Why Did They Reboot Sailor Moon with Sailor Moon Crystal?

The original Sailor Moon anime series, which was first aired in Japan in 1992, concluded with a definitive ending to its storyline. However, in 2014, a new Sailor Moon Crystal series made its debut, sparking questions among fans about why a reboot was necessary. This article explores the reasons behind this reboot and how it differs from the original anime.

The Original Sailor Moon Anime and its Storylines

The original Sailor Moon anime series, produced by Toei Animation, spans five seasons, each of which corresponds to a significant arc in the manga. Here is a brief overview of each season:

Season 1: The first season introduces the main characters and the primary antagonists, the Dark Kingdom. Season 2: Season two delves into the Black Moon villains. Season 3: Death Dealers focuses on a new group of villains invading the Moon Kingdom. Season 4: Dead Moon Circus introduces the Mirror Moon Card. Season 5: Stars features a new form of a villain, known as the Moon Beryl Chaos Emerald Moon.

These seasons are complemented by an additional arc, Reimagination, which came in two parts, further expanding the original storyline in the anime.

A New Beginning with Sailor Moon Crystal

Sailor Moon Crystal is a reboot, meaning it begins anew, with the first chapter of the manga as its starting point. Unlike the original anime, which follows a linear progression through the manga, Sailor Moon Crystal takes a different approach by condensing certain events and introducing a more streamlined narrative. Here are the key differences:

The original anime has a definitive conclusion with five seasons, each adapting a significant portion of the manga. Sailor Moon Crystal, on the other hand, focuses on a more compact storyline, spanning three seasons.

The original series' final two seasons, Dead Moon Circus and Stars, are instead adapted into two movies each, with two parts in each movie. This allows for a deeper exploration of these storylines using a film format.

By condensing the narrative and focusing on key moments, Sailor Moon Crystal aims to provide a fresh, modern take on the beloved franchise, while still capturing the essence of the original manga.

Conclusion

The decision to reboot Sailor Moon with Sailor Moon Crystal was a strategic choice to offer a fresh perspective and engage a new generation of fans. While it does not directly continue the original anime's storyline, it remains true to the spirit of the source material. For those who have followed the original anime, Sailor Moon Crystal serves as an excellent complement to explore the manga in a contemporary format.