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!

I know I have been promising this for awhile, but I will try my best to get back into my usual weekly review posts! Since classes ended last week (I got all A's this semester I'm so excited!) I thought I would have a bit more time, but instead I'm just working more at my job.

On top of that, a lot of things are coming up as far as spring/summer events that I am trying to go to, currently most of it has been sort of "traditional" things I do with my family. I feel I have kind of been neglecting spending time with family lately so when my mom or anyone else asks me to spend time with them I really feel compelled to do so, the only problem with that is it's usually my day off and we spend almost the entire day together!! But I really do have a lot of fun.

However, at the same time I have a lot of work to do around my apartment cleaning up, organizing, and so on to get ready for my friend coming to visit. I have hardly started with that so I have a lot of work ahead of me. I also need to really update my last of places I'd love to go while they are here. It's exciting for me because I will get to go to places I've always wanted to see, but didn't want to go by myself!

I suppose this post is mostly a way for me to say that I really have not forgotten about my blog! I try to check my Tumblr one every day but that is mostly because I really enjoy some of the posts I see there and there's a lot more activity going on, but besides the occasional re-blog and/or comment I'm not creating any new/original content there so you're not missing out on anything!

In any case, tomorrow I have a full day off and I'm hoping I will stop being lazy while I'm home enough to get the Friday post ready for this week and do some cleaning. I have a few posts I started editing/setting up awhile back but it really does take a lot of time to find photos and information about various items, especially when I run into things I know very little about.

I hope people will stick around a bit! As I'm cleaning/organizing I'm hoping to do some more "documentation" of my collection, so hopefully I will have some more collection updates soon.

A Few Updates

Basically I am still very busy between work and school. I don't know if I will be able to do the weekly review post yet or not. I have a lot of projects going on and papers to write. In fact, I only have one class in which we have an actual exam (and a project), the rest of my classes are all final projects and/or papers.

So, I'm trying to keep up with all of my schoolwork and still working quite a bit so I can afford to live. In any case, I'm sorry I have not been able to keep up with my blog very much recently.

Last Monday (April 9th) I worked very early in the morning (5:30am) and went to class after work. It wouldn't be too bad if this didn't always make me so tired! But I worked so early so I could see a documentary showing at my college. It was called "The People's Crisis" (video preview) a very interesting film about North Korea and attempts to help refugees escape to become free. I highly recommend it! I even bought the DVD and a T-shirt. Also please check out their website: LiNK

Thursday as part of a group project, I went to the nearby wastewater treatment plant. That was an interesting experience! It actually was not bad at all, you would think the smell would be awful but for the most part the whole area just smells like pond water. It was a very informative tour, their methods are actually pretty natural for cleaning the water before putting it in the river, at least at the plant closest to me.

Friday, when I (again) worked very early, but I stayed until 3pm (so I got 9 1/2 hours) I was supposed to leave at 2:30pm but we had been SO busy all day I stayed to try to help clean up and restock a bit. I was incredibly tired but it was worth it to be able to go to the Asian Heritage Festival at my college, which was at 5:30pm. I was there until about 8:30pm I took a lot of videos and some photos, I may try to share them here when I have time to prepare a post. I still feel a bit bad about not having a regular post that day.


Edit: Oh! I am also happy to say that I will be having a visitor from Germany from early June-early July. I'm so excited! This is someone who I have been talking to for years and have been to visit them, and they are finally coming to visit me! I hope they will enjoy their stay.

This week has just been all work/classes. I'm trying to make headway on all of my projects as they will be due before my papers and exams.

Weekly Review - Cutie Models

The Sailor Moon MegaHouse Cutie Models are part of the Sailor Moon World line of merchandise.

Released: 2003 Made by MegaHouse in China. They are a PVC type material.

These figures are incredibly lovely and well-detailed. Each of the five Inner Senshi were made.
Though many fans wish they had made the Outer Senshi as well! Each of the girls is featured in her own unique pose and with her own special stand.They are 1/8 scale models, about 8 inches tall (20cm).

 
Moon
Featured in her classic "In the name of the Moon, I will punish you" pose.
Her stand is designed with the crescent moon symbol and is yellow. It also uses pegs within the legs to hold her up. See her out of box here.

Price: $60-100 MIB.

Mars
The biggest issue with this cutie model is that the stand is designed to hold her up using a peg in each leg, however, it is very common for these pegs to break due to the flexibility of the PVC. It is very difficult to find her with her pegs unbroken/intact. View her out of box here.

 Price: $50-100 MIB. Usually sells closer to $50-60.




Jupiter
Jupiter's Stand is likely the best of all of them, it is actually a rod connected to the base with a clip to place around one of her legs. See her out of box here.

Price: $70-75 MIB.

Mercury
Featured in her classic pose after transforming. She is incredibly hard to find and tends to be one of the more expensive Cutie Models because of this.
See her out of the box here.


Price: $60-100 MIB.





Venus
Of all the cutie models, Venus is my favorite! Her blowing a kiss pose is incredibly cute and beautiful. It perfectly encompasses Venus' flirty and fun attitude. This is one of the hardest cutie models to find/obtain and one of the more expensive ones if you can find her! See her out of the box here. 


Price: $90-100 MIB.




Complete set price:  A couple of times I have seen the complete set sell on Yahoo!Japan auctions for around $350. However, this does not take into account the exchange rate or any fees (shipping, etc).

Photos of all figures out of box thanks to crystalgirl at Picasa. Check out her many other lovely photos!

crystalgirl

Thanks for viewing!
Please feel free to leave comments or questions!