<img src="http://www.animeuknews.net/img/uploaded/2014-10-19Sailor_Moon_Crystal_Poster_Art.png">
<b>Review of Sailor Moon Crystal - Episodes 6 - 8 Streaming by darkstorm</b>
The search for the Legendary Silver Crystal starts to heat up as Tuxedo Mask foolishly makes his search for it known to the general public on national television, leading Luna and the other Senshi to suspect his intentions. But Usagi doesn’t want to believe that Tuxedo Mask is evil, which leads her to keep a few secrets of her own from her fellow guardians when she not only finds out Tuxedo Mask’s true identity but also why he wants it for himself. Just as their emotions flourish, Sailor V finally makes her grand entrance, just as Queen Metalia starts to lose patience with her minions…<br>
Episodes 6 – 8 of <em>Sailor Moon Crystal</em> have been the most plot heavy of the series so far; the previous episodes haven’t been filler at all but now with most of the ‘inner’ Senshi introduced, the series cranks up the romance between Mamoru and Usagi, pushing their relationship to the forefront and, as a result, gearing up for the big dramatic reveal that all Sailor Moon fans know is coming, most likely in episode 9 which will show two weeks from now.<br>
As far as romance goes, it moves at a too fast of a pace to really get invested in but like the manga it hits the right notes to just about make it work. Having the pair not constantly bicker but instead be emotionally honest and open with each other works better and rings truer to the manga. Episode 7 animates one of Usagi’s and Mamoru’s most tender scenes when she finds out his secret and reasons for the Legendary Silver Crystal. The scene is very sweet portrayed in animated form with a good score to emphasise the emotions beautifully. When the series deviates from the original material, however, it has varied results; within the same episode Tuxedo Mask actually punches Zoisite in the face, a full blown punch which admittedly I found surprising - in a good way at first – he has no powers and out of his feelings for Usagi he tries to defend her by striking a blow at an enemy far stronger than him (and shortly ends up on his backside as a result). Give him credit where it’s due for trying, although if you stop to think about it too much, it unintentionally and <em>very </em>slightly undermines the message of the theme song of girls 'not needing a prince to save them'. Not that he does save them; as I said, he doesn’t accomplish that much after the blow to the face but considering in the original manga he didn’t even get to the scene in time to do anything it’s quite a change, and one that Mamoru fans will definitely find unexpected. I personally found the change a good thing, although I can see why others wouldn't.<br>
<em>Crystal,</em> like the manga doesn't really develop the inner Senshi in terms of character but there are a few shining moments sprinkled across the episodes that help separate this series from other adaptions. The most noticeable is Sailor V/Minako Aino; she's only really appeared in episode 8 so far, but from her introduction you can clearly see a dramatic difference from her manga/90s counterpart, going so far as to echo her personality in the live action series. She’s poised, confident and elegant, having wisdom and past-life knowledge that far exceeds that of the other characters and it’s a delight to watch, including one noteworthy line where she tries to convince Kunzite to remember his past and not attack. Even for someone who knows where that ‘princess’ persona ultimately leads, you’re almost sold on the farce because of her delivery and presence and so far she’s been wonderfully handled. <br>
A few moments from Sailor Jupiter/Makoto Kino are noteworthy too with her inviting everyone round to her house for a meal to welcome the princess (a little ‘awww’ did escape me) and using her powers in a unique way by helping the group levitate to the enemy on Tokyo Tower, which is rare and nice to see.<br>
There’s no escaping a few bumps on the road though, with the animation continuing to bounce between ‘poor’ and ‘average’, but with confirmation that the Blu-ray releases in Japan have improved animation, Western releases are most likely to be using that, so I’m less inclined to moan about it.<br>
Instead I’ll direct a few issues towards writing inconsistencies; mostly coming from episode 6 where in one scene Usagi and Tuxedo Mask talk about their worries and fears over stopping the enemy. Usagi admits to being the leader of a ‘team’ (the Senshi, obviously hinted) but then seconds later says she can’t transform in front of him because she’ll reveal her identity as Sailor Moon. Maybe it’s a poor translation as the scene is written differently in the manga but it came across as unnecessary and badly written drama in the anime. Then a few scenes later Luna calls out ‘Usagi-chan!’ when Sailor Moon appears – so apparently Luna has no worries about blowing her secret identity. <br>
A few animation bumps and writing issues will be enough for non-moonies to ditch this series, but the little sparkles of promise for a unique future for this series are enough, at least for me, to keep tuning in every week to see where it’s all building up to. Especially with episode 8 ending on a cliff- hanger, I have a feeling that from episode 9 things are going to be shaken up a little bit... but we’ll see in a few weeks' time…<br>
<em>Watch the latest episode with English subtitles on the Nico Video site now;</em> <em>http://ch.nicovideo.jp/sailormoon_English</em><br>
<b>Final score: 7 out of 10</b>
<b>Additional screencaps</b>
<img src="http://www.animeuknews.net/img/uploaded/screens/2014-10-19sailor_moon_crystal_act_8_the_sailor_team-1024x576.jpg">
<img src="http://www.animeuknews.net/img/uploaded/screens/2014-10-19sailor_moon_crystal_act_8_sailor_venus_pose-1024x576.jpg">
<img src="http://www.animeuknews.net/img/uploaded/screens/2014-10-19sailor_moon_crystal_act_6_usagi_and_mamoru-1024x576.jpg">
<img src="http://www.animeuknews.net/img/uploaded/screens/2014-10-19sailor_moon_crystal_act_6_moon_healing_escalation-1024x576.jpg">
<b>Review of Sailor Moon Crystal - Episodes 6 - 8 Streaming by darkstorm</b>
The search for the Legendary Silver Crystal starts to heat up as Tuxedo Mask foolishly makes his search for it known to the general public on national television, leading Luna and the other Senshi to suspect his intentions. But Usagi doesn’t want to believe that Tuxedo Mask is evil, which leads her to keep a few secrets of her own from her fellow guardians when she not only finds out Tuxedo Mask’s true identity but also why he wants it for himself. Just as their emotions flourish, Sailor V finally makes her grand entrance, just as Queen Metalia starts to lose patience with her minions…<br>
Episodes 6 – 8 of <em>Sailor Moon Crystal</em> have been the most plot heavy of the series so far; the previous episodes haven’t been filler at all but now with most of the ‘inner’ Senshi introduced, the series cranks up the romance between Mamoru and Usagi, pushing their relationship to the forefront and, as a result, gearing up for the big dramatic reveal that all Sailor Moon fans know is coming, most likely in episode 9 which will show two weeks from now.<br>
As far as romance goes, it moves at a too fast of a pace to really get invested in but like the manga it hits the right notes to just about make it work. Having the pair not constantly bicker but instead be emotionally honest and open with each other works better and rings truer to the manga. Episode 7 animates one of Usagi’s and Mamoru’s most tender scenes when she finds out his secret and reasons for the Legendary Silver Crystal. The scene is very sweet portrayed in animated form with a good score to emphasise the emotions beautifully. When the series deviates from the original material, however, it has varied results; within the same episode Tuxedo Mask actually punches Zoisite in the face, a full blown punch which admittedly I found surprising - in a good way at first – he has no powers and out of his feelings for Usagi he tries to defend her by striking a blow at an enemy far stronger than him (and shortly ends up on his backside as a result). Give him credit where it’s due for trying, although if you stop to think about it too much, it unintentionally and <em>very </em>slightly undermines the message of the theme song of girls 'not needing a prince to save them'. Not that he does save them; as I said, he doesn’t accomplish that much after the blow to the face but considering in the original manga he didn’t even get to the scene in time to do anything it’s quite a change, and one that Mamoru fans will definitely find unexpected. I personally found the change a good thing, although I can see why others wouldn't.<br>
<em>Crystal,</em> like the manga doesn't really develop the inner Senshi in terms of character but there are a few shining moments sprinkled across the episodes that help separate this series from other adaptions. The most noticeable is Sailor V/Minako Aino; she's only really appeared in episode 8 so far, but from her introduction you can clearly see a dramatic difference from her manga/90s counterpart, going so far as to echo her personality in the live action series. She’s poised, confident and elegant, having wisdom and past-life knowledge that far exceeds that of the other characters and it’s a delight to watch, including one noteworthy line where she tries to convince Kunzite to remember his past and not attack. Even for someone who knows where that ‘princess’ persona ultimately leads, you’re almost sold on the farce because of her delivery and presence and so far she’s been wonderfully handled. <br>
A few moments from Sailor Jupiter/Makoto Kino are noteworthy too with her inviting everyone round to her house for a meal to welcome the princess (a little ‘awww’ did escape me) and using her powers in a unique way by helping the group levitate to the enemy on Tokyo Tower, which is rare and nice to see.<br>
There’s no escaping a few bumps on the road though, with the animation continuing to bounce between ‘poor’ and ‘average’, but with confirmation that the Blu-ray releases in Japan have improved animation, Western releases are most likely to be using that, so I’m less inclined to moan about it.<br>
Instead I’ll direct a few issues towards writing inconsistencies; mostly coming from episode 6 where in one scene Usagi and Tuxedo Mask talk about their worries and fears over stopping the enemy. Usagi admits to being the leader of a ‘team’ (the Senshi, obviously hinted) but then seconds later says she can’t transform in front of him because she’ll reveal her identity as Sailor Moon. Maybe it’s a poor translation as the scene is written differently in the manga but it came across as unnecessary and badly written drama in the anime. Then a few scenes later Luna calls out ‘Usagi-chan!’ when Sailor Moon appears – so apparently Luna has no worries about blowing her secret identity. <br>
A few animation bumps and writing issues will be enough for non-moonies to ditch this series, but the little sparkles of promise for a unique future for this series are enough, at least for me, to keep tuning in every week to see where it’s all building up to. Especially with episode 8 ending on a cliff- hanger, I have a feeling that from episode 9 things are going to be shaken up a little bit... but we’ll see in a few weeks' time…<br>
<em>Watch the latest episode with English subtitles on the Nico Video site now;</em> <em>http://ch.nicovideo.jp/sailormoon_English</em><br>
<b>Final score: 7 out of 10</b>
<b>Additional screencaps</b>
<img src="http://www.animeuknews.net/img/uploaded/screens/2014-10-19sailor_moon_crystal_act_8_the_sailor_team-1024x576.jpg">
<img src="http://www.animeuknews.net/img/uploaded/screens/2014-10-19sailor_moon_crystal_act_8_sailor_venus_pose-1024x576.jpg">
<img src="http://www.animeuknews.net/img/uploaded/screens/2014-10-19sailor_moon_crystal_act_6_usagi_and_mamoru-1024x576.jpg">
<img src="http://www.animeuknews.net/img/uploaded/screens/2014-10-19sailor_moon_crystal_act_6_moon_healing_escalation-1024x576.jpg">