is a Japanese
shojo 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
tankobon volumes. The series follows the adventures of a young schoolgirl named
Usagi Tsukino as she transforms into the titular character to search for a princess and an artifact called the . During her journey, she leads a diverse group of comrades, the — 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.