Hey, so I found an interesting scan in the manga, and I thought I'd ask GC what they think about this curiosity. This pic takes place after Usagi and Mamoru realize they share the same dream (this is set during the Dream arc) so here is my question:

Based on this pic...



...is Mamoru using the transformation command "Moon Crisis, Make Up!" to change, along with Usagi?

Thoughts?

If we consider the context-that the both of them (mostly mamoru) were suffering from a dead moon curse, and the affliction was giving them painful difficulties-I would say yes he is. The dead moon curse seemed to have a lot of negative impacts, and he could have been borrowing power from Usagi to transform into his Guardian form.

Ok, so like, this needs context because context is everything to me. 

So, this happens after Usagi and Mamoru's curse was sped up, Helios manages to save them and take them to Elysion where he tells them of a vision he's seen  that speaks of a warrior and a maiden protected by moonlight that could melt the seal (on the golden crystal.).  He also speaks about Mamoru's past-self and why he's connected to Elysion and how this all functioned between Mamoru and Usagi being the bearers of the Silver and Golden Crystal respectively. 

At this point- both of them are not afflicted with the curse.  Elysion has healing powers too, and basically helped purify both of them while they had been asleep for a short time. 


Anyway, so  after Mamoru's powers with his crystal awakens, they get sent back to the surface, which is plagued by Nehellenia's powers. 


Then they do Moon Crisis Make up.

----


My working and forever Theory is that Because Mamoru never actually had -words- to his transformation, saying Usagi's while being connected to her probably works out about the same. Especially since the theme of the Arc is all about Mamoru coming into his own with his own crystal to be as equal as Usagi. 

He's never had a transformation call and his crystal is still a new thing for him to use- so it's not that he's heavily burdened with the curse but I think he was caught up in the moment feeling stronger than he had been before. 


Mean, if you look back before that page a few:

Spoiler:

In the upper left Corner, Helios noticed Mamoru's crystal and how it's starting to glow. He's not surprised by Usagi - It's Mamoru that's starting to use his actual powers. 

It's well known and established that Mamoru and Usagi holding hands, holding each other, focusing their powers brings about more powers and become more powerful because of their unity. 


So yeah, Mamoru used Moon Crisis Make up in the heat of the moment.  In fact, look back at the other arcs, he almost always transforms alone or just arrives to help.  We never seen him and Usagi transform together before so this is a first too. 

My other working theory is also that because Mamoru does not have an item (Like a Brooch, a transformation pen/stick and ect) that he cannot actually access his powers fully and since he's never had a guardian or anyone else back him often (except himself...from the future. His friends are all rocks.),  it probably stunted his powers up until then. 

So being with Usagi, always being connected to her, and their love for each other- it probably helped him learn via through her some of what he's supposed to learn anyway. 

-coughs-  <<;  sorry for long winded speculations but I just really really like Mamoru xD;.

First of all... Amazing thread name XD.

I already posted my thoughts on Discord but it basically agrees with what Ktenshi said.

Quote :

Well to me his mouth looks open where it says "Moon Crisis" so maybe? But mouths can kind of just be randomly open in moments of adrenaline too. Naoko didn't exactly exclude him from the spell though. The words are centered between the two of them.
[...]
At the very least, even if Mamoru isn't saying the words out loud he's definitely thinking/feeling/channeling them.

I'll also add that him saying Usagi's spell can also be seen as a way of giving *her* strength, but I still think the impulse came more from feeling united with her than wanting to support her specifically.

I'm more on Diagnosed's side: I think he's sharing is strength/power with Usagi for the transformation, but I don't think he's actively using the "Moon Crisis" words to become Tuxedo Mask. I think the open mouth is a stylistic choice from the artist.