Such an enjoyable educational little read for any 'Sailor Moon' fan, and for people in the Western hemisphere interested in Japanese culture.
In 'Warriors of Legend', you learn how almost everything in the 'Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon' manga and anime reflects Japan in terms of its social, class, and education systems, as well as its historical and mythological references. 'Sailor Moon' mirrors the country in the 1990s when the franchise was being made and was at the peak of its phenomenal popularity; existing worldwide as well as in its remarkable place of origin. Information is given to the reader on just how hard life is for the average working-class Japanese person.
'Warriors of Legend' also provides details on how the anime differs from the manga and why, and shows examples of when 'Sailor Moon' criticises and satirises the “old” Japanese culture. (Its foibles in how it educates young students are worth discussing).
As a bonus the book presents character profiles and insights on why the Sailor Guardians' personalities befit their lifestyles and Sailor identities. Naoko Takeuchi is a hell of a lot cleverer than the surfaces of her work might suggest. She certainly did her homework, especially when referencing mythology from all over the world in ‘Sailor Moon’, from Greek to Roman to Babylonian.
It turns out that Sailor Venus and Sailor Moon are more closely linked than I ever realised before, and not just in looks. I like Sailor Venus a great deal more now.
I've learnt so much from reading 'Warriors of Legend', and it has achieved the impossible and made me love and appreciate 'Sailor Moon' more than I did before. Subtle is not a word most people would use to describe this Magical Girl series, but there you go. Takeuchi-sensei is a genius, no doubt about it.
‘Sailor Moon’ – just a silly Magical Girl show only worthy of looking back on through nostalgia glasses? I beg to differ, and beg anyone who thinks that to read this book.
At 144 pages, ‘Warriors of Legend’ is a little too short, and more could have been expounded upon. But that's a minor flaw in the long run. However, I wonder if an updated version will ever be in the works, in light of ‘Sailor Moon’ receiving renewed English-translated manga editions and an anime reboot.
The people of Japan are just as passionate and influenced by 'Sailor Moon' as Western audiences are. (Lots of children were actually traumatised by the season 1 finale when their favourite characters died onscreen; proving how great and powerful these fictional Sailor Senshi are individually written). So maybe anime and manga - and any form of entertainment - do have the power to bring people together; to make us kindred. There exists life and beauty in the creation of ‘Sailor Moon’.
In the name of the moon, read ‘Warriors of Legend’!
Final Score: 5/5
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