ARIA The Masterpiece, Tome 3

ARIA The MASTERPIECE #3

by Kozue Amano

On the planet Aqua, a world once known as Mars, Akari Mizunashi has just made her home in the town of Neo-Venezia, a futuristic imitation of the ancient city of Venice. In pursuit of her dream to become an Undine -- a gondolier who leads high-end tours around the city -- Akari joins as a trainee with the Aria Company, one of the three most prestigious water-guide companies in Neo-Venezia. There, she explores the beauty of the city and the world along with other trainees from Aria and rival companies, working hard for her dreams and making new friends along the way. 

Experience the world of Aqua like never before with Kozue Amano's gorgeously detailed illustrations and full-color spreads in this deluxe colletor's edition!

This is Volume 3 of this Masterpiece edition of the series.

Genres: Manga, Science Fiction, Slice Of Life, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Animals

378 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2016

About the author

Kozue Amano (天野こずえ Amano Kozue) is a female Japanese manga artist. She is widely known as the creator of Aria, which proved to be a best-selling hit, and was adapted into an anime television series consisting of 3 seasons and an OVA.

Reviews

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing life and times of Akari on Aqua, once known as Mars.

Makes a new friend (a bit implausibly); logically deduces that someone must be sylphs, and then meets one; goes looking for spring with Alicia; suffers through summer heat with a magical bit that might have been a dream; stages a festivity; learns more about Neo-Venezia, and more.

[Dawie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can not help but love this.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this manga from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

Whoop a new Aria and this time it is even better to read now that I visit Venice at the end of July for my honeymoon! It makes you appreciate the backgrounds, the places the girls visit even more than before.

This time we are at volume 3, four more volumes to go before we are through the series. I am glad they aren't throwing them all at us in one go, instead giving us new volumes every couple of months. I don't want to go through this series too fast. Or well that is my rational mind speaking, my fangirl mind wants it all. NOW.

In this one we have introductions to 3 important characters. One is Alice the third girl who will become a trio with Akari and Aika. I am happy to finally see her around I was already wondering when she would pop up. I have to say I wasn't a fan at the beginning, she is a bit too stoic at times, but later on, with the help of her new friends she shows more emotions, becomes more free and happy, and I just loved how much being undine became less like work and something more special. Yes, work is important, but you also got to have fun while doing it. You also got to be able to show the people what is all around them.
Next up is Ayanokoji or Woody, our Sylph. Now all 3 of our guys are there! I really liked Woody he is such a happy and carefree guy.
And lastly, grandmother, or the one who founded Aria Company along with President Aria! I was just delighted to finally see her pop up and see what she had planned for the girls when they visited. Plus, I love the bond she and Alice have eventually.

Then there is the fact a year has now passed since Akari arrived on Aqua and started being an undine! We see a new Spring and Summer happen with various events throughout. From festivals with roses to drinking some milk with special people, to going to beach which was really special for Akari since at Man-Home the seas were not good to swim in. We see the girls try not to melt from the heat that is coming as summer appears. I just adored the treasure hunt and what the treasure was. OMG, I would just love to do that treasure hunt as well and enjoy the view for real.
Oh, and the picnic that I so so loved in the anime also makes an appearance and despite being in black/white it was still wonderful and I was just squeeing in delight.

There are new hairstyles for the girls, cute outfits, we learn more about the three fairies, there is some pudding to be eaten, and of course plenty of training as the girls have to work hard if they want to become undine.

I loved seeing the Redentore and how the girls had to work hard and made it a top party for everyone to enjoy. When everyone thanked them I was just welling up as it was just such a wonderful moment.

Next up will be Autumn and Winter, at least I am guessing it will be that given this volume focused on Spring/Summer. I can't wait to see what the girls will experience in those seasons. See what I still recognise from my sporadic Aria reading and my full Aria anime watching. I would highly recommend this gorgeous manga to everyone. Let Akari, Alice, and Aika take you through Neo-Venezia on a trip of your life.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Starbubbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a slow read for me, but it was still delightful. Vash the Stampede made an appearance. Well, his look-alike. There was still festivals, training, and the relaxed pace that I desperately needed this yr.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always fun visiting Aqua and we finally got to meet Alice!

[Jillian -always aspiring- · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still very charming, but the episodic nature of the story can lead to some dull or lagging moments. I do enjoy the slice-of-life nature of the series, though!

[Chris Gernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite as strong as the first two volumes, but still just wonderful. I love the imaginative (if often implausible) world building, the lazy pacing, and the alternately sincere and funny interactions between the characters. Simply charming.

[Luana · Rating 4 out of 5]

In questo terzo volume facciamo la conoscenza di nuovi personaggi, a partire da Alice, una giovane apprendista undine che lavora presso la compagnia Orange Planet - una ragazzina di grande talento, ma con un caratterino niente male che la porta ad avere un rapporto un po' complicato con le colleghe. Ma quando arriva Akari, nessuno è al sicuro: il suo entusiasmo, la meraviglia con cui affronta ogni singolo giorno, la sua ingenuità, la portano ad avvicinare anche gli estranei e a fare amicizia pure con i sassi per terra. E così, Alice entra a far pare del gruppo di Akari e Aika, sotto la supervisione di due delle undine di maggior talento, quell'anima pia di Alicia e Akira, la mentore di Aika.
Rimanendo in tema di undine famose, incontriamo anche la fondatrice della compagnia Aria, che ricorderà alle tre ragazze una cosa importante: va bene l'ambizione, va bene il desiderio di diventare le migliori, ma non devono mai smettere di divertirsi, altrimenti la magia rischia di spezzarsi. E Akari è il perfetto esempio di persona che sa divertirsi, che prova entusiasmo e curiosità per qualsiasi cosa nuova le capiti sotto gli occhi. Una sorta di anima pura che si emoziona con poco.
Inoltre, a parte le undine, nel corso di questi tre volumi, abbiamo incontrato altri personaggi e le relative professioni - Akatsuki, che lavora sull'isola in aria e che contribuisce alla gestione delle condizioni climatiche; Al, che vive nei sotterranei di Aqua dove si gestisce la questione gravità; Woody, che con la sua air bike si occupa di consegne e fornitura di merci. Allora, siccome non mi smentisco mai, sento dei vaghi sentori di romance e voglio proprio vedere se ci saranno sviluppi in questo senso nel corso della storia.
Come detto nelle recensioni dei volumi precedenti, i disegni sono il vero punto forte di questa serie (anche perché a livello di trama non succede più di tanto, se non altro la lettura è molto rilassante). Alcune tavole sono davvero meravigliose: in certi momenti, non è difficile immedesimarsi in Akari e nelle sue reazioni 🤩

[Momo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blogger at Momotips

Thanks to TokyoPop through Diamond Books and Edelweiss+ for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.

This is the third volume I read of this manga. I think the background idea of this manga is amazing. I consider Aria: The Masterpiece a nice and pleasant manga to read on a relaxed Sunday afternoon. Regarding the Manga in general, what I really like, and I think is brilliant are the planet Aqua, a new Venice similar to the original one, the characters that work as Undines, and a mix between Venice and Japan in each volume. Of this particular volume I enjoyed some of the episodes in the story, in fact the volume is a balance between adventure and daily life. Akari moved to Neo-Venezia a year ago to start her new life and continues be a happy and smiley person loving her life.
As always, Akari is a curious girl which loves to meet new people and discover new amazing spots of the city. I have to say that I enjoyed this volume more than the second, I feel it was more intrigue and lively. Aria: The Masterpiece is an easy-going story to read also in different time of the day because you never miss the point in all the story. I give three stars as I like it and enjoy reading it. This manga is well done, with a special fantasy new world and funny episodes. In conclusion, I consider Aria: The masterpiece a nice fantasy manga, which I enjoy reading to relax. I also love the illustrations and enjoy the few colored pages in the volume which are amazing drawings.

[L'Abri des Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Les planches sont toujours à couper le souffle, chaque chapitre est comme un poème. Les histoires sont cosy, légères mais prenantes, malgré des prénoms tous similaires : Aika, Akira, Alicia, Alice, Akari.. 🫣🤯 Ça c'est clairement prise de tête si on s'en occupe.

Un chapitre est une tranche de vie de nos Ondines, on peut facilement en lire un par ci, un autre par là. Il est très facile de devenir accro à cette saga manga 😍

"Aqua est un peu mon pays imaginaire à moi !"

Mes chapitres préférés sont les deux derniers : celui avec la matriarche des ondines, et celui sur la fête sur le bateau où on retrouve tous les personnages rencontrés jusqu'ici. Une petite piqûre de rappel 🥴

J'ai adoré ce Tome 3, il m'a complètement transportée, c'est un énorme coup de cœur 😍 Ça me rappelle qu'il ne me faut pas grand chose pour en avoir un : me faire rêver et sourire.

https://www.instagram.com/labridespag...

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Aria: The Masterpiece Volume 3' by Kozue Amano continues the journey of undine Akari Mizunashi as she learns to navigate the canals of Aqua, formerly known as Mars.

Kozue has lived for a full year on Aqua and this book brings her back to Spring and Summer. There are treasure hunts in the city, visits to the grand lady of the canals, and festivals on the water. There is a day when roses are given to women that are to be honored.

This series has so little conflict and it's hard to imagine that in a story, but these stories are truly about the joy in the journey and awakening to the beauty around us. I really love this series and the characters and world.

I received a review copy of this manga from Tokyopop and Diamond Book Distributors in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.

[osoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Только в этой книге заметила, что практически все имена у персонажей начинаются на А, начиная с главной тройки в лице Акари, Айки и Алисии. Обратила внимание только потому что наконец-то бОльшая часть народа собралась в едином пространстве (отличная вышла финальная глава, душевная и милая), и в глазах зарябило от количества «А». Аааах. И как же это уместно для планеты под названием Аква :)

Серия продолжает погружать в будни ундин, отправляя героинь в настоящий квест по всему городу, где наградой зачастую выступает само путешествие. Не обходится и без праздника – в этой роли выступает фестиваль роз, причем без капли романтического напряга, который подспудно ждешь от подобного мероприятия. В жаркий день, когда голова плавится, открывает двери для избранных прохладное кафе, где посетители и хозяин внешне обманчивы. И непонятно, привиделось ли все это перегревшейся на солнышке героине, или ей в очередной раз позволили взглянуть за завесу таинственного кошачьего мироустройства (да :)). К прекрасным и кажущимися волшебными локациям стоит добавить пустынный пятачок райского пляжа, и рельсы, что неизбежно приведут к неизвестному месту, полному открытий. Как бы мне хотелось, чтобы эта серия никогда не заканчивалась…

hisashiburi

[Séverine · Rating 5 out of 5]

J'ai déjà beaucoup aimé les 2 tomes précédents et pourtant, celui-ci passe encore au dessus ! J'ai adoré ces moments de douceurs et les décors magnifiques. Je n'avais qu'une envie, rejoindre Akari sur Néo-Venise et profiter de la vue avec elle (Enoooorme coup de cœur pour le bus sous le cerisier ainsi que les roses sur l'eau). J'aime beaucoup le côté enfantin d'Akari, qui s'émerveille de tout, c'est contagieux, je suis un peu dans le même état qu'elle et je découvre tout avec elle, j'adore ça ! Ravie également d'accueillir une sympathique nouvelle parmi les aspirantes ondines, j'aime beaucoup le nouveau trio et j'ai hâte de les retrouver dans le tome 4 !

[Jenny Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, another summer and spring come to Neo Venezia... I love reading these in the summer when the days are sooo long and the day and this book just go on forever, in a quiet peaceful bubble. The art is as always super cute and amazing. I enjoyed the addition of Alice quite a bit. We actually get to see more training in this volume than in previous, but it never bogs the series down. Akari is such a happy positive person, everyone needs a little of her in their lives.

[Kurisu V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Именно этот том идеален для прочтения летом (хотя на самом деле вся серия): тут и жара, и пляж.
Из глав могу выделить 'Городские сокровища' (в аниме у меня это тоже одна из любимых серий), 'День Бочиоло' и 'Реденторе'.
Философия манги 'научись получать удовольствие от всего' мне импонирует, но это из разряда фантазий, конечно.

[Craig Schorling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume was similar to the others and that is a good thing. We meet a new girl named Alice that joins our group of Undines in training. More world building and peaceful moments of reflection and self discovery happen. The art is simply stunning at times.

[Gulshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leggere Aria è una coccola verso se stessi e verso la vita. L'entusiasmo di Akari è contagioso e rende tutto ciò che le accade interessante e appagante anche per me, che sto solo leggendo. Non vedo l'ora di leggere gli altri volumi!

[Cress · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I nearly broke into tears at least five times in this volume. Can you please just read this series? Your heart will thank you.

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, relaxing manga, this volume is just as amazing as the others.

[Gaëlle Aldrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toujours plein de douceur pour ce manga "tranches de vie et contemplation" ❤️

[Sylvie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Une lecture vraiment douce, j’ai appris des petites choses mais aussi des leçons de vie
Continuer à découvrir Néo-Venise en même temps qu’Akari C’est vraiment cool

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quel plaisir de passer l'été sur Néo-Venise 🌊




"Il faut traverser quelques épreuves pour mieux apprécier la vie ! Il est nécessaire d'apprendre à déceler la magie du quotidien, car après tout, c'est merveilleux d'être en vie !"

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Dieudonné Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARIA ça apaise littéralement mon âme.

[Iminie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rien à dire : toujours aussi doux

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Akari's adventure continues and the world of Neo-Venezia continues to impress. After reading this from the library, I sunk a hundred bucks into purchasing the series for myself. Unfortunately, the current run on RightStuf Anime is slated to be the LAST PRINT RUN EVER. So if they're still around by the time of me publishing this post, GET THEM! They're worth every cent!

For those curious, about how the Masterpiece series differs from the original Aria series:

The Masterpiece printing of this series contains seven volumes. The first volume contains the two volumes of Aqua, the prequel series to Aria. The other six Masterpiece volumes contain the twelve Aria books. "Special navigations" or special chapters may not be in the same place/order as they were in the original series.

[Pepper Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The volume where Alice is introduced! My favorite chapters are Town Treasure, Traveling Water, and The Legendary Fairy Grandmother. Town Treasure is one of the best in the series, Traveling Water has influenced every aspect of my writing, and The Legendary Fairy Grandmother is just... the thing to read when life has you feeling down. Also, much love for Akira. And Woody. The cast really grows in this volume!

[kerrycat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this better and better with each volume - it's just gorgeous, and it's such a beautiful story.

[Engel Dreizehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous lavish illustrations as always plus...the spring and summer mood feels awee plus an air ride above Neo-Venezia is awesome!