Big news, sailor scouts! Codename: Sailor V is getting a U.S. re-release as part of the Naoko Takeuchi Collection. If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of Sailor Venus or how the whole magical girl phenomenon got started, this prequel is where it all began.
Before Usagi Tsukino transformed into Sailor Moon, there was Minako Aino—middle schooler by day, superhero by…well, also by day (and sometimes night). Armed with her trusty crescent-moon-marked cat, Artemis, Minako fights the sinister Dark Agency, a group wreaking havoc in Japan’s entertainment industry. Along the way, she juggles the chaos of teenage life, serving up action, laughs, and plenty of heart.
This new release isn’t just a reprint—it’s part of a special collection celebrating the legendary creator Naoko Takeuchi. Codename: Sailor V Volume 1 (Naoko Takeuchi Collection) drops on June 17, 2025 at the time of writing this article, complete with a fresh translation that breathes new life into Minako’s story. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or diving in for the first time, it’s a must-have for anyone who loves magical girl adventures.
A Bit of History
Codename: Sailor V originally hit the scene in 1991 as a one-shot in RunRun magazine before becoming a full-fledged series. It ran until 1997 and has been re-released in various formats over the years. The story’s popularity spread worldwide, with translations in languages like French, German, Spanish, and more.
So, mark your calendars for Codename: Sailor V Volume 1 the Naoko Takeuchi Collection edition on June 17, 2025. Preorder it on Amazon now. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just curious about the roots of Sailor Moon, this release deserves a spot on your manga shelf.
For fans in North America, this isn’t the first time Codename: Sailor V has made an appearance. Kodansha USA released an English version back in 2011, followed by the “Eternal Edition” in 2021, which featured updated cover art, a revised translation, and even color pages from the original run. But now, the Naoko Takeuchi Collection is here to give us yet another way to enjoy Minako’s story.
What makes Codename: Sailor V so special?
For starters, it’s where the Sailor Moon legacy begins. Minako was the first Sailor Guardian, paving the way for the rest of the team. Her story gives us a glimpse into the themes and character dynamics that would later define the Sailor Moon series. Plus, who doesn’t love watching a teenage girl kick some evil butt while navigating the ups and downs of school life?
Are you excited to rediscover or start exploring Sailor Moon’s magical world through the eyes of the first sailor scout? Let us know in the comments. And, don’t forget to sign up to our email list to get Finds of the Week and our free newsletter, PopPulse Digest, delivered straight to your inbox.
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