Sailor Venus got abducted and then Sailor Moon realised she should asked Chibi Usa in the first place? Until then, see you in the next episode in two weeks' time! 

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal Ep 16 Review: A Game of Mercury

Hello everyone! This is my Sailor Moon Crystal episode 16 review and what happen next after Sailor Mars got abducted by the Black Moon Clan.

Chibi Usa has a lot of secrets that she refused to tell especially when Sailor Moon got emotional after Sailor Mars' abduction. It was only after a little puppet talk from Mamoru and Luna that Chibi Usa was willing to reveal a bit about herself.

As the title episode focus on Sailor Mercury, Ami actually gain some heighten senses on the flow of water. She also reveal that her parents were divorced and her interest in swimming and chess were from her father who left her at a young age. But when the next Spectres Sisters, Berthier challenge Ami in a game of chess, Ami nearly fell for her trap but thanks to an annoying Usagi and friends who cheer her on, she quickly win the game.

Ami also show off her new powers as Sailor Mercury like the Shine Snow Illusion and her clone copy abilities. Of course, Sailor Mercury got captured even after defeating Berthier and the episode ended the same way as the previous one.

I am actually fine with giving the rest of the girls some character developments after Usagi and Mamoru took up for the first half of the series. At least we did see a more fragile side of Ami and how she felt insecure after her parents' divorce as a child. Chibi Usa also started to open up to Mamoru and her belief that Sailor Moon will saved her parents (Wait till the girls find up who the parents were, their expressions will be priceless)

I am getting a feeling that although the fighting scenes is nice in the visual however the enemy seem to be defeated pretty easily by Sailor Moon's final attack. Is it because Sailor Moon was so strong that it is a one hit kill or just lazy writing from Toei to end the episode quicker? I am guessing the latter.

Overall I give this episode a B. The only good points are Ami's family life and Chibi Usa revealing more of herself. As the next episode indicate it is focusing on Makoto and her relationship with one of Mamoru's juniors. Until then, see you in the next episode!

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal Ep 15 Review

Hi everyone! This is my review of Sailor Moon Crystal episode 15 as we begin the first chapter of the Black Moon Arc! Due to my personal commitments, I will just wrap up on what I think of this episode.

This is something you don't see every day in Sailor Moon...

The moment Chibi Usa entered the scene and pointing a toy gun at Usagi. I know we are in for a wild ride. Chibi Usa actually bring some light hearted moments especially after the last few intense episodes. She used an old hypnotic trick which she probably learned from Batman's villain, the Penguin as she make Usagi's family fell under her spell. Of course, she is determined to get the Silver Crystal from Usagi for her motives which we will learn in future episodes.

We also meet the new villains for this arc-The Black Moon Clan which is led by Prince Demande and his followers. Unlike the four dark kings from the previous arc, they come out as colorful villains and with a large group of foot soldiers and lieutenants at their disposal. The thing about them is the common people think they are aliens since Rei actually make an awkward face about UFO sightings in the city.

UFO?! You got to be Kidding!

Furthermore this episode focus on Rei as she prepare for her school festival. Before her time as a Sailor Senshi, Rei was seem as anti-social by her peers. However her time with Usagi and the others had led her to be more open with her classmates and even make friends with the President of the Supernatural club.

Finally the battle with the power up Sailor Senshi. The girls are now equipped with Star Power pens given by Luna and everyone show off their new attacks. Although Sailor Mars's Burning Mandala was a bit disappointing since it lacked the beating of drums from the original series. Sailor Moon also got a new power up with the Moon Rod which quickly dispatched Koan of the Ayakashi Sisters. However Sailor Mars is abducted by Crimson Rubeus at the end of the episode which is the beginning of the Abductions of the Sailor Senshi since Sailor Mercury will be the next target.

Hello..Sailor Mars is burning...Someone call 911?

Overall, I give this episode a solid A as this new arc started off strong with a lot of actions and some light hearted moment by Chibi Usa and Usagi. Both of them actually play well against each other as their relationship are like squabbling siblings. The action scenes was great although Sailor Mars got abducted at the end. The opening also include the Black Moon Clan, Chibi Usa and Sailor Pluto which I am waiting to see how Madea Ai (Cure Karen/Karen from the Precure series) voiced Sailor Pluto with her mature voice. A great start and let's hope it keep that way for this arc! 

Pretty Guardian Sailormoon Crystal Ep 14: Conclusion and Beginning

 

Sailor Moon fired a large blast at Queen Metaria's forehead but it is not having any effects. Mamoru told her to pray hard since the Silver Crystal react to her emotions.

At the same time, the souls of the fallen Sailor Guardians channel all their energy through their transformation items to Sailor Moon. Luna remembered the Queen explaining to her about the Crystal Tower in the castle which can be used as a praying effect.

Luna prayed hard and the Crystal Tower gave Sailor Moon enough strength to finally seal Queen Metaria forever. However her transformation brooch was destroyed after the seal was completed. Artemis thought his eyes were seeing things as he saw Luna in human form for a moment and the Moon Kingdom is finally restored to it's original form.

Mamoru held Usagi and kissed her which woke her up. Usagi was wondering where are her friends and they found them dead in the ice. Luna then instructed Usagi to come to the Moon Kingdom by using the Moon Stick which she did.

They arrived and Luna told Usagi that she is now the new Queen of the Moon Kingdom. However Usgai want to stay with Earth with Mamoru and everyone else which the Queen (In a holograph) gave her blessings to stay on Earth. The Queen also gave her a new transformation brooch and instructed her to place the Silver Crystal inside it.

Usagi transformed again and used Moon Healing Escalation to restore the Earth and revive her friends. Ami and the others woke up and Sailor Moon, Mamoru and the two cats welcome them back. Soon after, everything went back to normal however Rei sensed an uneasy presence from her prayers.

Usagi and Mamoru met up at the park and she showed him his repaired stop watch and he showed her the handkerchief she left with him. They wanted to kiss each other when suddenly a little girl fell from the sky and kissed Mamoru in the lips. Usagi was pissed by the little girl and she stated that her name is also Usagi. She pulled out a gun and demanded that Usagi hand over the Silver Crystal to her...

We finally come to the end of the first arc and begin the second arc at the end of the episode. So what do I think of this new reboot and the first arc overall? I have mixed feelings about it. First, the story itself is definitely following more to the original manga and no signs of fillers which is a good thing since we get straight to the point.

However it meant that there was less character development especially for the four Sailor Guardians who are reduced to supporting roles. But then there are so many things to cover for the first arc which Toei decided to give the series a two cour seasons and not like the original series which has 46 episodes in total. I noticed that the action scenes were very simple as most of the times, the monster of the week were defeated by the Sailor Guardians by one hit of their special attack. Even the battles with the Four Dark Kings was very boring and does not have the intensity of the original series.

You might think I hate this reboot since I like to compare it to the original series. Not exactly. One thing for sure, the pacing is faster and the arrival of all the girls took eight episodes in total. (The original series took about thirty odd episodes to get everyone together) The relationship between Usagi and Mamoru was less agony especially when Mamoru was injured and brainwashed. As in true shoujo manga fashion, love conquers all since it was love and hope that finally bring these two star crossed lovers together. I am also aware that Luna's human form actually do appear later in the manga series and her animated form's first appearance is in the Sailor Moon S movie.

Although the appearance of Chibi Usa is going to complicate things now and why she demanded the Silver Crystal from Usagi is still a mystery. We have to wait till next month to see how things play out. Until then, see you in the next episode!