In 1993, the penultimate episode of the first season of Sailor Moon, titled “Death of the Sailor Guardians: The Tragic Final Battle,” caused quite a stir among fans, particularly among children. The episode saw the Sailor Guardians, the lead character’s companions, picked off one by one as they fought against the evil monsters called Youma. The result was a traumatic experience for many fans, particularly for one child in Japan who suffered a severe trauma reaction that resulted in a hospitalization with a fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The child’s physical symptoms were so severe that the doctor asked if the child had experienced any recent trauma.
The traumatic events of the episode led to widespread reactions among fans, both in Japan and beyond. Some children reportedly skipped school and were unable to eat for days after watching the episode. It is not hard to see why the events of the episode would have had such a profound impact on fans, as it depicted the deaths of beloved characters in a violent and gruesome manner.
While the episode was criticized by some parents for its dark and violent content, it remains a defining moment in the history of anime, particularly for fans of the magical girl genre. The ability of a cartoon to have such a profound impact on fans is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of strong characters.
The impact of the episode was not limited to fans in Japan, as the show’s American broadcast cut the death scenes. Viewers in the United States experienced episodes 45 and 46 of Sailor Moon as a single entry that reduced violence in the first half, making it appear as though the Guardians had only been captured. At the end of episode 46, Sailor Moon undoes the tragic events, returning her and the Guardians to their normal lives with no memory of their powers or escapades. The memory wipe is undone early in season 2.
The controversy surrounding the episode highlights the challenges of adapting source material to a different medium, particularly when it comes to dark and violent content. In this case, the Sailor Moon anime adaptation took liberties with its source material, excluding some of the manga’s darkest moments. The anime’s choice to end its “Dark Kingdom” storyline with the deaths of the Sailor Guardians was a bold move that paid off in terms of audience engagement, but it also created a lasting impact on the fans.
Despite the controversy, Sailor Moon remains a successful and beloved anime series with a strong fandom. The show’s portrayal of heroic women helped establish a new wave of magical girl anime, paving the way for other iconic shows like Cardcaptor Sakura and Puella Magi Madoka Magica. The lasting impact of Sailor Moon is a testament to its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and enduring appeal to fans around the world.
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