| Average |
6.8 |
| Design |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
| AQUA... the two-volume prequel to ARIA. Well, not really - it is just the prior version of the same fantasy world.
AQUA presents a magical feeling in the short 2 volumes. Mars has become a place like Venice with water being everwhere. In order to travel, many people take boats, despite the existence of futuristic technology. There are some hints that Earth no longer has the original beauty, and Mars is now the Earth of the past. AQUA shows the life of Mizunashi Akari who traveled to Mars from Earth to become an Undine (one who rows guided boats for tourists).
Akari is a very simple but pure-hearted girl who wishes to follow her dreams. She is determined and ends up living quite a carefree yet exciting life in AQUA. There are three other characters, including Alicia the company's best rower, President Aria who is a cat (mascot), and Aika (both a rival and a friend). Character developments aren't very typical - Akari doesn't seem to make any noticeable personality changes, except for her adjustment to the life on Mars.
AQUA's appeal is very similar to ARIA the animation. It relies more on a pure and simple feeling rather than some engaging plot. Not much happens at all, everything is slow paced but relaxing, and the story isn't too intricate. Instead, AQUA can boast about its wonderful art - the detail as well as the pacing really leaves quite a relaxed feeling. The designs are beautiful and the simplistic artwork leaves for a wonderful feeling.
While I found the pacing in ARIA the animation to be a bit boring at times, this prequel manga, AQUA, improves a bit in this aspect by getting more straight to the point. Had the manga been full-color, AQUA would be one of the most beautifully drawn mangas out there. Overall, AQUA is relaxing but not substantial. It leaves a fleeting good feeling, but not much of a lasting impact. Akari is a sweet naive and innocent character, but she doesn't have much individualist personality. Mainly, AQUA appeals to the feeling of reminiscence - to remember the lost times of the past.
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