AH! MY GODDESS: SOREZORE NO TSUBASA
Why not just change the title to "Belldandy and Friends?" Because that's who we all came to see
Review by: Craig "God of Drooling" Norris
Length: 22 episodes
Genre: Romance, supernatural
Watched: All, subbed
Well, I returned for the second international "Stare At Belldandy Until Your Eyeballs Dry Out" competition, looking to improve on my fourth-place finish last year. Between rounds I happened to notice there was an anime going on and I scribbled a few notes, most of which were love letters to Belldandy. While I go try to find a post office that can mail these letters to a fictional animated universe, here's what I thought of the second season of Ah! My Goddess TV.
Plot synopsis: Through all their trials and tribulations, Keiichi and Belldandy have managed to stay by each other's side. However, a new wave of obstacles is about to be thrown in the path of their happiness, including meddling from a rival goddess, as well as the schemes of the queen of demons herself (who just happens to be Urd's mother). Between these new foes and the usual interference from Belldandy's sisters, can she an Keiichi overcome all odds (as well as their own shyness) and finally pledge their love?
Artwork: There is no discernible difference between this series and the first season. Expect the same quality in character designs, backgrounds and spell animations. I really had no complaints about the art in the first series, and I don't expect many to find fault with the visuals in this second season.
Music: Special props have to go out to the music department for showing the bagpipes some love, making this often maligned instrument the centerpiece of the opening theme song. That track is clearly the most successful, coupling the unusual but effective instrument choice with Kikuko Inoue's hauntingly beautiful singing voice. The ending theme is also very good, giving Inoue yet another well-deserved opportunity to flex her vocal chords. The rest of the songs are pretty much the same type that appeared in the first season.
Characters: The character personalities are pretty much consistent with what fans of the franchise have grown accustomed to, with two notable developments. First, there is exploration into Urd dealing with the fact that she is half demon, and subsequently the nature of her relationship with her mother. Also, it is discovered that Belldandy has a dark side. Well, not really dark; more like slightly murky. But apparently, even goddesses are not above feelings of jealousy. Also, making her first appearance since the movie is Peorth, another goddess first class who sees herself as Belldandy's direct rival. Her main aim seems to be to take Keiichi away from Belldandy to prove that she is superior. Peorth is most like Urd in terms of personality, but Urd and Skuld don't seem to be too fond of her. Belldandy, on the other hand, likes everyone, so she sees no point to the rivalry. Making her anime debut is Hild, Urd's mother, the queen of demons. One look at her and it's plain to see where Urd got most of her looks from. Of course, being the queen of demons, she is pure evil. However, she usually masks that with civility. Bringing misery to the goddesses, especially Belldandy, is her main purpose. Aside from that, expect more of the same: Urd teases Skuld, Keiichi freaks out, Belldandy smiles, lather, rinse, repeat.
Plot: Though a good portion of the plot is taken directly from the manga, overall the plot is somewhat disappointing. The series rarely seems to evolve into anything besides trying to split up Keiichi and Belldandy. In a series that includes both goddesses and demons, I was hoping for a few plot lines that had more far-reaching consequences. Simply put, the plot lacked punch, and was somewhat unsatisfying when all was said and done. Luckily there is plenty of room for a third season, so hopefully there's a chance for some good old-fashioned world destruction in the future.
CHICKS!:
That just about says it all, wouldn't you agree?
Overall: While it couldn't hold my interest as totally as the first season, this sequel series was more than adequately entertaining. The plot was a bit of a let-down, but the interplay between the characters is still there, and is even explored a bit more in-depth in some cases. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first season.
IN A NUTSHELL
+ Same quality art and music
+ Characters explored a bit more deeply
+ Bagpipes, laddy!
+ Seriously, Belldandy, I want you to be my wife.
- Plot is somewhat disappointing
Rating: 8/10
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