Alright, so I know this news is about two weeks old, but as the newest anime writer for Nerdophiles, I just have to say- Guys, it’s here. After almost two years when the first hint of an anime reboot for Sailor Moon was announced, there is now a release date, concept art, and the casting of the voice actors.
At the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon 20th Anniversary Project Special Stage event at the Niconico Chōkagi convention the cast and art was released, and let’s just say the Sailor Moon fandom has a lot to rejoice about and a lot to discuss. The anime will premier worldwide on July 5th, 6 am EST on the Niconico streaming service and the producer has promised that they are not simply remaking the anime, but taking the story from the manga and starting over again. There also is a scheduled 26 episodes, which will air over 52 weeks, on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
I’ve got to say though, they couldn’t have picked a better release date for the anime. Anime Expo 2014 in Los Angeles will be happening July 3rd to July 6th this year and the voice cast for the English dub will be reuniting for the first time as the Guests of Honor. I can only imagine what that panel will be like!
But other than a release date, fans are already discussing the art released. The designs definitely shows that they are taking more influence in the character designs from the manga. Sailor Moon’s original brooch, choker, and earrings are notable, as are the lack of sleeves on Sailor Mercury’s design and the Love-Me-Chain on Sailor Venus’s waist. Missing though are special manga details for Sailor Mars and Jupiter, and fans are already discussing why they aren’t featured.
Their civilian forms have also been revealed, and I have to say I am happy with the artistic liberty they took with the girls. While Usagi still retains her Juuban Uniform, Ami now has an updated look that features her wearing a baggy sweater-esque top, taking on the recent design in anime that the quiet, erudite girls have sported. Makoto still wears the uniform of her old school since “she was too tall for the other ones” and Rei and Minako have the uniforms of their respective schools.
Many fans are disgruntled with the designs, but it only comes from the fact that we have hyped this up for almost exactly two years. People are either going to be extremely happy or disappointed, but don’t let that change your opinion! For me, I am happy to be finally getting more information about the series. When the first rumors of a reboot came out, I sat there dumbfounded. Sailor Moon was a huge part of me before I knew what anime was, and was really my entry into that world. As a young girl, I found the idea of fighting for love and justice while still trying to be a normal teenager exciting, and I wished every day to become a Sailor Senshi. I can’t wait to be up at 3 am on the 5th of July watching the reboot with the excitement of a 4 year old on Christmas.
Below is the list of voice actors, and I have to say I am completely pleased with the list! The original voice of Sailor Moon will be reprising her role, but the rest of the girls are a completely new cast. Lots of them are alumnae of the Precure series, and the produce of the Precure franchise is helming this series, so we can expect dedication to this project.
Sailor Moon/ Usagi Tsukino- Kotono Mitsuishi (original Sailor Moon, Neon Genesis Evangelion: Misato Katsuragi)
Sailor Mercury/ Ami Mizuno- Hisako Kanemoto (Pretty Cure!: Cure Peace, Squid Girl: Ika Musume)
Sailor Mars/ Rei Hino- Rina Satō (Gurren Laggan: Kiyoh, Mushishi: Io (side note in a side note this is really important to me, I know it’s a one episode appearance but like, woah she’ll do great), Ao no Exorcist: Kirigakure Shura)
Sailor Jupiter/ Makoto Kino- Ami Koshimizu (Suite Precure: Cure Melody, Kill la Kill: Ryuko Matoi (another perfect casting in my opinion))
Sailor Venus/ Minako Ai- Shizuka Itou (Chō-Robot Seimeitai Transformers Prime: Arcee, xxxHolic: Himawari Kunogi)
Get excited everyone! It’s happening!
Update: As of May 17th, VIZ Media has acquired the rights to the previous Sailor Moon anime, including the previously unreleased in America Season 5, all three movies, the specials, and Sailor Moon Crystal! New dub cast will be announced July 5th at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, but starting May 19th it’ll be available in it’s original uncut glory on Hulu!
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