'Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Vol. 6' is the start of my favourite 'Sailor Moon' arc. There is the new enemy, the Death Busters, their Legendary Silver Crystal equivalent, the Taioron Crystal, and mysterious master, Pharaoh 90. It also marks the first appearance of three of the Outer Senshi Sailor Guardians - Uranus, Neptune and Saturn, who are on my list of favourite characters in the whole series.
Volume 6 is all about build-up and mystery - at the root of it all are three talismans said to bring about destruction. A new, sinister private school; defying gender roles (what Haruka Tenou/Sailor Uranus's character stands for); everyone having bad premonitions; Chibiusa's settling in the 20th century and making friends in both ordinary and strange places. And are the new Sailor Guardians, Uranus and Neptune, friends or foes? Either way, they appear to work alone, and obstinately want the Inner Senshi not to get involved in whatever mission they're on. Or else...
In preparation for writing these reviews, I find it enjoyable to re-immerse myself in the manga, as each volume reads like I'm looking through fresh eyes again, and I can pick up on things I didn't before.
Highlights include Haruka Tenou and Michiru Kaiou/Sailor Neptune, and their relationship. It's absolutely fantastic for a shoujo series to contain a same-sex romance, especially one which feels natural; for these two knew and trusted one another long before the start of this story arc. They're just a good couple, period, and aren't tokens to be dismissed to the sidelines when convenient. And this came out in the 90's. Haruka and Michiru have an aura of mystery about them in their first appearance, making them not merely more interesting, but captivating, despite their hidden agendas not putting them in such a good light right now.
More highlights are the adorable-but-tragic Hotaru Tomoe, a lonely and sickly young girl with healing powers (I'll talk more about why I think she's awesome in later reviews). Little that she appears in this volume, she is treated to a blossoming friendship with Chibiusa. Small Lady, with the help of Usagi and Mamoru, also makes Neo-Queen Serenity's Holy Grail out of clay - foreshadowing Sailor Moon's new magical power and weapon later on.
Usagi and Mamoru's relationship is tested anew with jealous feelings concerning Haruka (passing off as male) and Michiru and their bizarre encounters. But with the aid of Chibiusa, their future child, they make up at the very end. How ironic, and indicative of how much the kid contributes to the series beyond expectations.
Rei's spiritual meditation and Ami's academic genius usefully serve the plot, Usagi comes to terms with her destiny as Sailor Moon to overcome trials and bear burdens - and speaking of evil schools, high school entrance exams are coming up!
Also, this has to be mentioned: The shape of the breasts of Viluy, a member of the Witches 5 from the Death Busters, defies physics at an astronomical level. What the hell, seriously?
Dark, gloomy, foreboding, a little disturbing (the pink childlike cover of this volume could not be more inappropriate). But it has its scattered share of humour and incredibly touching moments, and the monster-of-the-week/soul-energy gathering formula is back.
I'll be looking forward to the seventh volume.
Final Score: 5/5
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