Aria the Origination - 01
Posted by 0rion on January 8th, 2008 - 12:30 am
Dekkai ureshii desu~! Oh man, where would we be without Aria?
Well, I suppose we’d probably be in very much the same place, just a lot crankier and more stressed, and our embarrassing remarks would not be prohibited.
While other people have complained that anime prospects for the winter season look pretty grim, for me any season that has Aria is already epic win. 
Windmills make people happy.
I mean, really, each episode of this show is just a highly concentrated 24-minute dose of the warm fuzzies. And thank goodness for that, because right now I could really use that extra helping of happiness and relaxation. Giant robots and explosions can only carry me so far. Sure, action and cheap entertainment is good stuff and definitely has its place, but after a long, tiring day at work nothing can beats coming home and relaxing with a tall glass of iced tea and an episode of pure bliss.
From the fun and endearing cast and the great character designs, to the beautiful soothing music and gorgeous Neo Venezian artwork, Aria is a true work of art and genius in every sense of the word. It’s light entertainment and fluff, while at the same time also being meaningful and inspirational. So for relaxing times, make it Suntory times go watch some Aria!
Nice Gondola
Winter in Neo Venezia makes for a great setting, giving the already magical scenery an extra air of mysteriousness and tranquility. As it’s a quieter time of the year for the undine, it lends itself well to slow-paced, introspective stories.
These little details, like the infectious yawn, give Aria such a great feeling of realism despite the fantastic setting. As well as endearing you to the characters too, of course, as if that was even needed at this point.
Honestly, I just cannot get enough of the artwork in this show. It’s not without reason that Totali calls it “scenery porn”.
And while first episodes always tend to look good, even with that in consideration the animation quality still seems to have gotten a pretty nice boost this season. Also hooray widescreen at last!!
Mmmm…I can’t decide which one I want; they’re both great.
Omochikaeri please~! Also apron mode FTW. :3
From the ancient times…Gachapen!
Aika and Akatsuki’s random quarrels never fail to crack me up, especially when she calls him “pony oni” (ponytailed demon) and he calls her “Gachapen”. For a happy lightweight series, they really come up with some creative epithets, I must say.
If I had an Akari, I would probably be tempted to yank on her momiko (pigtails) incessantly, too.
Of course, the series just would not be complete without President Aria’s silly antics. And as weird and freaky as he may be, you have to admit that he looks pretty darn cute squeezing lemons.
Bwaaii nyaii~!
Absolutely loved his maître d’ cosplay, as well, especially the way he tried to “grin and bear it” when Maa-shachou latched onto him like always.
Speaking of which, poor Aria-shachou really had it rough this episode!
Everybody just wants to piece of his soft mochi mochi tummy.
Dekkai chibi desu.
And where would Aria be without the amazing chibi faces? No matter how many times I see them they never fail to crack me up. I guess it’s true that the simplest jokes are usually the best.
The stories of the Three Water Fairies’ amazing feats was definitely the highlight of the episode for me. Alicia’s prediction of the coming snowfall was, was rather understated of course, nothing short of spectacular and magical.
But man, how do you compete with Akira’s flying leap save? I mean, not only did she grab the guy out of midair while also managing to keep the boat steady, but she did it all with those red heels on!
The way she smiled at the guy afterwards was perfect, too - that slightly too sweet smile that just screams, “You are SO dead meat.”
Click for animated GIF version.
As always, Athena’s skills are unique and goofy, but certainly no less effective than those of her colleagues.
The three apprentice undine have come a long way since the story began, and we’ve come a long way with them, seeing their personalities and little quirks, and learning about their pasts, and well as hopes and dreams for the future.
Totali may be a big Aika fan, and Impz of course professes the way of the green-haired Alice to be the best, but for me it’s all about Akari-chan. With her suteki Aria company outfit, her cute boots, her green eyes, and of course her awesome so-called “momiko” (pigtails), Akari-chan is super cute and moe. And with her perpetually positive attitude and creative way of finding beauty and profundity in the simple things of life, she really makes the series what it is.
In the words of Alicia, “The world appears beautiful in the eyes of beautiful people.”
Man, I am so glad to get another season of Aria, as well as one that looks so absolutely fabulous. As always, the music is brilliant, with its wonderful Italian themed soundtrack, as well as yet another awesome Makino Yui OP. Seriously, how does she do it? Every time I think she can’t possibly get better, she does! I was worried that the new OP just wouldn’t be able to measure up to the catchiness and musical excellence of “Undine” or “Euforia”, but she has once again outdone herself with the sublime “Spirale”.
My only real regret is that ROUND TABLE will not be returning for this third season, but really, when every other aspect of the series is so stunningly perfect, how can you complain? So what do you guys think? I’m curious to get your thoughts on the new season of Aria.
Just don’t forget…embarrassing comments are prohibited! 
For dekkai relaxing times, make it Suntory times x ARIA times! *swirls glass of Suntory Yamazaki 18 year single malt*
re: ’scenery porn’, sorry to be pedantic but the person who came up with it first was Sean Gaffney over at Okazu .
Hahaha, you seriously crack me up, man.
Also thanks for pointing that out about Sean Gaffney. Always good to know the proper etymology of my memes. (b^_^)b
Wot no mecha? I’m outa here!
[Boy, I can be an uncultured boor at times.]
[…] other things, deftoned notes the pulling power of green haired, tsundere loli which will definitely get the shima-shima tanuki […]
恥ずかしいセリフ禁止!
[…] is a must watch. If you have not watched the first two seasons, bloody get it now! Everyone loves it. I do […]
Welcome Back Aria
The Aria fans have gathered! Let’s gattai!!!!!
and yea, the scenery porn originally linked to Zyl’s post with the proper explanation and all that… :3
Can’t really comment on this series’ as I haven’t seen any off it. It looks nicely animated and such. Some quite lulzworthy pictures in there as well.
You’ve made me quite interested in this now. I never really seen anything but bad reviews but by looking at them pictures, a decent amount of small things happen. XD
>>恥ずかしいセリフ禁止!
ええええええ?
Ah, ARIA. Long have I waited. Long have I wanted. Soon, the DVD’s will be in my hand and my wallet empty.
For my thoughts, I’ll have to say: It’s Aria. Aria banzai!
[…] Other opinions on this. […]
[…] only one of course. By the way, checkout that fantastic Athena GIF by those fantabulous folks at Epic Win. Pure […]
Boooo! Go back to Brittania and leave us peaceful Neo Venezians alone.
Will our gattai produce a robot with a giant Aria-shachou face on the front?
WHAT ARE YOU STILL DOING HERE?! GO, GO WATCH IT NOW!! GO ON!!
Aria the Animation -> Aria the Natural -> Aria the OVA ~Arietta~. If you hurry you can be all caught up before this season gets too far in!
Aria banzai!! \o/
*fanboygasms* I MUST WATCH IT!!!! T_T
But of course, I must finish Aria the Natural first (i’m watching it together with Mushishi. Pretty gangsta combo I must say =3)
I’ve always been an Akari fanboy too, and totally know how you feel wanting to yank her pigtails…but you can [deleted - how dare you say such vulgar things about my sweet Akari-chan!]
Man, I really wanted more Round Table feat. Nino for this season! I need my fix man *fidgets*!! I think the most recent RTfN song was from that CLAMP IN WONDERLAND thing, but its not enough!!!
I hope I’m not alone when I say President Aria scares me. I mean…WTF IS THAT THING???!!! AND THE NOISE IT MAKES!!! GUUUHHH!!!! But I will admit that its cute! *huggles* And i always LOL whenever Maa bites his tummy. It always looks like its biting a certain area of President Aria’s body *ba dum PSSSH!*… btw, what sex is President Aria? Just wondering
(sorry for double posting) Oh man, I really did it this time *smacks himself* Just wanted to say sorry for possibly exposing a H-Game to young children who might be reading this blog, and also sorry for talking like a pirate about Akari.
Suman, ore ga warukatta! *bows*