Pop culture mall retailer Hot Topic has thrilled Sailor Moon fans everywhere with the recent introduction of four new T-shirts based on the classic anime series.
Though the show last aired an original episode in 1997, the tale about a klutzy pony-tailed girl destined to grow up to become the Queen of Crystal Tokyo still proves to be incredibly popular. If you have any doubts about its lasting impression, my last Sailor Moon article demonstrates the loyalty still found in fans, both young and old.
The Hot Topic T-shirts appear to be online exclusives, and they are available in sizes XS to 3X. That’s quite a size range, so they’re sure to fit any Sailor Scout perfectly. Prices range from $22.50 to $26.50, depending on which size you choose.
One design features a solo Tuxedo Mask (Sailor Moon’s love interest) with the phrase “I Need A Hero” written across the top with white letters on a black shirt. No sign of his
trademark red rose, though.
Another black shirt has the phrase “We’re Purrrfect Together” and features Luna and Artemis, Sailor Moon’s guides as she learns how to be a fighter for love and justice.
A white t-shirt shows has Sailor Moon with her crescent moon wand and the words “Sailor Moon” written across the top. I think I like this one the best; it’s fairly simple in design but colorful.
The final design is another black shirt with the five original Sailor Senshi: Sailor Mercury,Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars, and Sailor Venus.
It’s too bad none of the other gals have their own T-shirt; I’ve always been a fan of Sailor Mercury and her love of reading and learning. And where is a shirt with Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask together? Instead, the only romantic shirt is the one with the two cats on it! I’d like to recommend a shirt from the Moon Kingdom era, or perhaps Crystal Tokyo. Those eras are always under-represented on Sailor Moon merchandise.
Still, beggars can’t be choosers, and there has been a distinct lack of any new Sailor Moon merchandise in recent years. I’ve been to a few anime conventions, and it’s disappointing to see how little is available. Of course, I became a fan of the show while new episodes still aired in Japan, and the merchandising and fan frenzy was at its height at that time.
Hopefully the shirts will sell well, and this is only the beginning of what Hot Topic (and even other retailers) will have to offer.