Alternative TitlesSynonyms: Aria 2 Japanese: 水星领航员 第2季
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 26
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 3, 2006 to Sep 25, 2006
Duration:
25 min. per episode Rating:
G - All Ages
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.571 (scored by 3117 users)
Ranked: #472
Popularity: #575
Members: 7,549
Favorites: 155 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
Popular Tags
drama sci-fi slice of life |
SynopsisIn a continuation of the last series, Akari Mizunashi continues her job as a gondolier along with her friends from the other two rival companies, Aika and Alice. As they continue their training to become Undines, they continue to meet new people and partake on mysterious adventures, all in the quiet, scenic, and peaceful city of Neo Venezia.
(Source: ANN) |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Aria Prequel: Aria the Animation Sequel: Aria the OVA ~Arietta~ Side story: Aria the Natural Special
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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Archaeon
45 of 65 people found this review helpful
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26 of 26 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
The problem with sequels is that they're rarely as good as the original, whilst those shows that actually manage the feat of surpassing the original appear only once in a blue moon. Given that fact, I will freely admit that I approached Aria: the Natural with a certain degree of trepidation, especially given the fact that the original series is a favourite of mine.
Thankfully, all of my fears were removed in the gentlest manner possible.
Aria: the Natural, continues the tale of Neo Venezia in very much the same manner as the original, except for the fact that this series is twice as long. The story, once more, revolves around Akari, Aika and Alice as they go through their daily lives in their "quest" to become undines. The episodic format of the original series is maintained throughout this one, and the show generally manages to maintain the same relaxed feeling of the original, however this series has some moments that purists would define as "off-kilter" - a view I tend to disagree with.
Let me explain. The first series was very much an introductory show, allowing the audience to familiarise themselves with Akari, Aika and Alice, and the other residents of Neo Venezia. The Natural, on the other hand, is an introduction to the world of Aqua itself, something which was alluded to in the final episode of the first series. Indeed, the role of cats in The Animation is much greater, and the quasi-supernatural element of the show, which was only lightly touched upon previously, is very much in force in this series.
Because of this though, many people view The Natural as inferior to the original series, basing such judgement solely on the fact that this show has some genuinely creepy moments, as well as the fact that several episodes are based purely on supernatural events. In The Animation, the effect of the supernatural was toned down to maintain the relaxed feeling of the show, however The Natural pushes this aspect of Aqua firmly to the fore with the introduction of several elements - Cait Sith being the primary one.
Art and animation for The Natural remain as superlative as the original, with some improvement given some of the more "fantastic" plot elements. Character designs remain unchanged in this series, with each of the leads and the supporting roles being as visually charming as ever - even in chibi mode. The detail of Neo Venezia, as well the panoramic views of the city, remain very much in force, however these are enhanced a little more by the fact that other areas of Aqua are also given the same level of attention.
Sound and music continue to be excellent, with the voice actors doing sterling work with their respective characters. The thematic music used throughout the series is very much the same as that used in the original, and retains the same "continental" feeling as well. The sound effects are again, excellent and well used, with nothing too overwhelming or too subtle. The OP and ED are calm and melodic, keeping the fluidly relaxed theme of both the original and this series.
The dharacters are, again, a joy to watch, however some people may not follow this train of thought because of the supposed "flaws" in the show (i.e. the supernatural element I mentioned earlier). Akari, Aika and Alice continue to be as charming and as innocent as ever, and while there may be a distinct lack of major development in this series, I didn't find this factor to hinder my appreciation of the characters in any way.
The supporting characters continue to be by turns witty, soothing, stern, downright hilarious, etc, very much in keeping with the original series. However, many of the supporting cast tend to take more of a back seat in this series, with a greater amount of focus being given to Akari especially.
Fans of the original series may not find that The Natural sits too well with them,especially given the fact that this showis less about the characters, and more about the world they live in. That said, it's continues to eb a truly enjoyable series overall, and a truly relaxing one at that.
Aria: The Natural, whilst maintaining everything that made the original series great, is actually a very different show, and I would judge it at least equal to The Animation in every aspect. Given the basis of The Natural, and it's intorductory perspective on the world of Aqua, it's no surprise that fans recommend watching both series before watching The Origination. read more
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Faust721
78 of 114 people found this review helpful
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26 of 26 episodes seen
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| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
This is the first time that I have ever felt an anime deserves full marks in all categories. Aria the Natural had everything I could want in an anime. Here's the breakdown...
Story: The reason why the plot is so good is that each episode has a unique story and it never gets tiring despite not having a running story. Neo-Venezia is a place meant to be explored and that is what we get thorugh the series as Akari and Co. meat new people and grow. Watching something like this is relaxig and just puts a smile on your face.
Animation: The world of Aria is absolutely beautiful. The town of Neo-Venezia is presented in such detail that it makes me wish that I was there. And the sceneries are a sight to see and in an anime like Aria, we get to see them in many aspects, whether it is in the morning, evening, night etc. The only thing i wish for is a HD version of Aria, but still gets full marks none the less.
Sound: OP, ED, BGM, it's absolutely incredible. The music fits in so well and is something that just relaxes you. Words alone cant describe how much i love this kind of music. It's pure bliss~
Character: This is perhaps the best aspect of Aria. Each character is not only unique but is extremely likable. There is a wide range of personalities yet they go so well together. And their chibi face form is hilarious. Each have there own style and goes well with their personality.
Overall, to me, not only is this the best slice of life, it is the best anime out there. It is just perfect. While this type of anime is not for everyone, Aria the Natural was everything i could ask for. Hopefully you can see the magic of Aria like I did if you ever check this out and become a fan too. read more
Recommendations
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Very similar relaxing slice of life shows with episodic structure, nice comedy, great music and beautiful stories, they both give you the same warm feeling.
Thoughtful stories aimed at the heart examining small happiness and sorrows in our lives. A tad too "lighthearted" for some, but any story that can warm people's hearts and sometimes bring tears are notable series worth checking out. Absolutely beautiful music and scenery rendered gently makes for a perfect escape for the tired.
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they're is a quiet animes, simples things and discovery of wonderful place and people.
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Opening Theme#1: "Euphoria (ユーフォリア)" by Makino Yui (eps 1-15,18-26) #2: "Undine (ウンディーネ)" by Makino Yui (eps 16,17)
Ending Theme#1: "Natsumachi (夏待ち)" by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino (eps 1-15) #2: "Smile Again" by Hazuki Erino (eps 16-25) #3: "Rainbow" by ROUND TABLE feat. Nino (ep 26)
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Fansubbing Groups
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Related ClubsBlader's Lair, Sakuranbo, ~+{Yui Makino Fanclub}+~, !~~tsubasalover's Friendships~~!, Alicia Florence Fan Club, [ S T E A M P U N K .], Aria - FanClub, The Beret Fanclub!, The BADASSED Club, Aika Granzchesta Fan Club, Sullen, New Hairstyle club, guys with ponytails!, HAL Film Maker Fanclub, ~Slit Cat-like Eyes Club~, -The Order-, Aria Company, Punyaa~! An Aria Shachou Fanclub!, Underrated Anime and Manga, Ara araThe Lighthearted Anime Club, Group of Anime Addicts (GAA), Akira E. Ferrari FC, Watch Anime Together Club Headquarters, Peanut Butter and Jelli Time!, ~nanoda club, ~ Takai's LEAGUE ~, Alice Carroll Fan Club, seinen & josei, Round Table Featuring Nino FC, Get Your Quota! For MAL Claims Clubs, Akari Mizunashi Fan Club, MAL Adopt a Pet!, Long Black/Dark Haired Guys, Italiani su MAL, Manga vs. Anime, Anime Download Arena, The Pets of Anime/Manga Club, Claim a Soundtrack Club!, AnIme ArT AdDiCts, Slice of Anime Life, Aria Company, Los Angeles Anime Bukatsu, The Blondies of Anime, The Green Haired Characters Club, ☆»♥«☆ Romantic-Historical Genre Fanclub ☆»♥«☆, Cute Anime Club, Athena Glory FC, Cogito Ergo Sum - Philosophy In Anime and Manga, MALs Comedy Club, see all
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