It’s well known that Sailor Venus was the first of the Senshi to appear, as I mention in my review of Volume 1. But it becomes extremely plain as one reads the second volume of Code Name ha Sailor V Perfect Edition, (コードネームはセーラーv-新装版) that, as Takeuchi Naoko finally had time to end the series, she intentionally sewed it neatly into the larger narrative of the Moon Kingdom and the rebirth of the Princess and her guardians.

But first Minako’s secret identity is discovered by the police chief who likes Minako, but secretly fangirls on Sailor V, as both Venus and the police continue to fight against the Dark Energy group.

One of the most intriguing chapters contains what I think of as the “mangaka meltdown”, in which the artist draws about how soul-crushing working as a manga artist is. In this chapter, not only does she have Minako grind as a manga artist’s assistant, she gets to reimagine the Senshi as sisters who run a wedding boutique in “Wedding Aurora,” a manga title which I hope was a nod to Wedding Peach. The image of Aurora and her 8 sisters look mightly familiar. ^_^

Also familiar are the cameo appearances of the Inner Senshi, casually passed by, on street or train. Even as Minako’s memories awaken, she’s not yet able to see past the glamour of magic around them, leaving that part of the story for another series entirely. These moments are absolutely the best part of this volume. I’m such a softie for the Senshi. ^_^

Ratings: 

Art – 7
Story – 5
Characters – 7
Yuri – 0
Service – 1 on principle

Overall – 7

So, while I would not call this a compelling series, if you’re a Sailor Moon completist, it’s worth taking a look at the shiny new Perfect Edition of Code Name ha Sailor V.