In the July 2014 issue of Animedia we got an expanded sneak peek of the new Sailor Moon Crystal series and a majestic pull out poster with new series art.
It looks like either a Gusto or a Johnathan’s, don’t you think? The art style is starting to grow on me. It looks somehow more dynamic when they’re in uniform.
And, here’s the Animedia one page feature on Sailor Moon Crystal. The following translation is somewhat general and not particularly literal. Done on the fly, you know.
Re: MAKE UP!
“The sailor suited pretty soldier of love and justice is here!” That odango-atama is back. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the original work, the “20th Anniversary Project” brings “Sailor Moon Crystal” to your eyes this July. We asked producer (director?) Sakai Munehisa about the new project.
The world of romance and dreams with a new style.
The legendary publication of the “Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon” serial began in 1992. Sailor suited junior high school students, and friends, Tsukino Usagi, Mizuno Ami, Hino Rei, Kino Makoto, Aino Minako (and eventually others) transformed into beautiful soldiers. It was the tale of protecting the Earth from Queen Beryl and seeking out the Silver Crystal.
They became fighting warriors. But, they were still regular junior high school students who enjoyed fashionable things and socializing. And, the main character Usagi had a destined love.
After the manga’s release, a TV anime that when onto complete 5 series began and became a huge hit. It’s not an exaggeration to say the comics and anime went on to become a worldwide success transferring to multiple platforms (the musical). It also became a societal phenomenon and now it’s back. We have to know. Mr. Munehias, please tell us! Is this really a “Re-make-up”?
“This time our theme is really to start from the beginning and stay faithful to the original work. Our style this time is glamorous and delicate. Hair that flows, radiant costumes, like the dream of shoujo manga.” And the enigma of the Moon Princess’s repeating story and her epic tale of romance. It was that sort of glamorous series, so this time I wanted that to show in the work. To bring this out, we used GC to get the lighting and coloring right on the transformation sequences.”
This coming broadcast will be at the same time as the original, Saturdays at 7PM.
“Actually, this time we wanted a more real time feel. We want the now grown up women who watched this originally to be immersed in it again. Rather than nostalgia, we want the fans to feel like they’re back in that dream world. We want them to see it.”
“In this new version, we are updating the casual clothing and the “guest costumes” to the modern era. The location is the same as before, Azabu Juuban. And that, too, will naturally reflect the Azabu Juuban of 2014.”
“With the exception of Usagi’s voice, Mitsuishi Kotono, we held auditions for the other parts.” (See list) All actors auditioning for roles read with Usagi/Mitsuishi before we decided.”
“Of course the delivery method is considerably different, but you’ll see some familiar things right from episode 1.”
Faithful to the old, but brand new. And, with an adult target audience! Usagi, please show us your transformation.
Animage had their own pull out poster and a two page feature and interview about the new series.
Now that’s the action shot!
The feature covers topics such as the auditions for the new series and the new title. Translations paraphrased below.
Guided by the Moonlight
The Sailor Moon that dominated a generation in the 90’s era is back with a new series. It’s a sparkling view of the beautiful soldier never seen before. Moon Princess Power! Make-up!
A series that adult women want to see, too. Just like the original, an anime.
The line “In the name of the moon, I’ll punish you!” 20 years ago marked a cultural movement called Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon. It’s the well known story of a junior high school girl and her friends who transform into soldiers and fight.
And now, as the 20th anniversary, Sailor Moon Crystal starts this July. The title “Sailor Moon Crystal” was proposed by producer Kamiki Yuu (Toei Animation) and approved by Takeuchi Naoko. Director Sakai Munehisa agreed, “The title conveys the aesthetics and worldwide appeal wanted it to.”
The series concept this time is “from the page straight to the screen”. “We want the adult women who have ‘graduated’ from the old anime to enjoy this one, too.” A sort of glamorous, transformed heroine with adult appeal.
We want to create an anime that will make our viewers remember girlhood.
Please tell us about the offer to revive Sailor Moon.
Sakai Munehisa: Sometime last spring, producer Umezawa Atsutoshi and I went out for drinks like we do on occasion. The conversation went along the lines of “I want to worked harder at this job.” Which lead to “Why don’t we do Sailor Moon?” (laugh)
Sako Yukie: And the response was: “You! How about tomorrow?” Right?
Sakai Munehisa: “Yeah, that was basically the response.” (laugh) We had the desire to do it all again.
Sako Yukie: I decided at the audition. Until now I had not worked for Toei Animation, so I had to start from scratch. I got the call last summer to do a character design audition.
Sakai Munehisa: This time we went into the design development with a goal to create a more shoujo look with manga style line work. At that time, we were drawing really thick-lined work. We thought it would be really interesting if we brought Sako Yukie’s style into Sailor Moon. So, we brought her in for a design audition.
Sako Yukie: Thank you for that. It was a real surprise.
(To be continued after my workweek ends…)
