Aria 03

Synopsis: Winter is over in Mars, and Akari is enjoying the anniversary of her first year as a gondolier. In between cherry blossom viewing, treasure-hunting, and feasts of roses, two new friends are introduced: Alice and Akira.

Pro: I'm glad that Akari's actually "growing up" with each subsequent volume. She was absolutely clueless in volume 1, but less so in v2, and less so in v3. She still has a lot of charm and big-eyed wonder that made her so loveable, but it really seems that she's feeling more in her element the longer she's in Mars.

Con: Really would've liked to see more of Alicia. She's such a mysterious character -- one of those types that smiles on the outside, but is plotting inside -- as the scenes with her and Akira were just a tease.

Chrono Crusade 01

Synopsis: You know the anime? Yeah, it's exactly the same. Only better. Chrono is going to make me into a pedo.

Pro: Did I mention how cute Chrono is? Plus, Rosette becomes a lot more lovable and sympathetic on the page.

Con: Not enough of akuma!Chrono. I can't believe I have to wait for August for the next volume.

Aria 01

Synopsis: It's about a gondolier in a city known as Neo-Venezia. Which, incidentally, is located in Mars.

Pro: Lovely art. And heck, considering I now know how Venice actually looks like, a good bunch of the references actually make sense!

Con: This manga's pacing is superslow. In short, nothing happens. NADA. It's all atmosphere and mood. The main character reminds me of a more complacent and happier version of Honda Tohru from Fruits Basket.

Kagerou Nostalgia 01

Synopsis: A group of warriors are reincarnated to once again fight their enemy. Think Gundam Wing, Fushigi Yuugi-style. (Hey, I can't think of a better comparison.)

Pro: ADV's production is top-notch. I forgot to mention this about Chrono Crusade and Aria, but I love how all of their manga come with colored pages. Their presentation is very similar to Del Rey with regards to SFX (translated on the side of the original kana) and with cultural notes at the end of the volume.

Con: I've already bitched about this before... I'm hoping somebody could elucidate me about the backstory of this particular series because I am totally lost. There's too much going on and there are characters who I think I should know, but don't. It's like walking in during the middle of a movie: I sorta know what's going on, but I'm still confused.