First Any Gripes? : The biggest problem are missing issues in the volumes. Although not really that destructive to the overall enjoyment, it is a disappointment for purists ( like myself ) - many issues were skipped early on and this caused it to feel a bit disjointed. I agree this may affect you more if you have not seen the OAV's beforehand. Even if you haven't I suppose by the time you've read one or two volumes, you will be quite familiar with the characters and situation anyway. Still, it is a slight disappointment.

I suppose if you're not into love comedies you should stay away.... because sometimes this can be very
cushy (I think that's the word for it), with Keiichi's and Belldandy's declarations of love for each other maybe happening too often. Then again - if you don't like love comedies, I have no idea why you've read all the way to here. 

Comparison to OAV's : For those who've seen and enjoyed the OAV's I heartily recommend you read this, all the characters are much more developed and you get to see a more stronger side of Belldandy as well as a softer side of Urd. The stories are as said , first class, and are 'in a style' very close to the OAV's. Basically, if you liked the OAV's which are incredibly short by comparison , you will love the manga ! The only thing which may disappoint is that they don't really follow, story wise, as closely as you would like - especially the last OAV, For The Love of Goddess , which is covered in the manga - but with a slight twist. 

However it is probably better to watch the OAV's before reading the manga. The way that the temple (Keiichi's and Belldandy's new home) is found and the first encounter with Megumi and Sayoko are not included in the volumes, so the OAV does really have a better beginning . Another peculiar thing, I'm not sure if this bothers you ( it does me ), but Keiichi is pictured smoking a cigarette whilst listening to the phone at the start - it just doesn't seem to go down to well with his character. In all, I thought the OAV's begins much better than the English translated manga because of those missing issues. 

I must also comment on the humour.....it is some of best I've read for ages. Either from the incredibly naive Belldandy or Urd's quick fire remarks - it manages to be funny without trying to hard. There is just the right amount of comedy and sweetness to make this a much more balanced and compelling read.


Conclusion : Excellent stories, which are sometimes sweet, sometimes funny, but always entertaining coupled with great art and great characters really makes this a must for any fans who like comedy/love related manga/anime. If you don't....you don't know what you're missing out on !!

I do recommend that you watch the OAV's first as it may be confusing because of characters seemingly popping out of nowhere .The OAV's are incidentally ,excellent as well !!!

Pick : For me, volumes 6 (Mara Strikes Back) is probably my favourite, it has quite a few exceptional stories, which includes the issue which inspired the 'For the love of Goddess' OAV episode...if you're only planning to get one, make this it. As for my favourite issue, that's 'Urd's Fantastic Adventure' in volume 5 (Queen of Vengeance), it is a very delightful and bittersweet love story. This particular issue is actually quite legendary by Oh My Goddess standards and is mentioned quite often in fan sites- that's how good it is!

Article by Simon, edited by Ross Liversidge

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