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!

Well, first I'd like to apologize for my absense in posting. Mumps hit the midwest hard, and with a 5 year old in the schooling system, you tend to take illness alot more seriously than usual. ^_^;;

That being said, it would appear things are on the up and up. And because of my absense, I thought it would only be fair if I took a day of my own to post back to all of you readers out there about the promised BSSM capsule Figures. ^_^

So, let's get on with it, shall we?! ;D

What they look like: Capsule figures came in a large variety of different types. We had Sailor Moon, Princess Serenity, Super Sailor Moon, Eternal Sailor Moon, Ice Cream eating Sailor Moon.. the list goes on. Each one was carefully made, and quite nicely made to boot! With a great attention to detail for something so small, and so cheap, there's no wonder these are so well sought after. They typically came in a large ball with the pieces wrapped in plastic. Typically they came with inserts which showed ALL of the one's in the series to collect. One usually had a good sense of accomplishment, as you also had to put them together yourself! But don't get me wrong, they didn't ALWAYS come in a capsule. Sometimes, we had the capsule figures (also known as Gashapons) come in boxes. Typically these boxed figures came with a bit more than just the figure to put together. Most of the time, you found Ramune candy, along with a couple stickers with it. Overall, they're quite lovely to look at. And finally, to those of you who think you could only get the characters, there was ALSO put together items, of items from each of the series. Things like wands, lockets, and other various accessories. Of course each came with instructions.

What they do: Hrm, aside from look nice, and typically collect dust on your shelf. They really don't DO much of anything. Sorry to dissappoint. Some of them you CAN use for cosplay purposes.. maybe for your super dollfie. Otherwise, they are quite miniscule in size. Though, some of them will make your average collector a bit jealous, again, there really isn't too much to look forward to.

How much they COST: A new addition to my usual. Well, typically you can still find them in most Anime stores for about $4.00-$5.00. However, there is ONE series that is highly sought after, that could quite frankly, break your rainy day funds. And they are; Sailor Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Pluto. For some reason, these Gashapons are actually the most costly, and wanted gashpons in the Sailor Moon capsule fandom. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 (if you're incredibly lucky!) to $50 EACH, unassembled. Some of the more 'fun' gashapons (like the put together lockets etc), you can expect to pay anywhere from $5-$10 each. Depending on their condition.

Well, that concludes another exciting week! ^_^ Next Sunday we're going to have a look at the Sailor Moon Dolls and comparing from the US to Japan.. and beyond! ^_^

Thanks again for joining me! And please take care everyone!!!