Time Stop
CharacterTime Stop is the last and most forbidden of the space-time powers entrusted to Sailor Pluto. Halting the flow of time carries a fatal price: once time restarts, its wielder dies, which is why the guardian holds it in reserve for only the gravest moments.
Overview
Time Stop stands as the third and ultimate taboo of the space-time domain that Sailor Pluto governs. Queen Serenity laid out its terrible cost: should Pluto freeze time even briefly, the moment it starts moving again she will lose her life. The power is channeled through the Garnet Rod.
Mechanics
In the anime, Pluto only reaches for the technique once. Riding in a helicopter alongside Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, the group is ambushed by Daimons and the aircraft detonates. At that instant Pluto arrests time, holds a short exchange with her two companions to explain the situation, and moves them safely to a rooftop below. When the seconds resume, the explosion finishes and she is still aboard.
The manga and Crystal place the moment in the Black Moon arc. Prince Demande seizes the two Silver Crystals from Black Lady and tries to press them together to shatter the space-time continuum. Pluto freezes time to stop him, buying Usagi the chance to snatch the crystals away, and dies when time restarts. Her sacrifice jolts Black Lady into recalling her true self, reverting to Chibiusa and then rising as Sailor Chibi Moon. Newer musicals swap Saphir into Demande's role and let Tuxedo Mask, rather than Sailor Moon, be the one who grabs the crystals.
Notable Users
Sailor Pluto is the sole wielder across every medium. In the games, including the 3DO's Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon S and Sailor Moon: Another Story, she uses it without the deadly consequence. In Another Story it locks an enemy for three turns, counting the turn it is cast, and drains all of her EP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't Sailor Pluto stop time?
Sailor Pluto can stop time, but she rarely does because the technique carries a fatal price: the instant time resumes, she dies. This is why Queen Serenity's warning keeps Time Stop reserved for only the most desperate moments.
What is Time Stop?
Time Stop is the third and most forbidden of the space-time powers held by Sailor Pluto, channeled through her Garnet Rod. Using it halts the flow of time itself, though the cost is her own life once time starts moving again.
How powerful is Time Stop?
Time Stop is considered Sailor Pluto's ultimate technique, capable of freezing time completely, as shown when she halts an exploding helicopter to save Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune. Its power is matched by an equally severe cost, since she dies the moment time resumes.
What happens when Sailor Pluto uses Time Stop in the manga?
In the manga's Black Moon arc, Sailor Pluto freezes time to stop Prince Demande from shattering the space-time continuum with the two Silver Crystals, giving Usagi the chance to grab them. She dies when time resumes, and her sacrifice snaps Black Lady back into Chibiusa, who then rises as Sailor Chibi Moon.
What item does Sailor Pluto use to perform Time Stop?
Sailor Pluto channels Time Stop through her Garnet Rod. She is the only character across the anime and manga shown using the technique.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Time Stop? The Sailor Moon Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Sailor Moon anime series, manga, and official materials. Sailor Moon was created by Naoko Takeuchi, published by Kodansha, and animated by Toei Animation. All rights to Sailor Moon and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byNaoko Takeuchi
- Published byKodansha
- Animated byToei Animation
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