What do you think?
Rate this book
ARIA The MASTERPIECE #1
Aria: The Masterpiece, Volume 1
On the planet Aqua, a world once known as Mars, Akari Mizunashi has just made her home in the town of Neo-Venezia. In pursuit of her dream to become an Undine—a gondolier who leads high-end tours around the city—Akari joins as a trainee with the Aria Company. There, she explores the beauty of the city and this vibrant new world, along with other trainees from Aria and rival companies, working hard for her dreams and making new friends along the way.
Experience the world of Aqua like never before with Kozue Amano's gorgeously detailed illustrations and full-color spreads in this deluxe edition featuring the full prequel series, Aqua!
Experience the world of Aqua like never before with Kozue Amano's gorgeously detailed illustrations and full-color spreads in this deluxe edition featuring the full prequel series, Aqua!
324 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2016
About the author
Kozue Amano
144 books67 followersKozue Amano (天野こずえ Amano Kozue) is a female Japanese manga artist. She is widely known as the creator of Aria, which proved to be a best-selling hit, and was adapted into an anime television series consisting of 3 seasons and an OVA.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 28, 2020
I read Aria years ago, and I fell in love with its sense of nostalgia. At the time, I had recently visited Venice myself, so seeing it again in manga and being able to explore through a character's eyes was a treat.
Aria: The Masterpiece took me right back. This first volume encompasses the series Aqua and acts as an introduction to the world and its characters. It's a laid back look at a beautiful city that practically glows with nostalgia even if you'd never visited Venice. It's a love letter to an idyllic setting and the people who call it home, which makes Aria such a relaxing read.
It's a nice escape. There's a beautiful city to explore and not a whole lot going on. You can just take your time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery and characters without worrying what will happen next.
Aria: The Masterpiece took me right back. This first volume encompasses the series Aqua and acts as an introduction to the world and its characters. It's a laid back look at a beautiful city that practically glows with nostalgia even if you'd never visited Venice. It's a love letter to an idyllic setting and the people who call it home, which makes Aria such a relaxing read.
It's a nice escape. There's a beautiful city to explore and not a whole lot going on. You can just take your time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery and characters without worrying what will happen next.
July 26, 2020
Ce manga a été une très belle découverte. Très fan de ce moment de douceur en compagnie d’un personnage attachant dans un venise fantastique. Une douceur pour les yeux. Si vous voulez être emporter par la beauté de ce roman et partir dans une histoire calme à la ghibli. Il est totalement fait pour vous!
April 14, 2021
In the future, when Earth is Manhome, and Mars is a terraformed world called Aqua because the melting of the icecaps flooded it more than originally intended -- Akari leaves Manhome for Aqua, in order to fulfill her dream of being an undine -- a gondolier.
She has an apprenticeship, and during the long Martian summer, she learns why undine companies have intelligent Martian cats as presidents, buys a special wind chime and learns of their secrets, survives the annual high water and rain (though tides strike me as improbably -- it doesn't mention the two moons have been replaced), befriends another apprentice, is put to a test, and more.
She has an apprenticeship, and during the long Martian summer, she learns why undine companies have intelligent Martian cats as presidents, buys a special wind chime and learns of their secrets, survives the annual high water and rain (though tides strike me as improbably -- it doesn't mention the two moons have been replaced), befriends another apprentice, is put to a test, and more.
August 28, 2020
Bien que pour moi les choses aient été timides, il n'en reste pas moins que j'ai aimé aborder l'univers des ondines, dont on découvre les différentes spécificités aux côtés d'Akari. Le lecteur débarque à cette occasion sur Mars, planète qui n'est pas du tout telle qu'on la connaît, sur laquelle l'eau règne en reine. L'oeuvre de Kazue Amano a, je trouve, des affinités, des similitudes, avec le travail de Myasaki. Certes le passage avec les chats m'y a fortement fait penser, mais comme déjà noté l'ambiance poétique qu'on retrouve dans Aria ou encore son atmosphère évanescente, m'ont rappelé ce que je voyais dans les longs-métrages de certains films du studio Ghibli.
Mon avis complet : https://bloggalleane.blogspot.com/202...
Mon avis complet : https://bloggalleane.blogspot.com/202...
December 28, 2023
Questa è una serie che mi sono puntata fin dal suo annuncio, non vedevo l'ora che uscisse e, almeno per ora, le mie aspettative sono state soddisfatte. Il prezzo non è dei più abbordabili, visto anche il tipo di edizione proposta, e infatti proseguirò la lettura in inglese con la versione Kindle (pure questa non propriamente a buon mercato, ma sempre meglio dell'edizione cartacea).
Il pianeta dell'acqua, quello che noi oggi chiameremmo Marte, un pianeta terraformato ormai da 150 anni. Il pianeta su cui si trasferisce la nostra protagonista, la giovane Akari, che lascia la città di Tokyo su Man Home (la Terra, per intenderci) per raggiungere Neo Venezia e poter così realizzare il suo sogno: diventare un'undine, una guida dell'acqua. Come suggerisce il nome, Neo Venezia trae ispirazione dalla città di Venezia che conosciamo noi - una città sull'acqua, fatta di canali, in cui spesso ci si muove in gondola, in cui si deve fare i conti con il fenomeno dell'acqua alta. Pronta ad affrontare questa nuova avventura, Akari arriva alla sede delle compagnia Aria, dove vivrà in compagnia di un'undine super esperta e rispettata come Alicia e del presidente, un gatto marziano tenerissimo. La ragazza passerà le sue giornate tra attività di addestramento e momenti di scoperta di questo nuovo mondo - un mondo molto diverso da quello che ha lasciato: Tokyo, così come tutte le altre città terrestri, è sì diventata molto bella, funzionale ed efficiente, ma anche asettica ed artefatta (esempio banale ma efficace, i fuochi d'artificio sono stati sostituiti da ologrammi). A Neo Venezia, Akari troverà un mondo in cui la natura è ancora presente, in cui tecnologia e manualità vanno di pari passo. Un mondo capace di regalare emozioni. Certe tavole sono davvero bellissime, soprattutto quelle dedicate ai paesaggi e agli scorci di Neo Venezia. Molto carino anche il tratto dei disegni.
Primo volume, promosso!
P.s.: chissà chi è il destinatario delle mail di Akari...🤔
Il pianeta dell'acqua, quello che noi oggi chiameremmo Marte, un pianeta terraformato ormai da 150 anni. Il pianeta su cui si trasferisce la nostra protagonista, la giovane Akari, che lascia la città di Tokyo su Man Home (la Terra, per intenderci) per raggiungere Neo Venezia e poter così realizzare il suo sogno: diventare un'undine, una guida dell'acqua. Come suggerisce il nome, Neo Venezia trae ispirazione dalla città di Venezia che conosciamo noi - una città sull'acqua, fatta di canali, in cui spesso ci si muove in gondola, in cui si deve fare i conti con il fenomeno dell'acqua alta. Pronta ad affrontare questa nuova avventura, Akari arriva alla sede delle compagnia Aria, dove vivrà in compagnia di un'undine super esperta e rispettata come Alicia e del presidente, un gatto marziano tenerissimo. La ragazza passerà le sue giornate tra attività di addestramento e momenti di scoperta di questo nuovo mondo - un mondo molto diverso da quello che ha lasciato: Tokyo, così come tutte le altre città terrestri, è sì diventata molto bella, funzionale ed efficiente, ma anche asettica ed artefatta (esempio banale ma efficace, i fuochi d'artificio sono stati sostituiti da ologrammi). A Neo Venezia, Akari troverà un mondo in cui la natura è ancora presente, in cui tecnologia e manualità vanno di pari passo. Un mondo capace di regalare emozioni. Certe tavole sono davvero bellissime, soprattutto quelle dedicate ai paesaggi e agli scorci di Neo Venezia. Molto carino anche il tratto dei disegni.
Primo volume, promosso!
P.s.: chissà chi è il destinatario delle mail di Akari...🤔
January 31, 2019
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
July 22, 2019
ARIA: The Masterpiece Vol. 1 by Kozu Amano
*****5*****
I was actually introduced to the anime of ARIA before the manga and I fell in love with it. It is a "slice-of-life" story so there isn't much action but there is lots of adventure.
I love Akari's attitude towards everything. She is a very positive character, though very innocent and often learning, but we get to learn with her. Almost every single character has an "A" name, Akari, Aika, Alicia and so forth. It takes a while to get used to them and figure out who is who, especially since some of the names are very similar.
One of the characters (who only shows up occasionally) Akatsuki refer's to Akari by her hair (sideburns) which reminds me very much of sailor moon and how Darien calls her "meatball head" or "Dumpling head" if you're watching in Japanese.
My only complaint with the manga is that having seen the anime I wish the images were all in colour. There is so much vibrancy in the show it's a bit of a let down to have solely black and white except for a few special images.
The story takes place on the planet Aqua (formerly Mars) and is fashioned after Earth's Venice (now called Manhome). Akari has gone to Aqua with dreams of becoming an Undine (aka Gondolier) the story is her journey around Aqua and the things she discovers about the planet and city as well as the people she meets and friends she makes. The mange is a nice plus to the anime but I think I prefer the anime (probably because I saw it first), still I plan to collect all the issues coming out so I can visit Akair and Aqua anytime I want.
*****5*****
I was actually introduced to the anime of ARIA before the manga and I fell in love with it. It is a "slice-of-life" story so there isn't much action but there is lots of adventure.
I love Akari's attitude towards everything. She is a very positive character, though very innocent and often learning, but we get to learn with her. Almost every single character has an "A" name, Akari, Aika, Alicia and so forth. It takes a while to get used to them and figure out who is who, especially since some of the names are very similar.
One of the characters (who only shows up occasionally) Akatsuki refer's to Akari by her hair (sideburns) which reminds me very much of sailor moon and how Darien calls her "meatball head" or "Dumpling head" if you're watching in Japanese.
My only complaint with the manga is that having seen the anime I wish the images were all in colour. There is so much vibrancy in the show it's a bit of a let down to have solely black and white except for a few special images.
The story takes place on the planet Aqua (formerly Mars) and is fashioned after Earth's Venice (now called Manhome). Akari has gone to Aqua with dreams of becoming an Undine (aka Gondolier) the story is her journey around Aqua and the things she discovers about the planet and city as well as the people she meets and friends she makes. The mange is a nice plus to the anime but I think I prefer the anime (probably because I saw it first), still I plan to collect all the issues coming out so I can visit Akair and Aqua anytime I want.
July 12, 2020
The art is beautiful! The full page spreads of Neo Veniza are absolutely stunning. The characters are super cute for sure!
This whole series just has the absolute most calming, restful ambiance. I love reading it in summer, and I am super excited to have the Masterpiece Edition, so I can finally read the whole series! The new covers are gorgeous.
I can't say enough about this series! Super cute, super beautiful and just an easy going read.
This whole series just has the absolute most calming, restful ambiance. I love reading it in summer, and I am super excited to have the Masterpiece Edition, so I can finally read the whole series! The new covers are gorgeous.
I can't say enough about this series! Super cute, super beautiful and just an easy going read.
March 15, 2022
Ce manga m'a vraiment donné la pêche ! Une Venise du futur sur Mars, des personnages mignons et très attachants (dont un chat!) et une ambiance pleine de bienveillance et douceur. Ces petites tranches de vie du futur sont des pépites ! ♥️🐈
May 27, 2022
Une bonne surprise !
March 26, 2024
3.5 stars, cute and compelling world building but ultimately doesn't amaze me or anything.
May 19, 2022
Viva la Neo Venetsia
I remember seeing Aria advertised in an anime magazine once a while back and although I was not really sure about the series at the time considering I did not read manga back then and I never saw it in the stores that I bought my anime from I never really got around to checking it out until I heard that the folks at Rightstuf and Tokyopop got together to create one final print run for the series in manga format and letting curiosity take over I finally dove in and got a chance to experience the series for the first time. I was not disappointed.
Honestly when they call this a masterpiece they are not kidding when you consider all the stops they went through for the first volume (and possibly other volumes) with a nice French folded wrap around cover with gold foil front and side titles. Within the first few pages you get a translucent blue sheet with what appears to be waves that match perfectly to the fantastic picture of Akari Mizunashi making her appear like some kind of water bride which I have not seen such a book treatment since I had read Monster: Perfect Edition, Vol. 1 which would do something similar but for a different effect.
Containing the AQUA volumes predating the actual Aria series volume one shows us the arrival of Undine enthusiast Akari arriving on the planet Aqua (formally Mars before the terraforming project to melt its icecaps instead flooded the planet) to learn and work for the the Aria company. Under the tutelage of the famous Undine (a name for female Gondoliers) Akari will make new friends as well as learn new and interesting things about Aqua (and a lesser degree about Manhome (formally Earth I believe) as we follow her day to day activities.
Unfortunately the print run I got these books from is the last one (at least according to Rightstuf) but at least this time Tokyopop released the series to Kindle (and possibly other digital devices) so if you don't mind that sort of stuff and don't mind not being able to see/feel the special touches added to the physical books there is hope you will still be able to read the series whenever you are ready. :)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WVQ321K?...
I remember seeing Aria advertised in an anime magazine once a while back and although I was not really sure about the series at the time considering I did not read manga back then and I never saw it in the stores that I bought my anime from I never really got around to checking it out until I heard that the folks at Rightstuf and Tokyopop got together to create one final print run for the series in manga format and letting curiosity take over I finally dove in and got a chance to experience the series for the first time. I was not disappointed.
Honestly when they call this a masterpiece they are not kidding when you consider all the stops they went through for the first volume (and possibly other volumes) with a nice French folded wrap around cover with gold foil front and side titles. Within the first few pages you get a translucent blue sheet with what appears to be waves that match perfectly to the fantastic picture of Akari Mizunashi making her appear like some kind of water bride which I have not seen such a book treatment since I had read Monster: Perfect Edition, Vol. 1 which would do something similar but for a different effect.
Containing the AQUA volumes predating the actual Aria series volume one shows us the arrival of Undine enthusiast Akari arriving on the planet Aqua (formally Mars before the terraforming project to melt its icecaps instead flooded the planet) to learn and work for the the Aria company. Under the tutelage of the famous Undine (a name for female Gondoliers) Akari will make new friends as well as learn new and interesting things about Aqua (and a lesser degree about Manhome (formally Earth I believe) as we follow her day to day activities.
Unfortunately the print run I got these books from is the last one (at least according to Rightstuf) but at least this time Tokyopop released the series to Kindle (and possibly other digital devices) so if you don't mind that sort of stuff and don't mind not being able to see/feel the special touches added to the physical books there is hope you will still be able to read the series whenever you are ready. :)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WVQ321K?...
January 16, 2019
In an alternate universe, Akari Mizunashi has just arrived on planet Aqua. She's planning on becoming an Undine, a gondolier for tourists around the canals of the city of Neo-Venezia. This is her story of fulfilling her dreams.
Although this story had good illustrations, I found it very lacking in its plot. There was absolutely nothing in the story to keep the reader's attention: no ups and downs, no great peak, nothing much other than a young girl trying to make her dream job come true (and even that, with no difficulties at all).
Although this story had good illustrations, I found it very lacking in its plot. There was absolutely nothing in the story to keep the reader's attention: no ups and downs, no great peak, nothing much other than a young girl trying to make her dream job come true (and even that, with no difficulties at all).
October 16, 2020
This is another book I found at my local library, and another book that I liked so much that I purchased my own copy.
This the story of Akari, a girl who travels from Earth to a terra-formed Mars to become an "undine", a tour guide who rows a gondola. The story takes place in Neo-Venezia, a canal city just like Venice on Earth. Going forwards, I'll be using the terms that the book uses for the planets, "Manhome" for Earth and "Aqua" for "Mars".
This is a charming slice-of-life story. Its chapters show particular days of Akari's life as she trains to become a full-fledged Undine. She lives and works with her mentor, Alicia, in the Aria company office. The two of them have a darling relationship, the mature and graceful elder guiding the innocent and earnest junior. Watching them interact brings a small smile to my face.
The third major character is Akari's counterpart from a sister undine company, Aika. I thought that she was going to be Akari's rival, or maybe some antagonist that causes trouble for her and Aria company, but I was wrong. They quickly become friends and then have a cute relationship as fellow undine apprentices (although it does start off because Aika hero-worships/is infatuated with Akari's mentor). As apprentices around the same age, they have a different relationship than Akari has with her mentor, more like equals who can relate on the same level.
Some of the chapters focus on Akari's training, such as the lessons she has with Alicia or independent practice with Aika. These chapters go into the typical life of an undine apprentice. Others focus on life on Aqua in general, such as "Aqua Alta", a seasonal flooding where the water level increases and the city shuts down until it decreases. As I read these chapters, I got a sense of a theme, Romanticism vs Enlightenment.
On Manhome, life has become very neat, tidy and convenient. Many jobs can be done from home, and shopping is more often done from home than not. Akari mentions a "beautification" process going on in cities, which I assume means artificially making them more appealing to the eye. Then she mentions that "something is missing" from such a neat and tidy life.
Life on Manhome is contrasted with life on Aqua, which is more....rustic, so to speak.
To go anywhere in Neo-Venezia requires rowing a gondola, which a postman calls inconvenient but also "strangely relaxing". Rowing to higher elevations requires elevators created by changing water levels instead of something mechanical. It takes longer but also provides time to rest from rowing. Things like this create a slower pace of life than Manhome but the mode of life is simultaneously more active.
Furthermore, there is a difference in technology between the two planets.
While both Manhome and Aqua use levitating stations in the lower atmosphere to control the weather of their planet, the stations on Mahome are automated, run by computers that maintain a perpetually pleasant climate. The stations on Aqua are manual, run by humans known as "salamanders", and so the weather has more variation to it than Mahome. Akari meets one of these salamanders, who sheepishly apologizes for the late summer months being so hot and humid, and asks her to consider it part of Aqua's charm. Indeed, I think that is the point.
Aqua's situation is more natural than Manhome's, despite being terra-formed. Rowing a gondola may be inconvenient, but with a lovely and skilled undine at the helm, it can be more than just transportation. Events like the Aqua Alta can be inconvenient, but it creates variation in daily life that can lead to unexpected and memorable events. Even the hot summers give rise to cultural events, like the Night Light Bell Fair.
The art is beautiful. From the simple scenes of domestic life in Aria company, to the double-page spreads of Neo-Venezia, you will want to linger on the pages to take it all in. The pace of the story and arrangement of the panels creates anticipation for these special views.
All this together makes for a calm and soothing read. It is a perfect book to read in bed. At the same time, the nostalgia it invokes can be a little painful, as Akari herself experiences in one chapter.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Aria volume 1 masterpiece edition" an A+
This the story of Akari, a girl who travels from Earth to a terra-formed Mars to become an "undine", a tour guide who rows a gondola. The story takes place in Neo-Venezia, a canal city just like Venice on Earth. Going forwards, I'll be using the terms that the book uses for the planets, "Manhome" for Earth and "Aqua" for "Mars".
This is a charming slice-of-life story. Its chapters show particular days of Akari's life as she trains to become a full-fledged Undine. She lives and works with her mentor, Alicia, in the Aria company office. The two of them have a darling relationship, the mature and graceful elder guiding the innocent and earnest junior. Watching them interact brings a small smile to my face.
The third major character is Akari's counterpart from a sister undine company, Aika. I thought that she was going to be Akari's rival, or maybe some antagonist that causes trouble for her and Aria company, but I was wrong. They quickly become friends and then have a cute relationship as fellow undine apprentices (although it does start off because Aika hero-worships/is infatuated with Akari's mentor). As apprentices around the same age, they have a different relationship than Akari has with her mentor, more like equals who can relate on the same level.
Some of the chapters focus on Akari's training, such as the lessons she has with Alicia or independent practice with Aika. These chapters go into the typical life of an undine apprentice. Others focus on life on Aqua in general, such as "Aqua Alta", a seasonal flooding where the water level increases and the city shuts down until it decreases. As I read these chapters, I got a sense of a theme, Romanticism vs Enlightenment.
On Manhome, life has become very neat, tidy and convenient. Many jobs can be done from home, and shopping is more often done from home than not. Akari mentions a "beautification" process going on in cities, which I assume means artificially making them more appealing to the eye. Then she mentions that "something is missing" from such a neat and tidy life.
Life on Manhome is contrasted with life on Aqua, which is more....rustic, so to speak.
To go anywhere in Neo-Venezia requires rowing a gondola, which a postman calls inconvenient but also "strangely relaxing". Rowing to higher elevations requires elevators created by changing water levels instead of something mechanical. It takes longer but also provides time to rest from rowing. Things like this create a slower pace of life than Manhome but the mode of life is simultaneously more active.
Furthermore, there is a difference in technology between the two planets.
While both Manhome and Aqua use levitating stations in the lower atmosphere to control the weather of their planet, the stations on Mahome are automated, run by computers that maintain a perpetually pleasant climate. The stations on Aqua are manual, run by humans known as "salamanders", and so the weather has more variation to it than Mahome. Akari meets one of these salamanders, who sheepishly apologizes for the late summer months being so hot and humid, and asks her to consider it part of Aqua's charm. Indeed, I think that is the point.
Aqua's situation is more natural than Manhome's, despite being terra-formed. Rowing a gondola may be inconvenient, but with a lovely and skilled undine at the helm, it can be more than just transportation. Events like the Aqua Alta can be inconvenient, but it creates variation in daily life that can lead to unexpected and memorable events. Even the hot summers give rise to cultural events, like the Night Light Bell Fair.
The art is beautiful. From the simple scenes of domestic life in Aria company, to the double-page spreads of Neo-Venezia, you will want to linger on the pages to take it all in. The pace of the story and arrangement of the panels creates anticipation for these special views.
All this together makes for a calm and soothing read. It is a perfect book to read in bed. At the same time, the nostalgia it invokes can be a little painful, as Akari herself experiences in one chapter.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Aria volume 1 masterpiece edition" an A+
February 15, 2019
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/
February 15, 2020
The planet Aqua is a treasure chest.
Марс, где вместо песчаных бурь – океан и город, построенный по образу Венеции, с каналами и ��ондолами. Где от терраформирования остались только рассекающие небо большие крепости с разогревающими планету «чайниками». Где марсианские коты президентствуют в компаниях по речному туризму, а по вторникам собираются на тайные кошачьи вечери, недоступные любопытным двуногим. Где город оказывается затоплен в «сезон дождей», и вся жизнь в нем замирает. Прекрасная симфония о невозможной планете.
Атмосфера напомнила Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, где отсутствуют конфликт, романтический интерес и форсированная драма, зато созерцательная компонента захватывает все пространство. Аква из той же оперы, то же чувство необъяснимой печали и ностальгии по тому, что никогда не испытывал. Даже вода является общим знаменателем, она окружает героинь и в некоторые моменты просто завораживает. После чтения серии на душе легко и немного грустно (как и должно).
hisashiburi
Марс, где вместо песчаных бурь – океан и город, построенный по образу Венеции, с каналами и ��ондолами. Где от терраформирования остались только рассекающие небо большие крепости с разогревающими планету «чайниками». Где марсианские коты президентствуют в компаниях по речному туризму, а по вторникам собираются на тайные кошачьи вечери, недоступные любопытным двуногим. Где город оказывается затоплен в «сезон дождей», и вся жизнь в нем замирает. Прекрасная симфония о невозможной планете.
Атмосфера напомнила Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, где отсутствуют конфликт, романтический интерес и форсированная драма, зато созерцательная компонента захватывает все пространство. Аква из той же оперы, то же чувство необъяснимой печали и ностальгии по тому, что никогда не испытывал. Даже вода является общим знаменателем, она окружает героинь и в некоторые моменты просто завораживает. После чтения серии на душе легко и немного грустно (как и должно).
hisashiburi
January 29, 2019
I received an eARC of this Manga courtesy of TokyoPop via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
The cover and undercover are amazing, drew with vivid colors that make me want to jump into Akari's world. The volume 1 of 12 tankōbon is divided in 9 chapters, some of them has some colorful pages at the beginning of the chapter. The story starts with presenting Akari and her world. We are in the future, precisely in 2301. It's 150 years that Mars known as Aqua, underwent terraforming. In this first volume Akari starts her new adventure and life in another planet discovering a completely new world, encountering new animals and new friends. Akari is a generous, gracious and kind young woman, amazed by the beauty of Neo-Venezia and cannot wait to start her new job as trainee Undine (gondolier who leads high-end tours around the city). At the beginning she will face some difficulties to drive her gondola but Akari has talent.
I loved this first volume, I will definitely continue with this manga. The story is peculiar and really enjoyable. I had fun reading Akari's new adventure.
The cover and undercover are amazing, drew with vivid colors that make me want to jump into Akari's world. The volume 1 of 12 tankōbon is divided in 9 chapters, some of them has some colorful pages at the beginning of the chapter. The story starts with presenting Akari and her world. We are in the future, precisely in 2301. It's 150 years that Mars known as Aqua, underwent terraforming. In this first volume Akari starts her new adventure and life in another planet discovering a completely new world, encountering new animals and new friends. Akari is a generous, gracious and kind young woman, amazed by the beauty of Neo-Venezia and cannot wait to start her new job as trainee Undine (gondolier who leads high-end tours around the city). At the beginning she will face some difficulties to drive her gondola but Akari has talent.
I loved this first volume, I will definitely continue with this manga. The story is peculiar and really enjoyable. I had fun reading Akari's new adventure.
April 20, 2019
Welcome to Neo-Venezia!
The best slice-of-life manga ever.
Aria is a timeless gem that most slice-of-life fans know about. It is a series you will never forget about after finishing. I love to immerse myself into the beautiful world of Aqua and Neo-Venezia. Tokyopop has released this masterpiece version in a gorgeous paperback with exclusive coloured illustrations.
Set inside a terraformed Mars known affectionally as Aqua, protagonist Akari Mizunashi arrives at Neo-Venezia to become an undine who conduct sightseeing tours on gondolas. She becomes a trainee gondolier at Aria company and she shares her endless wonders and joys the city has to offer her.
I was thrilled to see Aria being picked up again by Tokyopop. In the past its publication in North America has ceased midway through the series but now it has made a grand return. I am looking forward to having the rest of the series on my bookshelf.
Amano Kozue, author of Aria, also made Amanchu!. That series had recently got turned into an anime. I recommend this series to everyone, especially if you really like slice-of-life such as Amanchu! and Flying Witch.
The best slice-of-life manga ever.
Aria is a timeless gem that most slice-of-life fans know about. It is a series you will never forget about after finishing. I love to immerse myself into the beautiful world of Aqua and Neo-Venezia. Tokyopop has released this masterpiece version in a gorgeous paperback with exclusive coloured illustrations.
Set inside a terraformed Mars known affectionally as Aqua, protagonist Akari Mizunashi arrives at Neo-Venezia to become an undine who conduct sightseeing tours on gondolas. She becomes a trainee gondolier at Aria company and she shares her endless wonders and joys the city has to offer her.
I was thrilled to see Aria being picked up again by Tokyopop. In the past its publication in North America has ceased midway through the series but now it has made a grand return. I am looking forward to having the rest of the series on my bookshelf.
Amano Kozue, author of Aria, also made Amanchu!. That series had recently got turned into an anime. I recommend this series to everyone, especially if you really like slice-of-life such as Amanchu! and Flying Witch.
September 12, 2022
So I originally read this as a kid and hated it, thought it was so boring and that nothing happens. And now reading it as an adult it's amazing. My tastes have certainly changed haha. I loved every second of this slice of life. The setting is really interesting, but otherwise very little happens and it's great. Mars cat aka President of the Aria Company is great. I love Mars cat. I would die for Mars cat. The chapter where he runs away in shame broke my heart in pieces. Can't wait to read more.
Also, pretty annoyed about missing out on the final print run of these masterpiece editions in english. Apparently Tokyopop has no plans to reprint them again except they're super popular and go for $100 a volume now on ebay? Makes so much sense. Luckily the masterpiece editions are still available in retail in Japanese so those are the editions I've been reading. I'm glad digital english editions at least exist, but I just don't understand not reprinting super popular manga when there is clearly high demand.
Also, pretty annoyed about missing out on the final print run of these masterpiece editions in english. Apparently Tokyopop has no plans to reprint them again except they're super popular and go for $100 a volume now on ebay? Makes so much sense. Luckily the masterpiece editions are still available in retail in Japanese so those are the editions I've been reading. I'm glad digital english editions at least exist, but I just don't understand not reprinting super popular manga when there is clearly high demand.
May 26, 2024
Story: ★★★★★
Art: ★★★★★
This is a wonderful series. If you liked Yokohama Shopping Log by Hitoshi Ashinano, then this series will be an instant favorite. Similar vibe. Similar pace. Wonderful art. Science fiction with a mystical twist. The story is about Akari, a girl training to be an undine (gondolier) in the canals of a terraformed Mars, now called Aqua.
The story may seem slight, but this slice-of-life tale felt so fresh to me that I found myself enjoying the quirks of all the characters. Akari’s sense of wonder brings Aqua to life. Each minute thing she fixates on becomes entertaining and wondrous. It’s hard not to like her.
What I thought was exceptional about this story was how the art conveyed an imaginary world with detailed renderings. I realize that most sequential art accomplishes this, but Kozue Amano’s art was so finely detailed that the age and otherworldliness of the setting made me want to visit it. I was also impressed with Amano’s well-designed and dramatic sequential layouts that heightened the magical qualities of Aqua.
Art: ★★★★★
This is a wonderful series. If you liked Yokohama Shopping Log by Hitoshi Ashinano, then this series will be an instant favorite. Similar vibe. Similar pace. Wonderful art. Science fiction with a mystical twist. The story is about Akari, a girl training to be an undine (gondolier) in the canals of a terraformed Mars, now called Aqua.
The story may seem slight, but this slice-of-life tale felt so fresh to me that I found myself enjoying the quirks of all the characters. Akari’s sense of wonder brings Aqua to life. Each minute thing she fixates on becomes entertaining and wondrous. It’s hard not to like her.
What I thought was exceptional about this story was how the art conveyed an imaginary world with detailed renderings. I realize that most sequential art accomplishes this, but Kozue Amano’s art was so finely detailed that the age and otherworldliness of the setting made me want to visit it. I was also impressed with Amano’s well-designed and dramatic sequential layouts that heightened the magical qualities of Aqua.
March 4, 2019
'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.
October 25, 2023
La storia inizia nel 2301 e il pianeta Marte ora è abitabile, e si chiama "il pianeta dell'Acqua" perchè la sua superficie è quasi tutta ricoperta dai mari. Qui è sorta la città di Neo Venezia costruita sul modello della nostra Venezia.
Akari, la protagonista di questa storia, ha lasciato la Terra per trasferirsi a Neo Venezia per studiare presso l'Aria Company per diventare un'undine, cioè una gondoliera.
Questo primo volume ci illustra la nuova vita di Akari, l'impegno che mette per imparare a governare una gondola, ma anche come trascorre il suo tempo libero. Attraverso le sue piccole esplorazioni vediamo un pianeta e una città che non conosciamo, per lei è tutto diverso e ogni piccola cosa è una scoperta. E anche per noi lettori diventa un viaggio alla scoperta!
Akari incontra subito Alicia, una giovane donna che viene definita una delle più brave undine esistenti, e poi conosce anche Aika, un'apprendista undine.
Tra di loro si instaura un bel rapporto fatto di amicizia e sostegno, senza invidia, e questo l'ho apprezzato molto.
Akari è una ragazza allegra, determinata, che si impegna molto nel realizzare il suo sogno, e sono sicura che ci regalerà grandi sorprese.
I disegni sono bellissimi, alcune tavole sembravano delle vere fotografie della nostra Venezia!
Questa edizione è bellissima, anche se è voluminosa si legge facilmente senza che le pagine o la rilegatura si rovinino, e poi ci sono anche le pagine a colori.
Akari, la protagonista di questa storia, ha lasciato la Terra per trasferirsi a Neo Venezia per studiare presso l'Aria Company per diventare un'undine, cioè una gondoliera.
Questo primo volume ci illustra la nuova vita di Akari, l'impegno che mette per imparare a governare una gondola, ma anche come trascorre il suo tempo libero. Attraverso le sue piccole esplorazioni vediamo un pianeta e una città che non conosciamo, per lei è tutto diverso e ogni piccola cosa è una scoperta. E anche per noi lettori diventa un viaggio alla scoperta!
Akari incontra subito Alicia, una giovane donna che viene definita una delle più brave undine esistenti, e poi conosce anche Aika, un'apprendista undine.
Tra di loro si instaura un bel rapporto fatto di amicizia e sostegno, senza invidia, e questo l'ho apprezzato molto.
Akari è una ragazza allegra, determinata, che si impegna molto nel realizzare il suo sogno, e sono sicura che ci regalerà grandi sorprese.
I disegni sono bellissimi, alcune tavole sembravano delle vere fotografie della nostra Venezia!
Questa edizione è bellissima, anche se è voluminosa si legge facilmente senza che le pagine o la rilegatura si rovinino, e poi ci sono anche le pagine a colori.
January 31, 2019
An absolutely beautiful Manga with a very odd premise.
The story is set in the year 2301. Akari is a young woman leaving Manhome (the planet formerly known as Earth) to travel to the planet Aqua (formerly known as Mars).
Yes, in this future, Mars is completely covered in water, and Akari is moving to a city that is modeled after present day Venice, Italy because she wants to be a gondolier. She is a brand new employee at the Aria corporation, whose President is a giant white cat. Because it's good luck for gondola companies to be run by cats. (I told you this story was odd!).
Still, Akari is an endearing dope, the cat is cute as all heck and the art is absolutely gorgeous. It wins on sheer adorableness alone.
The story is set in the year 2301. Akari is a young woman leaving Manhome (the planet formerly known as Earth) to travel to the planet Aqua (formerly known as Mars).
Yes, in this future, Mars is completely covered in water, and Akari is moving to a city that is modeled after present day Venice, Italy because she wants to be a gondolier. She is a brand new employee at the Aria corporation, whose President is a giant white cat. Because it's good luck for gondola companies to be run by cats. (I told you this story was odd!).
Still, Akari is an endearing dope, the cat is cute as all heck and the art is absolutely gorgeous. It wins on sheer adorableness alone.
August 4, 2019
Aria the Animation has always held a special place in my heart. It's the kind of heart warming thing you watch when you have a bad day, as it will always leave you feeling a little lighter than when you started it. It's a slow burn. You come to love the characters and then all of a sudden you start bawling as you watch them grow. This is a slice-of-life manga after all, it's to be expected. In that vein, if you're looking for show-stopping, action romp with a gripping plot, I'm sorry, but Aria is not for you. Aria is about life and growing up, about working towards a goal, but have that not be it. Life is a journey, so savor the sweet moments and let this manga pull you in, you'll feel so much better for it.
October 11, 2022
Je ne saurais dire pourquoi ce mangas m'attire autant, mais ça fait très longtemps qu'il me fait de l’œil et j'ai enfin craqué. Malgré les très grandes attentes que j'en avais, je ne suis absolument pas déçue ! Les traits sont fins et précis, ce qui donne des personnages et des décors absolument magnifiques (coup de cœur pour Alicia que je trouve sublime). Et ce récit est doux et tout choupi ! J'adore ! Certes, il n'y a pas beaucoup d'action, mais se balader à Néo-Venise avec Akari vaut vraiment la peine et il me tarde de continuer à suivre la jeune fille dans son apprentissage pour devenir ondine !
January 10, 2020
I really liked this manga. I loved the style of the drawing and the world building and the characters. I felt the premise was absurd, but then, this is manga, so whatever.
A young woman from Manhome (Earth) moves to the taraformed world that we know as Mars and they call Aqua. Her purpose is to become a tour guide. She moves across the solar system to become a tour guide. But there we go. She is sweet and innocent and works hard to become the best tour guide she can be.
I will likely read more of this series.
A young woman from Manhome (Earth) moves to the taraformed world that we know as Mars and they call Aqua. Her purpose is to become a tour guide. She moves across the solar system to become a tour guide. But there we go. She is sweet and innocent and works hard to become the best tour guide she can be.
I will likely read more of this series.
September 1, 2021
The premise requires more than a little suspension of disbelief: terraforming Mars accidentally lead to a largely flooded planet, and now the planet is called Aqua. Main character Akira leaves Earth to go to Space Venice to become an undine, a special class of female gondolier. Also, there are super intelligent but non-verbal space cats. Just go with it. The stories themselves tend to be quieter, almost slice of life. It's a relaxing read. The art is pretty good, and the largely female cast isn't particularly sexualized.
June 19, 2021
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.
January 27, 2022
Bonne lecture mais sans plus. J'ai trouvé le début assez lent et presque inintéressant. Les pages se tournaient bien mais je n'éprouvais que peu d'intérêt pour ma lecture. En revanche une fois passée une bonne moitié, ce livre devient très intéressant, notamment avec l'apparition d'un nouveau personnage "une salamandre". Je suis curieuse de découvrir la suite, et j'espère que le tome 2 sera plus dynamique. Par contre les dessins sont vraiment beaux et les personnages plutôt attachants.
July 4, 2021
Un shonen qui marque par son originalité, sa douceur et ses cases contemplatives qui invitent au calme, à l'apaisement et à la joie. Une petite pépite du genre, qui fait du bien au moral et réchauffe le cœur. On adore la poésie et le rythme lent, qui sublime un manga tranche de vie que les personnages bienveillants portent à merveille. Bref, c'est réconfortant et enveloppant, j'adore !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews