Things just keep looking up for Sailor Moon these days. First we get the unedited subs of the original run of the series. Then we get the fantastic new series run the way series creator Naoko Takeuchi actually wanted it to be run. Now, we're on the eve of hearing the brand new English dubs for the original unedited series for the first time. Viz Media is turning the unveiling into an interactive online event called the Moonlight Party.
The Moonlight Party is a cyber slumber party running from 8PM-12AM PST tomorrow, 5 September 2014. The first four episodes of the brand new dub will debut simultaneously on the Viz Media YouTube page, Hulu, and Neon Alley.
Events include Q&As with the new cast, games, and contests. The official rules suggest a photo contest and the Facebook page mentions trivia contests. The whole thing will be livestreamed on YouTube tomorrow night.
You never need a celebration to get more Sailor Moon in your life. Really. There is no shame in liking a series as strong and entertaining as Sailor Moon. It's funny, it has great characters, it's packed with magical girl action, and it has cats. It has everything.
The series is finally getting a fair shake in America and Naoko Takeuchi finally gets to make the anime she always intended to with Sailor Moon Crystal. It's the same story, just told without unnecessary censorship and alterations to make it more appealing to mass audience. Guess what? It didn't need to be altered. The story of an underdog like Usagi becoming the greatest hero of all time through friendship, magic, and cats is a rather universal one. Shoot, she spends most of her free time playing video games instead of studying. How's that for universal in 2014?
Sailor Moon Crystal is receiving the simulcast treatment on Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Neon Alley, meaning when a new episode debuts in Japan, it also debuts around the world in subs. Dubs will come later.
Meanwhile, the original uncut and unedited Sailor Moon is up to episode 34 on Hulu and Neon Alley, Viz Media's proprietary streaming service. A new limited edition Blu-Ray will also be coming out soon featuring the first 23 episodes and a load of bonus content.
Will you be coming to the party tomorrow night? I'm going to try, but it is awful late for me. 8 Pacific is 11 Eastern and that's well past my bedtime now that I'm back on a regular sleeping schedule.