Character Profile #13~ Artemis

Artemis is a counterpart to two characters; Luna and Minako. It is he who enters the story with the nearest thing to a complete memory which ensures his place as a main character that is not superceded by his human colleagues or by Luna who could have overshadowed him with her similarity in physical form or function.

Artemis appears for the first time in "Codename Sailor V", the underrated prequal manga, where he finds, recruits and guides Minako Aino; the original Sailor Senshi. He has a slightly immature personality forever taking matters into his own hands and attempting to impress Luna ending up in a variety of scrapes. He is however also a passionate character who takes his purpose as guide and friend to the Senshi very seriously. It is Artemis who most often offers practical advice, leaving any emotional or personal advice to Luna.

Artemis is however very close to the character of Minako, supporting her when she is alone and knowing before anyone else when something is wrong. This access to another character makes Artemis  more interesting and also allows the viewer that same point of entry to Minako.

Artemis also has a close relationship with Luna, to whom he eventually gives a daughter in the form of Diana. Though his courtship of Luna is clumsy at best, the audience never doubts that his love is true and that he will always and has always been at her side. This allows the relationship to progress in a different way to that of Usagi and Mamoru whose relationship is rather stop and go.

Artemis is less stand alone than other characters but this in itself makes him different and rounded as a complete character. His relationship with Minako is different to the relationship between Luna and the other Senshi, setting them apart as something else. Capable of great courage, Artemis walks a fine line between friendship and leadership which makes his character challenging but lovable.

"Always trust and have faith in your friends" - Artemis