Scan barcode
A review by arnrockwell
Codename: Sailor V, Vol. #1 by Naoko Takeuchi
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Having been a fan of Sailor Moon for many years, I was so excited when I learned the manga was getting a new English version by Kodansha Comics and especially the prequel series, Codename: Sailor V. Sailor Venus' adventures prior to joining the main group are not often talked about, so I was looking forward to reading it.
You follow the protagonist Minako Aino, a 13-year-old middle school student who lives in Tokyo, Japan. She learns she is a magical hero known as Sailor V, codename for her real hero name: Sailor Venus. She fights daily battles against the villainous organization called the Dark Agency while trying to juggle her school life and social life at the same time.
For those who have read the Sailor Moon manga before, it follows the same kind of episodic format, at least for this first volume. It feels fresh though thanks to Minako Aino, the protagonist, and how her personality differentiates from that of Usagi Tsukino. She's not a klutz or a crybaby. She's athletic, strong-willed, and determined. She know what she wants and does everything in her power to get it, even if it may get her into trouble. Her interactions with Artemis, her own cat guide, are different as a result.
For those who like to decide on manga based on art style, I think you will find the quality to quite good. Naoko Takeuchi's style comes off as simple yet detailed, capable of portraying her characters as adorably cute or serious without deterring from from the story or pulling you out of it. Action scenes are well-drawn and it are easy to follow. The colours of the cover and first six pages (which are full-coloured) are warm and vibrant.
While I wouldn't necessarily called this a required read, I would recommend it for fans of the series and those who want to get a better grasp of Minako/Sailor Venus' character and what drives her.
You follow the protagonist Minako Aino, a 13-year-old middle school student who lives in Tokyo, Japan. She learns she is a magical hero known as Sailor V, codename for her real hero name: Sailor Venus. She fights daily battles against the villainous organization called the Dark Agency while trying to juggle her school life and social life at the same time.
For those who have read the Sailor Moon manga before, it follows the same kind of episodic format, at least for this first volume. It feels fresh though thanks to Minako Aino, the protagonist, and how her personality differentiates from that of Usagi Tsukino. She's not a klutz or a crybaby. She's athletic, strong-willed, and determined. She know what she wants and does everything in her power to get it, even if it may get her into trouble. Her interactions with Artemis, her own cat guide, are different as a result.
For those who like to decide on manga based on art style, I think you will find the quality to quite good. Naoko Takeuchi's style comes off as simple yet detailed, capable of portraying her characters as adorably cute or serious without deterring from from the story or pulling you out of it. Action scenes are well-drawn and it are easy to follow. The colours of the cover and first six pages (which are full-coloured) are warm and vibrant.
While I wouldn't necessarily called this a required read, I would recommend it for fans of the series and those who want to get a better grasp of Minako/Sailor Venus' character and what drives her.