Hubbry Logo
Sailor MarsSailor MarsMain
Open search
Sailor Mars
Community hub
Sailor Mars
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Sailor Mars
Sailor Mars
Sailor Mars
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Sailor Mars
Sailor Moon character
Rei in her Super Sailor Mars form as seen in Season 4 of the 1990s anime
First appearanceSailor Moon chapter #3: "Rei – Sailor Mars" (1992)
Created byNaoko Takeuchi
Voiced byJapanese:
Michie Tomizawa
Rina Satō (Sailor Moon Crystal)
English:
Katie Griffin (DiC (excluding the last 17 episodes) and CWi dubs)
Emilie-Claire Barlow (last 17 episodes of DiC)
Cristina Vee (Viz dub)
Portrayed byKeiko Kitagawa
BirthdayApril 17
In-universe information
Full nameRei Hino
AliasPrincess Mars
Mars Reiko (PGSM)
FamilyRyuuji Hino (father)
Risa Hino (mother, deceased)
ChildrenRei Hino (daughter; "Parallel Sailor Moon" only)
RelativesGrandpa Hino
Kengo Ibuki (cousin; anime only)
NationalityJapanese
AffiliationsSailor Guardians
Shadow Galactica (manga and Sailor Moon Crystal)
Powers and abilitiesPyrokinesis
Psychic and spiritual powers

Rei Hino (Japanese: 火野 レイ, Hepburn: Hino Rei; renamed Raye Hino in some English adaptations), better known as Sailor Mars (Japanese: セーラーマーズ, Hepburn: Sērā Māzu), is a fictional character in the Sailor Moon manga series written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi. In the series, Rei is her sailor form's alternative human identity as part of the Sailor Guardians, female supernatural fighters who protect the Solar System from evil.

Rei is the second Sailor Guardian to be discovered by Usagi, following after Ami Mizuno. She possesses powers associated with fire, the Ofuda charm, and psychic clairvoyance.[1] Aside from the main body of the Sailor Moon series, Rei is featured in two different manga short stories. The first, Casablanca Memories, is entirely about her and her past; the second, Rei and Minako's Girls School Battle, is shared with Minako Aino. A number of image songs mentioning her character have been released as well, including the contents of three different CD singles.

Takeuchi based Rei on her own personal experience as a miko. Originally designed with her own unique outfit, when Takeuchi decided to give all of the Guardians identical outfits, Rei's high heels were the only aspect that was carried over. A cold and aloof character in the manga, her personality was drastically changed in the anime adaptation[2] at the behest of Kunihiko Ikuhara, where she became stubborn.

Profile

[edit]

Rei first appears as a miko at the Hikawa Shrine, and is shown to have an affinity with two crows who live there. It is revealed in the manga that as a child, the crows "told" her that their names are Phobos and Deimos (the same as Mars' two moons). In the manga, she is portrayed as imperial, ancient, conservative, old-fashioned, traditional, serious, disciplined, and practical, having contempt for men and disliking modern romantic relationships.

In the anime adaptation, Rei is a disciplined and practical person.[3] She is also greatly interested in pop culture, and she excels at music—composing songs for a school festival.[4] Rei and Usagi Tsukino have a very tempestuous relationship, and argue frequently. Though these arguments are usually petty, early in the series Rei attempts to usurp Usagi as the leader of Sailor Guardians. Even though Rei does become more loyal to Usagi, with slightly calmer emotions in the later seasons, she still remains somewhat more of a typical teenager than her manga counterpart. In the anime, Rei also tends to engage in long periods of antagonizing Usagi (who returns the same reaction), as a running gag in their arguments.

Rei goes to a different school from the other girls, namely T*A Private Girls School, a Catholic institution run by nuns. She herself is a practitioner of Shinto, living and working at Hikawa Shrine with her grandfather, its head priest. Her mother died when Rei was very young; her father is a famous politician who cares more about his job than about her (though in the live-action version he still tries to be involved in her life), and who only visits Rei on her birthday. She carries a certain amount of dislike towards him, especially in the live-action series, in which the character of her grandfather does not appear.

Rei in her unique school uniform, drawn by Naoko Takeuchi for the short story "Casablanca Memories"

Because of the lack of respectable males in her life, Rei harbors a generally low opinion of men. She considers them untrustworthy and seems genuinely uninterested in romance. The one exception is in a manga side-story centering on her, Casablanca Memories, which tells of Rei's friendship with her father's young secretary, Kaidou. He had been kind to her for her entire life and, in the story, she fancies herself in love with him. She is shocked when he suddenly announces his engagement to another girl and his decision to become a politician, despite having once said that he did not like what had happened to Rei's family as a result of her father's work. Proof of her feelings are further cemented when she moves to kiss Kaidou, asking why, if he wanted to marry into the profession, why not choose to marry her due to her father's political influence. In the manga, this is the only potential romance in her life; in the live-action series, nothing of the sort is ever shown, as Rei unquestionably detests boys.[5] In the anime only, she "dates" Mamoru Chiba in the first season (though he thinks they are just friends), and occasionally seems open to a relationship with Yūichirō Kumada, her grandfather's pupil. In one episode, on the brink of death, she states that she wished she had kissed Yūichirō before leaving.[6] In the original anime, she states in episode 152 that she dreams of one day getting married.

Later on, members of the Dead Moon Circus harass Rei with a reflection of her young self, which mocks her for her friendships and her dream of being a priestess. The reflection tells her that the only way for her to be happy is to try her luck with numerous men until she ends up married to someone rich. Rei is able to defeat this illusion, and in the process gains her Sailor Crystal along with the memory that, long ago, she had in fact made a vow of chastity to Princess Serenity.[7] After this realization, she is never again shown having any doubts about her lack of interest in romance. This is never mentioned in the other series.

Rei's lifelong dream is to become the head priestess at Hikawa Shrine, and much of her life is influenced by spirituality, particularly in the manga. Meditation is given as her strong point, and she enjoys fortune-telling as a hobby. The elegance of her character is further underscored by the contrast between her favorite subject, ancient writing, and her least favorite, modern society.[8] She also belongs to the Archery club at school,[9] which later provides the context for her most powerful weapon, the Mars Arrow. Rei is also skilled in martial arts and a talented skier in the anime. As for more general tastes, Rei likes the colors red and black, fugu, Thai food, white casablancas, ruby gemstones, little lizards, and pandas,[10] and dislikes men in general. The manga states that she once enjoyed Devilman,[11] which the English manga[which?] changes to Buffy.

In Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Rei has problems trusting people, even her fellow Sailor Guardians, and has a tendency to rely too much on herself.[12] She says that she hates karaoke (which the other girls love, especially Usagi),[13] but is later forced by Minako into posing as an idol. As "Mars Reiko," she appears on three occasions: performing for hospitalized people, working alongside Minako, and staging a contest with Minako in order to stop her from quitting the idol business.[14] She has a complex relationship with Minako; though they often disagree and compete with each other, they also share great respect. Minako even sometimes lets her guard down around Rei, and eventually confides to her about what she feels is her destiny as a Sailor Guardian. Rei is told that she is to be the secondary leader of the Guardians, and alternately admires and resents Minako's teachings about what that means.[15] She later becomes aware of Mio hurting Usagi just to keep Mamoru at Beryl's side and confronts her while in the Dark Kingdom. Rei tells her off it is her own selfishness that is encouraging Serenity to keep using the crystal and give her a choice: allow Mamoru and Usagi to see each other even for a day or she will tell her friends about Mio (which will not end well for her). Mio wisely chooses to let them see each other in order to keep Rei quiet about her. Mars uses her own dagger with Venus' to attempt to stop Serenity from destroying the Earth.

In the Special Act movie, Rei senses Mio's return and investigates it with Luna. She is later incapacitated by Mio's growing dark powers.

Aspects and forms

[edit]

As a character with different incarnations, special powers, transformations and a long lifetime virtually spanned between the Silver Millennium era and the 30th century, Rei gains multiple aspects and aliases as the series progresses.

Sailor Mars

[edit]

Rei's Sailor Guardian identity is Sailor Mars. She wears a sailor suit colored in red and violet, along with red high heels, and in the manga and live-action series has a small red jewel at the waist, though this vanishes upon upgrades. (Concept art shows this was supposed to appear as a necklace when not transformed but never does) She is given specific titles throughout the various series, including Guardian of War[16] and Guardian of Flame and Passion.[17] Her personality is no different from when she is a civilian, although certain powers are unavailable to her in that form.

In Japanese, the name for the planet Mars is Kasei (火星), the first kanji meaning 'fire' and the second indicating a celestial object. Although the Roman planet-name is used, Sailor Mars' abilities are fire-based due to this aspect of Japanese mythology.[18] Most are offensive attacks, although as a priestess, she also possesses a certain amount of psychic ability, and is able to do fire-readings, sense danger, and subdue evil spirits. In the manga, she is listed as the secondary leader of the Sailor Guardians, after Sailor Venus. This fact is especially significant in the live-action series.

As she grows stronger, Sailor Mars gains additional powers, and at key points her uniform changes to reflect this. The first change takes place in Act 41 of the manga, when she obtains the Mars Crystal and her outfit becomes similar to that of Super Sailor Moon. She is not given a new title.[7] A similar event is divided between episodes 143 and 152 of the anime, and she is given the name Super Sailor Mars.[19] A third form appears in Act 49 of the manga, unnamed but similar to Eternal Sailor Moon (without wings).[20] In the official visual book for Sailor Moon Eternal, this form was named "Eternal Sailor Mars".[21]

Princess Mars

[edit]

In Silver Millennium, Sailor Mars was also the Princess of her home planet. She was among those given the duty of protecting Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom. As Princess Mars, she lived in Phobos-Deimos Castle and wore a red gown—she appears in this form in the original manga, as well as in supplementary art.[22][23] Naoko Takeuchi once drew her in the arms of Jadeite.[24] In the manga, he expresses at least a physical attraction to her,[25] and in Sailor Moon Crystal[26] and in the stage musicals[27] it is clearly stated that Sailor Mars and Jadeite were in love at the time of the Moon Kingdom.

It is revealed later in the manga that Phobos and Deimos are actually maidens from Planet Coronis sent to protect Princess Mars. They take the form of crows during the present time and were near Rei when she first came to the shrine as a child, supposedly "telling" her their names. Phobos and Deimos reveal their true forms when delivering the Mars Crystal to her and refer to her using her princess title.[7]

Special powers and items

[edit]
Sailor Mars using Akuryō Taisan in Sailor Moon Crystal

Rei is one of few Sailor Moon characters who is able to use special powers in her civilian form. These are mainly the result of her role as a shrine maiden, which gives her heightened spirituality as well as certain resources. In addition to some psychic talent, including occasional unprompted premonitions, Rei is able to do fire readings and to dispel evil spirits. She does the latter by performing Kuji-Goshin-Ho, a ritual which consists of chanting nine words of power (Rin, Pyō, Tō, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen!) while making relevant hand signs. She then shouts "Evil spirit, be exorcised!" (悪霊退散, Akuryō Taisan!), and throws one or multiple ofuda scrolls.[a] She commonly uses this attack while in her Sailor Mars form as well as when she is in her civilian form.[28]

Rei must transform into a Sailor Guardian, however, before she can access her celestial powers.[29] She makes this change by raising a special device (pen, bracelet, wand, or crystal) into the air and shouting a special phrase, originally "Mars Power, Make-up!"[b] As she becomes more powerful and obtains new transformation devices, this phrase changes to evoke Mars Star, Planet, or Crystal Power. In both anime, Sailor Mars' transformation sequence evolves slightly over time, whether to update the background images or to accommodate changes to her uniform or new transformation items, but they all involve rings of fire that circle her body as she spins, forming her outfit in a flash of light.

Sailor Mars has the power to create and control fire.[30] Her named powers are somewhat inconsistent across the various series—in the first arc of the manga, she says "Evil spirits, begone!" the same phrase she uses as a civilian while using an ofuda, for her fire attacks. In the anime, she shoots a fireball from her index fingers and shouts the words "Fire Soul"[c] and in the live-action series she shouts "Youma Taisan" ("Monster, begone"). This basic power is improved to "Fire Soul Bird" in the second arc of the anime only;[4] the manga and Sailor Moon Crystal also have her develop an animal-based attack, "Mars Snake Fire," but it does not appear until the third story arc.[31] Her first attack to be the same across all versions is "Burning Mandala," which incorporates Buddhist symbolism in the fiery rings Sailor Mars summons.[d] She is not immune to her own powers, as she is able to use them for a suicide move in the anime.[32]

Sailor Mars' final and greatest power comes in the fourth story arc, when she takes on her second Sailor Guardian form (Super Sailor Mars in the anime). At this point in the series, she acquires a special weapon, the Mars Arrow,[7] and with it "Mars Flame Sniper,"[e] which is her primary attack for the duration of the series. In the manga, the Mars Crystal and Mars Arrow are among her most significant mystical possessions. The former is her Sailor Crystal and the source of all of her power. The latter is associated with her skill as an archer, and although she does not receive a physical bow, she recalls some advice given to her by Michiru Kaioh—"[If] you think you're being taken advantage of by the enemies, stretch a line taut in your soul. Then, with your whole body and spirit, shoot the arrow of your finishing blow!"[33]

In the live-action series, she is given a tambourine-like weapon, called the Sailor Star Tambo, by Artemis. During the final battle, her Tambo transforms into a dagger, which she uses alongside Sailor Venus's similar dagger. In the "Special Act", Venus wields both weapons.

Development

[edit]

Rei is not named in the original proposal for a hypothetical Codename: Sailor V anime, but an identical character in miko clothing is present, named Miyabi Yoruno.[34] Creator Naoko Takeuchi revealed that this character eventually became Rei, and wrote that her role as a shrine maiden was inspired by Takeuchi's own experience working as a miko for Shiba Daijingu Shrine while in college. She also stated that she was frequently hit on by the shrine's patrons, a source of annoyance that carries over into the character.[35]

Hikawa Shrine, where Rei lives and works, is based on the Hikawa Shrines, one of which is in Azabu Jūban, where the story is set. The kanji for "ice" in the original name (氷川神社) is replaced with the kanji for "fire"—a reflection of Rei's fire-related powers.

Sailor Mars' original costume design, like the others', was fully unique. It featured an alternate bow, double shoulder-guards, plate-armor, elaborate jewelry, and a gold-rimmed mask. Her trademark high-heeled shoes were already present, as well. Later, Takeuchi was surprised by these sketches and stated that she did not remember drawing them.[36] In an intermediate design, the pendant that sat at her waist in the early manga was also intended to be worn as a necklace in her civilian form.[1] Hitoshi Doi states that Kunihiko Ikuhara was responsible for much of Rei's changed personality in the anime.[37]

The kanji of Rei's surname translate as "fire" (火, hi) and "field" or "civilian" (野, no). Her given name is in katakana rei (レイ); possible meanings include "spirit" (霊), "companion" (儷), "cool" (冷), and "zero" (零). Because katakana is the alphabet usually used for foreign loanwords, it may also be intended as a Western name, such as Raye (which is indeed used in American continent localizations) or Rae. In the Chinese versions of the series (anime and manga), Rei's name is written with the character "麗", which carries the same phonetic as "Rei", but means "beauty" and "elegance", and, ultimately, is the one included in the 5th Original Picture Collection Volume Artbook (Vol. V) (meaning that Rei's name written all in Kanji is "火野麗" (lit. "Fire-Field Beauty/Elegance" / "Beauty/Elegance of Fire")). Regardless, the entire name is structured as a pun, as the syllable "no" indicates a possessive, so that her name can also be understood as "Ray of Fire." Her prototypical name, Miyabi Yoruno (夜野 みやび, Yoruno Miyabi), means "Elegance of Night" (みやび = 雅).[38]

It has been noted that her outfit as Sailor Mars echoes the colors of her miko robes, and she is the only character that is mostly tied into tradition.[39]

Actresses

[edit]
Cristina Vee (left) voices Rei in the Viz Media dubs of the original anime and Crystal. Keiko Kitagawa (right) played the character in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon.

In the Japanese anime television series, Rei is voiced by Michie Tomizawa, who later said that working on Sailor Moon had been "exactly like magic" for her.[34] Rina Satō voices the character in Sailor Moon Crystal and all media since.[40]

In the DIC/Cloverway English adaptations produced in association with Optimum Productions, her name was spelled as Raye Hino and was voiced by Katie Griffin, in her first voice acting role, for most of the franchise; however, Emilie-Claire Barlow filled in for the last 17 episodes of the second season while Griffin was involved in a film production. Raye was also Barlow's first voice acting role, and she said that during recording, it was difficult to take care of her voice, as Raye "had a lot of yelling." She also listened to Griffin's recording sessions to help with the voice matching.[41] Barlow would later become the permanent replacement voice for Sailor Venus after Griffin returned to voice Sailor Mars.[42] Sandy Howell also provides English vocals for songs sung by Raye in the English dub.

In the Viz Media English adaptation produced in association with Studiopolis, her voice is supplied by Cristina Vee, a long-time Sailor Moon fan.[43][44]

In the musical productions, Rei has been portrayed by nineteen actresses: Hiroko Nakayama, Misako Kotani, Asuka Umemiya, Hiromi Sakai, Eri Kanda, Megumi Yoshida, Aiko Kawasaki, Risa Honma, Kanon Nanaki,[45] Karen Kobayashi.,[46] Kazumi Takayama, Ranze Terada, Kotomi Hirai, Kyoko Ninomiya, Yui Hasegawa, Seira Hayakawa, Rei Kobayashi, Hina Okamoto, and Miku Ichinose.

In Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Rei was played by Keiko Kitagawa. In addition, Haruhi Mizukuro and Akira Tanaka portray the younger Rei in flashbacks and childhood photos.

Reception

[edit]
Sailor Mars has become a popular subject of cosplay.

The character has been well received by manga readers. Official Sailor Moon popularity polls listed Rei Hino and Sailor Mars as separate entities. In 1992, readers ranked them at thirteenth and fourteenth respectively, out of thirty eight choices.[47] One year later, now with fifty choices, Mars remained at fourteenth most popular while Rei dropped to fifteenth.[48] In 1994, with fifty one choices, Rei was the twentieth most popular character, whereas Sailor Mars was the twenty-second, with a gap between the two characters of over three thousand votes.[49] In early 1996, with fifty one choices, Sailor Mars was the thirty-first most popular character and Rei was the thirty-second.[50] In Animage's 1993 poll, she came sixth.[51] In 1994, she came tenth.[52]

A five-book series was published, one book on each of the Sailor Guardians and Sailor Moon. Rei's was released in 1996.[53] This book was later translated into English by Mixx.[54] The episode where Sailor Mars gained her powers was novelised by Mixx.[55] Other merchandise has been released based on her character, including T-shirts,[56] fashion dolls, trading card stickers, gashapon and UFO dolls.

Rei Ayanami of Neon Genesis Evangelion is named after Rei Hino.[57] She has also been referenced in non-Japanese media: DC Comics character Martian Manhunter briefly assumes the form of a female Japanese journalist named Rei Hino and is told by Batman that the name is a "giveaway."[58]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sailor Mars

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sailor Mars (セーラーマーズ, Sērā Māzu), known in her civilian form as Rei Hino (火野 レイ, Hino Rei), is a central character in the manga and anime series created by . She serves as the Sailor Guardian associated with the planet Mars, embodying themes of fire, passion, and spiritual warfare, and acts as a protector of the Moon Princess alongside the other Inner Senshi. Rei Hino is depicted as a second-year student at T.A. Private Girls' School and a dedicated miko (shrine maiden) at Hikawa Shrine in Tokyo, Japan, where her spiritual duties enhance her innate psychic abilities, such as scrying, premonitions, and sensing evil presences. In her transformed state as Sailor Mars, she wields attacks such as the spiritual exorcism Akuryo Taisan (Evil Spirit Begone) and the fire-based Mars Flame Sniper, using ofuda charms and flames to combat enemies, often drawing on her role as the Guardian of Fire introduced early in the series. Her character first appears in the manga in "Act 3: Rei – Sailor Mars" and in the anime during the first season's tenth episode, "The Cursed Bus," where she joins Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon) after detecting threats at her shrine. Rei is characterized by her strong-willed, serious, and intuitive nature, with a fiery temper that reflects her planetary affinity, though she maintains a composed and traditional demeanor rooted in her maiden lifestyle. Throughout the franchise, she contributes to the group's unity by providing spiritual guidance and assertive leadership, evolving from an initial skeptic of modern romance to a steadfast ally in battles against cosmic threats like the and later foes. Her portrayal varies slightly between the —where she is more stoic and old-fashioned—and the anime adaptations, which emphasize her protective and occasionally hot-headed traits.

Profile and Background

Rei Hino

Rei Hino is the civilian identity of in Naoko Takeuchi's manga series, depicted as a 14-year-old shrine maiden () residing and working at the Hikawa in Tokyo's Azabu-Jūban district. She attends T.A. Private Girls' School, a prestigious Catholic institution, where she balances her studies with her traditional duties at the shrine. Her role as a miko involves performing daily rituals, maintaining the shrine grounds—such as sweeping with a broom—and caring for the sacred crows Phobos and Deimos, which are integral to the shrine's spiritual practices. Rei's family background is marked by tragedy and separation; she was orphaned in the sense of losing her mother, Risa Hino, to a prolonged illness during her childhood, leaving her with vivid but painful memories of her mother's bedside vigils. Her father, a high-profile , was largely absent due to his career demands and never visited Risa during her final days in the hospital, fostering Rei's deep resentment toward him and modern romantic entanglements. Raised instead by her maternal grandfather, known as Grand Master Hikawa, who serves as the head priest of the shrine, Rei grew up immersed in traditions under his guidance, which shaped her disciplined and spiritually attuned lifestyle. In some adaptations of the series, such as the 1990s anime produced by , Rei supplements her shrine responsibilities with part-time pursuits like modeling or occasional singing performances, reflecting her poised and elegant demeanor. Her initial involvement in the Sailor Moon storyline occurs during the arc, where she uncovers her latent abilities while defending the Hikawa Shrine from otherworldly threats, ultimately transforming into Sailor Mars and allying with the Inner Senshi to combat Queen Beryl's forces.

Personality and Relationships

Rei Hino, the civilian identity of Sailor Mars, is depicted as a strong-willed and intuitive individual, deeply influenced by her training as a shrine maiden at Hikawa Shrine, which instills in her a sense of discipline and spiritual awareness. In Naoko Takeuchi's original , she is composed, serious, and traditional, harboring a distaste for modern romantic pursuits and maintaining an aloof demeanor. The anime adaptation alters this portrayal, emphasizing a fiery temper and hot-headed nature that highlights her passion, often leading to spirited interactions with her allies. Her spiritual sensitivities manifest in civilian life through precognitive fire-reading rituals and an acute ability to detect evil presences, abilities honed through her shrine duties and aiding the Sailor Guardians even before full transformations. These traits underscore her role as a guardian of passion and intuition, blending mysticism with resolute determination. Rei's relationships form the emotional core of her character development. Her bond with Usagi Tsukino begins with rivalry—exacerbated in the anime's early arcs by a romantic interest in Mamoru Chiba—but evolves into profound loyalty, with Rei often acting as a stern yet protective advisor to the group leader. She shares a close, familial mentorship with her grandfather, the head priest of Hikawa Shrine, whose guidance reinforces her disciplined outlook and spiritual practices. Tensions occasionally arise with Minako Aino due to their shared assertive leadership qualities, fostering a dynamic of mutual challenge and respect within the team. Rei also assumes a nurturing, protective role toward Chibiusa, treating the young time traveler as a surrogate sibling and supporting her growth amid cosmic threats. Across the series, Rei's character matures from an initially hot-headed figure in the original anime to a more composed and leadership-oriented presence in later arcs, such as , where her strategic insight and unyielding resolve become pivotal to the Guardians' survival. In the manga, this evolution maintains her stoic elegance, emphasizing quiet strength over overt passion.

Transformations and Forms

Sailor Mars

Sailor Mars is the primary powered form of Rei Hino, one of the Sailor Guardians in the series, activated through a specific transformation process that emphasizes her connection to fire and spiritual elements. In the , Rei's initial transformation in Act 3 occurs by raising a special pen-like device (Mars Power Pen), but without declaring a verbal phrase; subsequent transformations use the invocation "Mars Power, Make Up!", triggering a sequence where flames erupt around her body, incorporating motifs of fire and shrine imagery such as flickering lanterns and sacred birds, symbolizing her role as a at Hikawa . In the adaptation, her first transformation occurs in Episode 11, beginning with a transformation pen (Mars Power Pen) provided by Luna, leading to a visualized sequence of swirling red flames and ethereal shrine gates that envelop Rei, highlighting the fiery energy and protective spiritual aura central to her identity. Upon transformation, Sailor Mars dons a distinctive sailor fuku characterized by a white bodysuit with a sailor collar outlined in white, a short skirt, ribbon bows at the chest and back with gold accents, elbow-length white gloves featuring V-shaped cuffs, and a choker bearing a golden emblem of Mars. Her long black hair remains styled in the signature odango hairstyle with loose strands framing her face, and her overall color scheme of and white evokes the passion and intensity of fire, aligning with her elemental affinity while maintaining the nautical-inspired design common to the Sailor Guardians. This appearance not only distinguishes her as the fiery counterpart among the team but also echoes the -and-white robes of her civilian role, blending tradition with combat readiness. Sailor Mars makes her debut in the storyline during Act 3 of the (Volume 1), where Rei awakens her powers amid a crisis at Hikawa Shrine, confronting the general and his youma forces to protect missing individuals trapped in an otherworldly dimension. In the , her first appearance as Rei occurs in Episode 10, "The Cursed Bus," and her transformation debut is in Episode 11, "Girls Unite: The End of Jadeite," where she aids and in defeating the enemy. These debuts establish her as a fierce and intuitive ally, immediately showcasing her combat prowess against the early antagonists of the series. The character of Sailor Mars draws symbolic inspiration from the planet Mars, the Roman god of war (Mars), and the classical element of , positioning her as the guardian of flame and spiritual protection within the Sailor Guardians' framework. Her association with Mars reflects themes of passion, , and discipline, while the motif underscores her role in purification and warding off through intense, burning energy, often tied to her shrine-based that provides insight and defense against threats. This symbolism reinforces her narrative function as a bridge between earthly traditions and cosmic battles.

Super, Eternal, and Princess Forms

Super Sailor Mars represents an enhanced evolution of the base form, debuting in Act 41 of the during the Dream arc and Episode 104 of the during the S season. This transformation is activated through the invocation "Mars Crystal Power, Make Up!", drawing on the Mars Crystal to amplify her abilities significantly. The updated fuku incorporates distinctive heart motifs at the chest, a lengthened for a more fluid silhouette, and subtle reinforcements that enhance mobility and power output, marking a key step in the Guardians' progression against escalating threats. Eternal Sailor Mars emerges as a pinnacle form in the Stars arc, first appearing in Act 42 of the and Episode 167 of the . The form is achieved through the power of the Silver Moon Crystal fusing with the Senshi Crystals, bestowing unparalleled resilience and spiritual depth; no unique verbal phrase is used beyond the standard invocation. The attire evolves with flowing winged sleeves reminiscent of ethereal flames, intricate gold accents on the , and a streamlined skirt adorned with planetary symbols, embodying themes of maturity and unyielding guardianship. Princess Mars embodies the ancient identity from the Silver Millennium, revealed through flashbacks in Act 10 of the and Episodes 34-35 of the . As one of Prince Endymion's elite protectors within the Moon Kingdom, she donned an elegant crimson gown accented by a bearing the Mars emblem, signifying her dominion over and . This regal attire, flowing with layered and jeweled pauldrons, highlighted her role in safeguarding the kingdom's sanctity alongside her fellow planetary princesses. Across media adaptations, these forms exhibit nuanced differences: the portrays power escalations as incremental infusions linked to the Silver Crystal's resonance, fostering narrative ties to cosmic heritage, whereas the emphasizes dramatic crystal activations accompanied by vibrant visual sequences of flames and stellar bursts for heightened spectacle.

Powers, Abilities, and Items

Signature Attacks

Sailor Mars employs a range of fire-infused attacks that draw on her spiritual heritage as a Shinto priestess, emphasizing purification and destruction of evil forces. Akuryo Taisan is an exorcism technique where she hurls scrolls inscribed with sacred incantations to dispel malevolent spirits and negative energy. Originating as a civilian ability for Rei Hino at the Hikawa , it gains amplified potency in her Sailor Mars form, allowing for broader purification effects. This attack debuts in the in Act 3 and in the in 10. Fire Soul serves as her foundational offensive move, channeling fiery energy from her fingertips into a concentrated blast capable of incinerating foes. Initially deployed against the youma Kigaan in her debut battle, it evolves across story arcs to manifest as bird-shaped flames for enhanced mobility and impact. Burning Mandala summons a swirling ring of fireballs that encircle and bombard enemies in an area-of-effect assault, requiring focused spiritual energy to maintain its formation. Introduced during the confrontation in the R arc, it appears in the in Act 15 and the in 63. In her Super Sailor Mars form, Mars Flame Sniper manifests as a precise of sacred fire shot from an energy bow, symbolizing divine judgment and unerring accuracy against darkness; she continues to use it in her Eternal form. This technique premieres in the Dream arc, debuting in the in Act 41 and the in 152. Anime adaptations feature exclusive variations, such as Fire Soul Bird, which adds avian projections to the base Fire Soul for dynamic targeting, while the emphasizes attacks rooted in spiritual cleansing rather than raw destructive power. The can briefly amplify these techniques' intensity.

Associated Items and Artifacts

Sailor Mars' transformation begins with the Mars Power Compact, a compact mirror device that channels the planetary power of Mars to enable Rei Hino's henshin into her Sailor Guardian form. Originating from the sacred relics at her grandfather's Hikawa Shrine, the compact contains the essential Mars Power and is activated by the phrase "Mars Power, Make Up!" It first appears in the during Act 3, marking Rei's introduction as a Guardian, and in the anime's Episode 10, where it is provided by Luna to facilitate her debut battle against evil forces. The Mars Crystal represents an advanced evolution of Sailor Mars' core power source, serving as an upgraded Heart Crystal that amplifies her abilities across multiple forms. Introduced in the manga's Dream arc as a talismanic upgrade tied to the planet Mars (Act 41), it enables transitions to Super Sailor Mars and later Eternal Sailor Mars, acting as the conduit for her planetary energy. In the , it debuts in the SuperS season, powering enhanced transformations and attacks. Ofuda scrolls are sacred Shinto talismans integral to Sailor Mars' arsenal, drawn from Rei's role as a miko at Hikawa Shrine and used to seal malevolent entities. These paper charms, inscribed with purifying incantations, are employed in rituals to exorcise evil spirits and are particularly tied to her civilian and Guardian practices. They debut alongside her character in the manga's Act 3 and the anime's Episode 10, reflecting authentic traditions adapted into the series' supernatural framework. The Flame Sniper Bow emerges as a specialized forged from the Mars Crystal's energy, allowing Sailor Mars to channel precise, fiery projectiles. This bow, inspired by Rei's archery proficiency as a maiden, first manifests in the manga's Dream arc (Act 41), symbolizing the culmination of her fire-based prowess in Super form; it is used in Eternal form as well. The adaptation introduces it during the SuperS season (Episode 152), emphasizing its role in high-stakes cosmic battles. Shared among the Sailor Guardians, the Communicator and Star Power Stick adapt to Sailor Mars' fire-attuned commands for coordination and advanced transformations. The compact-sized Communicator, distributed by Luna early in the series, facilitates group communication and surveillance, while the Star Power Stick upgrades her henshin to "Mars Star Power, Make Up!" in later arcs. These items highlight the collective dynamics of the Guardians, with the underscoring their use in synchronized strategies against threats.

Development

Creation and Conception

Sailor Mars, whose civilian identity is Rei Hino, was created by for the manga Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon, which began serialization in Kodansha's magazine in December 1991. As the third Sailor Senshi to be introduced after Sailor Moon and , the character was planned to incorporate spiritual and mystical elements into the narrative, drawing from mythology and the astrological associations of the planet Mars. Takeuchi intended Rei to serve as a foil to the protagonist Usagi Tsukino, embodying a hot-tempered and disciplined personality that contrasted with Usagi's clumsy and optimistic nature, thereby enhancing the group's overall dynamics. The character's design drew inspiration from the Roman god Mars, the deity of war often linked to fire and passion, which influenced Rei's pyromantic powers and her signature red color scheme symbolizing intensity and energy. Additionally, Rei's role as a at Hikawa was directly inspired by Takeuchi's own experience working part-time as a shrine maiden at Tokyo's Shiba Daijingu Shrine in 1990, during her college years; this personal background lent authenticity to Rei's spiritual duties and psychic abilities. Early sketches featured pronounced miko attire elements, such as traditional robes integrated with the sailor uniform, emphasizing her connection to Japanese shrine traditions. Takeuchi selected the name "Rei Hino" to evoke thematic resonance, with "rei" connoting spirit or zero (suggesting otherworldly purity) and "hino" deriving from "fire field," aligning with the character's fiery temperament and thematic ties to the planet Mars. Throughout the manga's development, Rei's evolution included power enhancements connected to the ancient Silver Millennium kingdom's lore.

Portrayals in Adaptations

In the original Sailor Moon anime series (1992–1997), Rei Hino/Sailor Mars was voiced by Michie Tomizawa in Japanese, delivering a portrayal characterized by youthful energy, fiery determination, and sharp wit that emphasized the character's passionate temperament. In the Sailor Moon Crystal reboot (2014–2016), Rina Sato took over the Japanese voice role, shifting to a more mature and introspective tone that highlighted Rei's spiritual depth and composure, aligning closer to her manga depiction while retaining core intensity; Sato reprised the role in the 2021 Eternal and Cosmos films. For English dubs, the Viz Media redub of both the original series and Crystal features Cristina Valenzuela (Cristina Vee), who infuses the role with confident assertiveness and emotional range, drawing from her experience in anime and video game voicing to capture Rei's blend of elegance and aggression; Vee also voiced the character in the 2021 films. The live-action Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon (PGSM) tokusatsu series (2003–2004) cast as Rei Hino/Sailor Mars, portraying her as a fiercely independent maiden with heightened dramatic tension and modern emotional vulnerability, including deeper explorations of her isolation and burdens through realistic acting and practical effects; Kitagawa later voiced the character in the 2023 film. In the Sera Myu stage musicals, multiple actresses embodied the role across productions from 1993 to 2005, including Hiroko Nakayama in early shows and Misako Kotani in several mid-1990s runs, with performances focusing on dynamic , intricate , and vocal solos that amplified Rei's combative spirit—such as image songs incorporating "Fire Soul" motifs to showcase her fiery attacks through theatrical energy. Later revivals, including the New Stage (2009–2010) and New Legend (2013–2019) productions, featured additional actresses such as Momoko Okuyama and Ayano Kato, continuing to emphasize Rei's fiery and spiritual traits in updated stagings. In video games, Sailor Mars' portrayal often mirrors her anime counterparts for consistency; for instance, Michie Tomizawa reprised her role in the Japanese version of Sailor Moon R (1993 RPG), emphasizing quick-tempered dialogue and battle mechanics that highlight her offensive fire-based abilities. Cristina Vee has voiced her in English-localized titles like recent Sailor Moon mobile games, maintaining the character's bold personality through interactive scenarios. Adaptations vary in emphasis: the anime expands Rei's romantic subplots, introducing flirtations and rivalries absent in the source material to add interpersonal drama, while the musicals prioritize performative elements like song-driven battles, and PGSM incorporates contemporary themes of personal growth through live-action realism.

Reception

Critical Analysis

Sailor Mars, embodied by Rei Hino, serves as a multifaceted symbol of passion, spirituality, and female empowerment within the Sailor Moon series, deeply rooted in Shinto influences that underscore her role as a miko, or shrine maiden, at Hikawa Shrine. This characterization integrates traditional Japanese religious practices into a modern narrative, portraying Rei as a guardian who channels spiritual authority to combat evil, thereby elevating women's agency in both sacred and combative spheres. Scholars highlight how her assertive demeanor and spiritual prowess challenge 1990s gender norms in anime, where female protagonists were frequently confined to supportive or passive roles. In practice, fire rituals establish links between the living world and ancestral spirits, emphasizing renewal through controlled destruction—a motif that aligns with Rei's duties. This elemental association not only draws from planetary mythology tied to Mars (the Roman god of war) but also enriches the Senshi's diversity by foregrounding Asian spiritual traditions, positioning Sailor Mars as a bridge between ancient cosmology and contemporary fantasy narratives. Narratively, Sailor Mars contributes to the group's dynamics as part of the Senshi team, embodying core themes of personal growth, friendship, and collective empowerment amid adversity. This progression underscores the series' exploration of maturity, where the Senshi's unity and resilience are central. Comparative critiques reveal notable divergences between the original and adaptations, particularly in Western localizations during the , where sensuality was often toned down to align with conservative standards. For instance, transformation sequences and Rei's more sensual or flirtatious undertones in the manga were censored or altered in English dubs, such as the DiC and Cloverway versions, to mitigate perceived and cultural unfamiliarity, thereby diluting her portrayal as a passionate, spiritually liberated figure. Academic analyses contend that these changes not only sanitized Shinto-inspired elements but also reinforced Western heteronormative expectations, contrasting with the manga's bolder embrace of female sensuality and autonomy.

Popularity and Legacy

Sailor Mars has enjoyed significant among fans, particularly for her portrayal as a strong, fiery warrior. In the 2020 NHK All-Sailor Moon Grand Poll, co-reported by , she ranked 16th overall among characters from the series, with her civilian identity Rei Hino placing 21st, highlighting her enduring appeal as a fan-favorite Senshi noted for her strength and spiritual depth. Earlier 1990s polls reflected her standing during the original 's run. Her cultural impact extends to cosplay and fashion trends in Japan, where her miko-inspired shrine maiden attire has blended traditional Shinto aesthetics with modern magical girl elements, inspiring events at shrines and conventions. Appearances in official crossover media, such as the 1995 RPG Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon: Another Story, feature her in collaborative narratives with the other Senshi against shared threats, expanding her presence beyond standalone Sailor Moon titles. Extensive merchandise, including Bandai figurines and Hot Topic symbol necklaces, underscores her commercial draw, with items like PVC statues and acrylic earrings consistently available on major platforms. Sailor Mars's legacy influences subsequent series by exemplifying disciplined, independent female archetypes, as seen in broader genre evolutions where fiery, spiritually attuned characters echo her traits. In feminist , she represents a model of disciplined , maintaining independence from romantic entanglements and a strong spiritual connection, which challenges traditional gender roles without compromising her heroic agency. Her non-judgmental acceptance of diverse identities, such as in the Sailor Starlights arc, contributes to the series' disruption of heteronormative narratives. Recent developments have sustained her relevance through revivals, including her pivotal role in the 2014 Sailor Moon Crystal anime, where she transforms in Act 3 to combat Jadeite using her fire-based powers, adapting the manga faithfully for a new generation, and the 2023 theatrical films Sailor Moon Cosmos, which conclude the Crystal arc and highlight Mars's continued importance in battles against final threats. The 2021 stage musical Kaguya-hime no Koibito, rescheduled from 2020 due to the pandemic, featured Rei Kobayashi as Sailor Mars in a production at Tokyo's Galaxy Theatre, blending nostalgia with fresh performances to engage longtime fans. These efforts, alongside ongoing nostalgia events, continue to affirm her lasting impact. Portrayals across adaptations, such as Rina Sato's voice work in Crystal, have further boosted her popularity by emphasizing her passionate demeanor.

References

  1. http://sailormoon-official.com/
  2. https://www.cbr.com/sailor-moon-sailor-mars-rei-hino-anime-vs-manga/
  3. https://sailormoon.takeuchi-naoko.com/info/chara/senshi/mars.php
  4. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Risa_Hino_%28manga%29
  5. https://kodansha.us/series/sailor-moon-naoko-takeuchi-collection/
  6. https://sailormoon-movie.jp/character.html
  7. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Chibiusa_Tsukino_/_Sailor_Chibi_Moon_%28anime%29
  8. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Mars_Power%2C_Make_Up
  9. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Rei_Hino_/_Sailor_Mars_%28anime%29
  10. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Rei_Hino_/_Sailor_Mars_%28manga%29
  11. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Act_3_Rei_-_Sailor_Mars_%28episode%29
  12. https://kodansha.us/product/pretty-guardian-sailor-moon-1/
  13. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Mars_Crystal_Power%2C_Make_Up
  14. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Act_10_-_Minako_-_Sailor_V
  15. https://www.viz.com/sailor-moon
  16. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Akuryo_Taisan
  17. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Fire_Soul
  18. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Burning_Mandala
  19. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Mars_Flame_Sniper
  20. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Mars_Crystal
  21. https://www.cbr.com/sailor-moon-mythology-explained/
  22. https://screenrant.com/sailor-mars-trivia-facts-moon-rei/
  23. https://yumetwins.com/blog/the-creator-of-sailor-moon-naoko-takeuchi
  24. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Sailor-Moon/Sailor-Mars-Rei-Hino/
  25. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Pretty-Guardian-Sailor-Moon-Crystal/Sailor-Mars-Rei-Hino/
  26. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-06-14/last-sailor-moon-cosmos-film-casts-live-action-sailor-mars-actress-keiko-kitagawa/.199163
  27. https://www.tuxedounmasked.com/where-is-the-original-sailor-moon-musical-seramyu-cast-today/
  28. https://wikimoon.org/index.php/Sera_Myu_Actors
  29. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Sailor-Moon/Sailor-Mars-Rei-Hino/
  30. https://www.cbr.com/sailor-moon-differences-anime-live-action/
  31. https://www.tuxedounmasked.com/why-is-rei-so-different-in-the-anime-and-manga/
  32. https://scholarlypublishingcollective.org/psup/jappc/article/4/1/100/201053/Faith-and-Spirituality-in-Naoko-Takeuchi-s-Bishojo
  33. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/143638475.pdf
  34. https://iopn.library.illinois.edu/journals/jams/article/download/948/919/4063
  35. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304124015_Westernization_and_The_Transmogrification_of_Sailor_Moon
  36. https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=eastasia_sum
  37. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2020-12-09/sailor-moon-super-poll-crowns-sailor-uranus-as-fan-favorite/.167253
  38. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2020/10/16/support-your-favorite-scout-in-nhks-sailor-moon-anime-mega-poll
  39. https://www.sailormoonforum.com/index.php?threads/do-you-think-amis-popularity-and-character-was-greatly-helped-by-the-90s-anime.35250/
  40. https://comicsalliance.com/tribute-naoko-takeuchi/
  41. https://sailormoon.fandom.com/wiki/Bishoujo_Senshi_Sailor_Moon:_Another_Story
  42. https://www.hottopic.com/product/sailor-moon-sailor-mars-dainty-symbol-necklace/11927244.html
  43. https://www.ebay.com/b/sailor-mars-figure/bn_7024767380
  44. https://www.cbr.com/sailor-moon-modern-anime-influence/
  45. https://comicsalliance.com/sailor-moon-feminism-renaissance-nostalgia-women-role-models/
  46. https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1772622/bailey.pdf
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3882724/
  48. https://www.japabutai.com/en/plays/musical-pretty-guardian-sailor-moon-kaguya-hime-no-koibito
  49. https://wikimoon.org/index.php/Kaguya-hime_no_Koibito_(musical)
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.