The series had its genesis in "Codename Sailor V," Naoko Takeuchi's short-lived 1991 manga in "Run-Run" magazine. It reappeared- this time with several color-coded heroines- as "Sailor Moon" in "Nakayoshi" magazine as part of a multimedia promotion with the anime.

The first season of the show closes with a depiction of the entire cast being killed off temporarily; in the United States release, the cast is depicted as being detained elsewhere.

The final episode in 1996 did poorly in the ratings. The producers responded by changing the series to attract younger viewers.

"Sailor Moon R[eturns]" (1993) introduced the Black Moon and Chibi-Usa (Rini).

"Sailor Moon S[uper]" (1994) introduced Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune. Characters also included Professor Tomoe and the Death Busters.

Also in 1994, "Sailor Moon S[uper] S" was released; this is not to be confused with "Sailor Moon S[uper]"! The show focused more on Chibi-Usa and less on Usagi in a bid to target younger girls. However, ratings reached a record low. Characters included Pegasus and Queen Nephrenia.

A final season was titled "Sailor Moon Sailor Stars." Characters included Sailor Galaxia, Shadow Galactica and Sailor Starlight (the Three Lights).

Several were released theatrically. Kunihiko Ikuhara's 60-minute "Sailor Moon R" (1993) was set during the Nega Moon story in the TV series. "Make Up Sailor Senshi!" ("Dreaming Moon") also appeared in 1993, running for 42 minutes. "Sailor Moon S The Movie" (1994) ran for 60 minutes; characters included a young astronomer.

Hiroki Shibata's "Sailor Moon SS" (1995) ran for 60 minutes.

Characters included a new friend of Chibi-Usa. It was billed with the 16-minute movie "Ami-chan's First Love," starring Sailor Mercury.

A dubbed version was imported into the United States. It failed, largely because its timeslot was much too early in the morning.

Erotic parodies of "Sailor Moon" were done in the video series "Venus Five," as well as in "Sailor and the Seven Balls."

English Series Title: Sailor Moon

Related Cartoon Series:

• Sailor Moon (DiC)

Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon TV Episode Guide :