Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon, later retitled Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (美少女戦士セーラームーン Bishōjo Senshi Sērā Mūn), is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi. It was originally serialized in Nakayoshi from 1991 to 1997; the 52 individual chapters were published in 18 tankōbon volumes. The series follows the adventures of Usagi Tsukino as she transforms into the titular character to search for a princess and an artifact called the "Legendary Silver Crystal" (「幻の銀水晶」 Maboroshi no Ginzuishō, lit. "Phantom Silver Crystal"). During her journey, she leads a diverse group of comrades, the Sailor Soldiers (セーラー戦士 Sērā Senshi)—Sailor
Guardians in later editions—as they battle against villains to prevent the theft of the Silver Crystal and the destruction of the Solar System.
The 18 manga volumes have been adapted into an anime series titled Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon which was produced by Toei Animation.The series was broadcast from 1992 to 1997 in Japan over the course of five seasons. Toei Animation also developed three feature films, one television special, three short films and a live-action television adaptation titled Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon. A reboot of the anime series, titled Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal, began simulcasting in 2014.Guardians in later editions—as they battle against villains to prevent the theft of the Silver Crystal and the destruction of the Solar System.