Infamous author and illustrator Naoko Takeuchi has undeniably secured her spot in the anime and manga hall of fame with her groundbreaking series Sailor Moon. The series that spawned a legion of magical girl stories, consists of numerous stories and adaptations following protagonist Usagi Tsukino, also known as Sailor Moon, along with her magical friends who work together to fight the forces of evil. Though fans might be more familiar with the franchise due to the Sailor Moon anime that’s popular enough to have its own streaming channel, the manga source material is incredible in its own right.

With this iconic ‘Magical-Girl’ series maintaining popularity since its 1991 release, there have been multiple versions of manga covers for differing language releases, anniversaries, and general reprints. Spanning them all, Takeuchi’s airy, ethereal art style consistently exudes magic, ardor, and amity in its cover illustrations. The story consists of multifaceted characters, complicated conflicts, and astounding themes. Paired with the legendary art style, Sailor Moon is one of the best shojo of all time.

10

Companions in Kimonos

Volume 17

Volume 17 pops with color and happy expressions. Sailor Moon stands in the center with Sailor Jupiter and Mercury to the left, and Sailor Venus and Mars to the right. The girls are clad in Japanese kimonos, which differ from their usual magical attire or casual outfits in their off time. Squished together to pose for the audience, they hold instruments or bags, tied in bows and are covered in colorful and intricate patterns.

The majority of the Sailor Moon covers are visually busy yet fun and bright, creating a fun and exciting environment. Fans love to see the cast all together, and this simple yet sweet composition suits just that. With everyone smiling or winking at the reader, viewers are queued into the loving, affectionate, and friendly environment the characters facilitate for each other.

9

Wistful Under Moonlight

Volume 11

The cover of volume 11 is covered with a dark night sky and colored in dreamy blue hues. A wind passes to the left, blowing through Usagi Tsukino’s hair and sailor-style uniform. Her expression appears wistful, as she gazes off to the distance and stands above the clouds at the bottom of the page.

Despite its overarching cheerful nature and appearance, this magical series touches on numerous heavy topics such as death, grief, and revenge. Author and illustrator Naoko Takeuchi brilliantly meshes an unseemly depth with the otherwise mystic and breezy art style. Reflective of this, a few manga covers hold a plaintive or conflicted air, making them stand out from their spirited sister volumes.

8

Saturn’s Mystery

Volume 32

Sailor Saturn gets her spotlight on the cover of volume 32. She stands to the left holding her Silence Glaive, the “scythe of the Goddess of Death”, with her contemplative visage ghosting the background. The illustration is also dyed in blue and gray, setting a harmonious surrounding that gives way to the detailed designs and bright yellows strewn across.

Each Sailor has notable and admirable points that fans become divided over. Sailor Saturn appears to be severe and undeniably powerful. Simultaneously, her gentle heart peaks through as fans read on. Unlike other personas, her soldier responsibility was not a task she readily took on, but rather something forced upon her. Information about her can be lacking, so with an air of mystery and suspense, viewers can’t help but want to learn more.

7

Ensemble Scattered Across the Night Sky

Volume 35

The Magical-Girl cast comes together for a concluding cover. Issue 35 depicts the ensemble placed around the bottom of the page in various poses and outfits, with Usagi’s face taking the majority of the space in the center. Although the sky is darkened with black and dusty purples, the picture is merry while concurrently dreamy. As with many cover illustrations for the series, fans see a multifarious visual depiction of the characters’ philosophy, struggles, and emotions, depending on the associated plot.

Sailor Moon often finds herself empowered by loved ones around her, emphasizing the typical shoujo message of friendship and teamwork. At the same time, the series portrays even deeper themes of liberation through gender expression, strength balanced with femininity, and integration of LGBTQ+ relationships. However, certain subjects were censored for particular releases.

6

As Bright As the Sun

Volume 31

Volume 31 is bright and warm like the sun, with dazzling yellows and oranges emanating from the center and outwards. Usagi and Chibi-Usa hold their wands together, casting a light across the page. Takeuchi’s use of vivid colors creates stunning interest in her covers, as she incorporates them with dynamic poses and exaggerated features.

There is a divide in how certain characters’ personalities are received. Chibi-Usa is one that some have to warm up to as her sometimes grating personality can strike a nerve. However, her character is interesting to dissect, especially when fans consider the relationship the two share, how it came to be, and the clash between them as they grow closer before mutual understanding is reached.

5

A Feminist Icon

Volume 34

Covered in pink and surrounded by flowers, issue 34 sports a close-up of Usagi posing cutely. This cover is very fitting for the shoujo classic, and although the illustration holds typical motifs of the genre, it is an adorable, lovely, and feminine edition.

Sailor Moon stands as a feminist icon, whether that was the author’s intent or not. Although imperfect, the series portrays strong, capable young women who provide, protect, learn, and grow. Relatable topics of romantic relationships and beauty are often seen, as the genre’s outline dictates; however, the core focus remains on friendship and the duality of women’s abilities and feelings. Gender expression is fluid and progressive for the time, also showing that people can differ yet have paths that converge.

4

A Team of Icons

Volume 3

Fans get a first look at the team with volume 3. It shows a simple blue background, with the famed moon iconography behind them. Each girl is dressed in their individual yet cohesive sailor uniform and unique hair-do. Readers looking back at earlier releases get a wave of nostalgia with this simply composed yet distinguished cover.

Spanning decades and generations, this series has not only become a front-runner in the manga and anime community but has transcended onto the global stage. Its effects can be seen from the fashion industry to Western television, touching the hearts of varying ages, cultures, and orientations. Irrefutably, this series has become a household name whose influence and imagery have integrated into many sides of pop culture.

3

Dreamlike Fated Love

Volume 6

In an apparent fantasy scene, Sailor Moon and Tuxedo mask sit together on the cover of issue 6. The sky is alight with pastel blues and purples, glowing with spots of yellow. Usagi sits in a billowing white gown looking lovingly down at Mamoru Chiba, who lies calm and content in her lap. This dreamy and soft illustration is a serene look at the front-running couple of the series.

Fans of the shoujo genre definitely welcome a wholesome romance story, and Sailor Moon is no exception. This plot spans across multiple parts of the series and is an interesting point of relatable conflict in the otherwise otherworldly drama. Although their relationship might be overshadowed by the theme of ‘fated union’, their lovely connection blossoms organically and persists through adversity.

2

Sailor Moon above the Sunset

Volume 2

Volume 2 depicts a dark cityscape and warm sunset backing the series’ protagonist. Sailor Moon delicately sits on the crescent moon in her famous costume, with her eyes on the sky and wand in hand. This issue’s cover illustration is warm and sentimental, as monochromatic orange hues crash into the deep black below.

It is a recurring instance to see Usagi gazing at the sky, inviting the reader to contemplate her feelings and aspirations. Also coinciding with the setting and story’s devices, her view connects to space and the celestial bodies in which she and her team venture. ‘Outer space’ invites imaginative battles and adventures that the characters would not have if kept grounded. It is a fitting setting for this action-packed and fantastical story.

1

Pretty in Hot Pink

Volume 28

Issue 28 makes a splash with a vibrant hot pink cover and feminine pose. Dressed in an elevated version of her sailor costume and scepter in hand, Usagi sprawls across the page with a dazzling aura. She appears in motion as if falling from the sky, as her hair and costume float around her. Naoko Takeuchi has mastered combining femininity with her drawn poses, infusing movement with grace. This dreamy illustration creates the sensation of coy romanticism mixed with a girly sparkle fitting this shoujo classic.

The series’ author and illustrator blends the recognizable elements of shoujo manga with a modern twist. The sugary colors and the elegant and fashionable characters draw eyes across the page. Her artwork has inspired many in the manga community and across the globe. Its vibrancy is palpable, making for an uplifting and beautiful cover that fans love to see.