So, you're a Sailor Moon fan, huh? Prepare for a truth bomb that might just send your tiara spinning: it’s more complicated than you think when it comes to counting those magical girl manga!
The Main Event: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
Let's start with the basics. The original Sailor Moon manga by Naoko Takeuchi. This is where it all began. Usagi Tsukino's transformation from clumsy crybaby to defender of the universe!
This series is typically broken down into five arcs, mirroring the anime seasons. Think of it as five epic adventures rolled into one glittery package.
But here's where things get a little… sparkly. Originally published from 1991 to 1997, these stories were compiled into 18 volumes. That's our first number: 18. Remember it, it’s important!
The Confusing Case of the "Renewed Edition"
Then came the "Renewed Edition." These were released with new cover art and some minor edits.
Suddenly, those 18 volumes were condensed into just 12! It's like magical girl math – mysteriously shrinking numbers.
Think of it like Marie Kondo got her hands on the manga and asked, "Does this volume spark joy?" Fewer volumes, same amount of awesome.
Short Stories: Extra Sprinkles of Moon Power
But wait, there’s more! Naoko Takeuchi wasn't content with just the main storyline. She sprinkled in some delightful short stories.
These little gems offered peeks into the characters' lives outside of battles. Imagine Sailor Venus trying to find the perfect karaoke song, or Sailor Mars struggling with… well, let’s just say ghosts are never simple.
These short stories are usually collected in two volumes called Short Stories Volume 1 and Short Stories Volume 2. Each volume contains several self contained short stories.
Codename: Sailor V - The Precursor
Before Usagi, there was Minako Aino, a.k.a. Sailor Venus. She had her own series called Codename: Sailor V!
This is essentially Sailor Moon Zero. It sets up a lot of the mythology and introduces important concepts, and one particular white cat!.
Codename: Sailor V ran for 3 volumes. So, if you want the full picture, you gotta add those to the total too.
So, How Many *Really* Are There?
Okay, let's do the math. Original Sailor Moon (18 volumes OR 12 in the Renewed Edition) + Short Stories (2 volumes) + Codename: Sailor V (3 volumes).
Depending on which version of the main series you are using, that's either 23 or 17 volumes in total. See? Complicated!
The exact number of *Sailor Moon* manga depends on how you slice it. But one thing's for sure: there's plenty of magical girl goodness to go around!
Whether it's the original 18, the streamlined 12, or the whole shebang including Sailor V and the short stories, each volume offers a journey into the heart of friendship, love, and fighting for what's right (with a healthy dose of comedic mishaps, naturally).
So, next time someone asks you how many Sailor Moon manga there are, just smile knowingly and say, "It's complicated… but totally worth it!"
Besides, who's counting when you're busy saving the world before bedtime?
