ARIA

[Kraco]

I watched the CrystalNova subbed episode 1, and it left me with very mixed feelings. It was clearly one of the mystery episodes. We had a couple of those in the first season as well. Now, it could be just my opinion, but this series seems to be divided in two: Totally realistic episodes and then more unusual episodes with heavy mystery feeling. I liked the realistic ones bettew, as they tended to concentrate solely on the characters, whereas the mysteries didn't really hit my tastes that well.

And then there were some graphical peculirities as well. I'm not at all one of those people who have very keen eyes for graphical details in anime, and who spot immediately if the budget has been slightly smaller or other things like that. But now with vastly different camera work, long still shots and other changes it didn't quite feel the same as the eps in the first season.

Well, I hope the second ep will turn things back to normal. I will personally stick to CrystalNova just for the sake of consistency, so I'll not be seeing the new eps all that quickly, I suppose.

[Ryllharu]

I always liked the mystery eps. They bring up the idea that Aqua (the planet itself) is accepting Akari (and recently Ai). The two of them are the only ones who have these experiences in the show, though in the first season Grandma seemed to give the impression that some of her experiences may have been similar. The time travel elements are really weird, but that is because of her close relationship with President Aria. (The idea that cats connect the past and present.)

It sets up Akari with unique attitude (as all the Undine's have). It makes her parallel Alicia more, who also shows a deep love for Aqua and Neo Venicia as a whole.

After that explaination, all I can say to myself is, "Embarrasing lines are prohibited!"

There have been some good character development moments though, don't worry.

I'll be archiving the CrystalNova subs, but HnK are fine for watching.

[Kraco]

Episode 2 - CrystalNova

Alright! The second episode was once again of the type that originally made me like this series. And once again made me think, in vain, what kind of series this actually is and why I like it so much. I said in my previous post that I don't prefer the mystery episodes, but in truth this whole series is one mystery in itself...

[Kraco]

Well, it looks like nobody but me and Ryllharu are watching this series here, but here's the link to the third episode sub by CrystalNova, just for old time's sake...

Episode 3 - CrystalNova

[Lucifus]

Well, Looking for more anime,woould you guys recommend picking this series up? When I get home I'll download the first ep and judge for myself.

[Kraco]

I can certainly recommend this. It's anime of the highest quality. However, it's a peculiar series, and it's 100% sure it appeals to a lot smaller audience than the titles you have listed in your sig. Aye, considering your current top list, I have to note Aria contains close to 0% action. Of any kind. It's hard to imagine what a series like that could be, but have a look, and you will see.

[Ryllharu]

Definitely recommended. As Kraco said, it is a peculiar genre. It doesn't really fit into anything other than Slice of Life, but its fairly different from many of those as well. No action, no consistent plot, no significant character development beyond a couple of episodes at a time. It's more like you are getting a better image of each of the character's personalities, but they don't really change (since each eps is basically stand alone).

Its very relaxing. To me, its more unwinding to watch an eps of Aria than drink a beer after a tough day. (Proven on three separate occasions.)

You get really caught up in the laid back feel of the city, the series, and generally it just makes you feel good.

I cannot recommend this series enough, everything about it is good in its own way. (And to think I didn't initially want to watch the first season because I thought it was going to be boring)