According to Animage's annual polls, Sailor Mercury was by far the most popular Sailor Moon character (at least among that magazine's readership, which is not necessarily representative of Sailor Moon fans as a whole). Sailor Mercury was not quite as popular according to the annual Nakayoshi character polls, however, ranking overall at number 20 behind Moon, Chibi Moon, Chibi Chibi, Saturn, Venus, Pluto, and Uranus. Still, the character's popularity really cannot be understated, which is probably why she's tended to get special focus in several musicals, and, of course, the whole "Dark Mercury" sub-plot in the live action series. (And, referring back to the Nakayoshi polls, Berthier, Fish Eye, and Palla Palla also all ranked extremely high compared to their respective cohorts, so obviously the blue color scheme + water powers is a popular combination of traits, though not a guarantee of success given Viluy's and Aluminum Siren's relative unpopularity.)
Anyway, all this makes me wonder: would the series have been more (or at least as) popular with Ami as its main/title character? (Either as "Sailor Mercury" or as "Sailor Moon.") What is it about Ami that made her so popular, and would that popularity carry over if she were the lead? What would need to stay the same, what would need to change in order for this to work?
"Sailor Mercury" as the lead could work without too many changes: The Silver Crystal could easily become "The Quicksilver Crystal," and the "Moon Stick" could easily become a Mercury symbol-shaped bubble wand.
Ami as "Sailor Moon" could also work without too many changes as the Moon is already highly associated with water. "Moon Healing Escalation" could easily become "Moon Aqua Healing."
Mamoru could still work as a love interest since he and Ami are intellectual equals, both live fairly posh lifestyles, and both are aspiring doctors.
The dynamic between Ami and Luna is different than the one between Usagi and Luna, so that would have to change.
Ami's social awkwardness/shyness/loneliness is a fairly big part of her character, so I'm not sure how casting her as team leader would work. I guess you'd have to show her working to overcome her social awkwardness?
Anyway, what are your thoughts? In the meantime, enjoy this coloring I did of Ami!Moon:
Anyway, all this makes me wonder: would the series have been more (or at least as) popular with Ami as its main/title character? (Either as "Sailor Mercury" or as "Sailor Moon.") What is it about Ami that made her so popular, and would that popularity carry over if she were the lead? What would need to stay the same, what would need to change in order for this to work?
"Sailor Mercury" as the lead could work without too many changes: The Silver Crystal could easily become "The Quicksilver Crystal," and the "Moon Stick" could easily become a Mercury symbol-shaped bubble wand.
Ami as "Sailor Moon" could also work without too many changes as the Moon is already highly associated with water. "Moon Healing Escalation" could easily become "Moon Aqua Healing."
Mamoru could still work as a love interest since he and Ami are intellectual equals, both live fairly posh lifestyles, and both are aspiring doctors.
The dynamic between Ami and Luna is different than the one between Usagi and Luna, so that would have to change.
Ami's social awkwardness/shyness/loneliness is a fairly big part of her character, so I'm not sure how casting her as team leader would work. I guess you'd have to show her working to overcome her social awkwardness?
Anyway, what are your thoughts? In the meantime, enjoy this coloring I did of Ami!Moon: