Among the many lessons in the Aria manga, there is one that is quiet, softly tucked in among the all the others. But of all the lessons within Aria, it is quite possibly at the very core of this manga’s value system.

In Volume 6, we learn what kind of adult Alicia wants to become, what a Master means to a student, what kind of person Athena is, what Alice doesn’t want anyone else knowing about her and what the secret behind the late night train whistle that runs through town is.

But more importantly – most importantly – we learn once again that everyone is good at…something. And in that simple fact, we’re reminded to appreciate the people around us for that thing, and by extension, appreciate our time with them, and our time in the world. In fact, if we learn anything from Aria, it should be to *appreciate* the life we have, because for each of us, it is unique and wonderful.

You could, of course, be reading Aria for whatever Yuri you may have made up in your head. And that too will be valid – as long as you appreciate it.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 8
Characters – 8
Yuri – 0
Service – 1

Overall – 8

I am absolutely thrilled to say “Thank you, I appreciate it!” to brand-new Okazu Hero, Kayden L! Thank you for the sponsorship of today’s post – and for the lovely note that came with the book. I truly appreciate the kind words. Please email me  to receive your Okazu Hero badge, suitable for use on websites, social media profiles and other flat surfaces!

I would also like to express sincere appreciation to Tokyopop for continuing to put this series out, despite the fact that it will never have the hordes of fans it deserves.

I very much appreciate Amano-sensei for writing this series. I’m able to appreciate it anew with every volume.

And while I’m at it, I just want to say once more how much I appreciate you for reading this review.

In Aria, Volume 5, we stop pretending that there is any Yuri and just look at this wonderful world of Neo-Venezia for the simple joys it represents.

For two chapters.

Then Athena shows up and all the Fanboys are at it again, pairing her and Alice because they can’t stop themselves.(On this topic but as an aside, I am watching an anime on Crunchyroll right now that has no romantic pairings at all, but you’d never know that from the comments which are singularly obsessive on that topic. It’s like a broken wire in the collective fandom. One I share, obviously ^_^)

So, Aika, who was our slight delusion of Yuri, has turned her gaze away from Alicia towards Al – and it is good. Except for Al’s bad puns, which are execrable in any language.

Akari has eyes for no one and nothing but the grandeur and artistry of the town she has adopted as her home. In Volume 5, the town officially adopts her in return. I am told, by the way, that Venice really does this – people either love it with all their love, or dislike it. My parents feel deeply and passionately in love with Venice at first sight. They, like Akari, have spent an afternoon on San Marco Square following the sun and drinking coffee and accounted it the best afternoon ever spent anywhere.

For me, the most interesting and best chapter is a chapter in which Alice learns that left hands and sempai may seem clumsy or awkward, but when left to do what they are best at, excel. This chapter has some personal resonance for me, as well as just being a fun, sweet chapter.

I’d like to comment on the translation, as well. I think it is actually very in keeping with Akari’s personality to have her say things like, “What’s shakin’ bacon?” or “Holy guacamole!” Nonetheless, I loathe the choice. It jars with the overall tone and pace of Neo-Venezia, which is old world elegant and sedate. Translators, adaptors and editors ought to keep the big picture in mind, as well as the specific scene or character. There is nothing wrong with these idioms, I just find them irking.

There is no Yuri, as I have said from the beginning, in Aria. There is only delusion and wishful thinking. But, with the winter sun shining on the canals of Neo-Venezia, what better is there to do but sit, drink coffee and engage in some wishful thinking.

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 8
Characters – 8
Yuri – 0
Service – 1

Overall – 8

It is my sincere pleasure to thank Okazu Superhero Amanda M for her sponsorship of today’s review! It’s always a good afternoon when spent in Neo-Venezia.

Let’s talk akogare.

Akogare is a verb in Japanese that can mean anything from straight out admiration to a full-blown crush. It’s considered normal, even helpful, for a young person to akogare an older role model…an intrinsic part of the mentor/protégé relationship. Akogare means you will do your best to learn and replicate those qualities which make the older and more experienced person so “cool.”

Akogare is a space, like shinyuu, that is very open to misinterpretation by people who like to read into vaguely defined spaces. It is these two words that allow so *much* Yuri-service, precisely because they are not as easy to label for westerners. In reality, we do have these spaces but, because we have no words for them, they still are often instantly turned into slash relationships by fans. Some people simply find it hard to believe that two people of any sex, gender or sexuality, can be close physically and emotionally, but not involved sexually.

In many anime and manga, this gray-space-ness of akogare and of shinyuu is played for service. As much as some fans would prefer labels be solidly applied on anime/manga couples (are they together or not, ARGH!) this will not happen. Ambiguity sells to a larger audience than specificity. The larger the audience, the more possible sales. The producers are not going to alienate the Nanoha x Yuuno ‘shippers by making the “Fate and Nanoha get married” episode, because those people buy stuff too. :-)

In Aria, Volume 4, we have several examples of akogare. First, let’s look at Aika. Her admiration for Alicia borders right on the line of “having a crush on.” This is interesting because it’s damped down from the beginning of the series when it was very crushy. The reason for the change? Al. All akogare is assumed to be a phase. Whether it’s same or opposite sex crush, everyone understands that it is an expression of immaturity, a part of growth. That’s why it’s cute when a teenager likes a pop idol to the point of lining up for goods and appearances…and kind of creepy when an adult does. ;-) Aika clearly admires and kind of sort of desires Alicia. Her growing interest in Al will temper that to a more adult admiration.

Akari’s admiration of Alicia is – in my opinion – totally without desire. She admires Alicia’s skills, her grace, her personality. To the point of idolization. What we *never* see is any sign of Alicia being moody, or in fact, human at all. She remains from beginning to end, a Fairy. (Unlike Akira who is snappy and Athena who is clumsy.)

Volume 4 is a chance for us to watch as the mentors actually force the shift away from them to their protégé’s own skills. It’s an interesting perspective, because the idolized seniors start to push the chicks to venture out of the nest, knowing that this will make them, as role models, less necessary. As well as being perfect at their jobs, they are the perfect sempai.

So, no, no “Yuri” as such in Volume 4, but a chance to watch a similar, but not the same, series of relationships between women develop.

And more time spent in the company of the Undines of Neo-Venezia, which is never a bad thing. ^_^

Ratings:

Art – 8
Story – 7
Characters – 8
Yuri – 0
Service – 3 (bathing suits, fine, but seriously, that level of anatomical detail is creepy.)

Overall – 8

It is my sincere pleasure to thank Okazu Hero Frederick D. for sponsoring today’s review! You are our hero. ^_^