Ah! My Goddess.. Movie or Series? That is the question

CrescentTearDrop · Post by **CrescentTearDrop** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 10:15 pm

I wanna see this anime, even though i have never read the Manga (though every single time i walk by that 'new release' self, i can't help but read the back, again) I saw a video with the anime and it looks so pretty. So, should I get the movie, the series, or the manga (or just dont get it at all!) Just wondering, Thanks ^.~
P.S. I like romance/fantasy/andmaybesomeaction... so maybe that will help you with my tastes

-JessjesS

Kalium · Post by **Kalium** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 10:17 pm

Unfortunately, I fear the best answer is "get it all". There's a lot of manga, about 200 chapters. I believe the Dark Horse issues are in the 100's-130's range, but don't quote me on that.

Oh, just don't expect continuity between the manga, movie, and OVA. They aren't continuous.

Org Profile · Post by **LantisEscudo** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 10:31 pm

Personally, I'm an AMG fan, so my first reaction is "get everything!"

Since you're jumping into it with no prior knowledge, I would suggest you start with either the manga or the OVA series, or wait for Media Blasters to release the TV series. All three start from about the same point, where the movie starts three years later, which is beyond even where the manga is right now.

The OVA is short (5 episodes over 2 DVDs), and is quite entertaining, though its lack of episodes is also a downside. It's a good introduction if you haven't seen anything else and it's not a huge investment in a long production.

The manga is quite long, since it's still running in Japan (next month is chapter #200! Woohoo!). Here in the US, we've gotten about 150-170 chapters so far. It's much deeper than any of the animated version, but is also a big monetary investment if you decide to grab all of it. Also, don't be turned off by Fujishima's art style in the first volume or two; it's pretty rough, and he settles down into the style we all know and love by volume 3.

The movie is absolutely beautiful, but drops you into the story three years from the beginning of the manga. Prior knowledge of the characters and setting is recommended before you watch this.

The new TV series, which is currently still airing in Japan (15 episodes at last count, I believe) and is licensed by Media Blasters, is very pretty, and starts at the beginning of the story, expanding and fleshing out several plot points we don't get until much, much later in the manga. Highly recommended, but since you can't get it in the US yet, you're in for a bit of a wait.

The story itself is the epitome of "magical girlfriend" series, but done very well. The romance is the big carrying point, with large amounts of comedy and magic thrown in (often in the form of another character's attempt to get the two main characters to get on with it).

It's one of my most-liked series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who's a fan of romance series.

CrescentTearDrop · Post by **CrescentTearDrop** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:20 pm

Well, I guess i will either get OVA or the manga, but i dont know where to find OVA, the movie is everywhere, so where am i gonna get Ah My Goddess OVA? (i didnt even see it on ebay

...)

-JessjesS

jenny2blue4mina · Post by **jenny2blue4mina** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:36 pm

If worse comes to worse...try Saturday Matinee if there is one near you...If they don't have it, ask if they can order it....I got a few this way from them with little problems....beware.....they can be a tad but expensive for anime DVD's.....Anything is worth a try if your willing to try looking anywhere for it...and by the way...ebay is not very good at finding somethings like that...try video stores....Best Buy might have it if your willing to look down the long isle for it but they can't order it for you so I'll go with the first suggestion....try Saturday Matinee...they are usually located in big malls so it shouldn't be a problem getting to them..

Org Profile · Post by **LantisEscudo** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:38 pm

It's listed as Oh! My Goddess for the OVAs. The liner notes in the first volume (which you can read here) explain why.

Animeigo, the US Licensor

Rightstuf: Volume 1 Volume 2

Amazon.com: Volume 1 Volume 2

Robert's Anime Corner Store

DeepDiscountDVD: Volume 1 Volume 2

Tainted_Eden · Post by **Tainted_Eden** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 12:15 am

Or you can watch it for free like how I did....

www.animecrave.com

I like it. This is the only series that they have in its entirety. ^.^ Give it a go 'fore ya decide to watch it. Personally, I like the OVA, I have yet to watch the movie. And I read some of the manga.

If anything, I suggust reading at least a few manga 'fore watching the OVA. 'Cause in the OVA, it spans over 9 months in only five half hour eps. Whootness. So if you read a bit, you'll get a general idea.

CrescentTearDrop · Post by **CrescentTearDrop** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 9:06 am

Thanks guys! You were a ton of help! now all i need to do is get the money... *starts working furiously on chores* It looks like such a nice anime, maybe I will go sit at Borders for a few hours and read the manga sometime too.
thanks again! ^.^

-JessjesS

TaranT · Post by **TaranT** » Sun Apr 17, 2005 1:03 pm

Don't forget these:
http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/29.php

Four DVDs total, but there's a box set that should be cheaper.