Issue #3 of 5
Story and Art by Fujishima Kosuke
Copyright © 1998 Fujishima Kosuke

OH! MY GODDESS definitely has a following in the United States, and Dark Horse has had the rights to the comic series for some time. To date, there have been three graphic novel compilations published. "The Devil in Miss Urd" is the latest mini-series to be released in the normal 32-page monthly format.
Fans of the series know that Urd is perhaps the most mischievous and wicked of the three sisters, but do they know why? It turns out that Urd is half-demon, and she wasn't always on the side of the goddesses. And it seems that during her time as a demon, she did some socializing with beings of less than reputable standing. One such person is Mara, a beautiful demoness. When they first meet in this series, they renew what could loosely be described as their "friendship," but things soon turn sour as Mara is forced to remember how Urd got the best of her time and time again.
Because of that, and perhaps just a little bit due to the fact that she's evil, Mara captures Urd and imprisons her in a magic seal. When Urd doesn't return, Skuld goes out looking for her, and is surprised by what she discovers. There's a lot more to the story than this, including a couple of very unique and surprising plot twists, but giving them away would detract from reading them firsthand.
The art is simply Fujishima at his best. Now more than comfortable with these characters, he turns his attention to the newest cast member, Mara. She looks similar to some of the other deities, but different enough to be original. Plus, she has a decidedly evil look to her. Her expression allows readers to know almost exactly what she's thinking before they even read the text.
Fans of Urd will most likely find this to be one of their favorite stories, since it centers around her. In fact, the person who seems to be left in the background the most is poor Keiichi, who is reduced to little more than an observer for most of the story. Belldandy doesn't have very much to do, either, except worry over Urd's disappearance, but the end of issue three seems to promise more participation on her part.
This change in story is a good one; it's nice to have some of the other characters get some attention, and have the "romance" aspect backgrounded for at least a little while. But the charm of the characters and their bonds to each other, despite their differences in demeanor, heritage and magical abilities, really shines through in this story.
With beautiful art, a skillful translation and engaging characters, this manga's popularity will only continue to grow. OH! MY GODDESS "The Devil in Miss Urd" will please long-time fans of the series, and, no doubt, it will also win a few new converts as well.

English version published in North America by Dark Horse Comics
32 pages; Black and White
6158-97732-00311
$2.95
Available now in the USA
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