The Dead Moon Arc is one of the weaker Sailor Moon arcs, primarily because Chibi Usa is allowed to step in as co-main character. No. Just no. Listen, I'm cool with Chibi Usa growing as a character. I'm fine with her fighting right alongside Sailor Moon, but the story definitely loses some traction when we focus on her rather than Usagi. Usagi is the heart and soul of the story and trying to pretend that Chibi Usa has the same gravitas is just that: pretending.That said, since pretty much every chapter in this volume is a power-up type chapter it means we get to spend some one on one type with the inner senshi, which is always fun. However, the inner senshi can't hold a candle to the last chapter which finally brings back the outer senshi! For me, the highlight of this volume was showing how happy Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna were with their life with Hotaru, but always feeling in the back of their minds that they were going to have to return to battle someday. When Hotaru sees her reflection as Sailor Saturn? Chilling and beautiful. And I'm always down for Haruka and her devotion to Usagi.And! Bonus points for quoting from "The Second Coming" and not using the final lines or "things fall apart; the center cannot hold." I don't think I've ever seen anyone quote this poem and not reference those famous lines, so it really impresses me that Takeuchi would direct our attention to elsewhere in the poem. We start with the age swap of our dear bunnies, that finally makes Chibi-Usa understand that growing up is more than physical appareance. The rest of the chapters show us different ways the others Sailor Guardian have to grow, by defending their own dreams. My favorite chapter of course is the one centered in the Outer Guardians and their daily life as modern family. Hotaru is lovely as much as she is eerie.
What do You think about Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Vol. 09 (2004)?
This may be my favorite installment yet. If not, it's in the top 3.
—Tina
When does Sailor Moon become Queen Serenity already?!!!!???
—gathara
