A magnificent, breathtaking conclusion to the Black Moon Arc of 'Sailor Moon'. Each arc delivers on excitement and a beating heart.
Space-time has been distorted; a storm of chaos ensues throughout the time dimensions. Chibiusa is awakened by Wiseman into Black Lady, Queen of Darkness and of the cursed planet Nemesis. Usagi, imprisoned on Nemesis in Black Moon castle, searches around for answers, and with her belief in the Legendary Silver Crystal's goodness, and the help of her still-dormant future self, she unleashes new unlimited power. As Sailor Moon once more, she frees the other Guardians from a darkness-chamber deep within Nemesis's core. Together, along with Sailor Pluto, the girls set out to find and save Chibiusa and Tuxedo Mask, who's been brainwashed again. More than anything, Black Lady wants him to herself - in all her cunning and wicked glory, she's also a dark reflection of Usagi, and her jealousy of Mamoru and Chibiusa’s closeness. Wiseman is revealed to be Nemesis itself - the planet of darkness of the future, and origin of the Malefic Black Crystal, the evil counterpart to the Legendary Silver Crystal. Wiseman is then revealed to be Death Phantom, the criminal Neo-Queen Serenity banished to Nemesis centuries ago. The battle is on: Nemesis is coming into orbit with the earth of the past, engulfing everything in darkness. The betrayed and malevolent Prince Demande plans to put the Legendary Silver Crystals of the past and the future together and destroy the universe. But then, after little Diana offers to take her place temporarily as guardian of the Door to Space and Time, Sailor Pluto breaks the biggest taboo - using her Garnet Rod, she stops time. And so she dies. At the death of the most precious friend she's ever had in her lonely and unsatisfied life, a grieving Black Lady turns back into Chibiusa - and awakens as a Sailor Guardian. This is the key to reviving Neo-Queen Serenity from her crystal slumber; at her daughter's finally experiencing life as a true adult and royal of the Silver Millennium. Near the end the queen shows, for wanting the Small Lady to grow to believe in herself, that she does love her only daughter more than anything; that the former protector of love and justice still has a heart after a thousand years of ruling a kingdom. Anyway, Sailor Moon's and Tuxedo Mask's love and powers combined quite literally help give birth to Sailor Chibi-Moon and her power of light alongside them, and together they seal away Dark Phantom/Nemesis. Black Moon is defeated and Silver Millennium is restored. The Sailor Guardians are given new titles by Neo-Queen Serenity: Mars, Guardian of War; Mercury, Guardian of Wisdom; Jupiter, Guardian of Protection; Venus, Guardian of Love. And Sailor Moon, Guardian of Mystery. Sailor Moon briefly meets her future self - no longer than necessary in case of a time paradox - and back in the present earth we are granted a tearful reconciliation between Usagi and Chibiusa, as through hardships in space and time and chaos the two have become bosom friends. They say their goodbyes as Chibiusa returns to the 30th century, not yet a woman but not quite a little girl anymore...
But then she returns under the pretence of Usagi offering to train her as a Sailor Guardian. Let the hilarity ensue!
End of the Black Moon Arc.
Every panel in this edition to the 'Sailor Moon' manga series is a marvellous treat. It is a dark story that retains a hopeful heart in the presence of Sailor Moon herself.
While the other Guardians don't get to do much in this finale, the Pretty Guardian of Love and Justice demonstrates the strongest resolve to fight, and a determination to protect everyone, than she's ever had before. It really is as if she's grown with the power of herself as a queen and mother in the unfathomable but blessed utopian future. For a queen and mother is what she will be someday. She is drawn in the best fighting poses, and the art even has her clenching her fist in anger at the enemy. Yet there are panels which show her in prayer; at inner peace and tranquillity when up against evil. When taken prisoner by Prince Demande, Usagi doesn't wait to be rescued - without hesitation she uses the opportunity to bravely seek out her captured friends. She also reveals more of her pessimistic-yet-reasonable side when she begins to have doubts about whether the Legendary Silver Crystal's power does more harm than good, like Black Moon believes; and whether she is in fact a “fearsome woman”, as they call her. However, Usagi wants to believe in peace and the goodwill of others - a strength befitting a queen. Sailor Moon is more multilayered than anyone gives her credit for, and at any stage of her life she will fight to protect the universe and those she loves at any cost.
There are other outstanding, heartfelt moments: Such as Sailor Pluto finding a new friend in the cute little kitty Diana, just before her death scene. Her speech to Chibiusa about there being different kinds of love and different ways of expressing it is also superb. Then there’s Usagi and Chibiusa's growing development as they come to work as a team, and their words of farewell which feel unscripted and true.
Everything is wrapped up neatly and with all the sentimentality known and loved in 'Sailor Moon'.
Next up, the Death Busters Arc!
Final Score: 5/5
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