When most people think of magical girl anime, Sailor Moon instantly comes to mind. First airing in 1992, the series quickly became a global phenomenon, helping to define an entire genre with its enchanting transformations, cosmic battles, and themes of friendship and empowerment. Usagi Tsukino took on the central role as Sailor Moon and the leader of the Sailor Guardians. Her journey from a clumsy teenager to a heroine captured the hearts and imaginations of millions, solidifying her status as one of anime’s most iconic characters.

However, Sailor Moon wasn’t the first magical girl to arrive. Before Usagi and Luna, there was Codename: Sailor V, a manga by Naoko Takeuchi that introduced a different magical girl, Minako Aino. Originally conceived as the lead character, Minako fought evil as Sailor V, Soldier of Justice, patrolling the streets in a red mask long before Usagi’s debut. In many ways, she was the prototype for everything that followed.

Sailor V Debuted Before Sailor Moon in Codename: Sailor V

Minako Aino Was the First and Lone Sailor Soldier To Take on Evil in the Name of Justice

Codename: Sailor V is a manga series that introduces audiences to Minako Aino, a cheerful and outspoken 13-year-old middle schooler who discovers she has magical powers. Minako’s life changes completely when she meets Artemis, a talking white cat with a crescent moon on his forehead, who reveals her destiny as Sailor Venus, a powerful warrior tasked with protecting Earth. Armed with a crescent moon compact and a magical transformation pen, Minako fights evil under the title of the Soldier of Justice: Sailor V, long before Sailor Moon’s story began.

Minako’s initial journey involves battling the Dark Agency, led by the villain Danburite, who uses his idols to enslave the public. While Minako’s missions are mostly solo efforts, she occasionally receives , most notably through a complicated relationship with Saijyo Ace, who is later revealed to be Danburite himself. The climax of the story showcases Minako wounding him and overcoming a curse that jeopardizes her chance at love, enabling her to ultimately embrace her role as Sailor Venus and start searching for the other Sailor Soldiers and the Moon Princess, effectively laying the groundwork for the rest of the story.

Codename: Sailor V Is a Worthwhile Read for Any Sailor Moon Fan

Codename: Sailor V Has Its Own Unique Identity That Remains Separate From Sailor Moon

Although Minako’s story is often seen as a rough draft for Sailor Moon, Codename: Sailor V provides a deeper exploration of her character. While her story may be more action-oriented and episodic compared to Usagi Tsukino’s, it fully showcases her independence and determination. Codename: Sailor V is appreciated for its blend of action and comedy, as well as the solid foundation it establishes, making Minako’s story a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the origins of the Sailor Guardians.

Beyond its narrative, Codename: Sailor V stands out for its distinctive tone and energy. The manga embraces a more chaotic and lively atmosphere compared to its successor and is filled with humor and fast-paced battles that keep fans engaged. Minako’s wild imagination and over-the-top antics bring a unique charm to the series, allowing it to maintain its own identity separate from Sailor Moon. Fans who have yet to experience the roots of the Sailor Moon universe are in for an entertaining and narratively significant read with Codename: Sailor V.

Allowing Minako To Step Aside for the Series’ Future Was the Right Choice

Making Usagi Tsukino the Protagonist Was the Best Choice for the Series

While Codename: Sailor V set the stage for Naoko Takeuchi’s magical girl universe, shifting the focus to Usagi was crucial for the franchise’s success. Unlike Minako’s solo, action-driven story, Usagi presented vulnerability, humor, and a capacity for growth far greater than Minako's, making her journey much more relatable. Her transformation from a clumsy teenager to a courageous leader added depth to the series and kept audiences engaged. As the leader of a team of Sailor Guardians, Usagi’s story emphasized friendship and teamwork, enriching the storyline beyond a lone heroine model.

Without Sailor V, there would be no Sailor Guardians, and Sailor Moon wouldn’t have the chance to thrive.

Codename: Sailor V may have begun as a standalone adventure, but it quickly became the essential blueprint for a much grander narrative. Minako’s early adventures led to the formation of a team of powerful Senshi that grew into a global powerhouse. Although she wasn’t the one ultimately chosen to be the face of the franchise, her role was no less crucial to its creation. Without Sailor V, there would be no Sailor Guardians, and Sailor Moon wouldn’t have the chance to thrive.