With her aqua locks and graceful aesthetic, Sailor Neptune (aka Michiru Kaioh) continues to remain an inspiration to Sailor Moon fans the world over. She is fantastic on the battlefield, but she also happens to be incredibly talented in a number of creative pursuits.
Yet even Sailor Neptune can have her not-so-glamorous moments. Because behind that beautiful exterior and calm persona is a human being with just as many flaws as the other Senshi. To examine this character more closely, here are 5 elements of Sailor Neptune that are overrated, along with 5 aspects of her that are tremendously underrated.
10 Overrated: Letting Haruka Flirt With Everyone
Many fans love the flirty nature of both Sailor Neptune and her famous girlfriend, Sailor Uranus (aka Haruka Tenoh). But sometimes Haruka becomes the more flirtatious of the pair - a fact that sometimes bothers Michiru.
But rather than address her jealously head-on, Michiru often takes a more passive route - one that often leads to her just giving Haruka a cold look rather than talking about her feelings. And no matter how great their relationship is, its always important to talk about these dilemmas than tuck such emotions inside.
9 Underrated: Being Just As Big A Flirt
As much as Sailor Uranus seems like the bigger flirt, Sailor Neptune is equally as skilled in the ways of flirting. From certain pop idols that visit Michiru in her dressing room to young men that pass her by, Michiru never dodges a flirtatious moment - especially if it leads to making Haruka jealous.
And though viewers love to see Sailor Neptune express her playful side towards the other characters in the series, many would rather see Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus together as the iconic couple fans know them to be.
8 Overrated: Competitive Nature
Throughout the original anime, Sailor Neptune has a distinct competitive edge. And whether that be related to Michiru upholding her self-image or challenging someone she's jealous towards, this iconic Aqua-colored heroine never holds back this side of her.
This personality trait comes out in an episode where she challenges Ami (aka Sailor Mercury) to a swimming race. During the first round, the two tie - but only because Michiru is convinced Ami slowed herself down on purpose. She forces Ami into a rematch, proving that Michiru never lets her competitive behavior slide.
7 Underrated: Being Multi-Talented
Many fans love Sailor Neptune because of her talent of being a world-class musician. It is a skill that has taken her far in life, especially considering her young age. But Michiru has more talents up her sleeve than just her musical-related ones.
Throughout the original anime series, Michiru often displays her extensive artistic skills. She's so talented as a painter, that her work hangs in art galleries and she even becomes an art teacher - proving that Michiru can do anything she puts her mind towards.
6 Overrated: Doesn't Trust Others
Sailor Neptune might be talented and mature. But she has one rather large emotional thorn at her side, and that's related to her trust issues. This especially comes into play when she and Sailor Uranus encounter the other Sailor Senshi.
Sailor Moon and the others all want to work together with Sailor Neptune and Uranus to defeat their evil foes by finding the three ancient talismans. But with her visions of an apocalyptic future, along with her struggle to make friends, Sailor Neptune rarely ever lets her guard down - resulting in a multitude of Sailor Senshi drama.
5 Underrated: Bold Statements
Michiru might be known for her mature demeanor, but deep down, she is quite the unfiltered individual. From her seductive suggestions towards Haruka in public to her criticisms of the other Sailor Senshi's decisions, Sailor Neptune often never hides her true feelings towards anything or anyone.
And though this unapologetic side to Michiru often gets her into trouble, fans can't help but admire Sailor Neptune's ability to speak her mind in ways the other Sailor Senshi don't even try.
4 Overrated: Always Putting Sailor Uranus Ahead Of Herself
When it comes to the protective dynamic between Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, fans know that the pair would do anything for each other. But when push comes to shove, Sailor Neptune is the one putting her life more on the line than Sailor Uranus.
From their first encounter, all the way to their battle with Eudial towards the end of the Sailor Moon S season, Sailor Neptune always puts Sailor Uranus' safety above her own in some incredibly risky and life-altering ways.
3 Underrated: Fashion Style
Many fans admire Sailor Neptune's several creative and musical talents. But perhaps one of the most underrated aspects of Michiru is her sense of fashion off the battlefield. For though many of the other Sailor Senshi have some incredible fashion moments throughout the original anime, Michiru always seems to look like the most polished one in the room.
From the way she styles her ordinary school uniform to her adorable, brightly colored, matching outfits with Haruka, Michiru is the definition of a fashionable shoujo heroine.
2 Overrated: Not Letting Things Go
As mentioned, Michiru is a competitively focused character. And though that sometimes can lead to some exciting moments throughout the Sailor Moon series, it also can come off as quite a frustrating side of her.
This aspect comes into play when Haruka forces Ami to have a swimming rematch with Michiru. Why? Because Michiru becomes incredibly fixated on Ami's swimming techniques during the prior race. And though the situation finishes with a happy ending, Michiru's obsessions can often lead to some irritating scenarios.
1 Underrated: Being An Encouraging Girlfriend
One of the best elements of Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus's relationship is how supportive they are of each other. But between the two, Michiru is the more encouraging romantic partner.
From moments of Michiru pushing Haruka towards her goals to the pair wearing adorable matching outfits, Michiru is the ideal girlfriend when it comes to her drive to see Haruka at her best.