Ah! My Goddess: Multi-part Review

Review time! Kind, caring, but diminutive and unlucky in love Keiichi Morisato is a college student and motor enthusiast, stuck alone in his apartment. After dialing a number, he is accidently transferred to the Goddess Help Line, and is told that he has been approved to make a wish. Confused at the situation, soon a shining light appears in his mirror and from it emerges a beautiful woman, who introduces herself as Belldandy, a goddess who will grant him any one wish he desires. Thinking this is a joke, and charmed by her beauty, he then makes a fateful wish: “I wish for a Goddess, like you, to be by my side forever!” Surprisingly the wish is granted! Unfortunately, this also means Keiichi is quickly kicked out of his dorm, as no girls are allowed. Eventually finding a temple, the two start a new life together, but are soon joined by the vivacious and alluring Urd, Belldandy’s older half-sister (who is always cooking up schemes, usually love potions, to get Belldandy and Keiichi to move their relationship along) and Skuld, Belldandy’s younger sister who is a wiz at inventing but without magical abilities. As for Keiichi and Belldandy, the two figure out what life together means, and it isn’t long for the two of them to fall in love with each other. Though progress is slow; I wonder why…? With a truly unique premise, Ah! My Goddess (also known as Oh my Goddess) is an extremely popular anime series, with a plethora of adaptations, including a 5 episode OVA, a Movie, a series of mini-episodes, a two season anime series, and 2 sets of OVAs afterward, that continue with the series’ story. Since there is so much, I decided I’m going to review them individually, but since they are all under the Ah! My Goddess! umbrella, it makes sense to do them all in one post. So let’s do this!

Ah! My Goddess OVA

This 5 Episode OVA series is most likely where most fans got their first taste of the series. It is a heavily condensed version of the show, and is a good introduction to the world. Due to trying to cover so much material, the OVA’s comedy is lacking, but Keiichi and Belldandy’s relationship is explored. Although there is a jump, as a line from the second episode says that Keiichi and Belldandy have been together for 9 months. The hand drawn animation is also beautiful and Belldandy in particular is memorable. All in all, 5 episodes well worth your time, and I highly recommend it!

The Adventures of Mini-Goddess

For those looking for pure comedy, it doesn’t get much sillier than this: a series of 7 minute episodes featuring the three Goddesses in chibi form, along with the world’s unluckiest rat named Gan-chan. Most episodes focus on Urd and Skuld having shenanigans, with Gan-chan tagging along (and soon regretting he did). 48 episodes in all mean that there is a decent amount to watch, and they are sure to make you at least chuckle for a while. Though many times you have to wonder: in several situations, why don’t they just get big again, if it will solve the problem? I think it best not to think about it too much.

Ah! My Goddess! The Movie

This movie takes place after the OVAs, and has Belldandy dealing with her old teacher, Celestin, who has decided that the Gods are being needlessly cruel and he will make the human race advance until they are all equally happy, whether they want to or not. She also loses her memories of Keiichi for a time and it is all about how to stop Celestin and whether or not Keiichi and Belldandy’s love is true. There is gorgeous animation at work, and wonderful moments that show how much Keiichi and Belldandy love each other. There is a weird side plot about motorcycle racing which, while Keiichi is a part of the Motor Club, seems a little out of place given what is going on in the story. Nevertheless, if you love the series, check out the movie, you won’t regret it.

Ah! My Goddess! Anime Series

As this show has the luxury of two 24 episode seasons, it has much more time to fit in comedy and develop Keiichi and Belldandy’s relationship. The show’s comedy is great, and it introduces more characters from the manga that the OVAs didn’t have time for, including Mara, the Goddesses’ demonic nuisance, and even Hild, Urd’s mother (and ruler of Hell). While there are some recycled story lines, and the animation is not quite in the detail level of the OVAs, the series is still great, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves these characters.

Ah! My Goddess! Fighting Wings

This 2 episode OVA series follows the format of the Anime series, and focuses most on Lind, a Valkyrie who is tracking down an Angel Eater, who soon arrives at the Morisato household. A fair amount of action is in store and while it is resolved fairly quickly, it is worth checking out. It does make you want a full new season though…

Ah! My Goddess! Together Forever

This 3 episode OVA is unusual. One is an episode that centers on one of Hild’s schemes, the second is a beach episode with Goddesses in skimpy outfits (including Belldandy, which seems a little off, but whatever), and the last one is an episode where Belldandy helps a high school kid confess to his crush using Metal music. While the animation is great, the episodes do seem out of place, and I hope this is not the last we have seen of Goddess anime, since this doesn’t feel like a proper send off. Hopefully we can actually get more seasons, as the manga has finished and the ending is quite nice, from what I have heard.

Conclusion

So there you have it! In all, my feelings are these: Ah! My Goddess! is a great series, and Keiichi and Belldandy’s relationship is nothing short of magical. The love and care they have for each other is heartwarming and I just want to see more of it! Who knows: we might get something in the future, given that it is a very famous and beloved series, though at this point, only time will tell. Maybe a goddess might grant a wish to get the rest of the manga adapted, I sure hope so!