Sailor Moon Crystal Act 12 review

Oh man! I’m a week late! Merry belated Christmas and holidays to all those who I didn’t get to speak too. Moonies, I hope you had a great holiday season and have Happy New Year when it arrives. It was such a busy week, but I’m here now and I’m read to do the review for SM Crystal episode 12. Let’s jump in!

Act. 12, named “Enemy – Queen Metaria” picks up from the last episode where Queen Beryl and Mamoru continue their assault on the Sailor Soldiers. The episode focuses on this battle with little to no diversion. We’re boiling down to the end folks, this is it the final battle is soon upon us. We witness glimpses of the past from Beryl’s angle and say farewell to a few familiar faces, but the end of this episode will leave you in shock and awe. I can’t believe what I saw and I can’t dare spoil it for you.

The episode went by fast–maybe too fast–and it made me scratch my head at some of the powers and feats the senshi achieved . Have you ever watched something and felt the authors pulled stuff out their ass just so the characters could get by? Yeah, a lot of that happened here and it felt overwhelming. Where were these powers before? I could trace a few back to the original Anime and to previous episodes in SM Crystal, but some of the others were completely new. I would understand it better if they’d introduced these powers, or someone explained that they had them all along but needed “xyz” in order to achieve them. They sort of just…appeared and there was no real lead up or explanation on how they were suddenly  able to do them.

I enjoyed seeing the back-story of Beryl, it gave me feels for her in a new way. Another interesting point is the way she was “handled” in this episode. It’s different from the Manga, but they may have changed that for the audience.

Still, the episode was entertaining and the end will create some buzz. I’m shocked, really I’m shocked at what happened and you will be too if you haven’t seen it. I can imagine the tissues and napkins that were used for this episode.

Folks, I’m keeping it short. I won’t spoil it. If you’ve seen it, then you know exactly what I’m talking about and in the next episode we can expect the final battle and the wrap up for season 1.

In other Sailor Moon news. Season 2 has already been green lit and here’s the first promo pieces. You recognize the pink hair right?

Hey, what’s that thing she’s pointing at Usagi’s head? Interesting…

For more details, click the image above from Anime News Network. They give us the scoop on season 2 and who, and what, we can expect from the upcoming series! I’m excited, are you?

Thanks for reading! Happy New Year when it arrives Moonies!

 

 

 

 

Sailor Moon Crystal episode 11 review

I’m here, I promise I’m alive even if I’m not all too well. Tiz the season to be merry and we have a new episode of Sailor Moon Crystal to cover. Let’s jump in and get started!

The title of this week’s episode is “Endymion” but for some reason after the opening scenes I feel like I need a talking cat to help me get my act together (What would Usagi do without Luna?). I’m really getting the feels for Usagi in this version. I’m feeling for her story and her emotional struggle. Her past life and the life she’s now leading have been meshed together and she’s left with broken memories, trying to stand tall in the present and move forward for her future.

It’s hard for her–I get it–especially after learning about the love of your life and how tragically things ended. Naturally, you won’t want a repeat; of course, she’ll try to fight her best. The series is about Usagi, Sailor Moon; I know some of you have complained about the lack of time invested in the other characters, but they’re supporting cast members, maybe we’ve been spoiled from the last version? I’m happy they’re focusing on Sailor Moon/Usagi Tsukino’s struggle.

I’ve never felt particularly amazed by Usagi, she always felt slightly goofy and even though I thought the show was cool she was never really my favorite until now (Hotaru and Haruka for the win). Isn’t that the goal? For us to feel more invested in the main character and less on the supports? It’s debatable right? regardless, I’m enjoying this and I applaud the direction they’ve taken.

This episode focuses on Mamoru being turned by Queen Beryl. Do you remember when that happened in the old series? It’s happening all over again, but his approach is different. After watching this episode I noticed it falls in line with what I feel is the general theme, or focus of the show. I’m having trouble putting it eloquently so I’ll just put it out there: “Emotions.”

What does a teenager, an adult and a child have in common and they all go through regularly? Emotional struggle! The whole show feels more focused on emotions and feelings, and less on battle and magical powers. Well, I’ll digress that I’m also thoroughly enjoying the battle sequences and the powers, but that’s for another time. In this show there’s less minion bashing and a deeper focus on the story’s characters, and the things that guide them toward their behavior.

Whether the emotions are attacked, used, twisted and/or manipulated we’re seeing it play out in these past few episodes. I’m feeling more involved with Usagi because we’ve all been there at some point and the story is doing a good job of portraying how she’s feeling, and giving her a real sense of grief over the things in her life.

They aren’t really solving things with fists or with special powers yet, it’s like the real battles are being fought outside of the proverbial “battlefield.” Why do I think this? Watch Mamoru’s interaction with Usagi in the gaming center, sure he’s been turned, but he knows she likes him and that he has some measure of control over her emotions. Still not convinced? Watch the way he touches her…

As the episode rolls on I’m seeing the manipulation play through more. That’s what this is all about isn’t it? From Queen Metalia working on Queen Beryl to the Sailor soldiers and…whoops! I can’t say that or I’ll spoil it. You’ll have to watch the episode friends. There’s an impressive fight scene followed by a scene involving one of our feline friends (the cat I wish I had in real life). I must also applaud the show for its use of tension and choosing the perfect places to stop the episode to keep us waiting for the next one.

Can you tell I’m enjoying the story? I’m really digging into this show and I can’t wait to see more. Thanks for reading; like and subscribe to the blog. Feel free to share your opinion too. I enjoy a good discussion.

P.s. This episode had a real long transformation segment. I mean damn…

 

Sailor Moon Crystal episode 10 Anime review

What’s up moonies! Hope you’re having a great week. As you may already know, Episode 10 of Sailor Moon Crystal is out and that means another review is in session. I’m enjoying the series; Are you enjoying it too? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the show, but before that let’s get into Episode 10 and see what’s cracking this week!

Pack your bags! Make sure you’ve got your toothbrush because we’re going to the moon! Frank Sinatra ain’t got nothing on us! Episode 10 is titled: “Moon” and if you’ve seen the previous episode then you know the senshi are going on a field trip to uncover their past and find answers for their present.

Before I continue, I do my best not to spoil anything and If I’m planning on throwing one out there I’ll give you a heads up by creating a section for it. So now that we’re clear let’s move to the episode!

In this episode we visit the past again and see more scenes explaining what happened. We also learned what happened to the Moon and Earth Kingdoms, Usagi & Endymion and the senshi. I can’t help but feel a little Romeo and Juliet vibe after seeing certain scenes in this episode. I’m also getting the sense that there are a few other references that Naoko used for this series.

As usual, the color and life in these episodes along with the music help portray the scenes that really bring on the “feels” for the characters. Even if you’ve watched the old Anime, this episode feels new. It’s true to the Manga (for those confused souls) and we see things from a different perspective that’s unlike it’s predecessor.

I’m liking the series, especially the story and the way things are progressing. The art work, music and other elements feel fresh and engaging, and I’m curious to see what else will be different. There are a few pieces here and there that don’t add up; inconsistencies and plot-holes, but I can’t say they’ve been so major as to ring the bell (not yet at least). I do catch them, at least one per episode, but you have to really pay attention to catch some, while others are a bit obvious. There’s also a constant walk down memory lane vibe; there’s flashbacks upon flashbacks and some weird dialogue here and there, but it may just be a translation issue. Otherwise, the series is entertaining and you can expect more to come.

Thanks for reading! Until next time, enjoy the new moonie gang sign. Prism Power Mudda ******!!

 

**Spoiler Alert ahead***

Question: So the sailor senshi knew all the generals before and had a relation with them…so, when Zoicite and Kunzite get turned evil did their sexuality change too? I’m confused…If that’s the case, what message is really being sent here?

**Spoiler ended***

Sailor Moon Crystal episode 2 review

Moonies, did you catch episode 2? I just finished watching it and I can say I’m really excited to write this review. I had to stop the episode just to take a few notes, because I’m thoroughly impressed with the show and it’s only episode 2.

The story is following the manga so I had no quarrels there and even if it diverged a little, it’s going about it quite well. In this installment (spoilage alert) we glimpse Queen Beryl in the beginning and Rei at the end while Ami joins Usagi. The episode was so clean, so polished and colorful, it sprung to life on my screen and just had an overall good feel to it. So far, they’ve done an outstanding job with crystal and though I was previously upset with the CGI, but now I feel like it’s going to grow on me. Luna, Ami and Usagi are adorable, and everyone is sporting their chic fashion and shiny lip gloss. Crystal lives up to it’s name; It’s glossy, shiny, new, crisp and sparkling in it’s own way.

In the post “My Predictions for Sailor Moon Crystal,” I mentioned the old school technology that they used in Sailor Moon, the previous anime, and how we could expect more advanced technology that would reflect our time. We see that coming out in this episode when Ami uses a compact disk (think DVD) instead of a floppy disk (pictured below), and again when Luna activates what seems to be an advanced database with Ami’s personal information in it.

I also liked Ami’s new pose and speech: “douse yourself in water and repent.” Her new attack (least it seems new) looks amazing and just fits so well. Tuxedo mask was also quite dashing in his own way; he didn’t give any speeches, he merely saved Sailor Moon, supported her effort and left as mysteriously as he entered. I had to rewind the episode, because I didn’t even realize when he came in or how (which I really liked).

Something about this episode feels so different from the first one, it almost feels like they improved on a few things from the 1st episode (if that even makes sense), but overall I enjoyed it. I was really excited when Usagi transformed into Sailor Moon, the character design and colors of this episode. I also noted that they tried to explain things, not leaving you hanging as to how a pen transformed Ami, but Luna admits she’s responsible for it. Why is that important? I’ve watched so much media and material that holes are apparent and it seems like they’re trying to make sure there aren’t any, that things connect well and go over smoothly…well done Crystal.

Watch this episode folks, it was a really good one. Tell me what you thought about it in the comment section. i also have a new facebook group where I discuss and share anime related posts: