The beloved anime series Sailor Moon is set to make a triumphant return to the Toonami programming block on Adult Swim. Starting January 25, 2025, fans can once again follow the adventures of Usagi Tsukino and her fellow Sailor Guardians as they battle evil and protect the world. This comeback marks a significant moment for fans of the classic magical girl series.
A Nostalgic Return for a Classic Anime
The announcement has sparked excitement among anime enthusiasts, particularly those who grew up watching Sailor Moon during its initial run. The series will air on Saturdays at 3:00 a.m. EST, which is effectively early Sunday morning. This return comes after the conclusion of the Toonami Rewind block, which also featured Sailor Moon last year, using the newer Viz Media English dub.
Toonami Rewind’s Legacy
Toonami Rewind was a special programming block dedicated to airing anime series that were part of the original Toonami lineup before its 2012 revival. This block, which ran on Fridays, featured series such as Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z Kai, and Naruto. It aimed to evoke a sense of nostalgia among viewers who had grown up with these shows. Toonami Rewind retired at the end of 2024, paving the way for Sailor Moon to join the main Toonami lineup.
What to Expect from the New Broadcast
While Toonami has confirmed the return of Sailor Moon, it has yet to specify whether the series will restart from episode 1 or pick up where it left off with episode 47, which is the beginning of Sailor Moon R. This ambiguity has left fans speculating about which part of the series will air. Some fans are hoping that the show will start from the beginning, giving newcomers an opportunity to experience the magic of the original series and allowing longtime fans to relive the classic. Others believe the show will continue from where it left off in the now-retired Toonami Rewind block.
The Broadcast Time
The timeslot at 3:00 AM EST (effectively, Sunday mornings) has generated some discussion among fans. While some are excited to catch the show no matter what time, others have voiced that they would prefer an earlier timeslot. Despite the late hour, the announcement has been met with positive reactions overall, with many expressing their eagerness to see the show return to the main Toonami block.
Toonami Schedule for January 25th
The schedule for January 25, 2025 is as follows:
- 12:00 AM – Mashle: Magic and Muscles
- 12:30 AM – Invincible Fight Girl
- 1:00 AM – Blue Exorcist
- 1:30 AM – One Piece
- 2:00 AM – Dragon Ball Z Kai
- 2:30 AM – Naruto Shippūden
- 3:00 AM – Sailor Moon
The History of Toonami and Sailor Moon
Toonami has a rich history, beginning as a weekday afternoon block on Cartoon Network in 1997. It became known for showcasing action-oriented programming and Japanese anime, gaining a large following among young audiences. The block ended in 2008, but was revived on Adult Swim in 2012, continuing its legacy of bringing anime to the forefront of American television.
Sailor Moon has its own significant history with Toonami. The original magical girl manga, created by Naoko Takeuchi, inspired the anime that ran for five seasons from 1992 to 1997. The series and its numerous feature films and shorts, has had a lasting impact on the magical girl genre and anime culture worldwide.
The Viz Media Dub
The return of Sailor Moon on Toonami will feature the Viz Media English dub. This version of the show is notable for being uncensored, offering a more faithful translation of the original Japanese version. It was previously aired on the Toonami Rewind block starting in May of 2024. This move marked the first time Cartoon Network aired the uncensored version of Sailor Moon.
What This Means for Fans
The return of Sailor Moon to Toonami is more than just a re-airing of an old series. It’s a celebration of a beloved anime that has touched the hearts of millions. For many fans, it’s a chance to reconnect with their childhood, while for others, it’s an opportunity to discover the magic of Sailor Moon for the first time. The show’s return also sparks hope that Toonami may air the Sailor Stars arc, the fifth and final season of the series, which previously did not air in the US.
Community Reaction
The announcement has been met with an outpouring of positive responses from the online community. Fans have taken to social media platforms to express their excitement, with many sharing their fond memories of watching the series. The news has created a strong buzz among anime enthusiasts, further underscoring the lasting impact of Sailor Moon.
The Future of Toonami
The addition of Sailor Moon to the main Toonami lineup could signal a shift in the programming block, possibly bringing in more classic anime to the channel. The success of the Toonami Rewind block showed that there is a strong audience for older anime, and Toonami may be looking to capitalize on this interest by adding more of these shows to its main schedule.
Continuing the Legacy
Toonami continues to be an important platform for anime in the US, and the return of Sailor Moon is a testament to the enduring appeal of this genre. The block has played a crucial role in introducing many iconic anime series to American audiences, and the inclusion of Sailor Moon once again reinforces its position as a key player in the anime community. With the show’s return, Toonami not only brings back a classic series for fans, but also introduces it to a new generation of viewers.
In conclusion, the return of Sailor Moon to Toonami on January 25th is a significant moment for both the fans and the anime community. This event will allow long time fans to relive their favorite moments, and also introduce the magical world of Sailor Moon to newcomers.
