How Many Sailor Moon Volumes Are There?
The beloved manga and anime series, Sailor Moon, has been a global phenomenon since its debut in the 1990s. With its iconic characters, engaging storylines, and powerful themes, the series has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. As the series has evolved over the years, so has the number of volumes and publications. In this article, we will delve into the history of Sailor Moon and explore the answer to the question: How many Sailor Moon volumes are there?
A Brief History of Sailor Moon
Before diving into the number of volumes, let’s take a brief look at the history of Sailor Moon. Created by Naoko Takeuchi, the manga was first published in 1992 by Kodansha, a Japanese publishing company. The series follows the adventures of Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy but spirited 14-year-old girl who transforms into the powerful warrior, Sailor Moon, to protect the world from evil forces.
Original Manga Series (1992-1997)
The original Sailor Moon manga series consists of 18 tankobon volumes, which were published between 1992 and 1997. Each tankobon volume contains approximately 200-250 pages of content. Here’s a breakdown of the original series:
- Inners and Outers Arcs (Volumes 1-5): Introduces the main characters and explores the early adventures of Sailor Moon and her friends.
- Black Moon Arc (Volumes 6-8): Focusses on the storyline involving the Black Moon Clan, a group of lunar aliens who threaten the Earth.
- Dream Arc (Volumes 9-12): Explores the storyline involving the dreams and desires of the main characters.
- Sailor Stars Arc (Volumes 13-18): Concludes the original series with the story of the Sailor Stars, a group of idol-singers who become entangled in the battle between good and evil.
Codename: Sailor Moon Eternal Edition (1997-2003)
In 1997, a re-edited and revised version of the original manga series was published, titled Codename: Sailor Moon Eternal Edition. This edition consists of 12 volumes, with new illustrations and revised storylines.
Sailor Moon Eternal Edition +10 (2003-2015)
In 2003, another re-edition of the original manga series was published, titled Sailor Moon Eternal Edition +10. This edition celebrates the 10th anniversary of the series and features revised storylines, new illustrations, and additional content. The +10 edition consists of 12 volumes, similar to the 1997 Eternal Edition.
Sailor Moon Short Stories and Specials
In addition to the main series, there have been various short stories and specials published over the years. These include:
- Sailor Moon Special Edition (1995): A one-shot manga featuring a special storyline not found in the main series.
- Sailor Moon Short Stories (1996-2001): A collection of short stories and mini-comics published in various magazines.
- Sailor Moon Another Story (2000): A short story collection featuring alternative storylines and scenarios.
Sailor Moon in Other Languages
The Sailor Moon series has been translated and published in various languages worldwide. While the exact number of volumes may vary depending on the country and publisher, the original manga series typically consists of:
- Japanese: 18 tankobon volumes (original series)
- English: 18 volumes (Dark Horse Comics)
- French: 18 volumes (Ki-oon)
- German: 18 volumes (Carlsen Comics)
- Italian: 18 volumes (Edizioni Star Comics)
Table: Sailor Moon Volume Counts by Language
| Language | Number of Volumes |
|---|---|
| Japanese (original series) | 18 |
| English (Dark Horse Comics) | 18 |
| French (Ki-oon) | 18 |
| German (Carlsen Comics) | 18 |
| Italian (Edizioni Star Comics) | 18 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a total of 36 volumes of Sailor Moon manga, including the original series, re-edited editions, and special releases. While the number of volumes may vary depending on the language and country of publication, the iconic characters and engaging storylines of Sailor Moon continue to captivate fans worldwide.
Recommendations
For fans new to the series, we recommend starting with the original series (volumes 1-18) to experience the core storyline and characters. For those interested in exploring alternative storylines and scenarios, Sailor Moon Short Stories and Sailor Moon Another Story are excellent additions to the collection.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just discovering the series, Sailor Moon’s iconic heroine, Usagi Tsukino, and her friends are sure to delight and inspire you on your journey.
