"1-555-GODDESS" is the title of the first compilation volume of Studio Proteus' English adaptation of OH MY GODDESS! This compilation hit stores in November 1996, and features the events which occur during Dark Horse's first run of the series from 1994. OH MY GODDESS! has also been animated into an OVA series and an English language version is currently available either subtitled or dubbed from AnimEigo. Dark Horse has also recently published a YOU'RE UNDER ARREST limited series, which is also written and drawn by Fujishima.
OH MY GODDESS! tells the story of the boy who wished for a goddess, and got one. Morisato Keiichi, a student at the Nekomi Institute of Technology has been stuck in dorms taking messages for his upperclassmen. A misdialed number, however, connects him to the Goddess Technical Help Line. One thing leads to another, and Belldandy, a bonafide Goddess, comes to live with him.
The events in the manga differ greatly from the OVAs, so readers should not be worried that they may just be picking up a still-frame version of the OVA series. By the end of the volume, most of the supporting characters have been introduced, including Sayoko, Toshiyuki, Keiichi's sister Megumi, and Belldandy's meddling older sister Urd.
This first volume recounts the first few days that Bellldandy spends with Keiichi. Some interesting things happen: each gains a rival to the affections of the other, a bit of Urd's past is revealed, and they play the game of Life. No, they really play the game of Life. The Parker Brothers' version. You know, the one with the big spinner and the cars. The only difference is that Urd has rigged the wheel with her Goddess powers in her favor. There is also the fact that when a player lands on any space, whatever is indicated on the game board will come true in real life. Needless to say, some extraordinary things take place.
In all honesty, I purchased OH MY GODDESS! mainly because of the artwork, and less so for the stories. I find that they tend to be a little on the weak side when it comes to story and character development. In this respect, the OVAs are definitely stronger. This is really a story that was created to tell little side stories. There is no long range plot in sight, and this may have affected my appreciation for the series. It is, however, too early in the series to tell if this is going anywhere. However, if you are debating whether or not to pick up some of the manga, I would recommend buying the later volumes when Fujishima's artwork matures a bit more. And you can watch the OVAs to fill in the holes in the plot.
If price is a main concern, $12.95 for 152 pages of great artwork is a very good deal. And when compared to the competition's prices, this price point will appear to be quite a bargain. And if you did not pick up the series when Dark Horse first released it in comic book format, take advantage of buying a handsome bound volume instead of several loose issues. Be aware that the dimensions of the book are not standard ones, so it may stick out a bit on your bookshelf. But if you take my advice, wait for the later volumes.
In spite of my qualms about the story's plot, the series has managed to pick up a rather large fan following. This author has been wrong in the past; let this not dissuade you from taking a glance. The powers of the Goddesses are not to be underestimated.

OH! MY GODDESS
1-555-GODDESS
Story and Art by Fujishima Kosuke
Translation by Alan Gleason and Toren Smith
Dark Horse Comics
152 pages, B&W
ISBN 1-56971-207-7
$12.95 USA