Aqua

Nostalgic. Soothing. Poetic.

How about becoming a gondolier on Mars? Even though this may seem absurd at first glance, this is the foundation of a classic in the iyashikei genre.

To give you some context, I was quite late to reading Aqua, as I had already enjoyed its sequel Aria and Amano's newer work Amanchu, both as manga and anime. So I was definitely not a newcomer and knew what to expect.

Mizunashi Akari, the main character, is a young Japanese girl from the 24th century. She dreams of becoming an Undine. What is an Undine? A female gondolier working in New Venice on Aqua, a future version of Mars whose terraforming worked too well, covering most of the planet with a vast ocean. The reader discovers this new world through Akari's eyes from the first page when she arrives on Aqua.

Despite being deeply rooted in science fiction, this element is far from omnipresent and is actually anecdotal. New Venice has been built to truly resemble the original "Serenissima" in its prime, leading to beautiful scenes each chapter, while Akari leisurely discovers the hidden marvels of the city with her mentor Alicia and her friend Aika.

Who should read Aqua then? Those who enjoyed Aria or any other work by Amano Kozue, such as Amanchu. Those who want a short introduction to Aria. Clearly, this manga may seem a bit rough compared to its sequel, but the atmosphere and the character design that Aria (and Amanchu) is known for are definitely present.

Aqua is a fantastic manga set in an entirely new world, making it a great pick for those dreaming of visiting Italy, especially Venice.

STORY~

I rated this story a perfect 10 for several reasons. Firstly, the plot is exceptionally unique. It's rare to find a manga set on Mars, now known as "Aqua" after 150 years of terraforming, featuring a city named Neo-Venezia, a replica of Earth's Venice. The story follows Akari Mizunashi, a teenage girl who arrives from Earth to become an undine in Neo-Venezia. She trains under Alicia, a renowned undine, and befriends characters like Aika. I'll delve more into the characters later.

The story shines due to my personal love for Venice. Anyone fascinated by Venice or Italy would appreciate this manga. It blends Italian culture, such as Venetian festivals and customs, with Japanese foods and names.

ART~

The artwork in this manga is breathtaking. While Kozue Amano's character designs might not be overly spectacular, the backgrounds are incredibly detailed, almost transporting you to Venice. You can see buildings and gondolas with meticulous detail that most manga lack. If you're looking for a manga primarily for its art, this could be the one for you. However, let me clarify that the characters are well-drawn too, just not outstandingly so.

CHARACTER~

The characters in this manga are highly enjoyable, each with distinct personalities. For example, they don't all share the same traits, such as obsessively keeping the house clean or ensuring everyone's happiness.

Akari Mizunashi, the protagonist, is laid-back and enjoys the journey rather than taking it too seriously. She often helps people in need, like assisting lost tourists.

Alicia, a famous gondolier training Akari, frequently offers advice while riding in Akari's gondola. Moreover, Alicia must accompany Akari when she has passengers, leading to her frequent appearances throughout the story.

Aika, a stubborn and hot-tempered yet occasionally kind girl, works for a sister company of undines. She meets Akari when visiting Alicia, whom she idolizes. Aika often reprimands Akari when she gets distracted from tasks.

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In summary, this manga is incredible. My admiration might stem from my dream of living in Venice someday, which made me appreciate the art even more. Yet, I believe I'd still love this manga regardless of my fondness for Venice. It's a must-read for fans of light, easy-going manga.

The organic universe of Aqua, brought to life by Kozue Amano, invites everyone into an environment that soothes the hurried, comforts the tired, and molds with optimism while expanding the perspectives of those with tunnel vision. Here, we learn to focus our hearts on discovering gems beneath our feet, striving to transform each little treasure into a self-sustaining source of happiness.

To find joy wherever we go and cherish every fleeting moment, thereby strengthening our connection to positivity and resilience against sadness, is a guiding wisdom as we leave Neo-Venezia behind with each closed chapter. Through immersive world-building, Amano welcomes readers into a dimension-transcending proximity, allowing them to experience the same novelty and mundanity that makes Akari shine.

Delving deeper, beyond the windblown visual landscape, I find the passage of time on Mars to be the magic encapsulating the story's enduring serenity. Doubling the length of a year essentially slows down the wheels of time. I see it as a rebellion against the rapid pace of modern society, led by the Guardian that is Water. Moving in water is significantly hindered by its density, suggesting that to truly live on Aqua, we must embrace its gift of slowness and flow naturally with it. Our protagonist has repeatedly expressed her earnest wish to become a true citizen of Neo-Venezia, preferring the planet's raw authenticity over the machine-laden Earth, her past home.

This narrative made me ponder if a collective societal slowdown would benefit us all... At present, that is my personal desire: to move like water and grow like a plant. However, the demands of this world keep me locked into its compressed direction out of sheer necessity. But I digress.

Aqua serves as a harbor for beings in motion, offering a brief respite. Within its confines, one can guiltlessly enjoy undisturbed space and time.

Serialized in: Comic Blade (Mag Garden) & Stencil (Square Enix)
Genre: Sci-fi, Slice-of-life, Drama, Comedy
Publisher: Tokyopop
Rating: T (13+)

Akari Mizunashi is journeying from Manhome (Earth) to Aqua (Mars) to become an undine, one of the famed female gondoliers of Neo-Venezia, a replica of Venice. Akari knows little about Mars, now called Aqua after terraforming released vast amounts of water that cover 90% of its surface. She has scant knowledge about undines but dreams of becoming one. Gradually, day by day, she encounters various people and works hard to master her craft, adapting to the serene pace of life on Aqua.

As our main character and frequent narrator, Akari often writes letters to a mysterious person back on Manhome. Her innocence mirrors the reader's, allowing us to experience new discoveries through her eyes. While this story is set in a futuristic world, it blends sci-fi elements with 'magic' and nostalgic traditions. For instance, despite advanced technology, people prefer sending letters, collected by a mailman in a gondola. Though we never see Manhome, Akari frequently mentions its regulated weather and convenience, contrasting sharply with Aqua’s more laid-back lifestyle. An undine, interestingly, refers to a water spirit or elemental as recorded by Paracelsus.

In slice-of-life stories, these details enhance charm, evoking nostalgia for simpler times or offering respite from modern living's hectic pace. Panels often depict scenery and settings, capturing fleeting moments unrelated to plot progression. This pacing control by Amano encourages readers to savor each moment rather than rush. Initially challenging, embracing Amano's rhythm reveals deeper enjoyment.

The first volume introduces few characters. President Aria, a 'Martian cat,' is intelligent and large but mute, presenting an initial oddity. Alicia, Akari's boss, mentor, and idol, is kind and gentle, immediately taking to Akari like a mother figure. Aria Company is small, just Alicia and Akari, yet renowned for Alicia's undine skills. Aika, another trainee from a rival company, is practical and grounded, constantly bringing Akari back to reality while idolizing Alicia. They quickly form a friendship and practice together.

Amano-sensei's earlier works were mediocre, but this series breaks free from shoujo or shounen norms. The art style is clean and graphical, with detailed backgrounds reflecting likely visits to Venice. Every page showcases meticulous drawing, whether depicting St. Mark's Square or dilapidated buildings. This manga serves as a love letter to Venice, integrating famous landmarks seamlessly into the background, akin to Studio Ghibli's attention to detail.

Despite a futuristic, sci-fi setting, the story takes place in a Venice replica, hinting at Venice's otherworldly allure. This allows Amano creative freedom, ensuring beauty and authenticity. ADV initially published the sequel, Aria, but Tokyopop acquired rights to start from the beginning. With Aqua spanning two volumes and Aria ongoing at eleven, I hope Tokyopop continues. Their print quality is consistent, preserving dialogue and art, though some design choices, like altering the title font, seem unnecessary.

Full disclosure: I am a fanboy, but it took four attempts to appreciate this series. Initially unimpressed, repeated readings revealed its depth. It's challenging to recommend due to its unique style, but I encourage giving it a try.

A very brief manga, consisting of only two volumes, yet it stands out as one of the finest I've ever encountered. It shares a similar charm with K-On!, offering that easygoing vibe where you're not really following a structured narrative; instead, you're simply savoring what's presented at a leisurely pace. Aqua presents a science fiction future where Mars' ice caps have melted, submerging nearly the entire planet in water. What remains has been heavily terraformed, and most cities feature extensive canal systems, reminiscent of Venice, Italy. This aspect, in my view, is the manga's strongest point—a remarkably cool sci-fi world into which the main character (born and raised on Earth) is immediately immersed. The story portrays an optimistic, utopian vision of the future, but its naive tone contributes to its appeal.

There isn't much emphasis on plot development here, nor do the characters exhibit particularly unique or intriguing traits. Nevertheless, the relaxed, optimistic tone of its storytelling more than compensates for these shortcomings.

Aqua stands out as a manga that can be enjoyed without concerns over violence or disturbing content. It's a leisurely, calming read. If you're into action-packed or fast-paced stories, Aqua might not appeal to you, and you may likely abandon it quickly due to its short length and slower pace. Compared to the anime adaptation, there are some differences, yet the serene atmosphere remains largely intact.

Story:
In my view, this manga is unique because most slice-of-life stories I've come across tend to be set in everyday, real-world environments. However, Aqua unfolds on a planet called Aqua, which is actually Mars terraformed in the future. The plot isn't complex; Akari Mizunashi arrives from Manhome (Earth) to train as an undine—a professional gondolier guiding tourists around Neo-Venezia, a city modeled after Venice, Italy. While the storyline appears straightforward, the distinctive setting and quirky characters like President Aria (a cat) piqued my curiosity about further exploring Aqua and learning how Akari trains to become an undine. I haven't yet delved into its sequel, Aria, but I'm eager to compare it with the anime version.

Art:
The artwork is superb. Both the characters and settings are beautifully illustrated. Neo-Venezia is depicted with impressive detail, maintaining its charm even in black and white. Some readers might find certain exaggerated facial expressions off-putting, which occasionally appear in specific situations. Personally, I don't mind these stylized faces since they effectively convey emotions.

Characters:
The characters are highly endearing. Each one possesses a distinct personality, contributing to the manga's appeal despite its brevity. Alicia and Akari share some similarities—they're both laid-back and rarely get upset. Aika can come across as strict and moody at times, but she's still likable. President Aria, a cute cat who sometimes behaves like a human despite not speaking, adds a unique twist, captivating my interest.

Enjoyment:
I thoroughly enjoyed this brief manga. As someone who typically watches anime rather than reads manga, I'm glad I chose Aqua as my first manga. Its relaxing nature made it an excellent starting point for me.

Probably better known by the name of its sequel, Aria, Aqua is often regarded as a cornerstone of the Slice of Life and Iyashikei genres, with a touch of Utopia. Although I haven't yet ventured into Aria, let's examine how the two volumes comprising Aqua fare. Let's dive in.

PLOT: Or rather, the lack thereof. Set in 2031, Mars has been transformed into a water-covered planet renamed Aqua. Our story unfolds in Neo Venezia, a city built on water and boats. The protagonist, Akari, arrives from Earth to pursue a career as a gondolier tour guide, known as an Undine. The series follows Akari’s journey in training to become an Undine and her exploration of the new world she has moved to. There isn’t much of a plot per se. We witness Akari's progress in her Undine training, but the series is primarily a relaxing read. Fortunately, given that it revolves around tour guides, the city itself is fascinating. Learning about the intricacies and lifestyles within Neo Venezia proves intriguing. There’s enough happening in our main character’s lives to keep things engaging. Typically, I’d criticize a series for meandering aimlessly, but in Aqua’s case, this approach works well in creating a soothing atmosphere.

7/10 - While "plot" might not be the right term, the events of the series are delightful to read.

CHARACTERS: The cast is relatively small. Akari is a cheerful girl who hasn't quite found her footing yet. Her immaturity and outsider status allow us to learn alongside her. She writes emails to someone, suggesting more backstory awaits in the sequel. She’s endearing but somewhat simplistic. This simplicity extends to most characters. Alicia embodies the stereotypical kind, skilled older girl. Aika is obsessed with Alicia and stands out as the weakest character. Akatsuki is the rude guy with a heart of gold. Then there’s President Aria, the cat – a gentle comic relief without dialogue. Their dynamics may feel familiar, but they work well together in a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” manner.

6/10 - Nothing groundbreaking, but it all functions well.

VISUALS: Given the focus on being a tour guide, having appealing visuals is crucial, and this manga delivers. The setting design is magnificent; Neo Venezia is a visual treat. Numerous spreads showcase characters simply observing the city, and these scenes are stunning. Everything harmonizes beautifully – the architecture, water, technology, fashion. It all contributes to a visually captivating experience. The city’s predominantly white design complements the black-and-white printing and pairs well with the water. The artist skillfully utilizes water, reminiscent of the train scene from Spirited Away but amplified. The water always feels gentle, enhancing the atmosphere. The Undine outfits worn by the main cast blend seamlessly with the city. Clearly, much thought went into the aesthetic design, and it pays off magnificently. The artwork is solid too, though never mind-blowing. The artist successfully conveys his vision, which works wonders. The character designs are fairly standard aside from the Undine uniforms, but when everything else works so well, it hardly matters.

9/10 - It’s a tour worth taking.

FINAL SCORE: 7/10

While Aqua ultimately serves as a prologue to another series, it remains a pleasant read on its own. Though I haven't read Aria yet, I’m intrigued after experiencing Aqua. If you're seeking a relaxing atmosphere and excellent setting design, I recommend giving this a try.

Aqua is a manga that brings about a sense of calm and relaxation, fitting well into the "slice-of-life" genre as it mainly follows Akari's journey to become a full-fledged undine.

Story 10/10

Despite not having an action-packed plot, which might disappoint those who crave excitement, Aqua offers a charming narrative. Its slow pace lets readers immerse themselves in the world of Aqua, a terraformed Mars with a city resembling Venice. Akari, our protagonist and narrator, finds beauty in mundane activities, emphasizing a message about appreciating life's simple pleasures through its pacing and nostalgic feel.

Art 10/10

The artwork in Aqua is stunningly beautiful. Every panel is meticulously detailed, and the fluidity of movement is remarkable. The setting—a Venice-like city on a water-covered planet—is illustrated so vividly that it evokes strong emotions. While the characters are nicely drawn, it's the backgrounds that truly shine in this story.

Character 9/10

There isn't a character in this series that I dislike. Though there aren't many main characters, each one stands out. Akari, the optimistic and enthusiastic undine apprentice; Alicia, Akari’s mentor and the most popular undine in the city; Aika, the straightforward and orderly rival undine who is friends with both Akari and Alicia; and President Aria, the company’s mascot and a highly intelligent cat from Mars who cannot speak but acts human. Each character is well-developed despite the limited space.

Enjoyment 9/10

This series is highly enjoyable. Initially bought on a whim, it turned out to be an amazing discovery for me, given my preference for slow-paced slice-of-life stories. It's a beautiful manga that I highly recommend. Now, I am eager to start reading Aria, the sequel to Aqua.