Aria the Natural S2 Pt1 [Blu-ray] Review

4 star supremely relaxing slice-of-life sequel.

Aria the Natural is a sci-fi Japanese animation, the sequel to the series Aria the Animation. It is adapted from the manga series Aqua and Aria by Kozue Amano and produced by studio Hal Film Maker. Directed by Jun’ichi Satō, it is presented here with both English dub and Japanese with subtitles, courtesy of MVM Entertainment.

“All the people I’ve met on Aqua are gathered together. I feel so happy inside.”

Aria the Natural is set on the fictional planet of Aqua, which is in fact a terraformed Mars. Continuing on from the end of the previous series, it tells us the story of Akari (Veronica Taylor – Dragon Ball Super, Sailor Moon) a young girl from Manhome (Earth) who has travelled to Aqua to learn to be an Undine, or trainee gondolier. When Venice was submerged on Manhome, it was recreated on Aqua in an attempt to recapture its wonder, a city of canals known as Neo-Venezia.

Akari is training with the Aria Company, a small water-guide company, owned by President Aria, a cat and with only one other employee, Prima Undine Alicia (Marissa Lenti – The Titan’s Bride). She also enjoys spending time with her friends Aika (Jessica Calvello – Excel Saga), who is an Undine at Himaya Company and Alice (Tara Tisch), an Undine at Orange Planet, the largest water-guide company in Neo-Venezia.

Although working for rival companies, the three girls devote their time to discovering all the wonders that the city has to offer together, so that they might better show it to their clients.

“No soppy lines allowed!”

Aria the Natural is a very enjoyable series, heart warming and thoroughly well meaning. I would recommend watching season one (Aria the Animation) first, just to get to know the characters.  They are all well written and endearing and quite funny, especially the cats, who play alost as big a role as the humans.

The girls embark on a series of adventures and encounters, taking them all over the city and learning more about the world in which they live. It is also quite informative about the traditions and history of Venice.

The beautiful animation and excellent soundtrack highlight the magical nature of Aqua and it’s inhabitants and add very nicely to the laid back atmosphere. Don’t come to this expecting action, there isn’t any and neither is there an ongoing story, this is a true slice-of-life anime, gloriously uplifting and well worth a relaxing watch.

“This cafe also serves wine. The sun deteriorates the flavour of the wine, so in order to avoid that, the outdoor tables follow this shadow, moving around several times a day.”

Aria the Natural S2 Pt1 is available to buy now on Blu-ray.