The one woman who shaped who I am today almost as much as my mother did, is Usagi Tsukino, also known as Serena in the American version of the anime Sailor Moon. I have faint memories of buying my first Sailor Moon VHS and staying up all night watching it during the summer while I was 6 years old. When I was 13, I bought my favorite season of the anime on a used DVD with my birthday money. As an adult, I’ve written many analytical essays about the themes of sexuality and feminism that occur in the animated show aimed at little girls. I’ve also attended many Halloween parties dressed as the Black Lady, which is my go to costume when I have pink hair.
So yeah, I’m your average Sailor Moon aficionado. If there is one wish I have for the world, it’s that Sailor Moon could touch another generation of girls to teach them about love, friendship, and hope.
THAT’S WHEN MY DREAM CAME TRUE. For the first time in my life, someone (or something) answered my weird prayers and announced that Sailor Moon would be re-launched in July of this year with a brand new story line and voice cast. It’s called Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal, and it comes out July 5th.
Worried about how you’re going to stream the show that’s airing in Japan? Wishing you could catch up on some classic Sailor Soldier magic? WELL SOMEONE ANSWERED THOSE PRAYERS TOO. Specifically, Hulu.
As of today, Hulu released every season of the original series–along with three of the movies–with subtitles available for free streaming. As if this isn’t cool enough, Hulu is also keeping the original Japanese genders and relationships, which is huge. If you didn’t know, when Sailor Moon was originally re-dubbed for an American audience, they made many of the androgynous male characters into women, and also carefully cut around lesbian relationships in order to make them appear like close friends or family. It’s vital that we now recognize the mistakes made, and allow all audience to view the show as it was intended, without censorship.
Grab your blankets and snack and get ready to binge-watch every girl’s favorite anime. We won’t judge you, we promise. Don’t do anything Usagi wouldn’t do.
