Quote:I think the objects are more focuses than power supplies, and it's not so much that the upgrades give them more abilities, but that the previous versions could no longer keep up with their users. Certainly there's something special about the girls that make it necessary for them to be the wielders and not just the first J. Random Schoolgirl Luna found who looked like she could fit into the fuku -- there is something that Luna can detect which says "senshi" to her. (Otherwise Naru would've gotten a henshin stick, if only to let her self-medicate that nasty youma infestation she seems cursed with.) It only stands to reason that whatever quality says "senshi" is also the ability to tap and manipulate planetary power. Otherwise there would be false positives -- and false negatives. And to the best of my knowledge, there's never been anything like that in SM.
Okay, I'll buy that one. There's a bit of a perception problem with the power levels, as the anime gives me the distinct impression that the tools are doing most of the work. (Here's your broach/pen/crystal/wand. Ooh look, arbitrary upgrade broach/pens/staff. Oop, here's your talismans/glaive/grail. Etcetera, etcetera...)
But what do I know? I'm dreadfully ignorant about anything other than the first season anime.
Quote:That may well be, too. I have no idea how to tell.
Maybe it's a translation flaw--either from manga to anime, or from Japanese to English.
Quote:I get the feeling that they were perfectly nice kids until Pluto got her hands on them. I'd like to think they can stay that way -- especially if the arbitrary "Inner/Outer" distinction can be dispensed with from the beginning.
"The beatings will continue until morale improves!"
Re: Sam Kinnison. Yeah, you're right.
-- Bob
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Then the horns kicked in...
...and my shoes began to squeak.