Template:InfoboxSeason Sailor Moon R is the shortened title of Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon R (美少女戦士セーラームーン R, Bishōjo Senshi Sērā Mūn Āru). It is the second major story arc and series in the Sailor Moon anime. The letter R in its title, according to the Memorial Song Box booklet, can be expanded into either "Return" or "Romance". In the Sailor Moon manga, which came first, this story arc does not have a specific name, but its individual acts are inconsistently given the subtitle "Black Moon". The season is then followed by Sailor Moon S.
There is also a separate film called Sailor Moon R: The Movie - The Promise of the Rose.
Production
The Sailor Moon franchise was originally intended to run on television for only one season; but due to its success, Toei Animation requested that the creator of the Sailor Moon franchise, Naoko Takeuchi keep drawing her Sailor Moon manga. Despite struggling to extend the Sailor Moon series with another storyline, Naoko Takeuchi settled with the introduction of Chibiusa, the future daughter of Sailor Moon after her editor Fumio Osano recommended the idea. Because both the Sailor Moon manga and the Sailor Moon anime were being produced at the same time; Sailor Moon R begins with a 13-episode sub-arc that does not appear in the manga, created to give Naoko Takeuchi time to catch up in creating the Sailor Moon manga.
Opening Sequence
The opening sequence featured Moonlight Densetsu (ムーンライト伝説; "Moonlight Legend"), written by Kanako Oda and performed by DALI. There were 2 versions of the opening theme, the first having more generic visuals, the second more closely following and representing the story of the R season, as it features brand new places such as Crystal Tokyo, and even new characters: Neo-Queen Serenity, King Endymion, Chibiusa, Sailor Pluto, and the Black Moon family, which is called the Negamoon in the English version.
Summary
Makaiju Arc
Sailor Moon R is set two months after the fall of the Dark Kingdom. The Sailor Scouts and Mamoru are living their normal lives with no memories of the events from the previous season. The first story, which lasted for the first 13 episodes of the season, features the regaining of the Inner Sailor Senshi's memories because of their encounters with new enemies, the Makaiju aliens (Ail and An), and is referred to as the Makaiju arc. Mamoru, however, didn't regain his memories immediately.
Ail and An aimed to gather human energy to fuel their dying Makaiju Tree, their only source of life, to sustain themselves, and used monsters (called Cardian Monsters) to help steal energy. During their battles against their new enemies, each Scout unlocks a stronger version of their existing powers. In addition, a new character, the Moonlight Knight, appeared to help the Sailor Scouts in their time of need during battle, taking on the same role of Tuxedo Mask from the previous season.
Ail and An disguised themselves as siblings attending Usagi's school while on earth. Their life on earth begun to teach them the meaning of love, something their race of aliens never understood. As their human alter egos, Ail even developed feelings towards Usagi while An developed hers towards Mamoru, resulting in a complicated love triangle.
The Sailor Guardians eventually squares off against Ail and An in a final battle in episode thirteen. Witnessing the battle, they finally understood love and sacrifice for loved ones. When the Makaiju Tree turned in them, Ail put his life on the line to protect her, similar to what he saw Sailor Moon do with Mamoru. It was then, the Makaiju Tree stopped wrecking havoc because Ail and An finally learned love over greed. Ail, An, and the Makaiju Tree leaves earth for a peaceful new life elsewhere in the universe.
It was also revealed the Moonlight Knight was a split personality of Mamoru. After Queen Beryl's defeat, Mamoru lost his memories, but his desire to protect Sailor Moon wasn't, and so resulted in a split personality that reunited with Mamoru, after Mamoru began to regain his memories.
Main Story Arc
The main story arc explores the future of all the inner Sailor Senshi in a 30th Century utopia city called Crystal Tokyo, ruled over by Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion. New characters introduced include Chibiusa, Sailor Pluto, and in the manga, Diana. Tuxedo Mask returns and continues to regularly help the Sailor Senshi. The primary villains are the Black Moon Clan, led by Prince Demande.
The Black Moon Clan originally lived on 30th Century earth before being expelled by Neo-Queen Serenity to the planet Nemesis. Wiseman took this as an opportunity to achieve his own goal of bringing darkness to the world and unleash Death Phantom. He managed to manipulate all members of the Black Moon Clan to unknowingly do his bidding by encouraging them to seek vengeance on Neo-Queen Serenity and destroy Crystal Tokyo. Although Prince Demande was in control of the Black Moon Clan, Wiseman manipulated him behind his back. Sailor Pluto sent the daughter of Neo-Queen Serenity and King Endymion, Chibiusa, to the past for safety.
After Chibiusa was sent back in time to 20th century Tokyo by Sailor Pluto, the Black Moon Clan followed her, aiming to destroy her( which they call the Rabbit) and the Silver Crystal, both a threat to their plan.
Crimson Rubeus was initially tasked with killing Chibiusa and destroying the Silver Crystal, commanding the Spectre Sisters and using droids to aid them in their mission. While in the 20th century, he decided to also corrupt what would become the crystal points of future Crystal Tokyo.
During this time, Mamoru starts having nightmares about being with Usagi and breaks up with her. According to the nightmares, the future will become dark if they were to be together.
During their missions, Rubeus and the Spectre Sisters ended up clashing with the Sailor Senshi. Not only did all of Rubues's attempts were undermined by the Sailor Senshis, but Sailor Moon was able to use her moon rod to turn each of the Spectere Sisters into normal humans and from then on, the sisters decided to start a new life.
Rubeus, in a last attempt to prove himself worthy, tries to capture Chibiusa for good but ends up capturing the Sailor Venus, Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter aboard his spaceship. Sailor Moon and Chibiusa boards the sets his ship. While Sailor Moon confronted Rubeus, Chibiusa breaks his power amplifier. The Sailor Senshis were freed, but Rubeus sets his ship to self destruct, saying it would be a great honor for the Sailor Senshi to go down with him and his ship. The Sailor Senshi together with Chibiusa, teleports back to earth safely and the ship explodes killing only Rubeus.
Esmeraude took Rubeus's spot, but didn't have any more luck than him in succeeding a mission. After the Sailor Senshi, Tuxedo Mask, and Chibiusa traveled to the future, Wiseman gave Esmeraude increased power. She took the form of a seemingly unstoppable dragon, but was killed after the Sailor Senshi put their powers together.
Although Esmeraude was gone, Wiseman recruited a new member by capturing Chibiusa, whom the Sailor Guardians left alone in the Crystal Palace thinking she'd be safe, and turning her to Black Lady. The Sailor Guardians tried on many attempts to turn Black Lady good again but Wiseman kept preventing that.
Saphir discovered Wiseman's true intentions after overhearing his plans and tried to warn his brother Demande, but was badly injured by Wiseman, forcing him to escape to earth. On earth he was cared for by the Spectre Sisters, before going out to again try to warn Demande. He managed to speak a few words to him, but was finished off for good by Wiseman.
The Malafeic Black Crystal was sent to earth, where it grew, collecting power to open the gate to the dark world for dark energy to enter earth. The Sailor Senshi entered the black crystal, where Sailor Moon got separated and confronted by Demande. Although he tried to brainwash Sailor Moon, she spoke sense into him, allowing Demande to discover Wiseman's true intentions, realizing his brother was right. Wiseman attacked and Demande tried to counter him. Demande blasted Wiseman to pieces but he just reformed and emitted blast of dark energy that killed Demande.
Black Lady had enough dark energy to open a portal to the dark world. In a final battle, Sailor Moon transformed to Neo-Queen Serenity and finally managed to turn Black Lady to Chibiusa. It was too late, however, as the world was starting to turn to darkness under the dark powers controlled by Wiseman. Serenity used the Silver Crystal to counter the dark energy. She was joined by Chibiusa, who had silver crystal a part of her, along with the Sailor Guardians. Together, they destroyed the darkness and Wiseman along with it for good.
English Adaptation
When the Sailor Moon anime was first aired to English-speaking viewers (particularly in Australia), the series consisted of just 65 episodes, of which 40 (edited down from 46) were taken from the first season. Twelve episodes of the Black Moon arc were shown first, then all of the episodes from the Makaiju arc from the start of the season were shown. The remaining seventeen episodes of the Black Moon arc were not released for another three years, billed by Cartoon Network as "the lost episodes." One episode from the season, involving Chibiusa's friendship with a dinosaur, was omitted from the original dub and was not included the subtitled DVD releases. The episode was restored for release on DVD/Blu-Ray by Viz Media.
New Characters
- Ail and Ann (for the first 13 Episodes)
- Moonlight Knight ( first 13 Episodes)
- Black Moon Clan
- Chibiusa
- Sailor Pluto
- King Endymion
- Neo Queen Serenity
Episode List
| Ep. # | Episode Title | Original Airdates | |
| JP & US (Viz) | US (DiC) | ||
| 47 | 41 | "Moon Revived! The Mysterious Aliens Appear" "The Return of Sailor Moon" |
March 6, 1993 (JP) November 22, 1995 (US) |
| 48 | 42 | "For Love and Justice! A Sailor Senshi Once Again" "So You Want to Be in Pictures" |
March 13, 1993 (JP) November 23, 1995 (US) |
| 49 | 43 | "For Whom is the White Rose? The Moonlight Knight Appears" "A Knight to Remember" |
March 20, 1993 (JP) November 24, 1995 (US) |
| 50 | 44 | "Usagi's Crisis! The Tiara Doesn't Work" "VR Madness" |
April 10, 1993 (JP) November 27, 1995 (US) |
| 51 | 45 | "A New Transformation! Usagi Powers Up" "Cherry Blossom Time" |
April 17, 1993 (JP) November 28, 1995 (US) |
| 52 | 46 | "Targeted Kindergarten Kids! Venus' Great Performance" "Kindergarten Chaos" |
April 24, 1993 (JP) November 29, 1995 (US) |
| 53 | 47 | "Mamoru and Usagi's Babysitting Mayhem" "Much Ado About Babysitting" |
May 1, 1993 (JP) November 30, 1995 (US) |
| 54 | 48 | "The Culture Fest is for Me?! Queen Rei Sings With Passion" "Raye's Day in the Spotlight" |
May 8, 1993 (JP) December 1, 1995 (US) |
| 55 | 49 | "Is Seijuro the Moonlight Knight? Mako-chan Falls in Love" "Food Fetish" |
May 22, 1993 (JP) December 4, 1995 (US) |
| 56 | 50 | "Steal Mamoru's Kiss! An's Snow White Strategy" "Mirror, Mirror On the Wall" |
May 29, 1993 (JP) December 5, 1995 (US) |
| 57 | 51 | "Be Careful After School! Usagi is Targeted" "Detention Doldrums" |
June 5, 1993 (JP) December 6, 1995 (US) |
| 58 | 52 | "The Lovers' Hearts Disagree! The Angry Makaiju" "Secret Garden" |
June 12, 1993 (JP) December 7, 1995 (US) |
| 59 | 53 | "True Love Awakens! The Makaiju's Secret" "Treed" |
June 19, 1993 (JP) December 8, 1995 (US) |
| 60 | 54 | "An Angel? A Devil? Mysterious Girl From the Sky" "Serena Times Two" |
June 26, 1993 (JP) November 6, 1995 (US) |
| 61 | 55 | "Huge Shock for Usagi! Mamoru Declares a Break Up" "The Cosmetic Caper" |
July 3, 1993 (JP) November 7, 1995 (US) |
| 62 | 56 | "The Friendship of the Sailor Senshi! Goodbye Ami" "Sailor Mercury Moving On?" |
July 10, 1993 (JP) November 8, 1995 (US) |
| 63 | 57 | "Women Should Be Strong and Beautiful! Rei's New Killer Move" "Gramps In a Pickle" |
July 24, 1993 (JP) November 9, 1995 (US) |
| 64 | 58 | "In Search of the Silver Crystal! Chibiusa's Secret" "Trouble Comes Thundering Down" |
July 31, 1993 (JP) November 10, 1995 (US) |
| 65 | 59 | "Dispute Over Love! Minako and Makoto Face Off" "A Charmed Life" |
August 14, 1993 (JP) November 13, 1995 (US) |
| 66 | 60 | "Usagi's Parental Love? A Curry Triangle Relationship" "A Curried Favor" |
August 21, 1993 (JP) November 14, 1995 (US) |
| 67 | -- | "The Ocean! The Island! A Vacation! A Break for the Sailor Senshi" | August 28, 1993 (JP) May 8, 2015 (US [Viz Media redub]) |
| 68 | 61 | "Protect Chibiusa! Clash of the Ten Warriors" "Naughty 'N' Nice" |
September 11, 1993 (JP) November 15, 1995 (US) |
| 69 | 62 | "Awaken, Sleeping Beauty! Mamoru's Distress" "Prediction of Doom" |
September 25, 1993 (JP) November 16, 1995 (US) |
| 70 | 63 | "A Battle of the Flames of Love! Mars vs Koan" "Enemies No More" |
October 2, 1993 (JP) November 17, 1995 (US) |
| 71 | 64 | "For Friendship! Ami and Berthier Clash" "Checkmate" |
October 16, 1993 (JP) November 20, 1995 (US) |
| 72 | 65 | "Cold Hearted Rubeus! The Four Sisters of Sorrow" "Sibling Rivalry" |
October 30, 1993 (US) November 21, 1995 (US) |
| 73 | 66 | "A UFO Appears! The Sailor Senshi are Abducted" "Rubeus Evens the Score" |
November 6, 1993 (JP) November 30, 1998 (US) |
| 74 | 67 | "Defeat Rubeus! The Battle in Space" "Rubeus Strikes Out" |
November 13, 1993 (JP) December 1, 1998 (US) |
| 75 | 68 | "A Mysterious New Warrior, Sailor Pluto Appears" "The Secret of the Luna Sphere" |
November 20, 1993 (JP) December 2, 1998 (US) |
| 76 | 69 | "Magical Power of Darkness! Esmeraude's Invasion" "Emerald Takes Over" |
December 4, 1993 (JP) December 3, 1998 (US) |
| 77 | 70 | "Our Feelings are the Same! Usagi and Mamoru in Love Once Again" "Promises Fulfilled" |
December 11, 1993 (JP) December 4, 1998 (US) |
| 78 | 71 | "Venus Minako's Nurse Mayhem" "No Thanks, Nurse Venus!" |
December 18, 1993 (JP) December 7, 1998 (US) |
| 79 | 72 | "Artemis' Adventure! The Evil Animal Kingdom" "Dog Day for Artemis" |
December 25, 1993 (JP) December 8, 1998 (US) |
| 80 | 73 | "Terrifying Illusion! Ami All Alone" "Smart Payoff" ("Lonely Amy") |
January 8, 1994 (JP) December 9, 1998 (US) |
| 81 | 74 | "Dark Gate Completed? A Grade School in Danger" "Child's Play" |
January 15, 1994 (JP) December 10, 1998 (US) |
| 82 | 75 | "Journey to the Future! Battle in the Space-Time Corridor" "Future Shocked" |
January 22, 1994 (JP) December 11, 1998 (US) |
| 83 | 76 | "The Shocking Future! Demande's Dark Ambition" "Legend of the Negamoon" |
January 29, 1994 (JP) December 14, 1998 (US) |
| 84 | 77 | "Wiseman's Evil Hand! Chibiusa Disappears" "Jealousy's Just Reward" |
February 5, 1994 (JP) December 15, 1998 (US) |
| 85 | 78 | "The Birth of Black Lady, The Queen of Darkness" "Birth of Wicked Lady" |
February 12, 1994 (JP) December 16, 1998 (US) |
| 86 | 79 | "Saphir Dies! Wiseman's Trap" "Brotherly Love" |
February 19, 1994 (JP) December 17, 1998 (US) |
| 87 | 80 | "Believe in Love and the Future! Usagi's Determination" "Diamond In the Rough" |
February 26, 1994 (JP) December 18, 1998 (US) |
| 88 | 81 | "The Final Battle Between Light and Darkness! Love Sworn to the Future" "Final Battle" |
March 5, 1994 (JP) December 21, 1998 (US) |
| 89 | 82 | "Usagi and the Girls' Resolve! Prelude to a New Battle" "Follow the Leader" |
March 12, 1994 (JP) December 22, 1998 (US) |
Trivia
- The main Sailor Moon R storyline is a contrast to the Sailor Moon storyline. Sailor Moon explored each of the Sailor Guardian's past while Sailor Moon R explored their futures.