The story of Aria: the Natural is once again focused around the three young girls, Akira, Aika and Alice, and naturally on Neo Venezia as well. The most obvious change that I'd like to address was the expansion on the supernatural elements of the show, which were left to a minimum in the prequel. Audiences actually come to realize that Aqua is actually a place shrouded in mystery, or at least in some parts, which personally came as a pleasant touch to the series. This is because it serves to expand on its setting, albeit small, which was left rather unexplored in the prequel. However, there was a little issue with the supernatural elements, in particular the case of Cait Sith - who seemed way too protective concerning Akari.
It also shows some flashbacks of people's past, neither dramatic or glorious, just simple daily situations, yet portrayed magnificently. It also shows the town and its habitants in a simple manner, how they work, and so another day goes by. There was a small arc in which the affection of a material object was shown, and this felt a bit too overly dramatic to my liking, even though considering the emotional value it had for the person in question.
Moving on to the characters, audiences are shown the cast these were familiar with in Aria: the animation, yet with a welcoming change: now actual character development takes place. Viewers contemplate its cast experience more emotions than just happiness: fear, anger, sadness as well as anxiety are shown. Another aspect to note is the maturing of the girls personality wise; this doesn't imply that the show is less relaxing than the first. In fact, it enhances the overall story significantly, as these cast aside their same behaviour throughout the series.
Other aspect to consider is the fleshing out of its supporting cast, giving viewers a slight insight into their past, as well as developing the supernatural elements of the city, such as the mysterious cats that were lightly hinted upon in the prequel. Concerning the different interactions present with its cast and citizens, these were once again charming and heartwarming, as well relatable for some instances. This is the case for example Alice playing simple games anyone might have done in their childhood, such as trying to reach home only by treading on the shadows, or kicking a stone all the way.
The art style of the series remain the same as in Aria: the Animation, possessing great backgrounds as well as character designs, which both are a pleasant sight to behold. Surely enough, the animation itself is fluid, which is also applies to different facial expressions of the cast, conveying the state of the characters. As for the music score, audiences will find themselves once again pleasantly rewarded with similar types of compositions, befitting of the relaxing feeling the anime tries to convey. Piano, vocals and the likes are once again present, with nice openings as well as endings, all reminiscent of the previous title.
Overall Aria: the Natural was once more a relaxing watch which maintained the quality of the previous, whilst focusing on the expansion of the supernatural aspect, or rather, the world of Aqua itself. This created a nice contrast to the previous season, which made it possible for me personally be equally entertained as the prequel. It had some things I disliked personally, yet these were easily overshadowed by its strengths. Anyhow, it is highly recommended for viewers who enjoyed the first season, yet for those who didn't, would probably better stay away from it.
Thank you for reading.
