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marinaasofthesea's review
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
I received this manga from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Come to Neo-Venezia, Aqua with Akari. Discover beautiful places, see Akari grow, meet new friends, and more. I was so happy that this one showed up on Netgalley and that I was able to read it, I do hope that the other books in this series will also pop up, I need to continue reading this.
So I watched Aria years ago, back when it was still airing, and I just loved the show. It was a bit slow at times, sometimes a bit boring, but I just couldn’t stop watching because of so many other fantastic elements. I also tried the manga, but it is hard to find it because Tokyopop quit years back. I hope that they will be able to finish this whole series now, I will be waiting for it to be finished before I buy it though.
And this was a gorgeous read, I loved Akari so much more in the manga than in the anime. In the anime she is often a bit more immature/childish, whereas in this one she is quite mature. Of course, at times she shows a fun/less mature side and it was quite nice to see it, because it made her more interesting and more likeable. I loved how hard she worked, how hard she tried her best to become an outstanding undine, just like her mentor Alicia.
I had quite a laugh that she trained (at Manhome) how to do the gondola the wrong way. But hey, if there is an emergency just flip her rowing the other way and she is a speedboat. :P
I loved reading the emails she was sending, though at times I found it a bit inappropriate when she was typing. Like with the fireworks show, instead of truly enjoying it with her new friends, she had her laptop on her lap. I get that you want to send a mail, and I get that you want to share those new feelings before they fade away, but really… I am sure it can wait.
We see more and more of Neo-Venezia as the story unfolds. We see tons of little sideways, alleys, secret paths, we see busy waterways and quiet ones, we see outside of it during Akari and Alicia’s picnic time, we even see the floating island and what goes on there (and what it does). I would so love to visit Neo-Venezia, find out the secrets, enjoy some delicious foods at fabulous restaurants, go in a gondola and let the undine take me to magical places.
I did feel that the training/how the time goes by was a bit weird. We do see some training but not that much, so it felt odd to see Akari get promoted. Yes, it was a few months after she has gotten there, so she worked hard for it, but I just wish we had seen a bit more of it. Of course, not too much because that would just not work out well.
I loved President Aria, he was just so silly, but at times you could indeed see that he is very intelligent. I have forgotten if he ever managed to get Hime’s love/attention, so I am eager to see that happen/see those scenes between those two.
We also meet other characters and while I don’t always like them, for instance Aika takes some getting used to, but eventually I liked her so so much.
However some, like Akatsuki, I never really truly like him. :(
The art is absolutely gorgeous. The backgrounds/scenery are just stunning, and I also like the character designs.
All in all, I need more Aria in my life. Maybe until the next volume comes out I will just re-watch the show again. :P
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Come to Neo-Venezia, Aqua with Akari. Discover beautiful places, see Akari grow, meet new friends, and more. I was so happy that this one showed up on Netgalley and that I was able to read it, I do hope that the other books in this series will also pop up, I need to continue reading this.
So I watched Aria years ago, back when it was still airing, and I just loved the show. It was a bit slow at times, sometimes a bit boring, but I just couldn’t stop watching because of so many other fantastic elements. I also tried the manga, but it is hard to find it because Tokyopop quit years back. I hope that they will be able to finish this whole series now, I will be waiting for it to be finished before I buy it though.
And this was a gorgeous read, I loved Akari so much more in the manga than in the anime. In the anime she is often a bit more immature/childish, whereas in this one she is quite mature. Of course, at times she shows a fun/less mature side and it was quite nice to see it, because it made her more interesting and more likeable. I loved how hard she worked, how hard she tried her best to become an outstanding undine, just like her mentor Alicia.
I had quite a laugh that she trained (at Manhome) how to do the gondola the wrong way. But hey, if there is an emergency just flip her rowing the other way and she is a speedboat. :P
I loved reading the emails she was sending, though at times I found it a bit inappropriate when she was typing. Like with the fireworks show, instead of truly enjoying it with her new friends, she had her laptop on her lap. I get that you want to send a mail, and I get that you want to share those new feelings before they fade away, but really… I am sure it can wait.
We see more and more of Neo-Venezia as the story unfolds. We see tons of little sideways, alleys, secret paths, we see busy waterways and quiet ones, we see outside of it during Akari and Alicia’s picnic time, we even see the floating island and what goes on there (and what it does). I would so love to visit Neo-Venezia, find out the secrets, enjoy some delicious foods at fabulous restaurants, go in a gondola and let the undine take me to magical places.
I did feel that the training/how the time goes by was a bit weird. We do see some training but not that much, so it felt odd to see Akari get promoted. Yes, it was a few months after she has gotten there, so she worked hard for it, but I just wish we had seen a bit more of it. Of course, not too much because that would just not work out well.
I loved President Aria, he was just so silly, but at times you could indeed see that he is very intelligent. I have forgotten if he ever managed to get Hime’s love/attention, so I am eager to see that happen/see those scenes between those two.
We also meet other characters and while I don’t always like them, for instance Aika takes some getting used to, but eventually I liked her so so much.
However some, like Akatsuki, I never really truly like him. :(
The art is absolutely gorgeous. The backgrounds/scenery are just stunning, and I also like the character designs.
All in all, I need more Aria in my life. Maybe until the next volume comes out I will just re-watch the show again. :P
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
nolansmock's review against another edition
4.0
One of the most calming mangas I’ve read. It’s like putting on an album by Enya. Very new age. These characters are trying to make it on Mars, training or working as gondoliers because the ice caps melted there and they’ve made a neo-Venician city on the surface. There are no conflicts in these stories. Cats are lords, presidents, and royalty. It’s nice and the art is great. A much needed escape this week.
lostingothicmusic's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
geekwayne's review against another edition
4.0
'Aria: The Masterpiece Vol. 1' by Kozue Amano is a utopian manga series first serialized in the early 2000s. The first two volumes are collected here.
When the story opens, we meet Akari Mizunashi. She is on her way to the planet Mars, which is now known as Aqua, to become an undine, which is a cross between a gondolier and tour guide. The book follows her adventures as she meets the company president (a cat!), and makes friends with Aika, another apprentice undine. There are trials to pass and adventures to be had on this weird, beautiful world.
I wasn't familiar with this manga, but I enjoyed reading it. There isn't a lot of conflict in the story, but the world kept me interested. The art was really good too. I enjoyed this trip to the world of Aqua and Aria.
I received a review copy of this manga from Tokyopop, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.
When the story opens, we meet Akari Mizunashi. She is on her way to the planet Mars, which is now known as Aqua, to become an undine, which is a cross between a gondolier and tour guide. The book follows her adventures as she meets the company president (a cat!), and makes friends with Aika, another apprentice undine. There are trials to pass and adventures to be had on this weird, beautiful world.
I wasn't familiar with this manga, but I enjoyed reading it. There isn't a lot of conflict in the story, but the world kept me interested. The art was really good too. I enjoyed this trip to the world of Aqua and Aria.
I received a review copy of this manga from Tokyopop, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.
persephale's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
nikki_dun's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lostinagoodbook's review against another edition
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley
Wonderful, wonderful series! I love this manga so much. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
I first became aware of this series back in the mid 2000’s. I used to watch much more anime and read more manga than I do presently, and this really fit the bill for me. I collected the volumes at that time, but I’m so happy to see that this new release is coming out again. I hope many more people can be introduced to this series and come to love it as much as I do.
Aria is a lovely, sweet tempered gem of a book. The main character, Akari Mizunashi, lives in a future where Mars has been terraformed for use by humans. However, through an accident much of the planet is now covered with water. The residents decided make the best of it and to model their new home after the original Earth city of Venice. This is Neo-Venezia. Akari is a young woman who dreams of living in this beautiful city and working as an elite gondolier, a Undine. The manga follows her daily life, learning her trade, growing in skill, making friends in the community and sussing out the secrets of this mysterious planet.
When I first fell in love with this anime I was going through a very stressful time. I looked forward to relaxing after a rough week with a couple of episodes and just drifting away from my troubles. The artwork is beautiful, and it is clear that the mangaka (manga artist) had an abiding love and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. The story is heartfelt and warm. The characters are funny and adorable. I simply can’t recommend Aria enough. If you are looking for something to make you feel good, give you some laughs, and gentle feels then you need to pick up this series.
Song for this book: Barcarolle from Aria the Animation
Wonderful, wonderful series! I love this manga so much. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
I first became aware of this series back in the mid 2000’s. I used to watch much more anime and read more manga than I do presently, and this really fit the bill for me. I collected the volumes at that time, but I’m so happy to see that this new release is coming out again. I hope many more people can be introduced to this series and come to love it as much as I do.
Aria is a lovely, sweet tempered gem of a book. The main character, Akari Mizunashi, lives in a future where Mars has been terraformed for use by humans. However, through an accident much of the planet is now covered with water. The residents decided make the best of it and to model their new home after the original Earth city of Venice. This is Neo-Venezia. Akari is a young woman who dreams of living in this beautiful city and working as an elite gondolier, a Undine. The manga follows her daily life, learning her trade, growing in skill, making friends in the community and sussing out the secrets of this mysterious planet.
When I first fell in love with this anime I was going through a very stressful time. I looked forward to relaxing after a rough week with a couple of episodes and just drifting away from my troubles. The artwork is beautiful, and it is clear that the mangaka (manga artist) had an abiding love and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. The story is heartfelt and warm. The characters are funny and adorable. I simply can’t recommend Aria enough. If you are looking for something to make you feel good, give you some laughs, and gentle feels then you need to pick up this series.
Song for this book: Barcarolle from Aria the Animation
robert1988uk's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
noelles_shelves's review against another edition
5.0
Akari is a young girl who leaves the comfort of Earth for Aqua, the water planet formerly known as Mars, to be a gondolier in Neo-Venezia, a city modeled after Venice, Italy. When she arrives, she becomes an apprentice gondolier at Aria Company under the guidance of a "prima" gondolier, Alicia. This is a sweet, slice-of-life series that is full of humor and heart. Akari is an optimistic protagonist that is a joy to follow in her everyday life. The art is gorgeous as well. If you're looking for a wholesome, laid back manga series, this is perfect for you.
For those curious, about how the Masterpiece series differs from the original Aria series:
The Masterpiece printing of this series contains seven volumes. This first volume contains the two volumes of Aqua, the prequel series to Aria. The other six Masterpiece volumes contain the twelve Aria books. "Special navigations" or special chapters may not be in the same place/order as they were in the original series.
For those curious, about how the Masterpiece series differs from the original Aria series:
The Masterpiece printing of this series contains seven volumes. This first volume contains the two volumes of Aqua, the prequel series to Aria. The other six Masterpiece volumes contain the twelve Aria books. "Special navigations" or special chapters may not be in the same place/order as they were in the original series.