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.

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.