The original ’90s Sailor Moon anime holds a special place in the hearts of fans and is one of the most iconic anime series ever. However, while it introduced many to the world of magical girls, it significantly diverged from its source material, the Sailor Moon manga. Here are ten details that were unique to the anime adaptation.
10. Luna’s Red Eyes Only Exist in the Anime
In the ’90s Sailor Moon anime, Luna, Usagi’s trusted feline guide, is depicted with red eyes, but in the manga, her eyes are blue. Despite this color change in the anime, Luna’s human form retains the original blue eyes, which is more faithful to the manga.
9. Sailor Moon Is the Only Guardian With Multiple Power-Ups
In the anime, Sailor Moon receives several power-ups and transformation sequences, while the other Sailor Guardians get far fewer. The manga, on the other hand, gives all the Guardians equal attention, allowing them to grow in power alongside Usagi.
8. Rei’s Romantic Feelings for Mamoru Were Exclusive to the Anime
In the ’90s anime, Rei is portrayed as having romantic feelings for Mamoru, creating some tension with Usagi. This subplot doesn’t exist in the manga, where Rei and Mamoru are just friends. The anime took the liberty of adding this drama for extra tension.
7. The Maika Tree Arc Is Pure Filler
The anime introduced the Maika Tree Arc after the Dark Kingdom arc, which features two alien villains, Ail and An. This filler arc does not exist in the manga, which instead transitions directly to the Black Moon arc.
6. Usagi and Mamoru’s Painful Break-Up Arc Was Anime-Only
In the Sailor Moon R season, Mamoru breaks up with Usagi because he fears for her safety due to a prophetic vision. This heartbreaking arc was not in the manga, where their relationship remains more stable and less tumultuous.
5. Nehelenia’s Redemption Was Only in the Anime
Queen Nehelenia, a major villain in the Dream and Stars arcs, was given a redemption arc in the anime. After Usagi shows her compassion, she gets a second chance to rule her kingdom. In the manga, however, Nehelenia is portrayed as purely evil with no chance at redemption.
4. Nephrite’s Redemption Arc Was Much More Detailed in the Anime
Nephrite, one of the Dark Kingdom’s generals, gets an extended redemption arc in the anime when he begins to care for Usagi’s friend Naru. This heartfelt subplot is largely absent in the manga, where his redemption is much shorter and less personal.
3. Kunzite and Zoisite Were Portrayed as Lovers Only in the Anime
The anime takes liberties with Kunzite and Zoisite’s relationship, portraying them as lovers. This romantic subplot, which added more LGBTQ+ representation to the series, doesn’t exist in the manga.
2. The Sailor Starlights’ Male Forms Only Exist in the Anime
In the anime, the Sailor Starlights, who are female in their Sailor forms, are depicted as biologically male in their civilian identities. In the manga, they simply disguise themselves as men but remain biologically female.
1. Sailor Galaxia’s Happier Ending Was Exclusive to the Anime
Sailor Galaxia, the final villain of the series, has a tragic but redemptive arc in both the anime and the manga. However, in the anime, she is allowed to live on after her redemption, whereas in the manga, she meets a more definitive end.
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