March 26, 2014

Review: Sailor Moon Volume 3

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Vol. 3 (Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon Renewal Editions, book 3) by Naoko Takeuchi

sailormoonvol3

Genre: Manga
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Sailor Moon Volume 3

Tuxedo Mask gone bad?! As more of her closest allies fall under the power of the evil Queen Beryl, Usagi comes closer to discovering the truth behind her past. The stage is set for an all-out battle for the fate of Earth between the Sailor Guardians and the forces of evil. But when the dust settles, a little girl calling herself “Usagi” falls from the sky and right into the arms of Mamoru. What is her connection to Sailor Moon and why does she want the Legendary Silver Crystal?


Review:

Ah, the end of the Dark Kingdom arc, and the beginning of the Black Moon Arc. While I thoroughly enjoyed the finale of the Dark Kingdom arc, and I have to say I have a bit of a girl crush on Sailor Venus now, it was choppy. Which surprises me as this is the third addition to the series. Usually meaning story and art panels become smoother. Not choppier. The finale was indeed choppy. If it had been a bit smoother this volume probably would have gotten a higher rating from me. Alas, the chop-chop and then the "villain of the week" comes back. And even they were a tad skippy.

That being said, I really-really-really liked the wrap up of the Dark Kingdom arc. The romance between Usagi and Mamoru has hit that beautiful sweet spot. Or as I like to call it, the "ahhhhhh" moment. Combining past lives into a present day romance, tragedy, and by it's own right a happy ending. While it's not the end, clearly, it's a happy one for the story arc. Even better, is that while Usagi and Princess Serenity officially become one, Usagi states it's still her. There is a more mature side of her present and continues to grow, but I still love that she’s still her silly self. Which readers get to see in old-school Princess Serenity.

I'm still a weeeee bit bummed that the other characters aren't getting more development. There's some, especially as someone is slowly picking off the Scouts. But it doesn't really make me feel closer to the ladies. Sailor Venus had some amazing page time as the true leader of the Sailor Scout’s group as she does everything in her power to protect the Princess/Queen of the Moon. A-mazing. I can see why Takeuchi created SailorV first, and kept her in the Sailor Moon universe. (Yeah, see my girl crush is shining.)

The mini-Usagi, or Usa/Chibiusa, has been a character that made me lose interest in the Anime after she was introduced. (OK, I lied—again—I made an anime reference. Sorry!) Mainly because I found the character even more annoying then the Anime version of Usagi. Chibiusa really hasn't gotten much page time at this point. Instead of seeming like a brat, she comes off as a lost child. One who's lost her parents and clearly needs Sailor Moon's help. Now if only the Scouts could help themselves!

If it wasn't for the powerful ending of the Dark Kingdom arc 2/5 would be my solid rating. The new storyline isn't starting out terribly strong and the choppiness isn't helping. There are some moments that I did enjoy in the opening of the Black Moon arc. I just wish things were more . . . fleshed out. Dare I say, more time spent on opening this up. Yep, I'm saying maybe a chapter dedicated to getting to know our characters more and building up the new trouble brewing for our Sailor Scouts!

Sexual Content: Kissing. Clean. Maybe a bromance!

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

Sailor Moon Volume 1
Sailor Moon Volume 2
Sailor Moon Volume 3
Sailor Moon Volume 4
Sailor Moon Volume 5
Sailor Moon Volume 6
Sailor Moon Volume 7
Sailor Moon Volume 8
Sailor Moon Volume 9
Sailor Moon Volume 10
Sailor Moon Volume 11
Sailor Moon Volume 12

Sailor Moon Volume 1
Sailor Moon Volume 2
Sailor Moon Volume 3
Sailor Moon Volume 4
Sailor Moon Volume 5
Sailor Moon Volume 6
Sailor Moon Volume 7
Sailor Moon Volume 8
Sailor Moon Volume 9
Sailor Moon Volume 10
Sailor Moon Volume 11
Sailor Moon Volume 12

Sailor Moon Volume 1
Sailor Moon Volume 2
Sailor Moon Volume 3
Sailor Moon Volume 4
Sailor Moon Volume 5
Sailor Moon Volume 6
Sailor Moon Volume 7
Sailor Moon Volume 8
Sailor Moon Volume 9
Sailor Moon Volume 10
Sailor Moon Volume 11
Sailor Moon Volume 12

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