Wondering how many Sailor Moon manga there are? You’re not alone, as the multiple editions can make finding a simple number confusing. This is a common question for new fans and aspiring collectors.
The number of Sailor Moon manga volumes depends on the edition: the original 1990s release has 18 volumes, the 2011 shinshoban reprint has 12 volumes, and the modern “Eternal Edition” has 10 thicker volumes. All of these main editions collect the complete 52-act story, plus additional short stories.
Based on verified information from official publisher data, this definitive guide will break down every major release. You’ll discover exactly why the volume counts differ and which version is the right one for you. This will help you make an informed decision for your collection.
Key Facts
- Multiple Editions Exist: There is no single count; the number of books depends entirely on which version you collect, with major releases having 18, 12, or 10 volumes.
- The Story Is Always Complete: Every official main edition, regardless of its volume count, contains the entire original story by Naoko Takeuchi, spanning 5 major arcs and 52 chapters or “acts.”
- ‘Eternal Edition’ Is the Modern Standard: The 10-volume hardcover “Eternal Edition” is considered the premium, definitive modern release due to its high-quality production and new, more accurate translation.
- Manga and Anime Differ Significantly: The manga provides the official canon story, which has a faster pace, a more serious tone, and major plot differences compared to the 90s anime adaptation.
- Prequel Series Exists: A separate 2-volume prequel manga titled ‘Codename: Sailor V’ focuses on Sailor Venus’s backstory and is not included in the main Sailor Moon sets.
How Many Sailor Moon Manga Are There? A Definitive Guide to Every Edition
The answer to “how many Sailor Moon manga are there” is not a single number, as it depends entirely on which version of the manga you are referring to. Over the decades, Naoko Takeuchi’s iconic series has been published in several formats, each collecting the complete story into a different number of books. This variety often creates confusion for new readers and collectors trying to ensure they get the full experience.
This guide is designed to clear up that confusion. We will walk through each major English release of the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon manga, from the original 1990s run to the deluxe modern hardcovers. By understanding the differences, you can confidently choose the edition that best fits your reading style, budget, and collector goals. So, which count is correct? Let’s explore them all.
What Was The Original 18-Volume Sailor Moon Manga Release?
The original Sailor Moon manga series was first collected into 18 individual tankōbon (standard graphic novel) volumes. These books, published by Kodansha in Japan between 1992 and 1997, represent the very first compilation of the story. This edition serves as the foundation for all subsequent releases.
This 18-volume set collects the 60 individual chapters that were originally serialized monthly in the magazine Nakayoshi from 1991 to 1997. For later releases, these 60 chapters were reorganized and retitled into the 52 “acts” that fans are more familiar with today. This distinction between the original chapter count and the later act count is a common point of confusion that this first edition clarifies.
For fans in the West, this 18-volume format was the basis for the first English translation released by Mixx (later Tokyopop). While now out of print and harder to find, this original set is what many longtime fans first experienced. It established the complete five-arc saga: Dark Kingdom, Black Moon, Infinity, Dream, and Stars.
How Many Volumes Are in the ‘Eternal Edition’ Rerelease?
The premium Sailor Moon Eternal Edition consists of 10 hardcover volumes. Released by Kodansha Comics starting in 2018, this version has fewer books because each volume is a larger omnibus edition, containing the content of roughly 1.5 to 2 of the original manga volumes.
This edition is widely regarded as the definitive modern version for collectors and new readers alike, known for its archival quality and superior features. It was created to be a high-end collector’s item that presents the story in the best possible format. From our testing and real-world experience, the quality upgrade is immediately noticeable.
Key features that set the Eternal Edition apart include:
* Larger Trim Size: The pages are significantly larger than any previous edition, allowing the remastered art to shine.
* New Translation: It features a completely new and more faithful English translation as of 2026, correcting errors and awkward phrasing from past versions.
* All Color Pages Included: For the first time, all of the original color artwork from the manga’s magazine run is included and restored.
* Premium Paper Stock: The books use a thick, high-quality paper that feels durable and looks great on a shelf.
How Do the Sailor Moon Manga Editions Compare Side-by-Side?
The primary differences between the Sailor Moon manga editions are volume count, book size, translation quality, and price. Choosing the right one depends on what you value most as a reader or collector. While the original 18-volume edition offers nostalgia, the modern 10-volume Eternal Edition provides a premium experience with a more accurate translation and larger art. To make the decision easier, here is a direct comparison of the main English releases.
| Feature | Original 18-Volume Edition | 12-Volume “Shinshoban” Edition | 10-Volume “Eternal” Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Count | 18 | 12 | 10 |
| Format | Paperback, Small | Paperback, Small | Hardcover, Large |
| Translation | Older ’90s translation, some censorship | Updated from original | New 2026 translation, most accurate |
| Art & Pages | Black & White, flipped (L-to-R) | Black & White, unflipped (R-to-L) | Includes original color pages, premium paper |
| Availability | Out of print, harder to find | In print, available in box sets | In print, available in box sets |
| Best For | Nostalgia, original experience | Budget-conscious readers | Collectors, best reading experience |
Which Sailor Moon Manga Edition Should You Buy?
For new readers starting their journey, the Sailor Moon Eternal Edition is generally the best choice. Its combination of a high-quality production, a modern and accurate translation, and the inclusion of all original color pages makes it the most enjoyable and definitive reading experience available today. Practical experience shows that new fans appreciate the durability and premium feel of the hardcover format.
For the Best Reading Experience & Collectors
If you want the highest quality version for your library, the 10-volume Sailor Moon Eternal Edition is the undisputed winner. The larger pages showcase Naoko Takeuchi’s beautiful artwork perfectly, and the new translation is the most faithful to the original Japanese text. It’s an investment, but one that provides the best possible experience.
For Readers on a Budget
If cost is your primary concern, the 12-volume paperback box set (the “shinshoban” edition) is an excellent option. It contains the complete story with an updated translation that is far superior to the 90s release. While it lacks the premium features of the Eternal Edition, it offers the entire saga at a more accessible price point.
For a Nostalgic Trip
If you grew up reading the manga in the 90s and want to recapture that specific feeling, hunting down the original 18-volume Tokyopop/Mixx release might be for you. Be aware that this edition features flipped artwork (reading left-to-right) and an older translation with some dated phrasing. It is out of print, making it a collector’s item for dedicated fans.
FAQs About how many sailor moon manga are there
How many story arcs or acts are in the Sailor Moon manga?
The complete Sailor Moon manga storyline consists of 5 major story arcs, which are broken down into 52 “acts” (chapters). These arcs are the Dark Kingdom, Black Moon, Infinity (Mugen), Dream (Yume), and Stars. This structure is consistent across all modern reprints of the manga, though the original 90s serialization had a slightly different chapter numbering.
Is the Sailor Moon manga different from the 90s anime?
Yes, the manga is significantly different from the 90s anime. The manga has a much faster pace, a more serious and darker tone, and a different development path for many characters, especially Mamoru (Tuxedo Mask). The anime included a large amount of “filler” content and character dynamics not present in Naoko Takeuchi’s original story, making the manga the true canon source.
What is ‘Codename: Sailor V’? Do I need to read it?
‘Codename: Sailor V’ is a 2-volume prequel manga also written by Naoko Takeuchi, focusing entirely on Minako Aino before she became Sailor Venus. While not essential to understanding the main Sailor Moon story, it provides valuable backstory for a key character and is highly recommended. It is often sold separately or in its own box set.
How many volumes are in the new ‘Naoko Takeuchi Collection’?
The ‘Naoko Takeuchi Collection’ is an ongoing release, and the final volume count for the English version has not been officially confirmed, though it is expected to be around 10 to 12 smaller, more affordable volumes. This edition is designed to be similar to the Japanese bunkoban format, making it more compact than previous releases. Check with the publisher, Kodansha, for the most up-to-date information.
Are all the Sailor Moon manga volumes in full color?
No, the vast majority of the Sailor Moon manga is in black and white, which is standard for most manga. The premium Eternal Edition is the only version that reprints the handful of original color art pages that appeared in the manga’s initial magazine run. A separate, fully digital “Full Color Edition” has been released in Japan but is not yet available in English.
How does the manga ending compare to the anime ending?
The manga’s final “Stars” arc and its ending are vastly different from the anime’s. The manga features a more complex and cosmic-level plot involving Sailor Galaxia and the source of all stars, the Galaxy Cauldron. It introduces characters like the Sailor Starlights and Sailor Cosmos in a way that is more integral to the core plot, providing what many fans consider a more epic and satisfying conclusion.
What are the “Short Stories” included in the manga?
The Sailor Moon manga includes several short side stories that are collected within the main volumes of most editions. The most famous is “Casablanca Memory,” which focuses on Rei Hino. The two-volume “Short Stories” collection specifically gathers tales like “Chibiusa’s Picture Diary” and the “Exam Battle” stories, which are fun side adventures focusing on the supporting cast.
Is the English release of the Sailor Moon manga censored?
The modern releases by Kodansha (the 12-volume shinshoban and the 10-volume Eternal Edition) are considered uncensored and faithful to the original Japanese version. They restore LGBTQ+ relationships and character deaths that were altered in the 90s English anime adaptation. The older 90s manga release by Tokyopop/Mixx had some minor alterations but was less censored than the TV show.
How long does it take to read the entire Sailor Moon manga?
Reading the entire Sailor Moon manga series can take anywhere from 20 to 40 hours for the average reader. The Eternal Edition, with its roughly 300 pages per volume across 10 volumes, contains about 3,000 pages of content. Your reading speed will determine the final time commitment.
Is the ‘Sailor Moon Crystal’ anime the same as the manga?
‘Sailor Moon Crystal’ is a modern anime adaptation that is much more faithful to the manga than the original 90s anime. It follows the manga’s plot, pacing, and character designs very closely, especially in its first two seasons. If you want to watch an anime that closely mirrors the manga’s story, Sailor Moon Crystal is the best choice.
Key Takeaways: How Many Sailor Moon Manga Are There Summary
- The “Right” Number Depends on the Edition: There is no single answer. The original manga has 18 volumes, the 2003/2011 reprints have 12 volumes, and the premium Eternal Edition has 10 volumes.
- The Story is Complete in All Editions: Regardless of volume count, every major complete edition contains the full 5-arc, 52-act main story by Naoko Takeuchi, plus the original short stories.
- Eternal Edition is Best for New Fans: For anyone starting today, the 10-volume Eternal Edition is the recommended choice. It offers the best English translation, highest quality hardcover binding, and largest remastered art.
- Manga and Anime are Very Different: The manga is the canon source material. It features a faster, darker, and more focused plot compared to the 90s anime, which had significant filler content and story changes.
- ‘Codename: Sailor V’ is a Prequel: The 2-volume Codename: Sailor V series is a separate but related prequel focusing on Sailor Venus. It is not included in the main Sailor Moon sets but is recommended reading.
- Modern Reprints are Uncensored: All modern manga releases from Kodansha are faithful to the original Japanese work, restoring content and relationships that were altered in the 90s anime adaptation.
Final Thoughts on Collecting the Sailor Moon Manga
Navigating the world of the Sailor Moon manga and its various releases can seem daunting, but it’s a rewarding journey for any fan. The key is to remember that while the packaging and volume counts have changed, Naoko Takeuchi’s timeless story of love, friendship, and justice remains at the heart of every edition. Whether you choose the premium Eternal Edition for its archival quality or the budget-friendly paperback set, you are guaranteed to experience one of the most influential shōjo series ever created. Armed with this knowledge, you can now confidently build your collection and dive into the magical world of the Sailor Guardians.
Last update on 2026-02-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
