Picks up where the last volume left off:
Queen Beryl is killed pretty easily and quickly by Sailor Venus's sword. The ominous, shapeless devil, Queen Metalia, appears before the Sailors. This “great ruler” aims to absorb the power of the Legendary Silver Crystal and engulf the earth in total darkness. Sailor Moon sacrifices a possessed Tuxedo Mask, and herself. History seems to be repeating itself; and fate is forever on a loop. Moon and Mask become trapped in crystal - and within the void of oblivion, Metalia. But the long and short of it is: The couple are alive, and with the power of love and support Sailor Moon uses the Legendary Silver Crystal - it’s source issuing from her heart - at its fullest to seal away Metalia. Thus she saves the world. The Sailor Soldiers and Endymion's guards help out from afar, and true love's kiss revives our heroine. Usagi is presented with the option of becoming queen of a revived Silver Millennium, but the young princess/schoolgirl chooses to remain on earth and live out her normal life for as long as she can, with those she loves. Plus, the arcade center owner, Furuhata, knows the Sailor Soldiers' secret identities now, not that this comes to anything.
End of Arc 1, or the Dark Kingdom Arc.
Arc 2 is the Black Moon Arc. Black Moon are members of a rebellion from the new Moon Kingdom of the future on earth, called Crystal Tokyo. Prince Demande, Rubeus, Saphir and the Metalia-lite Wiseman are at the head of operations. Also making her first appearance, literally falling from the sky, is Chibiusa, a cute but annoying little girl with a sick sense of humour who wants the Legendary Silver Crystal from Usagi. Is she involved with Black Moon? And is she setting out to destroy Usagi and Mamoru's love by coming between them? Really stupid thing to do in light of when the brat's true identity is revealed. Anyway, Black Moon kidnap Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury - cliffhanger! And there's Asanuma, a young student at Mamoru's high school who has a "man crush" on our prestigious male lead.
Another great volume, all around (apart from Chibiusa). With the end of an arc and the start of a new turn, the story once again becomes a little light and goofy. Even Mamoru has his less-than-stoic moments. But it's a necessary catharsis, and a good build-up for darker and more dramatic events to come. The artwork is fantastic, flowing and expressive as always. A sci-fi, aliens-vibe is going on too...
Sailor Venus is absolutely badass at the end of the Dark Kingdom storyline. So fierce and protective. It's quite a shame she doesn't use her sword in subsequent stories; just the "love-me chain" will do, I guess. Sailor Mars/Rei Hino has a chapter dedicated to her in beginning of the Black Moon arc. Details about her family, hobbies and past times are made known. It also shows how hanging out with Usagi and the gang has made the beautiful shine priestess more slovenly, like a regular teenage girl - quite contrary to her mature, aloof personality! Like Mamoru, there are many layers to Rei's character - it's so much fun to witness! Sailor Mercury/Ami Mizuno receives similar treatment in the next (and last) chapter. It's lovely that we get to know more about these characters and how they live their lives so differently from one another. They remain friends nevertheless. Sailor Jupiter only gets bit parts to do in the volume, but that'll change soon. A huge shout-out to Luna also for demonstrating the extent of her dedication to protect Usagi; and her growing, tearful fondness for the girl.
Can't wait to talk about the fourth volume of Sailor Moon's epic adventures in love and justice!
Final Score: 5/5
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