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Via Sailor Moon World Italy (and some fans’ messages, thanks!), some new companies involved in merchandising have acquired licenses for Sailor Moon. These include two companies with US branches and one for France; Topps (Germany, Italy and America), Namco Bandai Games America, and Giochi Preziozi France. It is probably safe to infer that Topps will be releasing sticker books (and possibly cards), Giochi Preziozi France will release some (if not all) of the toys made in Italy, and NBGA is likely going to bring La Luna Splende to North America eventually. But, nothing is confirmed, and everyone should have waited for a press release. We have been advised from the companies to play it safe and wait for official word before posting anything like this, but given the criticism and heat we have had to face from some fans, we’re addressing it now as safely as we possibly can. We’ve featured a large photo below filled with cropped screenshots from Kazachok’s Web Guide.
What remains to be known (especially in France and North America), is if this is a sign that the release of the anime is imminent in either of these regions. There are a few other regions in the world that don’t have Sailor Moon either (Russia and Ukraine, to start). In a Japanese press release announcing the return of Sailor Moon to North America, Kodansha made note of how especially in North America, that without the release of the anime and other merchandise, that the manga may not experience the same “big boom” of the past*. We can’t speculate on the progress being made on the anime, due to certain statements made in the last 2 months from companies and representatives all around. We have to wonder if these new merchandising deals are some kind of a placeholder in between that will ultimately aid the anime when the time is right for it to return, while also tiding the release of the manga. Usually, the pattern in Sailor Moon licensing news has been anime first, merchandise and manga second. What do you think, Moonies?
*We had read this the day it was posted but didn’t post anything about it on Moon Chase because you fans were in such a happy mood and we didn’t want to damper the situation! Instead, we all discussed it amongst ourselves for a while and once again, wondered why Sailor Moon was having such a turbulent resurgence.
5 Responses to “Breaking News: New Sailor Moon Merchandise Licenses:”
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May 8th, 2011 at 2:38 am
I think, at the moment, this is when we keep our fingers crossed and hopes up high, but at the same time prepare for the worst.
Like I always do, prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
I'm positive that Sailor Moon will have a good resurgence in America and other countries if the companies go about it correctly.
However, seeing as it has been rather rocky so far(despite the success in Italy), I am also not going to be too hopeful.
But this is definitely an interesting turn of events!
May 8th, 2011 at 4:04 am
I think that the companies involved are really anticipating that this will be a success. Naoko T. must be anticipating it too… for she has been working for a while on re-drawing some of the Sailor Moon manga and fixing it up for the re-releases.
I vote that we all support the current US airing of Dragon Ball Z Kai.. for it is a re-dubbed and remastered version of the old one… and if it's successful, I bet cartoon network or some other network might be more willing to give Sailor Moon a try 🙂 Please tune in to Dragon Ball Z Kai to support future anime airings 🙂
May 8th, 2011 at 7:23 am
I definitely think that the anime is on it's way to the US and other English speaking nations. I have no doubts in the least. I think part of the problem is because the US has Hollywood, and someone out there really wants the rights to make either a live action movie (like Speed Racer) or a CG movie (like Astro Boy). I seriously believe this is the case.
May 8th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
I didn't know DBZ Kai was being aired in the U.S. I knew it had been dubbed but not put on TV. Too bad I don't have cable at the moment. I'd watch lots of anime, even if its just the stuff on Adult Swim on Sat nights.
Which, back when I had cable, I noticed they were pretty negative about their anime showings. Having bits saying that people don't even watch it, when I saw that FMA: Brotherhood was one of their top rated shows on the weekend. I dunno what to think about them at times. :/
Sorry for getting a bit off topic. XD
May 9th, 2011 at 6:42 am
Namco bandai Europe has aslo acquired the rights of sailor moon for France