General feedback:

"I got my copy of Warriors of Legend a while ago and found it very enlightening reading; I've been recommending it on Swedish Sailor Moon forums and mailing lists lately . . . I found the book an inspiring and very solid source of knowledge." - Ake R. (Sweden)

"Immediately I began to read it and finished it the next day. So you can see I was very pleased with it. It changed my view of the Anime (like the Character of Anime-Rei, or the 'annoying' Jikoshokai) Because I'm a Minako-Fan I liked the wide description of her background. Especially the similar behavior of Usagi/Minako and the reason for it, then before I often criticized this point in the Anime. And you mentioned many points of the Anime/Manga I always wanted to know, like Makoto's alone-living and Mamorus wealth . . . I really enjoyed reading the book. The facts were many, the style nice and not to difficult to understand for a non-native-speaker. If there will be any future releases, I'd definitely buy them." - Tobias R. (Germany)

"I just got my copy of the book today. I'm already 50 pages in, and I think its wonderful." - Kate R. (USA)

"Warriors of Legend is a very well researched look at and tribute to Sailor Moon . . . Perhaps this book will help show people that fans still remember and love Sailor Moon, and that there is more to it than a simple good versus evil story.  I have to admit that it was the characters and their everyday lives that first attracted me to this series, even in the DiC dub, and this book shows how the settings and the characters reflected the Japan of their time, while telling an easily understood, yet not simple, story of good versus evil.  Hopefully this book will sell enough to warrant the planned next books in the series.  I for one would be interested to see what else the Genvid Team has to say about the Sailor Team. " - Debbie P. (USA)

"I just got your book! It was wonderful! Thanks for making such a book. I've learned a lot of things!" - Kitty Strange (USA)

Forums comments:

"It's nice to see Sailor Moon treated as something worthwhile to look at and not some cheap cartoon . . . At first I wasn't sure how the unauthorized status would affect the presentation, I've been pleasantly surprised so far . . . I'm never going to watch PGSM/BSSM the same way again!" - Cordelia LeFay (WoL forums)

"In the book, there were moments where I actually went, "damn, that explains that!" For example, I enjoyed reading about why the streets of Tokyo seemed empty at night in the series. It actually kind of makes sense now." - Hades Impact (WoL forums)

"I liked the Religion portion of the book, and the part on Hino Rei's dual personas. That may be because Rei's my favorite character, or because religion interests me in general. Either way, the book's good." - Nitemare_Angel (WoL forums)

"I just finished reading it and enjoyed the religion section most of all. The whole 2 Rei's was very interesting to me. I also enjoyed the sections on Minako and Ishtar and will be rereading the Sailor V manga soon as a result." - Yoshimoon (WoL forums)

"The Makoto Kino article "Heads and Shoulders Above The Rest" was extremely interesting. Thanks to the article, I learned about the stigma of ostracism in Makoto's life and the loneliness she experiences for being considered tall. I also enjoyed reading about Ami's father in the article "Lifting The Genius Veil"." - Patrick (WoL forums)

"I really enjoyed the section about why the characters would give speeches and the basis behind it. It made me think back to Japanese class when we were taught introductions and to add a little something about ourselves . . .  Also the similarities between Venus & Moon held my interest and had me wanting more on the subject!  Great job on the book!!" - Iron_Mouse (WoL forums)

"The overall tone was excellent. It was particularly nice to see the book adopting a neutral position on the subject of "manga vs anime": There seems to be a trend within fandom to slate the anime, particularly the bits that Naoko didn't like. Well, I'm a philistine who thinks that the anime was much better than the manga, so it was nice to see, just once, an intelligent analysis of the series that didn't slag off the anime.  There were enough little bits of trivia to keep even an obsessive, encyclopedia-compiling fan like me happy. And plenty of "Ah!" moments when something I'd previously classed as slightly weird suddenly fell into place..." - dooky (WoL forums)

"Anyway, after I got WoL and read it through 3 times I stuck it in my footlocker with all my other SM stuff. After a few days I came back and took out a few seconds to admire the collection of cool sh*t I have and between the ADV SMR box and my Evanvelion Manga I noticed my new addition (WoL). I though to myself, 'How cool is that, I own a first edition book on SM that was produced by English speaking fans just like myself . . . That I was part of an effort to keep SM alive in the USA and that I own (hopefully!) a series of books that offered my fellow fans and I an authoritative perspective on the reality behind a TV series that shaped our lives and personalities as kids and young adults and hopefully they will find it interesting enough to pick it up and crack it open for the first time.'" - Luna1986 (WoL forums)

"Where oh where was this book (or one like it) when I was trying to figure out just what was going on in the manga and anime series that I (admittedly) was too old, too male, and too western to possibly enjoy?  I would say that on about half the pages that I've read, I've had scenes from either the manga or anime (or both) pop into my mind and I've exclaimed internally "So THAT'S what was going on there"! It's really one concise, invaluable book to have, particularly when viewing the unedited, uncut boxsets from ADV, Geneon, and STARS fansubs!" - dodgerfan (WoL forums)

Amazon reviews:

"This book has proven to be a well-informed and quick look at Japanese culture and society. The information found within could have been delivered with a textbook-like dryness, however, the fact that the authors used a well-known series like Sailor Moon helps to make the information very relatable, and easy to absorb . . . This book, by examining the series from an anthropological stance, helps to peel away the layers, exposing the hidden messages underneath.

Warriors of Legend almost effortlessly draws parallels between scenery seen in the animated series to real-life locales in Tokyo. Family life and culture as depicted in the show are shown to be direct reflections of Japanese attitudes and beliefs. Of particular interest are the essays on religion and how lines between faiths in Japan are often blurred. All of these concepts have been present in the show, but often go unnoticed to average person . . . it gets the job done as a nice introduction to the Japanese mindset and way of life. " - Jason/Hades Impact (Canada)

". . . a well written guide, which does a very nice job of balancing the interests of established Sailor Moon fans and readers who know less about the series but are curious about Japan. A slim volume, it provides some fascinating information and leaves the reader wanting to know more, and hopefully the authors' plans to publish a series will pan out.

I was particularly interested in the background information about decision-making on the anime and manga series, and the explanation offered for Takeuchi's lack of productive focus post-Sailor Moon. I would not hesitate to recommend this title to fans of Naoko Takeuchi's work. Non-fans would be understandably less likely to pick it up in a bookshop, but with a little persuasion from a fan might find it very worthwhile. " - La Déesse (New Zealand)

"By reading it I was very impressed by the quantity of references that Sailor Moon made to culture, history and religion especially of Japan. It absolutely increased my respect for it.

So everyone who wants a basic review on Japanese society should buy this one, even if you're not familiar with Sailor Moon. The authors established a generally look on the characters that allows everyone to follow their conclusions and comparisons." - Tobias R. (Germany)

"I am a one of the greatest fans of Sailor Moon. And when I saw this book, I just HAD to have it! I've learned so many things about Japan and Sailor Moon. (Plus a lot of Japanese words!) If you are a fan of Sailor Moon, you'll really love this book! (Did you know that Hikawa Shrine is a real shrine?) And if you need to learn about Japan, this book will help you! " - mattwilly47

"I am turning 13 soon (and) . . . have personally seen every single episode from Sailor Moon to Episode 200 (sailor Stars). One thing that has caught my interest in these past years is how Sailor Moon surprisingly gave this world (it's international playground) a true culture shock . . . For all the Sailor Moon fans out there.....Warriors Of Legend will teach you so much, things that you can't learn anywhere else. The authors of the book are truly intelligent and tell your parents how educational this book really is. Buy Warriors of Legend....the perfect guide to Sailor Moon and Japan's history." - Anonymous

"Warrior's of Legend is a great read if you are interested in Japan and are an anime fan, especially if you are a fan of the Sailor Moon multiverse. The book goes very in-depth to explain aspects of Japanese culture that are frequently woven into the show that are mostly lost on the average fan, I am almost certain you'll learn something new about the series and/or Japanese culture from this book even if you are well versed in Japanese Culture or Sailor Moon Lore.

I greatly recommend it!" - Grace Bellerby (England)

"Sailor Moon, while having its roots in fantasy, contained a realism to it that has made it a fascinating series to watch. That realism almost made it feel like the main characters in the show were living in the same world as you were. This is the first book about Sailor Moon to take a look at the more realistic elements of the show that have played an important role in making the series a big hit worldwide . . . Overall, this book offers a fresh look at one of the biggest and well-known anime series of all time. If you are a fan of Sailor Moon, or if you are a fan of Japanese culture, this book is an essential read. Buy this book, and let your tour of the Sailor Moon universe begin! " - moonie1995

"This is a very excellent book. I've learned that students in Japan have to go to school 260 days! There's plenty of pictures in this book, such as the statue of the "Girl in Red Shoes" that Amy sad beside in Super S episode 97. I recommend this book for all Sailormoon fans." - Sheila Taylor

"Okay- So you've seen all of the English Dub of Sailor Moon. You also have all the graphic novels sitting there on your bookshelf. You've probably even seen a good amount, if not all, of the original Japanese episodes, as well.

Also, even though you don't want to admit it, you've probably made your own SailorMoon fansite at some point in the past few years with cute graphics and background music to boot.

For those of you who fall into the description I mentioned above, "Warriors of Legend" is just for YOU, the most avid Sailor Moon fans.

The book shares how nearly all of the locations in the SailorMoon anime and manga (at least, the first two or three seasons) have, or had, a real life counterpart existing in a specific district of Tokyo - from the Jewelry Store in the first episode, to Mugen [Infinity] Academy in the third season.

The book also answers other questions rattling around in your mind, for expample, Why does Raye [Rei] go to a private Christian school if she's a Shinto Priestess? Why does Amy [Ami] attend 'cram school' despite the fact that she's a genius already? We know that Mina [Minako] goes to a different school... why? Also, how come the beginning of the second season, the Alan and Ann/Doom Tree arc, isn't in the manga whatsoever?

To answer these questions, and gain a refreshing new perspective of the Sailor Moon Universe through our western eyes, I would highly recommend that you purchase this book." - meatballhead15

"Warriors of Legend is such a unique piece of work. I've tried to think of a book of this nature, explaining American culture through a classic American show, but the attention to detail just isn't there. But for Sailor Moon, it IS.

Takeuchi Naoko's commitment to realism is a stark contrast to her beautiful transforming heroines. It's an intriguing mix, placing every girl's fantasies on that very girl's everyday way to school. Her attention to detail is tremendous and Warriors of Legend is probably only the beginning to unmasking all the cultural wonders of her creation.

For anyone who's ever wondered why the Sailor Senshi ramble on long introductions before fighting every monster, this book is for you. For anyone who's ever wondered what the reoccurring "10-ban" is, this book is for you. For anyone who wants to know how "Osa-P" came along, this book is for you.

As an avid Dan Brown and Sailor Moon fan, I would compare Warriors of Legend to The Da Vinci Code. I felt very much the same kind of excitement in finding such treasured, hidden information in something so blatantly in front of our eyes. It's fascinating and intriguing and quintessential to any fan's collection." - uncchristine99