Weekly Review - Crescent Transformation Brooch

Anime Episode 1

WikiMoon

 The Transformation Brooch (変身・ブローチ - Henshin Buroochi) also known as the Sailor Locket or simply Brooch is Usagi's first transformation item. It first appeared in manga Act 1 and anime Episode 1"Crybaby Usagi's Magnificent Transformation!" In both instances it was Luna who gave Usagi the brooch.

Uses: The brooch is used to transform Usagi (a.k.a. "Serena") into Sailor Moon by using the phrase: "Moon Prism Power, Make Up!"

 Merchandise:

SM Collectibles

1992 Bandai Japan:
This version is the most accurate to the anime style. There was also a European release.

Requires: No Batteries Required!

Operation: Opens up to allow for storage. Does not light or sound.

Price: The European version recently sold for $260 MIB on eBay.

Personal Image

1995 Irwin Sailor Locket:
This is the official North American release of the Brooch.
Requires: 2 AAA Batteries.

Operation: Lights and Sounds when you open it or press the button on the inside. See video.

Price: MIB $50-80. Loose $25-50, maybe a little more.

Fun fact: The inside is actually a replica of the Japanese released Crystal Star Compact. If you look closely at the images on the box, it is actually the Crystal Star Compact pictured (Look for the points of the star at the edges)!

msmaria @LJ

Irwin Secret Scents Sailor Locket
Incredibly rare, released in North America.

Requires: No Batteries Required!

Operation: It holds two "scents" which you can use like perfume.

Price: This item is quite rare, so it's hard to say but one did sell this year for about $97 MIP.

Ochibawolf

2000 Bandai World Version:
Comes with all the accessories you need to transform!

 Requires: No Batteries Required!

Operation: Does not light or sound.

Price: Last year the average was approximately $150. I have not seen one sell this year.

20th Anniversary Merchandise:

GE Animation

2012 GE Animation:
This version is an actual brooch made of metal! It is about 2" wide.

Requires: Clothing/Fabric to pin it on!

Operation: Functions as an actual brooch (if you wish).

Price: Retail is $16.99, but you can probably get it cheaper at places like Amazon or CircleRed.

GE Animation

2012 GE Animation Keychain:
 Made of PVC and ready to hook onto your belongings!

Requires: Something to clip it on to!

Operation: Looks cute and reels in fellow fans!

Price: Retail is $4.95, but do some searching online for deals!





GE Animation has also made a lot of other items which feature this brooch! Including: iPhone Lanyard, Binder, File Folder, PVC Bow Keychain, Belt, Hat, Keychain Mirror, Pin, Button, Bow Button, Patch, Temporary Tattoo, Several Bow Necklaces: Bow1, Bow2, Bow3, Bow4, Wallets: One and Two, and a Wristband. There may be more new items which I am missing, but I think that is the majority of it.

 Did I miss anything? Comments? Questions? Please let me know!

Small Update

Hello Everyone!

It has been some time since my last post, hasn't it? I am very sorry for this! I have started another semester at college, it will be my last, (unless I decide to return later on!) so I am finishing in December!

I have added a few more items to my collection, mostly some newer merchandise from GE Animation. I recently placed an order to get a few more things, including the new star locket! So I will try to get some photos taken once they arrive.

I also started to make my own Sailor Moon inspired blanket/comforter! (See left) It is taking longer than I would like since I don't have much time between classes, work, and homework, but it is coming along.

I'm also working on a new "Weekly Review" post, though I know they have not been weekly for some time, and I likely won't be able to keep it weekly, as much as I would like to! I will try, though. If nothing else I will try to make at least one a month and hopefully once classes are out I can get back to weekly ones.

I hope all of you are doing well. I'll remind you once again that I am a bit more active at my Tumblr page, but it is mostly an occasional reblog of something I like. Although I have had a queue of some collection photos over there (I'm sorry I didn't set one up here).

I have finally caught up again with the manga volumes of the new release! Just received Volumes 5 and 6 yesterday.

I also realized that this means we are half way through the new release of the Sailor Moon manga! It seems like we were just finding out about getting a new release, then hearing the release dates for each volume it sounded like it would take forever to get them all, yet I'm consistently finding myself behind on the volumes! Before you know it we'll be watching the premier of the new anime (2013)!

 Finally received the Mercury/Mars Bandai Asia Star Power Stick set! I won a lot at the end of July which contained this lovely item!
After about two weeks it finally arrived!

Anyway, the box is pretty beaten up but it does not bother me much since most of my RP items don't even have their boxes! I'm glad that it is complete and there is minimal damage on the wands themselves.

These are actually a bit smaller than I expected, or at least when I hold them in my hand they look smaller than they should be, but I'm certain that this item is meant more for children so that's why.

The little heart areas are actually supposed to be nail polish. They are a bit dried up, I did open one and the nail polish was like a gel. I'm sure it wouldn't cover well anyway since it's nearly transparent. ^_^

Finally received a large lot of items today (much more than I have pictured here actually) which I won at the end of July.

The items pictured are basically everything I decided to keep. The cards are still undetermined whether I will ultimately keep them or send them off to another home, but I already have a LOT of cards in binders in my collection, so for now they can stay until I decide what to do with them.

 These three items were my main reason for buying this lot, I actually may already have the patch, but not on it's original backing. The ring was a huge bonus as I've always kind of wanted one (more about that item in a bit).
The wand set was the main thing though, basically the price I paid for the lot was maybe $20 more (with shipping) than just these wands go for! So overall I think the lot was worth it, (even if a lot of it I didn't exactly want). I don't know if I'll ever get the Venus and Jupiter set, they are always so expensive!

For those who don't recognize/know the significance of this ring: In the StarS season/arc of the anime and manga, Mamoru gives Usagi a ring which looks more or less exactly like this one, as a sign of his love. It is often referred to as Usagi's "Engagement Ring" in the manga, they are actually shown getting married with this ring on her finger!

The listing stated that the center stone was real, though I couldn't tell you for sure myself. The box also says Kay's Jewelers but I don't know yet if this is actually where this ring came from. In any case, I'm very happy to own it and to find that it actually fits on my finger! What luck!

Sailor Moon Collection 2012 Video #6

The final video I am sharing with you is of my RP Toys Collection. Now some of you know that I have more detailed photos and descriptions of my RP Items already on my blog here, but I talk a little more about some of these items in the video.

I hope you have enjoyed watching my videos! I'll admit, I was rather nervous about talking in them, but it wasn't too bad! I usually feel like I sound like a child in recordings!

Sailor Moon Collection 2012 Video #5

In this video I talk about the animation cels in my collection. Animation cels are quite a unique item as no two are exactly alike, their costs vary depending on many factors, including: the character, what they are wearing, along with the condition of the cel itself. Owning a cel is literally owning a piece of the show!

I hope you liked the video, be sure to check out my other ones!

Sailor Moon Collection 2012 Video #4

For this video I went through the Sailor Moon items on display in my living room area. This mostly consists of my DVDs, CDs, and a few games. Also the newest release of the Sailor Moon manga has found a home here.

I hope you will enjoy the video!

Sailor Moon Collection 2012 Video #3

I'm adding these two videos to the same post because they sort of go together, I originally had them as one single video but it was too large/long to upload.

I've posted photos of the shelf in the video before, but that was before I finished adding everything to it. Check out what was missing here!

The second part is largely made up of items which did not fit on the shelf, extras, or random items which really don't have a place yet.

I hope you like everything so far!

Sailor Moon 2012 Collection Video #2

The second video of my collection contains most/all of my posters and wall scrolls. Sadly I don't really have any of them on display, but I really like them anyway. If only I could find the Lifesize Jupiter Wall Scroll to go with all of my others!

Check it out here!

More videos to come in the following days!

Sailor Moon 2012 Collection Video #1

I have finally made some collection videos! I'll be sharing them over the next week or two, so be sure to stop by and check them out!

We'll start with my dresser and closet areas, along with some storage items. So you can see some of the newer merchandise I have gotten.

Sailor Moon Collection 2012 - Dresser and Closet Areas

I hope you will enjoy the videos as I post them. Hopefully I can take some nice photos soon and get back to the review posts as well.

Interrupting my hiatus to bring you special news!

There will be a new Sailor Moon anime series coming in the summer of 2013!
It is said that while the original voice actors for Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask were at the event, there was no confirmation (yet) that they will be reprising their roles.

It has also been said that the new anime will be released worldwide, but it is unknown whether this will be only through DVD with subtitles, or if it will be translated into other languages and dubbed by voice actors. 

In any case, the news is very exciting for many fans who have wanted a new series!




There are more details at the animenewsnetwork site.

Hello Everyone!

I have good news, and I have bad news...

The good news is: In just a few more days my special visitor from Germany will arrive!!!!
I'm so excited! They will be here about a month and I'm going crazy running around trying to clean, get things, and organize.

Which leads to the bad news: Between the many work hours I have been putting in, and all the cleaning, etc, I have no new review post for today. I'm terribly sorry!

In fact, I'm not sure if I'll be doing them this whole month. We plan on going a lot of places, but I still will have to work a little while they are here, and I just feel that there will be little to no time to take care of the weekly review posts. Believe it or not, these do take quite some time to prepare!

In any case, I guess you could see this as a sort of "hiatus" for the blog... I know I have not been updating much recently anyway and I'm sorry. I'm a bit more active at my Tumblr but it is mostly re-blogs. However, I do have a queue set up there, a 30 day Sailor Moon challenge. If you want to know a bit more about my past with Sailor Moon, favorite characters, etc please check it out!

Thanks for viewing my blog! Feel free to check out my previous posts!

Oh, and did I ever mention that I added another page for my collection to go along with my RP Items page?

There are plenty more items and photos to add, I'll try to remember to let you know when I update next!

Again, I'm sorry for the lack of updates here, even just catching up with everything online takes some time! I hope you are all having a pleasant spring so far!

Weekly Review - Cutie Moon Rod

Manga Scan

WikiMoon

The Cutie Moon Rod (キューティ・ムーン・ロッド - Kyuti Muun Roddo) also known as the Moon Scepter (dubbed anime) or the Moon Rod (English manga) is Sailor Moon's second attack item. It first appeared in manga Act 14 where it was created by the love between Prince Endymion and Princess Serenity. In the anime, it first appeared in episode 51 (dub 45) "A New Transformation! Usagi Powers up!" where it was given to her by Queen Serenity.

Uses: The rod is used to perform the "Moon Princess Halation" attack. In the dub this attack was "Moon Scepter Elimination" and later on "Moon Scepter Activation"


Merchandise:

1993 Bandai Japan:
This version is the only version which has golden star buttons, all others have red ones. The light sequences for this wand are different from the others.


Requires: 2 AA Batteries


Operation: Each of the three star buttons plays a different tune and light sequence. See Video.

Price: $90-100+ MIB.


The Bandai Japan and Bandai Asia versions have boxes which look extremely similar. The main difference between the two rods is that the Japanese version has gold star buttons, but the Bandai Asia version has red ones. See this photo for reference, it seems that there may be a Bandai Asia 1993 AND 1995 release. Also, check out the European boxed version.

smcollectibles

1993 Bandai Japan Mini Version:
This version is much smaller than the RP ones, and comes with a collectible card and miniature tiara. 

Requires: No Batteries Required!

Operation: Does Nothing. It's cute.

Price: Unknown.

SM RPG Toys

1997 Dark Blue Box Irwin:
I don't know much about this version, but most likely it's exactly like the other Irwin releases in looks and function, just that the box is different!

Requires: 2 AA Batteries

Operation: Same as others I presume.

Price: One sold for $65 MIB (May '12).

Personal Photo

2000-2001(?) Light Blue and Yellow Boxed Irwin:
I decided to combine these two into one because they are essentially the same besides the color of their box, although I am guessing that the yellow boxed version *may* be 2001 release, but I have yet to confirm it.

Requires: 2 AA Batteries

Operation: Lights and sounds like all the others. See Video.

Price: $45-85 MIB.
 

eBay image

2001 Bandai World Version:
Incredibly Rare! It's hard to even find a photo of this item, especially with the box! From what I can gather, this version has a few more details added to the molding of the wand, and the golden wings *may* be longer than the other versions (unconfirmed).

Requires: 2 AA Batteries

Operation: Lights and plays the same as the others. But here's a video!

Price: If you find it for sale, it's incredibly expensive. I've never actually confirmed one selling at the prices they are listed for.


In general, loose versions of the Cutie Moon Rod sell for anywhere between $40-80.

I believe there are some miniature candy versions of this wand, but I did not include them in this post (for now). Also, if anyone has a photo of the yellow-boxed Irwin or a better one of the World version that you would allow me to use I would be very grateful!

Please feel free to leave comments/ask questions! ^_^

Weekly Review - Crystal Star Compact

The Oracle

The Oracle

The Crystal Star Compact (クリスタル・スター Kurisutaru Sutaa), also called the Crystal Star Brooch is Sailor Moon's second transformation item.
It first appeared in manga Act 13, and in the anime it appeared in episode 51 "A New Transformation! Usagi Powers Up" when the Silver Crystal merged with Sailor Moon's original brooch.


Uses: The compact is used to transform Usagi (a.k.a. Serena) into Sailor Moon by saying "Moon Crystal Power, Make Up!"


Merchandise:

Spreadsheet Photo

1993 Bandai Japan:
This locket is very accurate to the anime style. It plays one tune when you open it, and a different one when you press the crystal on the inside, it also has a small mirror!

Requires: 2 R1 or N Size Batteries

Operation: Lights and plays sounds from the anime. See Video

Price: $100-160 Loose, $200-290 MIB depending on the version (and condition).

There is also a European version of the same year and make, but the box is different.

Collectibles & Bootlegs

1993 Bandai Japan Bow Set:

This set comes with a small crystal star brooch on its own bow. It also appears to come with a set of Sailor Moon's odangos.


Price: I have not watched one of these sell.

smcollectibles

1993(?) SMR Accessory Set: 

This set features a golden crystal star brooch on a red bow. It also comes with a miniature Cutie Moon Rod on a gold-colored hoop and chain.


Price: I have not watched one sell yet.

Personal Photo

2001 Bandai World:
This version is darker in color with a more "rounded" look to the star and stickers for the gems. The mirror on the inside is a bit larger than the 1993 version.

Requires: 2 AAA Batteries.


Operation: Lights and sounds like the 1993 version. See Video

Price: $60-110 loose or MIB in 2011. I actually have not seen one sell yet this year!

Thanks to Kelley!

Miniature World Version:

This version is a miniature size which comes with a small key to open it and a "silver crystal" ring hidden inside.

Price: I have not watched these sell so I don't know, sorry!

You can also see the pieces a little better with this photo.

Collectibles & Bootlegs

1993 Bandai Japan Communicator Watch Set:
This set is actually based on the set of communicators the girls used in the show, but the cover is also identical to the crystal star compact. The watch is digital and comes with 5 different covers to represent each of the 5 inner senshi. 


Requires: Digital watch batteries?? (a.k.a. "unknown")


Operation: It's a functional watch!

Price: ~$300 loose. $400+ MIB.



Did I miss any other versions? Please let me know! As always, comments, questions, and suggestions are always welcome! ^_^

SMS and SMSuperS Mahjong Sets!

 

I waited over a month and a half to receive these, SEA shipping takes a long time. Although, with how heavy these are I likely saved a lot more money than if I chose any other shipping method.

In any case, I wanted to share the many photos I took of these! I never knew they existed until I saw another collector with them, and I knew I had to get my own someday.The boxes in the center are from the original SuperS set I bought, but it is missing quite a few pieces along with having cracks in the cases, and they never came with a board. I bought these other two sets in one auction from Japan but the SuperS set was missing the instructions, thankfully my first SuperS set came with them so I basically have a full set minus the box! 

I'm trying to keep the images rather large so it is easier to see some things, but I might make more detailed/closeup photos some other time if I feel it is necessary. 

Sailor Moon S (SMS) Mahjong set: 

Each set comes with it's own instructions and a "scorecard" (or at least I call it that), that seems to be showing how much each tile piece is worth. Also included is a set of "chips" which I assume are for keeping score, and a pair of dice. The board has two sides to it, it seems that you could play two different (?) games.

Here you can get a slightly better look at the tiles. I wish I had opened up the cases for the photo! There appears to be 9 tiles of each character plus a wand, princess, and blank tile.

This photo actually shows the "scorecards" for the SMS and SMSuperS boards along with the instruction booklet for the SMS board. I have not yet tried to decipher how to play the games!

Each side of the board has different images and it seems that they would require a different set up.

SMSuperS Mahjong Set:
 The set I just received did not come with the instructions, just a beaten up scorecard and everything else you see here. It appears to be missing one tile but I can hopefully figure out which one and replace it with my other incomplete set. It is also missing one die, and I don't have any to replace it, but I can always use one from the other Mahjong set. This set basically comes with the same types of items as the other set, just with different images on the tiles and board.

The instructions and scorecard from my original set are actually in beautiful shape, which is weird since the set itself is so beaten up! In fact, the scorecard has never been cut from the backing!










 Here is a slightly better photo of the tiles/pieces. Again, I wish I had thought to take the covers off! I will try to do that soon and show what all the chips look like, too.

 Again, each side of the board is a different image, so I assume there are different ways to play the game!








I hope you enjoyed the post! I just wanted to share my newest additions after waiting so long to receive them!

Weekly Review - Eternal Tier and Holy Moon Chalice

***Please note I am having trouble finding images for this post! I will update the post ASAP with the other missing photos/scans***

The Eternal Tier (エターナル・ティアル Etaanaru Tiaru), also known as the Eternal Tiaru is Sailor Moon's final weapon. It first appeared in manga Act 42: "Earth and Moon Dream" where she obtained it after transforming into Eternal Sailor Moon.
In the anime, it first appeared in episode 167: "A Nightmare Scatters the Flowers! Return of the Dark Queen" when all of the senshi gathered their power into the Kaleido Moon Scope. 

In Act 42 of the manga, the Holy Moon Chalice (ホーリー・ムーン・カリス Ho-ri- Muun Karisu) or Holy Moon Cálice appeared. In the anime it appeared in episode 187 where it was not given a name. The Chalice was added and the Tier extended to become longer, this form of the Tier was called the Moon Power Tiaru.

Uses: The attack"Starlight Honeymoon Therapy Kiss" was mainly used against phage to turn them back into a human by returning their star seed. "Silver Moon Crystal Power Therapy Kiss" was an attack only used in the manga in Act 50.



Merchandise: 

Eternal Tier

Spreadsheet Image

1996 Bandai Japan:

Requires: Two AA Batteries. 

Operation: This item is unique in that it has two buttons and a dial, each of the buttons plays a different sound/tune, and in turning the dial you can either speed up or slow down the rate at which the tune plays. See the Video.

Price: $100-120 loose, $150 MIB.

Spreadsheet Image

1999 World Version:
This is basically the same as the 1996 version. In fact, the only difference that I know of is the box and production year!

Requires: Two AA Batteries.

Operation: Same as the other, but you can check out this nice video of this version if you'd like!

Price: $150-200 MIB.

prettysoldier.net

Bootleg Version: 
I've included this "bootleg" version mostly for educational purposes. This version looks very similar to the others except that the white areas were made pink (far right in the photo).  Also, according to this site it makes noises from ChibiMoon's compact and Pink Moon Stick. The box itself looks a lot like the world box, but it says "Magic Stick" on the front. (I am still searching for a good photo of the box!)

Requires: 2 AA batteries.

Operation: As previously stated, it makes noises like ChibiMoon's items instead of Eternal Sailor Moon's. See this video.

Price: I generally do not watch bootleg items so I do not know what this sells for.

Eternal Tier Staff:
I don't know much about this item other than the fact that it is much longer than the others (see photo far left) and does not light or sound. It is very cute, though!

Requires:  No Batteries required!

Operation: It looks cute! (Does nothing)

Price: $13 MIP but shipping tends to be high due to its length.

Please note: The smallest Tier in the image is from the Eternal Sailor Moon Excellent model!


Holy Moon Chalice

Spreadsheet Image

1996 Bandai Japan:
This is the only version of this item which was produced. It is quite rare/hard to find in or out of box.

Requires: Two AAA Batteries.

Operation: Has three buttons which you can press to make different sounds. It also can come apart to attach to the Eternal Tier. Check out the video.

Price: $280-350 MIB so far this year.


Eternal Tier Extender

sailormoontoys.com

1996 Bandai Japan
This is the only version of this item which was produced. It is extremely rare and very expensive! Which is incredibly strange since it really does not do anything besides adding length to the Tier. 

Requires: No batteries required! But, since it is an extender I suppose you could say it requires having the Tier.

Operation: Besides coming apart to attach to the Eternal Tier, it does nothing.

Price: $130-200 MIB.


This video is a bit long but it demonstrates how to put all of the pieces of the Tier together and all of the sound features.

Did I miss anything? Please feel free to comment! Requests for future reviews are always welcome!