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southern_sea's review against another edition
5.0
Another reread. This volume reminded me why I associate this series with wind chimes. It's interesting how, after all these years, I forgot almost all the stories but remember almost on a subconscious level the main images and the emotions each of them gave me.
The wind chimes story, the fireworks one, and the last one about Aika sum up pretty well the spirit and the aesthetic of this manga as a whole. The Japanese lit major in me couldn't help but appreciate the use of seasonal images in these stories, which lead me to a realization: the best way I can find to describe Aqua (and Aria) is "a series of haiku in manga form".
The wind chimes story, the fireworks one, and the last one about Aika sum up pretty well the spirit and the aesthetic of this manga as a whole. The Japanese lit major in me couldn't help but appreciate the use of seasonal images in these stories, which lead me to a realization: the best way I can find to describe Aqua (and Aria) is "a series of haiku in manga form".
atticmoth's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
4.0
aria/aqua honestly has some of the best worldbuilding out there, because it asks "what value will tradition have in the future?"
The chapter on nostalgia for something you're experiencing for the first time is what drives this home, and is relevant to today; in the face of technology permeating every facet of our lives, why do we seek out or romanticize doing things the old fashioned way?
I still remain unconvinced by President Aria (the cat)'s chapters, they are way too slapstick and clash hard with the meditative tone of the rest.
The chapter on nostalgia for something you're experiencing for the first time is what drives this home, and is relevant to today; in the face of technology permeating every facet of our lives, why do we seek out or romanticize doing things the old fashioned way?
I still remain unconvinced by President Aria (the cat)'s chapters, they are way too slapstick and clash hard with the meditative tone of the rest.
atla's review
4.0
The stories devoted to President Aria are a little weak, but this is so adorable that I forgive them.
chocklad's review
2.0
Thank God I finished it. I didn't like that series at all and I don't want to read anything more about it. It could be awesome, but it's just pointless and silly. I'm glad it's over.
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