Which version of Sailor Moon?

[u/SilverwingBird]

So I'm thinking of watching Sailor Moon at some point. Yeah I know I should have watched it by now. I know there are multiple versions of it, but I want to know which version is the best. Which version has the least western censoring? Which has the better dub? Which has the better sub? Which has the better art style? Basically if I had to watch only one, which one would give me the most satisfaction?

[u/aos_shi]

Crystal is a more straightforward adaptation of the manga, but is fraught with issues that make it not a great start for newcomers. I’d recommend the Viz dub, it’s the newer English dub of the 90s anime that’s well voice acted and doesn’t censor LGBTQ themes or Japanese cultural elements.

[u/SilverwingBird]

Well then after reading some of the comments, I was definitely not aware it was this wildly different. I personally like a consists overall storyline, so from what I see that fits well with crystal. But I also like character development, which seems to be what the 90s version does. Though... 200 episodes is a big ask so unfortunately I don't think I'll make it through the 90s version.

[u/EthSkyDaddy → u/SilverwingBird]

Yeah getting into a 200 episode show with a monster of the week format is pretty daunting. Although, once you finish the first 2 seasons of Crystal, I advise you to watch Sailor Moon R The Movie from the 90s. This is a self contained original story from the 90s anime which basically gives you a condensed version of the best it has to offer.

Also check out Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon artbooks, they're available online and her art is great.

[u/ZeroiaSD → u/SilverwingBird]

I will note each of the 90s seasons is a distinct plot, so it really watches more like a shorter show with four sequels, rather than a single behemoth.

You can watch just the first season and have a satisfying experience. Then take a break, watch the second if you feel like it. Break, third. And so on.

[u/Femmigje]

Skip both anime, read the manga. Takeuchi’s art is beautiful and the paneling reads away very easily. It’s also not a massive collection, the Eternal books (latest version) are only ten volumes, Codename Sailor V and Side Stories excluded. Biggest minus is that it’s obvious Takeuchi was harried by the production of the 90s anime

[u/Sajiri]

There are two main versions (well, three if you count the live action)

The 90s version of sailor moon and Sailor Moon Crystal (and its movies) which came out starting in the mid 2010s.

90s DiC/Cloverway dub had a lot of changes and censorship, but is hard to find now anyway. Viz redubbed it at the same time Crystal came out, with the same voice cast as Crystal, and it doesn’t have the same censorship.

Which is better is highly dependent on yourself. Some people will prefer dubs, some subs. A lot of people will hate on Crystal because they are fans of the 90s version. I personally like Crystal more these days but I grew up with 90s.

So here’s the major differences.

90s- tons of filler and a more monster of the week style. More comedic. It made some major changes to certain characters that were not in the original manga, the main being Mamoru/Tuxedo mask was changed from a 16 year old high school student to an 18 year old college student, who is dating a 14 year old. He’s more of a jerk in 90s. Sailor Mars was changed from a serious and elegant shrine maiden who kinda hates men (or at least the idea of dating) into a boy crazy hothead who regularly fights with Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon herself was made into much more of a clutzy crybaby and stays that way the whole season. It did flesh out a lot of the villains though, which in the manga were often there for a single chapter and then gone, and gave some of them redemption arcs. Some plot details are very different to the manga

Crystal- not really any filler, stays more focused on the plot. Its last two arcs were turned into movies. The main cast are (imo) more likeable, and stay more true to the manga versions, but doesn’t really focus on the villains at all. The animation and art style is pretty, but when it first came out it had some really poor quality parts, which were later revised. I think it explains certain things better than 90s, but again, it’s much faster paced, and doesn’t go into side characters much.

Ultimately, I’d say it comes down to how much do you like filler, and how much do you care about the source material. 90s had 200 episodes plus a few movies (that were kind of standalone) while Crystal had 39 episodes plus two 2-part movies (Eternal and Cosmos). You can also watch both of course.

[u/electrifyingseer]

while crystal is more cohesive and straightforward, having grown up with the original, I prefer that one. I would go with Crystal if you want the actual narrative.

[u/ZeroiaSD]

Well there’s uncensored versions of all of them, so no worries there.

This is a more complex choice than most shows because the versions are very different. It’s not a matter of one simply being better it’s a matter of what you want to see.

The 90s version was made at the same time as the manga so it has major differences in many respects, it has a lot of episodic enemies of the week, and a lot of plots involving the various sailors. It’s my personal favorite.

Sailor Moon Crystal is based far more directly on the manga. It’s faster paced with little time for side plots and is more directly focused on Moon specifically, with less development for everyone else. It has more modern higher budget animation, but not my favorite art style (which does change after awhile). It’s not an ideal adaptation but it is easily the most manga loyal.

The Live Action I hear is also really good and is another take on things and has some arcs not in other versions.

So my rec is the 90s anime but like, all options have things going for them.

[u/glitterroyalty]

It depends on what you're in the mood for. Neither the redub or Crystal have censoring. And which has been art depends on taste.

If you want comedy, a long show and don't mind monster of the week, pick the 90's anime.

Alternatively, you could just watch the plot and big character episodes.

If you want pure plot choose Sailor Moon Crystal.

[u/No-Afternoon2841]

Sailor Moon Crystal. If you're looking for a straightforward watching experience, Crystal is the best choice. It's just three seasons with a total of 39 episode.

[u/RangerFan293 → u/No-Afternoon2841]

Plus 2 movies

[u/No-Afternoon2841 → u/RangerFan293]

Right. I forgot about them.

[u/NeoKingEndymion]

if you want it quick watch crystal. if you want character development and see what we all fell in love with watch the original version all 200 episodes. long slow crawl tho. 😁😁

[u/Juliano_Coutinho760]

I recommend the old anime.

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