{{Short description|Manga written and illustrated by Yukiru Sugisaki}} {{Infobox animanga/Header | image = TheCandidateforGoddess vol01 Cover.jpg | caption = Cover of ''The Candidate for Goddess'' volume 1 as published by Tokyopop | ja_kanji = 女神候補生 | ja_romaji = Megami Kōhosei | genre = Action, Space Opera, Mecha, Sci-Fi }} {{Infobox animanga/Print | type = manga | author = Yukiru Sugisaki | publisher = Wani Books | publisher_en = {{English manga publisher | NA= Tokyopop | AUS= Madman Entertainment}} | magazine = Comic Gum | first = 1997 | last = 2001 | volumes = 5 | volume_list = List of The Candidate for Goddess chapters }} {{Infobox animanga/Video | type = tv series | title = Pilot Candidate | director = Mitsuru Hongo | producer = | writer = | music = Tomoyuki Asakawa | studio = Xebec | licensee = {{English anime licensee|NA=Discotek Media}} | network = NHK BS2, Animax | network_en = {{English anime network | SEA= Animax Asia | US= Adult Swim}} | first = January 10, 2000 | last = March 27, 2000 | episodes = 12 | episode_list = List of Pilot Candidate episodes }} {{Infobox animanga/Video | type = ova | title = Special Curriculum: The Candidate for Goddess | director = Shinichi Yamaoka | producer = | writer = | music = Tomoyuki Asakawa | studio = Xebec | licensee = {{English anime licensee|NA=Discotek Media}} | released = May 25, 2002 | runtime = 23 minutes }} {{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{Nihongo|'''''The Candidate for Goddess'''''|女神候補生|Megami Kōhosei|{{lit.}} "Goddess Cadet"|lead=yes}} is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Yukiru Sugisaki. The series takes place in the distant future, where human beings live among space colonies and a single, inhabitable planet called Zion. The plot follows Zero Enna and his fellow candidates as they try to prove themselves worthy of piloting the "Ingrids", also called "Goddesses". These gigantic, humanoid weapons are humanity's only significant defense against a hostile, alien threat known as "Victim".
''The Candidate for Goddess'' was serialized in the monthly Wani Books magazine ''Comic Gum''. A total of 26 chapters were collected in five {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} (volumes) and released between 1997 and 2001. The manga was later translated into English and published in North America by Tokyopop and in Australian and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment. ''The Candidate for Goddess'' was adapted into a 12-episode anime series directed by Mitsuru Hongo and produced by Xebec, which was a subsidiary of Production I.G. The adaptation aired on Japan's NHK BS2 satellite channel in early 2000. The anime series, entitled '''''Pilot Candidate''''' for its North American release, was broadcast briefly on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block in 2002. An original video animation (OVA), serving as a thirteenth episode, was released in Japan in 2002, though it was not localized for North America until 2016, when Discotek Media acquired the license to the series.<ref name="Discotek">{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=31444 |title=Pilot Candidate - Complete Series Collection (DVD-R1) |website=Anime News Network |access-date=2022-09-29}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=April 2026|reason=User-generated source}}
Since the debut of ''The Candidate for Goddess'' on Japanese television, a limited number of CDs and artbook illustrations for the series have been released. Overall reception for ''The Candidate for Goddess'' has been mediocre. Though its animation has been generally praised, its complex plot, compounded by its very short length, has been met with mixed criticism. Reviewers were dismayed by the lack of storyline closure at the end of the television episodes and even its OVA extension.
==Plot== ''The Candidate for Goddess'' series takes place a millennium after Star Year 4084, when a cataclysmic event called the "Crisis of Systems" resulted in the annihilation of four planetary systems. With Zion being the one planet left with the ability to sustain human life, humanity must cling to life in space colonies.<ref name="animericafeature">{{cite journal |date=April 2002 |author=Wright, Benjamin | title=Animerica Feature: Pilot Candidate |journal=Animerica |volume=10 | issue=4 | publisher=Viz Media | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040404093930/http://www.animerica-mag.com/features/10.04/pilotcandidate.html | url=http://www.animerica-mag.com/features/ | archive-date=2004-04-04}}</ref><ref name="protoc">{{cite magazine | author=Matsuda, Miyako|magazine=Protoculture Addicts | publisher=Protoculture Inc. | title=Anime Stories: Candidate for Goddess| issue=66 | date=May–June 2001 | page=63}}</ref> Now in Star Year 5030, Zion is under constant threat of invasion by extraterrestrial life forms dubbed {{Nihongo|"Victim"|犠牲者|Giseisha}}. In order to combat their alien foes, humans have developed a quintet of giant, mechanized weapons called "Ingrids", or "Goddesses" due to their female, humanoid resemblance.<ref name="protoc"/> A school called the "Goddess Operation Academy (G.O.A.)" is established to train the specific few which have the capability of piloting the Ingrids.<ref name="animericafeature"/> They are typically young men and must meet several requirements: They must be in good health, must be 14 to 16 years of age, must have an EO blood type, and must possess the potential for "EX", superhuman abilities which secondarily link the pilot's nerves to the Ingrid's interface.<ref name="animericafeature"/><ref name="protoc"/> As EX puts such a physical and mental strain on the pilot, replacements must be turned out by the G.O.A. within a reasonable amount of time.<ref name="annreview">{{cite news | author=DeLorme, Daniel | title=Review: Pilot Candidate | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/pilot-candidate | work=Anime News Network | access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref> Each pilot is also partnered with a female repairer, who maintains the Ingrid and manually blocks painful feedback from the Ingrid to the pilot during missions.<ref name="animericafeature"/><ref name="protoc"/>
The plot of ''The Candidate for Goddess'' primarily focuses on Zero Enna, a brash trainee who has recently left colony homelife with his mother in order to pursue his dream of becoming an Ingrid pilot.<ref name="protoc"/> Shortly after arriving at the G.O.A., Zero becomes lost and is subconsciously called to a hangar by a mysterious voice, suddenly finding himself within the cockpit of one of the Ingrids just before a Victim attack.<ref name="annreview"/> As each Ingrid is specifically calibrated for their pilot, this would normally mean death. However, the Goddess instead links with Zero's nervous system and physically shows itself to him in a vision.<ref name="annreview"/> After a few moments, the Ingrid ends the link with Zero, and he is pulled free by the Ingrid's pilot, who then takes it into battle with the Victim. Zero is rushed unconscious to the academy's sick bay.
==Production== The original manga version of ''The Candidate for Goddess'' was written and illustrated by Yukiru Sugisaki. An anime television adaptation of ''The Candidate for Goddess'' was produced by Xebec, a subsidiary studio of Production I.G., and directed by Mitsuru Hongo.<ref name="officialsite">{{cite web | script-title=ja:女神候補生 |trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627161320/http://www.production-ig.co.jp/xebec/sakuhin/megami/megami.htm | url=http://www.production-ig.co.jp/xebec/sakuhin/megami/megami.htm | archive-date=June 27, 2009 | publisher=Production I.G. | language=ja | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref> Shinichi Yamaoka was the show's character designer, having also worked on ''Martian Successor Nadesico''. Shingo Takeba and Junya Ishigaki acted as its main mecha designers, respectively credited for the anime series ''Gasaraki'' and the video game ''Xenogears''.<ref name="officialsite"/> The musical score for ''The Candidate for Goddess'' was created by Tomoyuki Asakawa, who previously composed for the television series ''The New Adventures of Kimba The White Lion'' and the film ''The Five Star Stories''.<ref name="officialsite"/>
Hongo attempted to adapt the manga closely while integrating interesting story elements and 3D CGI animation, used in the battles between the Ingrids and Victim alongside the traditional cel animation.<ref>{{cite video | people = Hongo, Mitsuru | date = May 21, 2002 | title = Pilot Candidate ''Volume 4: The Test Director Interview'' | medium = DVD | publisher = Bandai Entertainment |asin=B000065AYS}}</ref> Hongo felt the possibilities with the CGI were limitless; 3D director Tokumitsu Kifune did not think these portions of the show would not have been possible with 2D animation.<ref>{{cite video | people = Hongo, Mitsuru | date = March 5, 2002 | title = Pilot Candidate ''Volume 3: Working Together Director Interview'' | medium = DVD | publisher = Bandai Entertainment |asin=B00005UO70}}</ref> The manga series was still ongoing at the time of the anime's creation. With only 12 television episodes produced, Xebec ended the series abruptly without giving the storyline closure.<ref name="askjohn2">{{Cite web | url=http://www.animenation.net/blog/2009/04/21/ask-john-what-anime-seem-to-have-ended-prematurely/ | title=Ask John: What Anime Seem to Have Ended Prematurely? | author=Oppliger, John | access-date=2011-05-30 | date=April 21, 2009 | publisher=AnimeNation | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320051935/http://www.animenation.net/blog/2009/04/21/ask-john-what-anime-seem-to-have-ended-prematurely/ | archive-date=March 20, 2012 }}</ref> Although a thirteenth episode in the form of an OVA continues where the television series left off, it still fails to conclude the narrative.<ref name="officialsite"/><ref name="askjohn2"/> Hongo has expressed regret over the short length of the series.<ref>{{cite book |date = April 2000| title=Megami Kōhosei Visual Book | language=ja | publisher=Wani Books | isbn=978-4-8470-2566-2}}</ref>
==Media==
===Manga=== {{main|List of The Candidate for Goddess chapters}} ''The Candidate for Goddess'' was originally serialized in ''Comic Gum'', a monthly Japanese manga magazine published by Wani Books. The 26 chapters that comprise the series were compiled into five {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} (volumes) and released between August 1997 and November 2001.<ref>{{cite book | title=女神候補生 (01) (Gum comics) |trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess (01) | language=ja |id={{ASIN|4847032543|country=jp}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | title=女神候補生 (01) (Gum comics) |trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess (05) | language=ja |id={{ASIN|484703421X|country=jp}} }}</ref> All five volumes of the series were re-published in 2005 as part of the "Gum Comics Plus" imprint.<ref>{{cite book | script-title=ja:女神候補生 (01) (ガムコミックスプラス)|trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess (01) (Gum Comics Plus) | language=ja |id={{ASIN|4847035143|country=jp}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | script-title=ja:女神候補生 (05) (ガムコミックスプラス)|trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess (05) (Gum Comics Plus) | language=ja |id={{ASIN|4847035208|country=jp}} }}</ref> Tokyopop acquired the series in early 2003 for an English distribution in North America.<ref>{{cite news | date=March 7, 2003 | title=New Tokyopop Manga {{sic|nolink=y|Aquisitions}} | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-03-07/new-tokyopop-manga-aquisitions | work=Anime News Network | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref> All five volumes were published between April 14 and December 7, 2004.<ref>{{cite web | title=Candidate for Goddess, The: Volume 1 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041210042413/http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=2065 | url=http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=2065 | archive-date=December 10, 2004 | publisher=Tokyopop | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Candidate for Goddess, The: Volume 5 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041210045306/http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=2069 | url=http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=2069 | archive-date=December 10, 2004 | publisher=Tokyopop | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref> The series was translated by Alethea and Athena Nibley and adapted by comic book writer Marv Wolfman.<ref>{{cite book |author=Sugisaki, Yukiru|title=Index | series=The Candidate for Goddess|volume=1|date=April 14, 2004 |publisher=Tokyopop |page=3|isbn=1-59182-747-7}}</ref> The series has also been published in South Korea by Samyang Publishing,{{citation needed|date=September 2012}} in France by Ki-oon,<ref>{{cite book|title=Candidate for Goddess, Tome 1|isbn=978-2915513530|edition=French|last1=Sugisaki|first1=Yukiru|date=26 April 2007|publisher=Edition Ki-oon }}</ref> in Germany by Carlsen Comics<ref>{{cite book|title=Candidate for Goddess 05|isbn=3551771952|last1=Sugisaki|first1=Yukiru|year=2005|publisher=Carlsen }}</ref> and in Spain by Editorial Ivréa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.editorialivrea.com/ESP/candidateforgoddess/index.htm|title=Editorial Ivréa: The Candidate for Goddess|publisher=Editorial Ivréa|access-date=2012-09-16|language=es}}</ref>
===Anime=== {{main|List of Pilot Candidate episodes}} Twelve episodes of ''The Candidate for Goddess'', beginning with "Curriculum 00" and ending with "Curriculum 11", were aired on Japan's NHK BS2 satellite channel from January 10 to March 27, 2000.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=ja:女神候補生 |trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626004157/http://www.production-ig.co.jp/xebec/sakuhin/megami/index.html | url=http://www.production-ig.co.jp/xebec/sakuhin/megami/index.html | archive-date=June 26, 2009 | publisher=Production I.G. | language=ja | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref><ref name="askjohn1">{{Cite web | url=http://www.animenation.net/blog/2002/10/29/ask-john-will-there-be-more-pilot-candidates/ | title=Ask John: Will There Be More Pilot Candidates? | author=Oppliger, John | access-date=2011-05-30 | date=October 29, 2002 | publisher=AnimeNation | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320051855/http://www.animenation.net/blog/2002/10/29/ask-john-will-there-be-more-pilot-candidates/ | archive-date=March 20, 2012 }}</ref> Video Maker released the series on four DVD volumes from April 25 to July 25, 2000.<ref>{{cite web | title=女神候補生 Vol.1 |date=25 April 2000 |trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess Vol.1 | url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005EDQJ/ | language=ja | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=女神候補生 Vol.1 |date=25 July 2000 |trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess Vol.4 | url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005EDQM/ | language=ja | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref> The thirteenth episode was released straight to DVD as an OVA in Japan on May 25, 2002, as ''Special Curriculum: The Candidate for Goddess''.<ref name="officialsite"/><ref name="askjohn1"/> A DVD box set titled ''Emotion the Best: The Candidate for Goddess'' was released by Video Maker in Japan on April 22, 2011, and includes all 12 episodes of the broadcast plus the OVA.<ref>{{cite web | title=EMOTION the Best Candidate Goddess DVD-BOX | url=http://www.dot-anime.com/mall/shop/dvd?EcLogicName=catalog.detail&item_no=BCBA-4074 | publisher=Bandai Visual | language=ja | access-date=2011-05-28 | archive-date=2011-07-21 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721223157/http://www.dot-anime.com/mall/shop/dvd?EcLogicName=catalog.detail&item_no=BCBA-4074 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
By early 2001, Bandai Entertainment acquired the North American distribution rights to ''The Candidate for Goddess'' with plans to air the series on Cartoon Network.<ref>{{cite news | date=January 5, 2001 | title=More Anime bound for Cartoon Network | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-01-05/more-anime-bound-for-cartoon-network | work=Anime News Network | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref> An English dubtitle was completed by Mix Magic, Inc. in Hollywood, CA.<ref>{{cite news | date=October 5, 2001 | title=Pilot Candidate Dubtitle? | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-10-05/pilot-candidate-dubtitle | work=Anime News Network | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref> According to Bandai's Jerry Chu, the series was renamed ''Pilot Candidate'' because the company wanted to veer away from the term "goddess" for Cartoon Network's sake and because they believed the new title was more descriptive of the series.<ref>{{cite web | author=Legion | date=May 17, 2001 | title=E3 2001 Bandai Entertainment Interview | url=http://www.animedream.com/ad/interviews/view/1801 | publisher=Anime Dream | access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref> The channel had originally intended to air the series on its popular afternoon anime block Toonami that fall, and had considered including a reversible cover or an alternate angle intro animation with the original title if fans requested it.<ref>{{cite news | date=April 5, 2001 | title=Lots of Bandai News | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-04-05/lots-of-bandai | work=Anime News Network | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref> However, the anime was delayed and ultimately premiered on its late night Saturday Adult Swim block on February 24, 2002.<ref>{{cite news | date=January 22, 2002 | title=Official Word on Adult Swim Action | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-01-22/official-word-on-adult-swim-action | work=Anime News Network | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref> Despite being broadcast on the more mature list of programming, ''Pilot Candidate'' was censored, including the removal of nudity, violence, tobacco use, and religious references. This was likely due in part that it was originally intended for Toonami and the episodes were already completed with the intention of the demographic being children.<ref>{{cite news | author=Pope, Kyle | date=March 7, 2002 | title=The Edit List: Pilot Candidate - ep. 2: In Tune | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/edit-list/2002-03-07/pilot-candidate-ep-2 | work=Anime News Network | access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author=Pope, Kyle | date=March 14, 2002 | title=The Edit List: Pilot Candidate - ep. 3: EX | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/edit-list/2002-03-14/pilot-candidate-ep-3 | work=Anime News Network | access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref> Four DVDs containing the series were released in North American stores between November 1, 2001, and May 21, 2002.<ref>{{cite web | title=Pilot Candidate (V.1) - The Academy | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803124128/http://bandai-ent.com/products/index.cfm?a=p | url=http://bandai-ent.com/products/index.cfm?a=p | archive-date=August 3, 2002 | publisher=Bandai Entertainment | access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Pilot Candidate (V.4) - The Test | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020605034647/http://bandai-ent.com/products/product_details.cfm?id=150 | url=http://bandai-ent.com/products/product_details.cfm?id=150 | archive-date=June 5, 2002 | publisher=Bandai Entertainment | access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref> All twelve episodes of the series were released on the ''Pilot Candidate Complete Collection'' box set on October 11, 2005.<ref>{{cite web | title=Pilot Candidate - The Complete Collection | website=Amazon | date=11 October 2005 | url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B5XP0Q | access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref> On March 8, 2016, Discotek Media had announced their license to the series and the unreleased OVA to be released on June 28, 2016.<ref name="Discotek"/>
===CDs=== A 29-song soundtrack CD of the background and vocal music for ''The Candidate for Goddess'' was released by Victor Entertainment in Japan on March 23, 2000.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=ja:女神候補生 サントラ |trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess Soundtrack | url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000058A7I/ | language=ja | access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref> A CD Single for "Chance" was also published on February 2, 2000.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=ja:チャンス |trans-title=Chance | url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005GYZG/| language=ja | access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref> {{Nihongo|"The Night Before Departure: Get a Dream!"|発進前夜 ~Get a Dream!~}}, a CD single by the artist Universe Form, was released by Victor on January 21, 2000, shortly after the anime's debut. This CD also contains a preliminary drama track titled {{Nihongo|"Curriculum 0.5 Interview"|ドラマ カリキュラム0.5「面接」}}.<ref>{{cite web | title=発進前夜 ~Get a dream! ~ (NHKアニメーション「女神候補生」) |trans-title=The Night Before Departure: Get a Dream! (NHK Animation "The Candidate for Goddess") | url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005GYZD | language=ja | access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref> ''The Candidate for Goddess Original Drama Album'', released on July 26, 2000, features the Japanese voice actors portraying their respective characters in a drama.<ref>{{cite web | script-title=ja:女神候補生 ドラマアルバム |trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess Original Drama Album | url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005GXS8/| language=ja | access-date=2011-05-29}}</ref>
===Other merchandise=== In April 2000, Wani Books published a Japanese paperback guidebook to the anime series titled {{Nihongo|''The Candidate for Goddess Visual Book''|女神候補生ビジュアルブック|Megami Kōhosei Visual Book}}, which contains promotional material, artwork cels, and staff interviews.<ref>{{cite book | script-title=ja:女神候補生ビジュアルブック |trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess Visual Book | language=ja |id={{ASIN|4847025660|country=jp}} }}</ref> In February 2002, Wani Books published {{Nihongo|''The Candidate for Goddess Special Illustrations Box: Myth''|女神候補生原画集スペシャルボックス「myth～神話～」|Megami Kōhosei Special Illustrations: Myth ~Myth~}}, a collector's set containing an artbook, an illustrations CD-ROM, and other collectables.<ref>{{cite web | title=女神候補生原画集スペシャルボックス「myth～神話～」 |trans-title=The Candidate for Goddess Special Illustrations Box: Myth | url=https://www.mandarake.co.jp/information/2005/05/29/spr05/index.html | publisher=Mandrake | language=ja | access-date=2011-06-05}}</ref> Sugisaki's artbook, ''Neutral'', showcases her illustrations for ''The Candidate for Goddess'' as well from her other manga works ''Brain Powerd'' and ''D.N.Angel''.<ref>{{cite web | title=Creator Profile | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050123213934/http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?propertycode=MEG&categorycode=BMG&page=creatorprofile | url=http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?propertycode=MEG&categorycode=BMG&page=creatorprofile | archive-date=January 23, 2005 | publisher=Tokyopop | access-date=2011-05-28}}</ref> Bandai produced a single action figure set of ''Pilot Candidate'' as part of a toy line for its licensed properties.<ref>{{cite magazine | date=February 17, 2001 | title=Bandai To Produce Anime Sets for U.S. Market | url=https://www.icv2.com/articles/news/104.html | magazine=ICV2 | access-date=2010-10-28}}</ref> The set contains the characters Zero and Kizna and the Ingrid Ernn-Laties.<ref>{{cite web | title=Pilot Candidate: Zero, Kizuna and Ernn-Laties Figures | website=Amazon | url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MXQSX2/ | access-date=2011-06-04}}</ref>
==Reception== Overall critical reception for ''The Candidate for Goddess'' has been average. Its primary high point for many reviewers has been the anime version's animation quality. ''Protoculture Addicts'' staff contributor Miyako Matsuda enjoyed both the traditional cel animation and the 3D CGI, stating that the two styles blended nicely together.<ref name="protoc"/> Jeremy A. Beard of THEM Anime Reviews and Anime News Network (ANN) reviewer Daniel DeLorme were equally pleased by the character designs and hand-drawn portions of the show.<ref name="annreview"/><ref name="them">{{cite web | author=Beard, Jeremy A. | title=Reviews: Pilot Candidate | url=https://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=574 | publisher=THEM Anime Reviews 4.0 | access-date=2011-06-02}}</ref> However, Delorme felt the "primitive" look of the 3D mecha battles to be the biggest flaw of the series.<ref name="annreview"/> Beard, who appreciated the Ingrid designs themselves, did not think the CGI conformed with the rest of the animation and that the space combat sequences were not "particularly fluid".<ref name="them"/> Beard further enjoyed the background music and ending theme of the anime, but that its opening theme did not fit with the visuals or feeling of the series.<ref name="them"/>
Opinions for the plot of ''The Candidate for Goddess'' have varied. DeLorme and ''Animerica'' columnist Benjamin Wright commented favorably on the show's pacing.<ref name="animericafeature"/><ref name="annreview"/> Both writers proclaimed that although the anime initially seemed "formaliac", it contained a generous amount of intricate mystery and character development. Wright summarized, "Zero's trials and tribulations, his friendships and rivalries, and the mysteries of the G.O.A., the Ingrids, EX, and Zero's own past all worm their way into the viewer's mind and heart."<ref name="animericafeature"/> Adversely, Beard did not feel the anime adaptation well-utilized the anime storyline template of mysterious aliens, an academic setting, a last line of defense, and other related devices.<ref name="them"/> Liann Cooper of ANN similarly found the manga version of ''The Candidate for Goddess'' to suffer from "a bad case of the 'been there done that' syndrome" with regard to its plot and characters.<ref>{{cite news | author=Cooper, Liann | date=June 3, 2004 | title=RIGHT TURN ONLY!! Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2004-06-03 | work=Anime News Network | access-date=2011-06-01}}</ref> Cooper additionally noted sloppy artwork, messy action scenes, and confusion when the narrative switches between the past and present.<ref>{{cite news | author=Liann Cooper | date=August 27, 2004 | title=RIGHT TURN ONLY!! Shorter, but Sweeter! | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/right-turn-only/2004-08-27 | work=Anime News Network | access-date=2011-06-01}}</ref> Beard admitted some "irritation regarding unnecessary internal plot inconsistencies", such as the characters constantly voicing the importance of having only male pilots despite the most elite pilot being female, or having no explanation for Kizna being the only catgirl among all the humans.<ref name="them"/>
A common complaint by the press is that the anime adaptation of ''The Candidate for Goddess'' ends on a cliffhanger.<ref name="animericafeature"/><ref name="annreview"/><ref name="askjohn1"/><ref name="them"/> Wright and DeLorme were anxious for more of the television series after the build-up of several intriguing and unresolved plot elements and a "to be continued" message at its conclusion.<ref name="animericafeature"/><ref name="annreview"/> "Effective though ''Pilot Candidate'' is," Wright stated, "there's little satisfaction to be had in the end."<ref name="animericafeature"/> Having criticized the incomplete storyline of the television episodes itself, Beard was heavily disappointed in the apparent continuation in the form of the single OVA episode, which he found did little to tie up the numerous, loose plot ends present at its close.<ref name="them"/> ''The Candidate for Goddess'' has yet to recommence. AnimeNation journalist John Oppliger has attributed the deficient interest in continuing the anime, beyond its delayed OVA, to the mediocre ratings it received during its original Japanese broadcast.<ref name="askjohn1"/>
==References== {{Reflist|2}}
==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20090627161320/http://www.production-ig.co.jp/xebec/sakuhin/megami/megami.htm ''The Candidate for Goddess''] at Production I.G. {{in lang|ja}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20041204213715/http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?propertycode=MEG&categorycode=BMG ''The Candidate for Goddess''] at Tokyopop *{{anime News Network|manga|2421}} *{{anime News Network|anime|194|Pilot Candidate}}
{{Mitsuru Hongo}} {{Xebec}} {{Xebec films}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Candidate for Goddess, The}} Category:1997 manga Category:2000 anime television series debuts Category:2002 anime OVAs Category:Animax original programming Category:Bandai Entertainment anime titles Category:Bandai Visual Category:Madman Entertainment manga Category:Mecha anime and manga Category:NHK original programming Category:Seinen manga Category:Tokyopop titles Category:Wani Books manga Category:Xebec (studio) Category:Yukiru Sugisaki