The anime is better: Mamoru moves lively and speaks softly than in the manga. I admit manga has its romantic moments, but the anime appeals more to the eye.

I want to argue for Mamoru being portrayed as more romantic in the manga, but this also compels me to watch the anime for a more accurate comparison. When I think of romance in the Sailor Moon series, I tend to think of the manga before any other version.

He was not only more romantic in the manga, he was also more respectful.

I definitely think manga Mamoru was far more romantic than the anime Mamoru. Honestly, it just doesn't seem like they're got a connection whenever he loses his memories of the past. Naoko's idea was that "no matter how many times they're reborn, they'll eventually fall in love again". The anime kinda made it more of a "no matter how many times they're reborn, as long as the memories of their first time falling in love as Endymion and Serenity comes back, they'll eventually fall in love again." 

This is why I sorta prefer Mamoru in Crystal and Manga (even though he was pretty expressionless most of the time), because from the very start, just seeing each other they immediately had this connection- whereas Mamoru in the anime kinda only ever fell in love with Usagi when his memories of the past returned. I mean that sorta explains why he dated Rei... Like, what happened to only falling in love with each other till the end of time? 

That's my take on both, but...

TL;DR: I choose manga Mamoru.

Anime Mamoru wasn't as Romantic of loving towards Usagi, I felt like he was a lot more of a moonturd to her a lot of the time.

Manga, of course, though it seemed to have lessened a bit by the later arcs.

People also tend to be less romantic in an established relationship once you get over the "wooing" phase.

^ thats true, I don't know from experience, but have seen it with friends.

I do so wish I could have a manga romance like UsaMamo, or some other manga.

I would also have to say the manga. Honestly to me, not only was he more romantic, but he was a bit more likable. Going back and reading the manga again after watching almost all of the 90's anime, he felt almost like a different character. Different sorts of reactions to the other characters... I enjoy the manga Mamo a bit more than the 90's anime I'd have to say.

Addelyn wrote:

People also tend to be less romantic in an established relationship once you get over the "wooing" phase.

That's another thing that made their relationship seem realistic. ^^^^ It's also important to note that many couples have issues after the excitement and wonder of having a new relationship disappears, but Usagi and Mamoru still managed to stay together even after their "honeymoon stage". Even though they were less visibly romantic in the later arcs, their relationship continued to grow stronger. For example, they had more self-doubt and trust issues in the earlier arcs (ex: jealously over Chibiusa in Black Moon and over Haruka & Michiru in Infinity). Also, more characters were introduced as the series progressed which often took the focus away from their relationship.

Hahaha the rose throwing! Yeah, he was pretty useless at times.


I have to agree that Mamoru from the manga was overall a better and more romantic boyfriend. Crystal Mamoru is of course following the manga better so maybe that anime version of himself (?). And yes, the 90's anime really ruined their relationship, what with the on and off, the "romance" rivalry between usagi and rei, the childishness... just... no. Definitely don't want to talk about the whole break up either. LOL

In the manga, most definitely.
The 90s anime had more of a comedic feel to it, than a romantic one so unfortunately I think trying to make their relationship more believable suffered a bit because of that.