Well, here we are with another exciting week of Sailor Moon stuff! Sorry for the delay everyone! I was a tad more clumsy than usual, and ended up getting a hairline fracture on my left wrist. But, now that it's been a good week + of recovering with a rather annoying brace, I'm here to bring you the scoop.. on Sailor Moon Dolls!
What they look like: Well now, we're going to be looking at 3 different versions of the dolls. Japanese, American, European. Each of the boxes are typically beautifully made, with vivid colors, and attention to detail, save for a single version. The classic symbol of Sailor Moon easily interpreted in all languages. But it's the doll that really makes a difference! In the Japanese version, we have a keen attention to the finer details. From the sparkle in the eyes, to their cute little mouths and costumes. Their faces are much more childlike in appearance, and rarely if ever changing in each season. Where as the American version seemed a bit more, cheaply made. Often flawed in costumes and accessories, and their boxes being either blue or yellow in color, with very little to admire. Their faces were simple, with noses that could poke your eye out, and mouths hastily painted on. Their eyes being the only characteristic that seems to retain the Japanese nature of the dolls. Finally, the European versions, which were kept quite close to the Japanese versions. Their faces still very much the same, save for a few versions, to which a cross over to the American market seemed to be in play. The attention to detail on the costumes was especially nice, although sometimes flawed as well.
What they do: Well, in the Japanese version, we have MANY different types of dolls. We have smaller dolls that you can play with with accessories and come with pouches, to one's that talk and change their clothes! The Japanese market surely wasted no time on marketing a WIDE variety of Sailor Moon dolls for every season. As for the American version, we only had 2 types. A smaller version, and a "barbie sized" version. Only slightly different, by the ability to remove shoes and gloves in the larger version, the American version was quite boring. Bandai America tried spicing up the dolls, by adding an item at which you could place the smaller dolls atop to allow them to twirl. Where as the larger versions came with keychains to admire and adore. Finally, the European version, keeping quite close to the Japanese version, came in a wide variety of costume changes, accessories, and sometimes evey playsets!
What they Cost: For such a wide range of dolls, there is a wide price range as well. Sometimes you can find the smaller American versions for $1.00 off auction sites, and rummage sales, and going as high as $200 for the famous "Sailor Saturn" doll by Irwin. Where as the harder to find versions of the Japanese Dolls, can cost you anywhere from $20-$400. Finally, ending with the European versions costing anywhere from $20-$200 alone, for it's version of Neo Queen Serenity.
All in all, the dolls are quite a fantastic buy. However, to try and collect them all as a beginner would be more than questionable. With so few out there now in the market, and so many so highly priced and valued, it's no wonder there are so many incomplete sets. One's best bet would be to simply find a specific season or character to collect to begin with, and expanding from there. Watch auction sites, and make friends with many collectors. Many of the dolls can be found at Anime conventions and such, if you bring your wallet, and arrive early. It's one of the harder area's to get into, along with the "UFO" collection of Sailor Moon items.
Next week, we'll look at Sailor Moon Animation Cels!
Until then!!
This update is brough to you by
YesAsia. Grab the
Sailor Stars and
Live Action DVDs before they're gone!
