|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||
|
|
Reviewed by Lisa Anderson It has been 150 years since Aqua, once known as Mars, was terraformed. The polar icecaps were melted, leaving 90% of the planet covered in water. Now, in the town of Neo-Venezia, most people rely on gondolas to get around. Like many others, Akari Mizunashi dreams of one day becoming a gondolier. The story takes place in Neo-Venezia, a city built as a modern replica of ancient Venice. Canals of every sort wind their way through the city, leaving various companies of gondoliers, known also as Undines, as the main way of traveling. It is there that Akari works for Aria company, hoping to one day become a full-fledged Undine. Born on Earth, also known as “Man Home“, Akari has given up her life of advanced technology for a simpler, “primitive” one. Yet she loves her new life, and with the support of her friends, will continue working until she finally reaches her dream. The first volume of Aria follows Akari and several friends through the course of spring. Each story reads like it’s own short story, revolving around daily events, interactions, and emotions. Starting with a journal entry, which give a look at the general timeframe and mindset of Akari, each chapter follows a small event in her life. From cleaning gondolas with her friend Aika, to running across a wedding procession of the Inari Fox, the story flows much like a gondola on a canal - pleasantly drifting along, yet still offering a surprise or two amidst the calm. As a whole, Aria reminded me of a classic feel-good story. I found myself reading through at a slow pace, enjoying every page as an individual treat. By the time the back cover is closed, I suspect many readers walked away with a soft smile on their face and the desire to start rereading. The story isn’t the only thing to support the general good feeling this manga gives off. Each character adds a unique note to the bigger song, with personalities and motives ranging from supportive mentor to comical best-friend. They dance in and out of the main story, much like friends in real life. In the end, despite the futuristic setting on another planet, that was probably the biggest draw for me. Aria reads much like a treasured old journal, recounting life events - some big, some little - with the warm personal touch only true joy can bring. Not every day offers an adventure, not every event is shared with a friend, yet all of it is still important in the bigger cycle of life. Art also plays a big part in Aria. Scenery rolls by like eye-candy, offers tasteful views of classic buildings and bridges that are as much art as stone. Canals weave through everything, with Undines steering gondolas effortlessly along, as much at home as the artful structures around them. The story does leave Neo-Venezia at times, showing new locales ranging from an ancient Japanese island to a floating city with citizens that control the weather. Each place offers an abundance of detail, along with a sense of history despite the obviously recent construction. Aria is the type of manga I would recommend to anyone I know, from long-time fans looking for a new read to the newest initiate into the world of manga. The story is simple and straight-forward, yet there is a deeper meaning easily woven into the greater whole. With stunning scenery and characters that are easy to love, it’s not hard to imagine why Akari loves her new life. For anyone looking for a bit of relaxation, that slice of calm found only at a quiet river in mid-autumn, Aria is the perfect choice. Like Akari, it is very easy to get caught up in the joy of life…and to walk away from this story with a peaceful smile that will last quite a while. Interested in writing for MangaLife? We're always looking for talented reviewers and columnists, so drop us a line! Charles Webb Editor-in-Chief, MangaLife.com |
1 September 2010
|
||||
 |
| home | reviews | news | features | about us | advertise | privacy policy | contact us |
