Jab’s Builds! (Miss Piggy! The Swedish Chef! Sweetums! Gonzo!)

Where in all of your character write ups will go.
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Batgirl III
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Moon! Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!)

Post by Batgirl III »

See... The problem with all of the Inner Senshi is that they’re all heterosexual. Obviously, this made Haruka, Michiru, and the Starlights the superior objects of waifu daydreaming.

Not one red-head amongst the whole cast, which is odd. Whole bunch of blondes, several brunettes, and multiple shades of blue, and two with pink. Odd.
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Jabroniville
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Moon! Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!)

Post by Jabroniville »

Batgirl III wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:10 am See... The problem with all of the Inner Senshi is that they’re all heterosexual. Obviously, this made Haruka, Michiru, and the Starlights the superior objects of waifu daydreaming.

Not one red-head amongst the whole cast, which is odd. Whole bunch of blondes, several brunettes, and multiple shades of blue, and two with pink. Odd.
'Twas room for only ONE Sexy Redhead on THIS particular show:

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Also Motoki/Andrew got a sister later who had a "Senshi-Tier" design:

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Last edited by Jabroniville on Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:31 am, edited 3 times in total.
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Davies
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Moon! Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!)

Post by Davies »

Batgirl III wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:10 am Not one red-head amongst the whole cast, which is odd.
Naru says hi.
"I'm sorry. I love you. I'm not sorry I love you."
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Moon! Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!)

Post by Jabroniville »

Dang, helluva post from Skavenger here! Glad I timed this final Sailor Moon set for the right time :).
Skavenger wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 6:54 am While I have the nagging fear I'd have to battle Ares in order to utilize the time travel device to go back and bring my past self into the present to meet Jupiter if she ever became real, Mercury was a close second and Mars was...a distant third for me. I appreciated Mercury not just being the bookish one, but the one willing to actually roll up her sleeves and put in the background work when it came to their missions. I might be misremembering (I haven't seen the series since those original dub days on TV), but I recall Luna frequently going to Mercury in order to get assistance looking things up or otherwise researching their current problem.
Yeah, especially early-on, this was definitely a thing. Once Artemis came along, typically HE was her partner.
Plus, well, in an episode of "Real Talk," even as a high school boy, Mercury was 100% identifiable. I had massive pressures on me to do well in school, people thought I was too "intellectual" for them and felt hostile towards me because they thought I believed I was better than them, and I frequently spent every day after school reading, working on homework, or escaping to the Internet back when "spending all my time in chat rooms" was almost unheard of. Any kind of romance was a foreign subject to me, multiple unrequited crushes grew like weeds, and I grew envious of Mercury's ability to make friends even when, at times, she was worse than me at being antisocial. I never broke out in a rash upon the receipt of a kind word or love letter, but, well, the latter weren't really done in American high schools, and I didn't have cuteness and blue hair to fall back on.
This is one of the great things of filling an entire cast with different characters- each one can identify or like different things.
But while Mercury was who I identified with the most, it was Jupiter who I admired, had a formative teenage crush on, and realized, once I saw past the (admittedly delightful) physical appearance of Mars, was the Best Girl. Mars...was a bit too bitchy to me. I picked up on the fact that she was only ever really mean to the people she really cared about, but the idea of being around someone who, even if I wasn't like Usagi, might still treat me like trash, wasn't appealing. I mean, I could understand friendly kidding and teasing fine, but her insults were always pointed and specific towards a person's flaws. Of course, seeing that I had major self-esteem issues through life, the idea of being around someone who takes appears to take delight in that kind of cruelty was a major red flag.

Which makes it somewhat strange that I loved Vidia so much, but while she was a Magnificent Bitch in her own right, I never got the impression that she was cruel because of other people's inability to meet her standards, but out of her own insecurities making her determined to BE the best (her breakdown of what happened to Tink being her fault, and the other fairies going "uh, Tink gets into trouble like that ALL THE TIME" and forgiving her comes to mind). I also, for a time, preferred Veronica Lodge over Betty, because while Betty was the charming, sweet, (and when I originally started reading Archie comics) doormat next door, Veronica knew who she was, didn't let anybody break her down, but would throw it all away in a heartbeat if her best friend needed her help
I think Mars slowly gravitated to this in the end- as I note in my 90-page essay, by Sailor Stars, Rei is so devoted to her team that she charges to the gang the second she hears they need her help. When Usagi pleads for help with the Seiya situation, Rei acknowledges Usagi's flaws but points out how her heart's always in the right place.

And... she's really only this mean to USAGI. And Grandpa. And Yuuichiro. But like... they deserve it! A lot! Sailor Moon in the first season is exceptionally whiny and dangerously incompetent, as Luna repeatedly points out, so Rei is one of the few to bring this up as a severe negative! You'll note how Rei is 100 times more tolerant of, say, Ami or Mako. None of her insults are INCORRECT. It's just... well, people don't appreciate friends like that, lol. "Tough Love" often goes wayyyyyyyyyy over the line into bitchiness with her, but the writers scale it back a few seasons in.

And Rei's Grandpa is always flirting with young girls and Yuuichiro is a doofus. Rei's role, much like that of Vidia or Ronnie, is to POINT OUT said flaws and not let people get away with poor behavior! And in Rei & Ronnie's cases, a good deal of defensiveness and insecurity is at the root of their issues- they're mean and blunt as a form of armor. With Vidia it's more actual arrogance and sourness until she actually befriends the gang.
Side question I meant to ask earlier...did anybody else find it weird that Sailor Moon had a magic wand that was supposed to disguise her as an adult, but all it ever did was just change her clothes and fix her hair? I never really remember her looking any more "grown up" than before, unless it was just the limitations of the animation or not wanting to make her look too different so that children would suddenly think "oh, to get stuff done, you have to be grown-up, people our age can't do it."
She usually gains lipstick in the transformation, which I think is the animators going "Hey look! Older woman!". In the Crystal Tokyo timeline, the elder Sailor Senshi were also shown with similar designs, but with lipstick on. I think we were supposed to see that as a "shorthand" for them looking different or "older". I mean, she was mistaken for a legit stewardess or ship crew member, which would perhaps be unlikely for a 14-year old.
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Moon! Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!)

Post by squirrelly-sama »

Jabroniville wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:17 amImage
Oh hey, it's my favorite scene and the one that keeps popping up in my youtube recommendations.
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Moon! Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!)

Post by Batgirl III »

Davies wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:25 am
Batgirl III wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:10 am Not one red-head amongst the whole cast, which is odd.
Naru says hi.
She’s a brunette.
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Moon! Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!)

Post by marcoasalazarm »

I wonder where in the heck would the Moon Kingdom have its ruins on the Moon. I mean... for the sake of having some kind of Expy of the Blue Area of the Moon in my anime crossover setting idea.

Did the show ever said where they were? Obviously they were never seen from Earth because magic.
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Moon! Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!)

Post by MacynSnow »

marcoasalazarm wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:52 am I wonder where in the heck would the Moon Kingdom have its ruins on the Moon. I mean... for the sake of having some kind of Expy of the Blue Area of the Moon in my anime crossover setting idea.

Did the show ever said where they were? Obviously they were never seen from Earth because magic.
Given the images we see of it throughout the Series (especially in Season One), i'd say where the Inhuman's used to have their place but move it closer to Uatu's front porch. It's just short of the Dark Area of the Moon, so not many telescopes are ever pointed there.
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Moon! Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!)

Post by Batgirl III »

The original Moon Kingdom, the one that existed during Silver Millennium, was located underneath a high-tech environmental dome in the Mare Serenitatis (Sea of Serenity). Roughly north-northwest of the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility).

During the Neo Silver Millennium, in the distant future, Neo Queen Serenity and King Endymion live on Earth in Crystal Tokyo.
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Sailor Jupiter

Post by Jabroniville »

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Art by Yukiusagi, Cherriuki-Dairi, Athena-Chan, Magion, Pikminklink & Cirenk.

* The girls are riding a boat, inexplicably piloted by Mako.
Chibi-Usa: "Hey, how come you know how to pilot a boat, Mako?"
Makoto: *smug grin* "I can do anything!" *winks*


SAILOR JUPITER (Makoto Kino)
Dub Name:
Lita Kino
Role: The Powerhouse, The Tomboy, The Feminine One (yes, that too), The Boy-Crazy One
Main Fuku Colour: Green
Elemental Alignment: Lightning, Wood
Hair Colour: Brown
PL 10 (172)
STRENGTH
3/4 STAMINA 5 AGILITY 4
FIGHTING 8 DEXTERITY 3
INTELLIGENCE 0 AWARENESS 1 PRESENCE 1

Skills:
Acrobatics 3 (+6, +7)
Athletics 4 (+7, +9)
Close Combat (Unarmed) 3 (+11)
Deception 4 (+5)
Expertise (Pop Culture) 6 (+6)
Expertise (Ice Skating) 4 (+7, +8) -- Uses Agility
Expertise (Homemaker) 8 (+8) -- Half-Price
Insight 3 (+4)
Intimidation 7 (+8)
Perception 3 (+4)
Persuasion 3 (+4)
Ranged Combat (Jupiter Attacks) 2 (+9)
Vehicles 2 (+5)

Advantages:
Accurate Attack, All-Out Attack, Daze (Intimidation), Diehard, Equipment (Communicator), Evasion, Extraordinary Effort, Fast Grab, Fearless, Great Endurance, Improved Critical (Unarmed), Improved Hold, Interpose, Last Stand (Ignores All Damage For 1 Round w/ HP Spent), Power Attack, Ranged Attack 4, Set-Up, Startle, Takedown, Teamwork

Powers:
"Sailor Strength"
Enhanced Strength 1 [2]
Strength-Damage +1 [1]
Leaping 2 (30 feet) [2]
Movement 1 (Safe Fall) [2]

"I Can Do Anything!" Enhanced Advantages: Beginner's Luck [1]

"Jupiter Oak Evolution!" Blast 11 (Feats: Improved Critical 2) (Extras: Multiattack, Penetrating 8) (43) -- [50]
  • AE: "Sparkling Wide Pressure!" Blast 9 (Feats: Improved Critical 2, Penetrating 7) (27)
  • AE: "Supreme Thunder!" Damage 8 (Extras: Area- 30ft. Line) (16)
  • AE: "Supreme Thunder DRAGON!" Damage 9 (Feats: Penetrating 8) (Extras: Area- 60ft. Shapeable +2) (Flaws: Tiring) (26)
  • AE: "Jupiter Coconut Cyclone!" Blast 9 (Extras: Area- 30ft. Burst) (27)
  • AE: "Sailor Teleport!" Teleport 14 (Extras: Extended Only +0, Accurate) (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (14)
  • AE: "Sailor Planet Attack!" Damage 14 (Extras: Area- 60ft. Burst +2, Penetrating 6) (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (20)
  • AE: "Sailor Planet Power!" Force Field 8 (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (2)
Offense:
Unarmed +11 (+3 Damage, DC 18)
Unarmed Senshi +11 (+5 Damage, DC 20)
Supreme Thunder +8 Area (+8 Damage, DC 23)
Sparkling Wide Pressure +9 (+9 Ranged Damage, DC 24)
Coconut Cyclone +9 Area (+9 Damage, DC 24)
Jupiter Oak Evolution +9 (+11 Ranged Damage, DC 26)
Initiative +3 (+4 Senshi)

Defenses:
Dodge +11 (DC 21), Parry +11 (DC 21), Toughness +5, Fortitude +6, Will +7

Complications (Early):
Power Loss (All Powers)- Sailor Senshi must be able to gesture and speak freely to use their powers. If they are Bound or Snared, they cannot use their attacks easily.
Normal Identity (Kino Makoto, Without Power Stick)
Responsibility (Sailor Senshi)- The Senshi are forced to fight evil, and protect Sailor Moon.
Responsibility (Schooling)
Secret (Identity)- The Senshi must not reveal their identities to the world at large, nor their villains.
Enemy (Current Big Bad)
---
Responsibility (Temper)- Jupiter is the most easily-angered of the Sailors, and is always the first one to attack. She often over-uses All-Out & Power Attack, robbing her of needed defenses. She is quite often the first Sailor taken down.
Relationship (Usagi)- Makoto Kino doesn't make friends easily- she is tough, brassy, intimidating and insular. It took a weak schoolgirl to break through her defenses and make friends one day, and this changed her life. Mako does not forget this, and is always the first one to spring to Sailor Moon's defense, whether against Sailor Mars, or an enemy.
Relationship (The Other Sailors)- Jupiter is quite close to the other Sailors, but especially Venus. Mars is too proud, and Mercury too bright, to get involved with too many shenanigans.
Obsession (Old Sempai/Upperclassman)- Lita was dumped by an Upperclassman at her old school (named "Freddie" in the Original Dub), and his memory drives her to this day. Any handsome guy will instantly remind her of her old B.F. Regardless of his appearance, demeanor, hobbies, or manner of dress.
---
Obsession (Boys)- Makoto/Lita is boy-crazy like the other girls, but often focuses laser-like on one particular target at a time. A desperate, hopeless romantic, she so shamelessly falls in love with someone at first sight that she can be easily manipulated and hang on endlessly, to the point where even young children give he pitying looks.
Relationship (Motoki)- Motoki is the only crush of Lita's that goes on for a significant period of time. It gets to the point where she tries to interject in his relationship with Reika, who plans to travel abroad for schooling.
Reputation (Bully and Delinquent)- Word got out that Mako was kicked out of her old school for fighting, and her curly hair and "giant size" (5'7"!?!?!!?!?) makes everyone think she's a ruffian.
Responsibility (Masculinity & Femininity)- Mako is a study in contrasts- the most brawl-happy and combat-ready of the Sailors, she is also the most domestically-gifted by far.

Total: Abilities: 50 / Skills: 48--24 / Advantages: 23 / Powers: 58 / Defenses: 17 (172)

Sailor Jupiter- The Most Masculine Sailor & Most Feminine Sailor:
-Sailor Jupiter is just such an incredibly cool, distinct character- one of the most underrated ones out there. A ton of girls I know grew up LOVING her, and I think it all comes down to her basic nature: She is equal parts the most masculine AND the most feminine of the early Sailor Senshi. I mean, she stands out because she's a giantess (in Japan, being 5'7" as a teenage girl is TITANIC), she threatens people, she gets pissed off extremely easily, she beats the shit out of bullies that harass her friends, and she's got the most damaging attacks other than Usagi's out of any of the Inner Sailors. And yet... she wears flower earrings, has flowing bangs and a ponytail, obsessively cleans, is the greatest cook in the land, and falls head over heels for boys more easily than anyone else in the cast- even compared to soft Usagi, it is MAKO that has the most delicate, easily-broken heart. She even states she became such a domestic goddess because she felt self-conscious over being so strong and unfeminine compared to other girls. She's basically what so many girls dream of becoming- tough, strong and cool... but sacrificing ZERO femininity to get there. And as time goes on, we see more and more of her desperate desire for love- she becomes one of the most sympathetic girls over the years.

Jupiter's Debut:
-Jupiter debuts as a tough girl who was thrown out of her old school for fighting- her violent reputation makes everyone avoid her. However, when she beats the hell out of a trio of toughs who threaten clumsy Usagi for running into their pal, Usagi becomes fascinated, ignores all of the nay-sayers, and makes an effort to get to know a new friend. This endears her to the tough Makoto Kino, who hangs out with her from then on, and ALWAYS defends her against others. Soon, she's revealed to be Sailor Jupiter, and proves to be so devoted to kicking ass that she is able to kick ass without transforming, proving it by picking up the Game Machine Man and throwing his ass across the yard before getting her Transformation Pen.

-But while she's this tough, hardcore Fighter-Chick, Mako is also an extremely feminine character- she is a delicate homemaker, taking special care in making numerous special treats at school. Usagi is of course in love with that. And Mako proves her femininity yet again the second a handsome boy shows up- lights in the sky, sparkles in her eyes, and flushing at the cheeks, she moons over Joe the Crane-Game Troll, falling head over heels immediately. "He's just like my sempai!" she warbles, lovingly recalling the older boy who broke her heart (Sempai is Japanese for a person who's older/above you in status). She follows him around endlessly (even when he talks about how "Giant girls like her aren't my type!" ("that's just what HE used to say!"), acts hurt when he doesn't like her, and right when she gets over it... she sees a new boy, and decides to chase after HIM, flummoxing her friends. Jupiter is awesome.

Jupiter in the Show:
-This sets up a lot of running gags- Jupiter is hilariously defensive of Usagi, backing her up against Sailor Mars and others. Anyone outside of her circle who mocks one of them... dies. Yet every single time she meets a new handsome boy, she gets the same reaction- "he's just like my sempai!" She openly crushes on nice-guy Motoki, thus acting as an antagonist to Usagi as they scheme to win his heart. She moons over an ice skater who turns into a Monster, much to the chagrin of his girlfriend (who also becomes a Monster). There's a fun episode where she tries to manipulate Motoki's girlfriend into leaving the country, but ends up cheering them on regardless. But admits that she'll hopefully still be able to win him over.

-Mako is also an effective "ridealong buddy" for Usagi- Ami is too level-headed to join in on shenanigans, and Rei too aloof and proud (she goes along in secret). Mako is just as immature, scholastically-impaired, and boy-crazy as Usagi is at times, so it's fun watching them kind of pair off and act like goofs about their failures. This gives Usagi a partner in crime that works better than the more-normal Naru, who eventually takes a seat.

-Susan Roman's performance of Jupiter is considered the only universally-liked aspect of the Original Dub of Sailor Moon- it's the only thing a "Dubbie" can say in a group of "Subbies" and not have them get their neckbeards into a twist over it. Her dramatic, raspy, breathey voice gave a fun air to the character, easily her finest work (the only other role I know her from is Hanna Dundee in Cadillacs & Dinosaurs, aka "How can a Post-Apocalyptic Show featuring classic cars and f*cking DINOSAURS be so goddamned boring?") and late the "Seventies Rock can save the Universe" movie Rock & Rule. The New Dub version seems to put some effort into matching Roman's delivery a little bit, too.

Jupiter's Talent:
-Jupiter became infamous to the fanbase due to an odd bit of dubbing. See, in the R episode where they're competing over who gets to play Snow White in the play they're putting on, they throw out various excuses as to why they should play the lead (Ami wants the role because she sleeps for much of it, and has fewer lines to memorize)- Jupiter's is, naturally, that she should get the role because she has the biggest breasts. Despite this FLAWLESS LOGIC, the Original Dub decided this wasn't appropes, and so had the dialogue altered to "I have the most experience with acting", which turned into "The most TALENT!" in a later argument. Except they not only kept the motion towards her breasts when she said it (and Rei staring right at them, perturbed), but the "boing!" sound effect at the same time! Henceforth, Sailor Jupiter, the bustiest of the Sailors, was always referred to by the fandom as "the most Talented" due to in in-joke (internet fans by this point were QUITE familiar with the original dialogue).

Jupiter as Time Goes Along:
-The show really glosses over her family life- in the manga, it's stated that her parents were killed in a plane crash, giving her a phobia of airplanes (she actually runs and hides when she sees them). To readers, this would likely have been a reference to Japan Airlines Flight 123, which crashed in 1985 (matching the timeline of a teenager in the show- it's even possible she was intended to be a SURVIVOR of the crash, as four people- including a child- lived)- she has lived on her own for years, getting money from the state. However, this is never mentioned in the anime, and you literally NEVER HEAR HER MENTION HER PARENTS AT ALL in 200 episodes fo the show.

-They did give her some new backstory in R, though, with her talking about her old, platonic friend Kenji, and how their relationship was "closer than romance". He badly injures himself rescuing her from a monster, and she seems devoted to him- we see him comforting her during her first heartbreak- the original dub pulled off the AMAZING sappy song Rainy Day Man at this moment. This left the other girls struck, never realizing two people of different sexes could be that close without being romantic.

-And unfortunately she takes a bit of a back-seat after a point- in Sailor Moon R AND SuperS, she had to share Focus Episodes/New Power Revelation Episodes with Sailor Venus, in a move that made me think the two were paired off separately from "the Main Three". This still irks me, as you have these amazing characters, but make them SHARE EPISODES, even in a show notorious for a huge amount of filler- there are some really awful one-off episodes that could have easily been sacrificed to give Mako her own episode without pulling off some weird argument with Mina. Subsequent seasons give her a bit to do, but it's largely focused around her desire to open her own flower shop once she leaves school. Probably the BEST "Jupiter Gets Infatuated" is the classic SuperS one where Mako sheepishly admits nobody dances with her because she's so tall, but Tiger's Eye (in disguise) hits on her, sending her spiralling into an obsessive, self-destructive crush that has her friends (even naive Chibi-Usa) going "Oh, MAKO...".

Jupiter's Stats:
-Jupiter is built a fair bit differently from her allies. While everyone gets boosts into more physically powerful women fighters, Jupiter becomes REALLY strong and tough, meeting +6 in physical stats, and being very good in melee. She's the only Senshi to be PL 8.5 in melee at all, and has a few more options in combat. Otherwise, she's an ideal Blaster, hitting with tons of Lightning-based attacks (while most Senshi hooked up with one key element, Jupiter left Wood mostly behind and stuck with the lightning of her Planet's namesake except for her final form's attack) in various Areas (the Supreme Thunder Dragon is a particularly horrific example, as it can independently haul ass after a target, but is Tiring to pull off, since she only used it ONCE, in the "let's fill space" arc in Sailor Moon R).

-Jupiter's attacks end up a bit different in the end, as she gets a sudden love of plants (fitting her other "feminine" hobbies, I guess), and she debuts "Jupiter Oak Evolution!", a spinning pirouette that sends out tons of green energy balls in a Multiattack. This fits the manga more, as Jupiter had a lot of wood-themed attacks, owing to wood (not electricity, as in the West) being seen as an element of its own.

SAILOR JUPITER (Makoto Kino)- Sailor Moon S
Dub Name:
Lita Kino
Role: The Powerhouse, The Tomboy, The Feminine One (yes, that too), The Boy-Crazy One
Main Fuku Colour: Green
Elemental Alignment: Lightning, Wood
Hair Colour: Brown
PL 9 (154)
STRENGTH
3/4 STAMINA 5 AGILITY 4
FIGHTING 8 DEXTERITY 3
INTELLIGENCE 0 AWARENESS 1 PRESENCE 1

Skills:
Acrobatics 3 (+6, +7)
Athletics 4 (+7, +9)
Close Combat (Unarmed) 3 (+11)
Deception 4 (+5)
Expertise (Pop Culture) 6 (+6)
Expertise (Ice Skating) 4 (+7, +8) -- Uses Agility
Expertise (Homemaker) 8 (+8) -- Half-Price
Insight 3 (+4)
Intimidation 7 (+8)
Perception 3 (+4)
Persuasion 3 (+4)
Ranged Combat (Jupiter Attacks) 2 (+9)

Advantages:
Accurate Attack, All-Out Attack, Daze (Intimidation), Diehard, Equipment (Communicator), Evasion, Extraordinary Effort, Fast Grab, Fearless, Great Endurance, Improved Critical (Unarmed), Improved Hold, Interpose, Last Stand (Ignores All Damage For 1 Round w/ HP Spent), Power Attack, Ranged Attack 4, Set-Up, Startle, Takedown, Teamwork

Powers:
"Sailor Strength"
Enhanced Strength 1 [2]
Strength-Damage +1 [1]
Leaping 2 (30 feet) [2]
Movement 1 (Safe Fall) [2]

"I Can Do Anything!" Enhanced Advantages: Beginner's Luck [1]

"Sparkling Wide Pressure!" Blast 9 (Feats: Improved Critical 2, Penetrating 7) (27) -- [33]
  • AE: "Supreme Thunder!" Damage 8 (Extras: Area- 30ft. Line) (16)
  • AE: "Supreme Thunder DRAGON!" Damage 9 (Feats: Penetrating 8) (Extras: Area- 60ft. Shapeable +2) (Flaws: Tiring) (26)
  • AE: "Jupiter Coconut Cyclone!" Blast 9 (Extras: Area- 30ft. Burst) (27)
  • AE: "Sailor Teleport!" Teleport 14 (Extras: Extended Only +0, Accurate) (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (14)
  • AE: "Sailor Planet Attack!" Damage 14 (Extras: Area- 60ft. Burst +2, Penetrating 6) (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (20)
  • AE: "Sailor Planet Power!" Force Field 8 (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (2)

Offense:
Unarmed +11 (+3 Damage, DC 18)
Unarmed Senshi +11 (+5 Damage, DC 20)
Supreme Thunder +8 Area (+8 Damage, DC 23)
Sparkling Wide Pressure +9 (+9 Ranged Damage, DC 24)
Coconut Cyclone +9 Area (+9 Damage, DC 24)
Initiative +3 (+4 Senshi)

Defenses:
Dodge +11 (DC 21), Parry +11 (DC 21), Toughness +5, Fortitude +6, Will +7

Complications (Early):
Power Loss (All Powers)- Sailor Senshi must be able to gesture and speak freely to use their powers. If they are Bound or Snared, they cannot use their attacks easily.
Normal Identity (Kino Makoto, Without Power Stick)
Responsibility (Sailor Senshi)- The Senshi are forced to fight evil, and protect Sailor Moon.
Responsibility (Schooling)
Secret (Identity)- The Senshi must not reveal their identities to the world at large, nor their villains.
Enemy (Current Big Bad)
---
Responsibility (Temper)- Jupiter is the most easily-angered of the Sailors, and is always the first one to attack. She often over-uses All-Out & Power Attack, robbing her of needed defenses. She is quite often the first Sailor taken down.
Relationship (Usagi)- Makoto Kino doesn't make friends easily- she is tough, brassy, intimidating and insular. It took a weak schoolgirl to break through her defenses and make friends one day, and this changed her life. Mako does not forget this, and is always the first one to spring to Sailor Moon's defense, whether against Sailor Mars, or an enemy.
Relationship (The Other Sailors)- Jupiter is quite close to the other Sailors, but especially Venus. Mars is too proud, and Mercury too bright, to get involved with too many shenanigans.
Obsession (Old Sempai/Upperclassman)- Lita was dumped by an Upperclassman at her old school (named "Freddie" in the Original Dub), and his memory drives her to this day. Any handsome guy will instantly remind her of her old B.F. Regardless of his appearance, demeanor, hobbies, or manner of dress.
---
Obsession (Boys)- Makoto/Lita is boy-crazy like the other girls, but often focuses laser-like on one particular target at a time.
Relationship (Motoki)- Motoki is the only crush of Lita's that goes on for a significant period of time. It gets to the point where she tries to interject in his relationship with Reika, who plans to travel abroad for schooling.
Reputation (Bully and Delinquent)- Word got out that Mako was kicked out of her old school for fighting, and her curly hair and "giant size" (5'7"!?!?!!?!?) makes everyone think she's a ruffian.
Responsibility (Masculinity & Femininity)- Mako is a study in contrasts- the most brawl-happy and combat-ready of the Sailors, she is also the most domestically-gifted by far.

Total: Abilities: 50 / Skills: 46--23 / Advantages: 23 / Powers: 41 / Defenses: 17 (154)

SAILOR JUPITER (Makoto Kino)- First Season
Dub Name:
Lita Kino
Role: The Powerhouse, The Tomboy, The Feminine One (yes, that too), The Boy-Crazy One
Main Fuku Colour: Green
Elemental Alignment: Lightning, Wood
Hair Colour: Brown
PL 8 (130)
STRENGTH
3/4 STAMINA 5 AGILITY 4
FIGHTING 8 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE 0 AWARENESS 1 PRESENCE 1

Skills:
Acrobatics 3 (+6, +7)
Athletics 4 (+7, +9)
Close Combat (Unarmed) 3 (+11)
Deception 4 (+5)
Expertise (Pop Culture) 6 (+6)
Expertise (Ice Skating) 4 (+7, +8) -- Uses Agility
Expertise (Homemaker) 8 (+8) -- Half-Price
Insight 3 (+4)
Intimidation 7 (+8)
Perception 3 (+4)
Persuasion 3 (+4)
Ranged Combat (Jupiter Attacks) 2 (+9)

Advantages:
Accurate Attack, All-Out Attack, Daze (Intimidation), Diehard, Equipment (Communicator), Evasion, Extraordinary Effort, Fast Grab, Fearless, Great Endurance, Improved Critical (Unarmed), Improved Hold, Interpose, Last Stand (Ignores All Damage For 1 Round w/ HP Spent), Power Attack, Ranged Attack 7, Set-Up, Startle, Takedown, Teamwork

Powers:
"Sailor Strength"
Enhanced Strength 1 [2]
Strength-Damage +1 [1]
Leaping 2 (30 feet) [2]
Movement 1 (Safe Fall) [2]

"Supreme Thunder!" Damage 8 (Extras: Area- 30ft. Line) [15]

Offense:
Unarmed +11 (+3 Damage, DC 18)
Unarmed Senshi +11 (+5 Damage, DC 20)
Supreme Thunder +8 Area (+8 Damage, DC 23)
Sparkling Wide Pressure +9 (+9 Ranged Damage, DC 24)
Coconut Cyclone +9 Area (+9 Damage, DC 24)
Initiative +3 (+4 Senshi)

Defenses:
Dodge +10 (DC 20), Parry +10 (DC 20), Toughness +5, Fortitude +6, Will +7

Complications (Early):
Power Loss (All Powers)- Sailor Senshi must be able to gesture and speak freely to use their powers. If they are Bound or Snared, they cannot use their attacks easily.
Normal Identity (Kino Makoto, Without Power Stick)
Responsibility (Sailor Senshi)- The Senshi are forced to fight evil, and protect Sailor Moon.
Responsibility (Schooling)
Secret (Identity)- The Senshi must not reveal their identities to the world at large, nor their villains.
Enemy (Current Big Bad)
---
Responsibility (Temper)- Jupiter is the most easily-angered of the Sailors, and is always the first one to attack. She often over-uses All-Out & Power Attack, robbing her of needed defenses. She is quite often the first Sailor taken down.
Relationship (Usagi)- Makoto Kino doesn't make friends easily- she is tough, brassy, intimidating and insular. It took a weak schoolgirl to break through her defenses and make friends one day, and this changed her life. Mako does not forget this, and is always the first one to spring to Sailor Moon's defense, whether against Sailor Mars, or an enemy.
Relationship (The Other Sailors)- Jupiter is quite close to the other Sailors, but especially Venus. Mars is too proud, and Mercury too bright, to get involved with too many shenanigans.
Obsession (Old Sempai/Upperclassman)- Lita was dumped by an Upperclassman at her old school (named "Freddie" in the Original Dub), and his memory drives her to this day. Any handsome guy will instantly remind her of her old B.F. Regardless of his appearance, demeanor, hobbies, or manner of dress.
---
Obsession (Boys)- Makoto/Lita is boy-crazy like the other girls, but often focuses laser-like on one particular target at a time.
Relationship (Motoki)- Motoki is the only crush of Lita's that goes on for a significant period of time. It gets to the point where she tries to interject in his relationship with Reika, who plans to travel abroad for schooling.
Reputation (Bully and Delinquent)- Word got out that Mako was kicked out of her old school for fighting, and her curly hair and "giant size" (5'7"!?!?!!?!?) makes everyone think she's a ruffian.
Responsibility (Masculinity & Femininity)- Mako is a study in contrasts- the most brawl-happy and combat-ready of the Sailors, she is also the most domestically-gifted by far.

Total: Abilities: 44 / Skills: 46--23 / Advantages: 26 / Powers: 22 / Defenses: 15 (130)
Last edited by Jabroniville on Tue Apr 13, 2021 7:05 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Batgirl III
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Moon! Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars!)

Post by Batgirl III »

In a cast full of characters with famously impossibly gorgeous legs, Makoto somehow manages to have better gams than the rest of them... Which is, like, kryptonite for yours truly.
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Re: Jab’s Builds! (Sailor Mercury! Sailor Mars! Sailor Jupiter!)

Post by Skavenger »

Makoto/Lita, as previously mentioned by me, was the Perfect Girl to teenage Skav. Not just the "better gams" and "best talent" as others have noted, but in her confidence in herself, it was just when it came to interpersonal relationships that she was vulnerable. There's a wonderful interview with Amanda Celine Miller (the more recent Jupiter voice actress) about the role Makoto/Lita had in her growing up, but I think her combination of masculinity and femininity made her not just a beacon for girls who didn't fit into the traditional "feminine" roles, but also to men who didn't fit in the traditional "masculine" roles.

I sucked at the more masculine sports growing up. I was tall, lean, and with a runner's physique growing up, but I couldn't throw a baseball, shoot a basket, or kick a ball to save my life, and football was just right out of the question. I could golf, but that doesn't really impress anybody under the age of 18 (at least, it didn't before Tiger Woods erupted on the scene). But while I loved building things and working with my hands, I got just as much pleasure out of rolling a batch of pasta, baking a cake, or making soup as I did painting, woodcraft, or (thanks to a brief opportunity I had in elementary school) working over a forge making crude horseshoes for a re-enactment group.

Seeing a character like Makoto/Lita who embraced both sides of herself to become a whole person was inspiring, regardless of the gender of the viewer. In the aforementioned ice skating episode (and as referenced in the interview), she's amazingly graceful and feminine on skates, but when her partner struggles to pick her up because of her size, she doesn't bat an eye before mustering the courage to lift HIM off the ground and continue going, and the look on her face just expresses her joy. She isn't embarrassed to be strong, she isn't ashamed that she doesn't "fit" in the a role, she just is, and god help anybody who tries to hammer her back into a more traditional role. Granted, she didn't always get accepted for what made her "her" (the dance scene with Ami springs to mind), but that's just society not being able to understand her greatness, no fault of hers.

But for my money, the moment I realized "holy crap, this girl is amazing" is watching her initial fight with Zoisite where she, with none of her powers activated, still manages to slap Zoisite across the face. It wasn't an ultra-powerful blow that would have done more than minimal damage, but the fact she was even able to TAG Zoisite was enough proof of her capabilities.

Plus, as others have pointed out, she filled out a dress AMAZINGLY.

(Though, I would love to hear the animator/creator's thoughts about the infamous alleyway scene where she spends a good amount of time transfixed on the view after Mercury falls over. I never really bought any of the "shipping" between the primary five, but it's hard to argue against that scene.)
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Mako Through the Years

Post by Jabroniville »

The brilliant Mako/Ami dance scene, and Mako's heartbreaking reaction to Tiger's Eye flirting with her:

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Mako in Sailor Moon S:
-This season is mainly important for Mako fans (she doesn't really get up to too much) because of her iconic lesbian-esque obsession with Haruka. See, the early gag with Haruka is that she's such a masculine woman that the girls are all smitten with this "handsome" new boy, and kind of ogle "him" until the truth comes out. Mako of course does the "He's just like my senpai" thing, as always. But Mako then KEEPS IT GOING, ever after the truth comes out, to the point where the girls actually think she's a lesbian ("There are lots of great guys out there!" Mars insists, trying to draw Mako back to the peen-loving side). Mako, starry-eyed and BLUSHING, finally confesses that she's just obsessed with Haruka's COOLNESS, and was hanging around her like a lovesick puppy trying to pick up on what makes Haruka so confident, tough and strong. It's believable, in a way, given that Mako's always been the Team Powerhouse, and a bit self-conscious of her masculine traits- someone being so self-assured about the same tendencies would definitely be appealing to her.

-Sadly, this episode also gives Jupiter a prominent beat-down, as Sailor Uranus effortlessly one-punches her in the gut, dropping her to the ground. At least they manage to have a scratch on her arm (... from what, I wonder?), adding "She's strong!", to not leave Jupiter COMPLETELY humiliated. But needless to say, Uranus has now COMPLETELY trumped Jupiter as "The Bad-Ass Sailor", which is a bit of a shame, but an interesting character note.

-This can actually be related to the other "Jupiter Focus Episode", as she's shown getting trounced by a Daimon early in the ep, and goes off on a training mission with some Karate Master in the mountains. You can really by her shaken confidence; her lack of assurance that she's a big part of the team any longer- she doesn't SAY it, but I think the more-powerful new Sailors make her feel inadequate. Jupiter's reaction to single-handedly killing the Daimon is SO BEAUTIFUL- she's just absolutely overjoyed to the point of tears that she's succeeded, and you feel SO good for her.

-Funnily enough, in the manga, Jupiter's only reaction to Haruka is to think she's "handsome", and upon finding out the truth, spends the rest of the time complaining about how annoying Uranus & Neptune's unhelpful behavior is. Just another thing that the show ran away with (an offhand gag about "He looks just like my senpai" becomes Mako's identifiable Character Meme in the show).

-Also, at one point, Makoto is wearing a tight white minidress with thigh-high blue boots. I feel the need to mention that.

Mako in Sailor Moon SuperS:
-In one episode, Makoto finds YET ANOTHER age-old friend from way back, as it turns out that despite being a huge loner with no friends, she befriended Tomoko, a starry-eyed writer who has since gone on to incredible fame thanks to a novel she wrote. Naturally, their backstory involves Mako terrorizing some bullies who were picking on the girl. However, suffering from writer's block and feeling pressured by both fans and publishers to create a new work, Tomoko's become isolated and fearful that she'll never match up to old expectations. It takes Mako's defiant "your story belongs to the world now- it's your responsibility to them to continue!". There's some neat bits, like Tomoko running away from Mako in tears, and Mako's mixed feelings at reconnecting with an old friend she had basically been ignoring for her cooler superhero buddies. But then of course we never see this neat character again, because Makoto has clearly chained her up in the same basement that holds Kenji Shinozake :).

-In one popular episode for shippers, Makoto goes to a much-ballyhooed college dance that's famous for people forming couples. Desperate for a boyfriend, she's ignored because of her height, and weakly blows it off to Ami that she's used to this rejection- it's so neat how she's clearly hurt by this, but really doesn't want anyone to know it, so she acts like she's laughing it off. But Ami Mizuno and her good, GOOD heart goes out there and says "May I have this dance, then?" and the two run off and laugh on the dance floor. Adorbz. They dance well enough that Tiger's Eye notices her, and asks for the next dance. And... ohhh... oh, MAKO. You poor, sad, naive girl. Of COURSE she's got stars in her quivering eyes. MAKO STOP BLUSHING!! STOP PICTURING THE TWO OF YOU DANCING AT A ROMANTIC BALL, ALL WEARING WHITE!! Dammit, girl- you and your romantic heart.

-awwwwwwww and then T.E. is all "lol I tossed in a sprat and caught a whale" because now all the OTHER girls want to dance with him. And Mako just kind of looks on, all innocent and confused, asking politely if they can dance again? JESUS. And then she decides to wait ALL NIGHT in case he comes for one more dance, and Usagi later finds out that she didn't even GO HOME because "I'd never forgive myself if he came by" while she was gone. Even Chibi-Usa is like "Oh, MAKO..." about this. Like, holy crap. And the girls resolve that they're just going to wait there WITH Mako, so she doesn't have to go it alone, because friendship is beautiful and I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING.

-It gets to the point where when Tiger's Eye shows up again, realizing she was the target he was supposed to be after and he ignored her too quickly, but gets flustered when she fawns over him. Even HE scolds her for trusting him so quickly! And just when she learns something about "Maybe it was just the dancing ITSELF I was in love with...", she hears about ANOTHER dance, and immediately runs off to enter it while the other girls just plotz.

-Tragically and shamefully, Jupiter is stuck sharing her next Focus Episode with Venus again- here, Venus fails at her Idol thing yet again, and blurts out that it's easy for MAKO, because her dream is so basic and achievable by contrast. Makoto is rightfully offended at this, as it completely disregards all the years of learning and effort it took to get to her level, and how hard she'll still have to work for it. She yells at Minako, and eventually has to be convinced to meet up and have a heart-to-heart. Though the two at least know each other well enough that they quickly come to terms. One of the funnier bits of the season also sees Mako act like a doofus at the thought of Chibi-Usa having a boyfriend, insisting repeatedly that he "must be older" because she's projecting about senpais again.

Makoto in Sailor Stars:
-Jupiter gets an awesome bit in the Nehalennia arc, catching the witch and JUDO-FLIPPING her. She annoys the Queen by standing in the way of her energy blasts and talking up how wonderful Usagi is, cutting through her facade with "Haven't you ever had a friend like that?" and drawing pure rage. One of her "Focus Episodes" unfortunately mostly has Usagi steal the spotlight, as she & Taiki end up on a cooking show, where the head chef impresses them with his quick thinking and lack of panic when Usagi (of course) destroys the studio by putting in too much flour.
Last edited by Jabroniville on Fri Mar 18, 2022 7:42 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Sailor Venus

Post by Jabroniville »

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Art by Javo-1 & Momo Deary.

SAILOR VENUS (Minako Aino, aka Sailor V)
Dub Name:
Mina
Role: Wannabe Starlet, The Annoying One, The Copy of the Main Hero
Main Fuku Colour: Orange
Elemental Alignment: Metal, Love
Hair Colour: Blonde
PL 10 (159)
STRENGTH
1/2 STAMINA 4 AGILITY 5
FIGHTING 8 DEXTERITY 3
INTELLIGENCE 0 AWARENESS 3 PRESENCE 3

Skills:
Acrobatics 3 (+8)
Athletics 8 (+8, +10 Sailor)
Deception 3 (+6)
Expertise (Idol) 2 (+5)
Expertise (Pop Culture) 8 (+8)
Expertise (Volleyball Player) 4 (+9) -- Uses Agility
Investigation 2 (+5)
Perception 3 (+6)
Persuasion 2 (+5)
Ranged Combat (Venus Attacks) 4 (+10)
Stealth 1 (+6)

Advantages:
Accurate Attack, Daze (Persuasion), Defensive Attack, Equipment (Sailor Communicator), Improved Aim, Improved Initiative, Improved Smash, Move-By Action, Seize Initiative, Set-Up 2, Ranged Attack 3, Taunt, Teamwork

Powers:
"Sailor Strength"
Enhanced Strength 1 [2]
Strength-Damage +1 [1]
Leaping 2 (30 feet) [2]
Movement 1 (Safe Fall) [2]

"Venus Love & Beauty Shock!" Blast 10 (Feats: Improved Critical 2) (Extras: Multiattack, Penetrating 8) (40) -- [49]
  • AE: "Venus Love-Me Chain!" Blast 9 (Feats: Improved Critical) (Extras: Penetrating 4) (23)
  • AE: "Love-Me Chain as Snare" Snare 8 (Feats: Tether, Reversible, Fast Grab) (Flaws: Limited to One Target) (19)
  • AE: "Love-Me Chain as Whip" Damage 8 (Extras: Area- 30ft. Shapeable) (16)
  • AE: "Love-Me Chain as Object-Grabber" Move Object 7 (14)
  • AE: "Crescent Beam!" Blast 7 (Feats: Improved Critical (15)
  • AE: "Crescent Beam Shower!" Blast 8 (Extras: Multiattack) (Flaws: Tiring) (16)
  • AE: "Sailor Teleport!" Teleport 14 (Extras: Extended Only +0, Accurate) (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (14)
  • AE: "Sailor Planet Attack!" Damage 14 (Extras: Area- 60ft. Burst +2, Penetrating 6) (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (20)
  • AE: "Sailor Planet Power!" Force Field 8 (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (2)
Offense:
Unarmed +8 (+1 Damage, DC 16)
Sailor Strength +8 (+3 Damage, DC 18)
Crescent Beam +10 (+7 Ranged Damage, DC 22)
Crescent Beam Shower +10 (+8 Ranged Damage, DC 23)
Love-Me Chain +10 (+9 Ranged Damage, DC 24)
Chain Whip +8 Area (+8 Damage, DC 23)
Venus Love & Beauty Shock +10 (+10 Ranged Damage, DC 25)
Planet Attack +14 Area (+14 Damage, DC 29)
Initiative +9

Defenses:
Dodge +12 (DC 22), Parry +12 (DC 22), Toughness +4, Fortitude +5, Will +8

Complications:
Power Loss (All Powers)- Sailor Senshi must be able to gesture and speak freely to use their powers. If they are Bound or Snared, they cannot use their attacks easily.
Normal Identity (Aino Minako, Without Power Stick)
Responsibility (Sailor Senshi)- The Senshi are charged to fight evil, and protect Sailor Moon.
Responsibility (Schooling)
Secret (Identity)- The Senshi must not reveal their identities to the world at large, nor their villains.
Obsession (Idols & Becoming an Idol)- Minako eventually shifts in personality to become desperately obsessed with idol singers. She loves them, and she wants to BE one, at all costs.
Relationship (Katarina & Alan)- Minako loved Alan, but upon realizing that he cared for Katarina more, she stepped aside and let them be together.
Reputation (Idol Chasing Ditz)- The other girls eventually become rather annoyed as Mina becomes more and more manic.
Reputation (Unlucky in Love)- Minako was cursed as "Sailor V" to always be unlucky in love- all of her attempts at it will go awry.
Enemy (The Dark Kingdom, Ail & An, The Black Moon Clan, The Death Busters, Queen Nehellenia, Sailor Galaxia)

Total: Abilities: 50 / Skills: 40--20 / Advantages: 16 / Powers: 56 / Defenses: 19 (159)

Sailor V- From Upstart Manga to Additional Cast Member:
-Sailor Venus was the toughest "fit" into the Sailor Moon cast, and took the longest of the main five to be normalized. Problematically, she started life as "Sailor V", from a manga of the same name, by the same creator- Sailor V was a normal schoolgirl who transformed into a Sailor-themed fighter, had a talking cat named Artemis, and opposed monsters while dealing with a family based off of Naoko Takeuchi's own, including a bratty younger brother. Naoko had a pretty popular little deal with Sailor V, and at the request of her editors, took the entire concept and shifted it a bit (mineral-themed villains, a talking cat sidekick, called attacks, etc.) for Sailor Moon, which ended up as a sequel set in the same universe. And so with Sailor V joining THAT cast... suddenly we had two characters with more or less the same personality, as Moon was essentially the same kind of character as V- a giddy, crush-having schoolgirl. They even have the SAME FAMILY!

-This heavily contrasts the manga, in which Venus was the actual straight-up LEADER of the Sailor Senshi, packing a dangerous sword and probably being the best overall fighter. Here, she becomes much more serious, and is probably the most merciless of the main five.

Sailor Venus- The Final Inner Senshi:
-This was made worse by the timing- Sailor Venus actually didn't make her debut until Episode #33, and the first season only lasted thirteen more episodes! Up until that point, Sailor V was just some silly thing the girls were all obsessed with, with episodes featuring her arcade games, her upcoming movie, etc. The girls would go see the new Sailor V film, visit the animation studio where the hardworking artists worked, etc. There isn't even any indication that she's a REAL PERSON, and nobody ever makes a connection otherwise. And right after she debuts is when Zoisite is killed, Sailor Moon is revealed to be the Moon Princess, and Mamoru/Endymion is kidnapped and brainwashed! There's so much stuff going on that her characterization has to kind of fall by the wayside.

-"Serious Venus" was thus around for quite some time, as the others had been around for so long and had so much time to develop their relationships, so there was less time for her. This left Sailor Venus (as she was renamed) in a tough spot- the anime creators either had her as the most serious, mature Sailor, or the silliest- she's a bit normal in her civilian form, but in the "Countess Trains Girls To Be Princesses" episode, she's dancing with her partner as if she was a kindergartener, pumping her arms with her eyes closed while he's completely exasperated! And the later seasons seem to kind of blow poor Minako off, as well- in a few Sailor Moon R episodes, she's actually stuck SHARING Focus Episodes with Sailor Jupiter- one of them shows the two like they've paired off as a regular duo, arguing over some silly thing like friends do. This actually makes it pretty clear from the writers that they are the "lesser two" of the Inner Sailors.

Her Past Explained:
-The Original Dub was extremely weird with her, too- the whole Sailor V/Sailor Venus thing is literally NEVER EXPLAINED, and she just pops up one day as Sailor Venus, despite numerous episodes having featured Sailor V stuff heavily- like 33 episodes of Sailor V chat and it's not even MENTIONED that she's the same person, despite pulling off Sailor V's trademark mask in her debut. Things were made worse by her biggest Focus Episode being left out of the airing, as it deals with her "Sailor V" past. Minako's old friend Katarina (who's hooked up with Minako's old crush, Allan, from back when they all lived in England...) arrives under the sway of Kunzite, and becomes the monster Papillon (Butterfly) in order to kill Minako. Usagi helps out (magically able to pilot boats when her Disguise Pen transforms her into an ACTUAL Sailor), and soon we get the backstory- Minako & Katarina were partners, fighting crime and Monsters in England back when Minako was just Sailor V. Minako was in love with Allan, but when she found out that Allan & Katarina were in love, she allowed them to believe that she was killed in a blast. Sailor Moon thinks Venus should be SUPER-bitter and hate them, but the more-mature Venus insists Katarina's not EVIL or anything, and convinces Sailor Moon to use the Healing Activation to cure Katarina of the Dark Kingdom's brainwashing. The final summation: Venus is the most-mature of the Sailors.

-Of course, THAT'd go away once she became the "Idol singer-obsessed" one of the bunch. It was a nice showcasing of the old Sailor V manga. But it's REALLY weird that this "Allan" guy was the key to much of the backstory, but didn't even actually APPEAR- he was just in the flashbacks! This, plus the late introduction of Venus, helped kind of shelve her character for a bit, as the writers kind of figured her out after the first season was over. With the benefit of hindsight (the show's writers were hamstrung by waiting for Naoko's notes- they couldn't debut her sooner), this introduction would probably be handled a little more effectively- the late game of the show is still top-tier, but this stands out.

Venus Becomes Set In Stone:
-Eventually, the writers would give up on her "maturity" and just turn her into the wackiest, goofballiest, Idol-obsessed Sailor. This became finalized in the second-season episode where she takes care of the other girls, who've all come down with colds. "Nurse Venus" begins taking care of them in increasingly-horrible ways, eventually driving Mercury, Mars & Jupiter crazy with her incompetent care (Mars is fed a soup full of salt, then has music blared at her at maximum volume). This goofy version of Venus went over so well with the writers, directors and fans that that it pretty much instantly became the "Iconic Venus", as Venus Fans almost always cite it as their favorite episode. It's a bit odd to see the "Weird, Idol-Obsessed One" in a show where SAILOR MOON is the main character, but that was always kind of my issue with the character- I could never figure out Venus Fans, because to me, it was like cheering on the one character who was basically like the main character, but moreso. Hell, Sailor Mars even breaks the fourth-wall in their clip show episode to accuse them of being "basically the same person!". But I think her becoming more and more off the wall struck a chord with people, as there was more freedom to be odd.

-After this, it's "Venus is Crazy" or "Venus Wants to be an Idol". Her craziest appearance is probably in Sailor Moon S, where she's mortified that all the others have had their Heart Crystals looked at, because that means they're pure- she's concerned as to whether or not she's not as pure as the others! This gets half-mournful and half-silly as she's going nuts with it... and then she FINALLY has her Crystal taken, and instead of being near-death live everyone else is, she just starts CACKLING, gleeful that "I'm pure-heareted after all!" and RUNS OFF with her Crystal! The villain and the other Sailors are aghast and have to chase her down while she giggles like a crazy zombie person.

-The writers go wild with stuff like this, but she also has several bits about her idol-worship and attempts at becoming a singer- usually this is seen as a childish, flippant dream, while at other times it's taken seriously. Her & Mimete rejoice over both mutually being fangirls with "Inside Baseball" knowledge of their favorites and cheer each other on. In one episode her singing is treated as stupid and awful, and she's rejected- she even hurts Mako's feelings by deriding her "shop owner" dreams as being easily-attainable and not HARD, like her dream is. When the Three Lights show up, she's the biggest fangirl of the lot, even getting the "Pervert Nosebleed" when she finds out that Luna has taken a bath with Yaten, seeing his naked body! Like, Venus is a PERV! But she's also impressed by their resolve and hard work- a pro photographer puts her to rights that this is actually a very difficult job that takes a lot of time and effort. So they kind of dance around things- she'll take it seriously one minute, and the next her dreams are sacrificed for a gag- what can ya do?

Venus as Whole:
-Venus is thus the hardest Sailor to pin down- she's so different from the first season to even the second, and she's easily the most "Flanderized"- Jupiter stops mooning over guys so much, Mars becomes less mean towards Usagi, and Mercury's stories focus less on her studies and more on her heart and dreams. But Venus just gets nuttier and wackier. Someone posted once that her craziness compared to the early days might actually make a bit of sense, though- when she was Sailor V, she only had herself to rely on in combat. But with the other Sailors around, she's more free to goof off and "be herself".

Venus's Stats:
-Sailor Venus is a pretty "typical Sailor"- fast and Blast-y. Faster than she is tough, she eventually packs some serious firepower, using multiple variations of her base power and the Snares from her Love-Me Chain. The basic Chain is really just a Blast, much like the Crescent Beam, but I figure it's stronger since she dropped the Beam almost entirely once she got the Chain attack. She also uses the one-off R technique "Crescent Meteor Shower"- a Multiattack Tiring Blast, or can alternately use the Chain as a Snare or a Move Object (in a one-off episode, she grabs a boulder with it and moves it out of the way- something she could never do unarmed). "Venus Love & Beauty Shock" is another Multiattack Blats, throwing out a ton of hearts that bust up the enemies in wide swaths.

SAILOR VENUS (Minako Aino, aka Sailor V)- Sailor Moon S
Dub Name:
Mina
Role: Wannabe Starlet, The Annoying One, The Copy of the Main Hero
Main Fuku Colour: Orange
Elemental Alignment: Metal, Love
Hair Colour: Blonde
PL 9 (139)
STRENGTH
1/2 STAMINA 4 AGILITY 5
FIGHTING 8 DEXTERITY 3
INTELLIGENCE 0 AWARENESS 3 PRESENCE 3

Skills:
Acrobatics 3 (+8)
Athletics 8 (+8, +10 Sailor)
Deception 3 (+6)
Expertise (Idol) 2 (+5)
Expertise (Pop Culture) 8 (+8)
Expertise (Volleyball Player) 4 (+9) -- Uses Agility
Investigation 2 (+5)
Perception 3 (+6)
Persuasion 2 (+5)
Ranged Combat (Venus Attacks) 4 (+10)
Stealth 1 (+6)

Advantages:
Accurate Attack, Daze (Persuasion), Defensive Attack, Equipment (Sailor Communicator), Improved Aim, Improved Initiative, Improved Smash, Move-By Action, Seize Initiative, Set-Up 2, Ranged Attack 3, Taunt, Teamwork

Powers:
"Sailor Strength"
Enhanced Strength 1 [2]
Strength-Damage +1 [1]
Leaping 2 (30 feet) [2]
Movement 1 (Safe Fall) [2]

"Venus Love-Me Chain!" Blast 8 (Feats: Improved Critical) (Extras: Penetrating 4) (21) -- [29]
  • AE: "Love-Me Chain as Snare" Snare 8 (Feats: Tether, Reversible, Fast Grab) (Flaws: Limited to One Target) (19)
  • AE: "Love-Me Chain as Whip" Damage 8 (Extras: Area- 30ft. Shapeable) (16)
  • AE: "Love-Me Chain as Object-Grabber" Move Object 7 (14)
  • AE: "Crescent Beam!" Blast 7 (Feats: Improved Critical (15)
  • AE: "Crescent Beam Shower!" Blast 8 (Extras: Multiattack) (Flaws: Tiring) (16)
  • AE: "Sailor Teleport!" Teleport 14 (Extras: Extended Only +0, Accurate) (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (14)
  • AE: "Sailor Planet Attack!" Damage 14 (Extras: Area- 60ft. Burst +2, Penetrating 6) (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (20)
  • AE: "Sailor Planet Power!" Force Field 8 (Flaws: Requires Other Sailors -2) (2)

Offense:
Unarmed +8 (+1 Damage, DC 16)
Sailor Strength +8 (+3 Damage, DC 18)
Crescent Beam +10 (+7 Ranged Damage, DC 22)
Crescent Beam Shower +10 (+8 Ranged Damage, DC 23)
Love-Me Chain +10 (+8 Ranged Damage, DC 23)
Chain Whip +8 Area (+8 Damage, DC 23)
Planet Attack +14 Area (+14 Damage, DC 29)
Initiative +9

Defenses:
Dodge +12 (DC 22), Parry +12 (DC 22), Toughness +4, Fortitude +5, Will +8

Complications:
Power Loss (All Powers)- Sailor Senshi must be able to gesture and speak freely to use their powers. If they are Bound or Snared, they cannot use their attacks easily.
Normal Identity (Aino Minako, Without Power Stick)
Responsibility (Sailor Senshi)- The Senshi are charged to fight evil, and protect Sailor Moon.
Responsibility (Schooling)
Secret (Identity)- The Senshi must not reveal their identities to the world at large, nor their villains.
Obsession (Idols & Becoming an Idol)- Minako eventually shifts in personality to become desperately obsessed with idol singers. She loves them, and she wants to BE one, at all costs.
Relationship (Katarina & Alan)- Minako loved Alan, but upon realizing that he cared for Katarina more, she stepped aside and let them be together.
Reputation (Idol Chasing Ditz)- The other girls eventually become rather annoyed as Mina becomes more and more manic.
Reputation (Unlucky in Love)- Minako was cursed as "Sailor V" to always be unlucky in love- all of her attempts at it will go awry.
Enemy (The Dark Kingdom, Ail & An, The Black Moon Clan, The Death Busters, Queen Nehellenia, Sailor Galaxia)

Total: Abilities: 50 / Skills: 40--20 / Advantages: 16 / Powers: 36 / Defenses: 19 (139)

SAILOR VENUS (Minako Aino, aka Sailor V)- First Season
Dub Name:
Mina
Role: Wannabe Starlet, The Annoying One, The Copy of the Main Hero
Main Fuku Colour: Orange
Elemental Alignment: Metal, Love
Hair Colour: Blonde
PL 8 (124)
STRENGTH
1/2 STAMINA 4 AGILITY 5
FIGHTING 8 DEXTERITY 3
INTELLIGENCE 0 AWARENESS 3 PRESENCE 3

Skills:
Acrobatics 3 (+8)
Athletics 8 (+8, +10 Sailor)
Deception 3 (+6)
Expertise (Idol) 2 (+5)
Expertise (Pop Culture) 8 (+8)
Expertise (Volleyball Player) 4 (+9) -- Uses Agility
Investigation 2 (+5)
Perception 3 (+6)
Persuasion 2 (+5)
Ranged Combat (Venus Attacks) 4 (+10)
Stealth 1 (+6)

Advantages:
Accurate Attack, Daze (Persuasion), Defensive Attack, Equipment (Sailor Communicator), Improved Aim, Improved Initiative, Improved Smash, Move-By Action, Seize Initiative, Set-Up 2, Ranged Attack 2, Taunt, Teamwork

Powers:
"Sailor Strength"
Enhanced Strength 1 [2]
Strength-Damage +1 [1]
Leaping 2 (30 feet) [2]
Movement 1 (Safe Fall) [2]

"Crescent Beam!" Blast 7 (Feats: Improved Critical) [15]

Offense:
Unarmed +8 (+1 Damage, DC 16)
Sailor Strength +8 (+3 Damage, DC 18)
Crescent Beam +9 (+7 Ranged Damage, DC 22)
Initiative +9

Defenses:
Dodge +12 (DC 22), Parry +12 (DC 22), Toughness +4, Fortitude +5, Will +8

Complications:
Power Loss (All Powers)- Sailor Senshi must be able to gesture and speak freely to use their powers. If they are Bound or Snared, they cannot use their attacks easily.
Normal Identity (Aino Minako, Without Power Stick)
Responsibility (Sailor Senshi)- The Senshi are charged to fight evil, and protect Sailor Moon.
Responsibility (Schooling)
Secret (Identity)- The Senshi must not reveal their identities to the world at large, nor their villains.
Obsession (Idols & Becoming an Idol)- Minako eventually shifts in personality to become desperately obsessed with idol singers. She loves them, and she wants to BE one, at all costs.
Relationship (Katarina & Alan)- Minako loved Alan, but upon realizing that he cared for Katarina more, she stepped aside and let them be together.
Reputation (Idol Chasing Ditz)- The other girls eventually become rather annoyed as Mina becomes more and more manic.
Reputation (Unlucky in Love)- Minako was cursed as "Sailor V" to always be unlucky in love- all of her attempts at it will go awry.
Enemy (The Dark Kingdom, Ail & An, The Black Moon Clan, The Death Busters, Queen Nehellenia, Sailor Galaxia)

Total: Abilities: 50 / Skills: 40--20 / Advantages: 15 / Powers: 22 / Defenses: 19 (124)

-Sailor Venus drops to the standard PL 8 Sailor build in the first season.
Jabroniville
Posts: 24695
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 8:05 pm

Minako Through the Years

Post by Jabroniville »

Minako in Sailor Moon S:
-S really seems to be "Sailor Venus's Coming Out Party"- it gives her more focus than ever, finishes defining her as "the weird, childlike one", and even gives her more backstory. Early on, it's revealed that she was once a major volleyball star, and a lower-level boy had a crush on her. This realization kind of startles her- it makes her realize how much she gave up to be Sailor V, reconsider the focus it has in her life, and makes her think of giving up that life for good. Ultimately, seeing her friends in danger, and realizing the boy actually HAD a girlfriend this time around (she'd interpreted his admission that he wanted to wait to ask her out until they were equals as him saying he STILL liked her), causes her to rejoin the fight, even using her trademark "Serve Return!" technique to defeat the Volleyball-Themed Daimon. She basically confesses to herself that "I am a Sailor Guardian, and there are things that only I can protect", accepting her role in life. And in a cute moment, Artemis (who'd been flabbergasted by her behavior thus far, not understanding the teenage girl mind) gives her a bouquet of roses and asks "will you be my date tonight?"

-Probably her greatest moment is the 109th episode, where she starts to worry about the fact that she hasn't been targetted for her Pure Heart Crystal yet. She obsesses over it to excess- donating dangerous amounts of blood to prove her pure-heartedness, getting equally introspective and manic. And then finally gets her wish- her Heart Crystal is removed! And then, in the greatest bit EVER, she lurches forward like a zombie, grasps the heart... AND RUNS AWAY WITH IT, cackling about how this proves she was pure-hearted after all! Usagi and Eudial are aghast and have to friggin' chase after the lunatic. Minako finally collapses with an exhausted smile on her face, and we can get down to actually fighting the villain.

-Finally, she gets a Focus Episode based around her "Idol Singer" ideal, which becomes a more notable thing later on. It's a great one, focusing on her and the villain Mimete trying to win a contest to become an Idol Singer's costar. Both girls, instead of being rivals, actually BOND over being "True Fans" for having the obscure gear to prove it, and cheer each other on. When Minako falls just short, and her disappointment is stunted by the idol Arajin, who confesses that "your memories of me will fade", as idol worship always does- and that girls will drop following celebrities once they find TRUE love. Minako is of course even MORE entranced by this. Fantastic episode, though. Minako is actually relatively sane for once (her weirdest thing is hiding fangirling from the others), and Mimete is adorably crazy and mercurial.

Minako in Sailor Moon SuperS:
-Alas, in Sailor Moon SuperS, Mina was stuck SHARING WITH MAKO again, so only got one solo episode. It was a funny one, though- with both Tiger's Eye AND Hawk's Eye after her Dream Mirror, she shamelessly dates both men, thinking she's pulling a fast one. While her teammates scold her for two-timing, the two generals reveal they're in on her scheme, but are still competing to see who can seduce her first. With Artemis disappointed in her lack of focus on the mission, she manages to pull an "Archie Andrews" and makde two dates for the same time! This results in the classic "Comedy of Errors", as she tears across the land in her attempts to go on both dates at once, while trying to keep the boys guessing. It goes about as well as you'd expect. And, as expected, Minako learns NOTHING, and says she likes both men... and then when they capture her and look into her dreams, both are horrified ("This girl is too much!" is translated into English as "I need a SHOWER!").

-And then, furious over her "pure feelings" being trampled, Venus breaks free from her bonds through sheer willpower ("Scary!", Artemis shouts) and throws out a "Crescent Beam Barrage" (a Multiattacked version of her Season One attack). In the end, Minako feels a bit morose, staring into the night sky- "I can't believe I let them play me like that" and wonders if she'll ever find true love. Artemis teases her with "I think you were playing them pretty well in return", then suggests that love may be something she comes across after many experiences. A neat little ending that kind of makes me wish this season had more of that kind of stuff.

-In her final Focus Episode this season, she offends Makoto by babying out over her "Idol Dreams" failing and pointing out that Mako's dreams are "So much easier", disregarding the hard work her friend has put into her own dreams. This leads to a brief split, but Minako finally matures a bit and apologizes. "Minako As Idol", debuting in Sailor Moon S, appears to become cemented here, and that actually sticks to her as much as "Venus the Nutjob" does.

Minako in Sailor Stars:
-When Venus is paired off with Sailor Pluto, she's uncharacteristically referred to as the leader of the Sailors, and told to leave Pluto behind when she's captured. Venus refuses and rescues her, turning her Love-Me Chain into a whip. However, she has the shortest bit in the "Sailor Pairings" of that episode, getting captured right away. Once the Three Lights arrive, Minako is the most perverted and obsessed of the Sailors- she tries to make it seem like she's dating them in one episode, trying to jumpstart her own idol career. She finagles a way into being their personal assistant, but is taught an important lesson by a photographer on assignment- "The Idol life isn't so simple". And Minako's all "Kay, our time is done!" at the studio, but everyone just keeps on working- this is when our Victim of the Week softens up and points out this is the cost of the life ("For us, every day is for keeps"). And, in a good learning moment, Minako GETS IT, and redoubles her efforts, realizing there's no side-road to fame and success- she has to earn it.

-In a hilarious bit, the girls discover that Luna has taken a bath with Yaten, and Minako is beside herself with lust, to the point of getting the "anime pervert nosebleed" while thinking about bathing, sleeping and cuddling up next to Yaten. I love how she's just like "OH HELL YES MAMA WANNA RIDE THAT LIKE A PONY!", straight-up curling her fingers at the thought. And then when the Starlights are revealed to have been women all along, Minako's like "LOL well I guess my love interest is a girl; so my for my romantic life!" (which, funnily enough, is an aspect I always forget about until it's mentioned).

-Our final Minako-themed episode, as she hits the semi-finals of an Idol Competition... but sighs and rejects it- there's too much going on right now. This being her lifelong dream, it hurts both her & Artemis, and he confesses the secret to the other girls (who are a bit stunned that Minako's all "Let's study hard and not screw around!"). They confront her at school and force her to take the job, saying that it's been her lifelong dream (Usagi naturally makes the best point: "It's all the more reason to go- you have to hold onto your dreams at all times"). When Yaten turns out to be a judge, now HE'S mad because she's doing this even with the seriousness of the situation, but she goes on anyways. Her song is pretty catchy (but her VA's voice is a bit weak), but impresses the judges enough, as does her helping another girl up when they run into each other during the dance portion. But Yaten's all "URG WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS NOW?" during the Q&A portion, so she responds with "When it comes to your dreams, there is no before and after"- the songwriter (and Victim of the Week, obviously) adds "She's got you there, Yaten". Finally, he confesses that "maybe being a Guardian isn't everything" to her. Minako turns out to have WON the finals... but in a very "Sailor Moon" moment, says "this proves that I can be an idol at ANY time... so right now, I'd rather be with my friends" and puts the letter away, figuring she'll grab her dream later.


My notes on the famous Sailor Venus episode:
Episode #78: This is a pretty famous one for Sailor Venus fans, largely because it completely defined her new personality. Perfected it, basically. A wave of flu virus has hit Juban District in Tokyo (even back then, the Japanese always wore medical masks to avoid transfering illness to others), and all of the Sailors have come down with it... except for Minako. And unfortunately... she is the world's crappiest nurse. She leaves Makoto's place a disaster area, and is then taking care of poor Rei, insisting she'll get her "rice gruel" right this time. Watching Rei eye it suspiciously while Minako's eyes light up like a child on Christmas morning is hilarious. And then of course she A) adds too much salt, B) spills the ENTIRE THING on Rei, and C) dumps her out of bed while trying to change the sheets. Then somehow she blows up Rei's stereo, and the poor girl has had it.

In a bizarre moment, Mina jumps from the ground to the second-floor balcony of Usagi's home! Not even in Sailor form! This... this goes against my theory that their Sailor Forms are powered-up compared to their normal ones! How... how did this happen?!?

Then stuff gets awesome- Mina finally stops F-ing up and Usagi feels a bit better. They have one of those "girl chats" where Usagi's all "is this 'cause I'm the Princess?" and Minas all "Nah, it's because we're great friends and I feel at ease around you". Then, while the Sailors triumphantly stagger through the streets, REFUSING to let the flu virus hold them back from their duty, Mina stumbles upon Esmeraude's plot, and the villainess goes "this means you found out about my plan to make everyone sick, then give them medicine laced with Dark Power?". Mina's all "of course I knew that!" Even though SHE HAD NO IDEA. That is so rad.

Hey- Venus uses the CRESCENT BEAM in her solo fight! We haven't seen that in ages! And then the others arrive, and we get Bubble Spray! Some director was nostalgic, I see. They make short work of the Droid, Esmeraude leaves, and soon poor Minako now has to deal with a flu of her very own... and must survive the ordeal of NURSE USAGI. One of the funnier episodes, largely for slapstick and the growing anger/frustration of the poor Sailors.
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