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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
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
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.
too cutesy and lacking in a story for my liking! barely counts as sci fi because it's just about her becoming a gondolier. not what I was looking for unfortunately!
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This manga was stunning. I loved reading about how Akari made new friends, landed a new job and received the chance to discover Aqua and its history. The art is captivating, and made it easy for me to understand.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
Loveable characters:
Yes
Very sweet and light hearted. A win for fantasy Italy
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No