Michael is Low on Hit Points
Amanchu, the spiritual successor to Aria, is truly fantastic
- Posted August 11th, 2009 at 9:12 PM ET
- Subjects Amanchu, Aria
- Tags impressions, manga
- Image sources
1- Amanchu [unknown] - Video searches
none
I had originally been wanting to write about Aria for a while, but I have no angle. I mean, what am I going to say? "Aria is perfect. Go watch it. The end." I find it near impossible to approach the series critically. So screw it. Let me gush on and on about an anime that is simply beyond beautiful, tranquil, wonderful, touching, inspiring, magical...
Basically, when I die, Heaven better be Aqua!
I've somewhat recently picked up Amanchu, which is Amano Kozue's spiritual successor to Aria. I want to talk about it, but again, what am I going to say? "Amanchu is perfect. Go read it. The end." I can't approach this work critically at all. And again it makes me ask, why can't real life be this beautiful, tranquil, magical, innocent, and on and on and on...
Amano has what has to be an obvious love of water. I share her sentiments 100%. That "peace" that water can bring you comes across so well in her works. Only a few chapters in, I want to pick up diving so very badly right now. Reminds me of previously, when I so badly wanted to go ride a gondola in Venice. Her works have that effect on you.
The characters are simply a dream, just like in Aria. Everyone in the manga just has such a propensity for happiness and joy of life. There's something really special there. They have their lovable little quirks. They have great designs, as Amano can draw some real pretty ladies. And those awesome chibi faces are back and as comical as ever.
The new manga truly is a work of beauty that deserves far more recognition than it's received so far. So if you're a fan of Aria who hasn't been reading Amanchu -- maybe out of fear of disliking it or you simply didn't know it existed -- let me give you one piece of good advice: read Amanchu. Happiness will ensue. The same magic -- the same feeling -- that made its predecessor so amazing is back in production.
Basically, when I die, Heaven better be diving with Pikari and Dotty!
PHEEEEEEEEP!
1 ilikewhiterice
I have been loving Amanchu though I have been putting off reading/watching Aria. Maybe I'll check it out in between chapters.
Re Michael is LoHP
@ ilikewhiterice
Here I thought I was going to be preaching Amanchu to Aria fans, and now I'm doing the opposite: watch (or read) Aria. You will love it.
2 zzeroparticle
After watching ARIA and reading some of the manga, I really do ponder over what it takes to get into the mindset where one derives a sense of joy from even the simplest pleasures that life has to offer. While there is no concrete answer that I can give, I can say that I do like that optimistic outlook that ARIA offers and if it is replicated in Amanchu, then I'll have to pick it up all the more quickly. I can't seem to get enough of ARIA's charm.
Re Michael is LoHP
@ zzeroparticle
Well, maybe to "cheat" into that mindset, it would probably help to live in a world full of nice people (you don't see many jerks in either world, do you). Then it would be nice to work in a job you love (Aria), versus whatever soul crushing day job you have (or will end up with) in the real world. But maybe you can stay positive regardless...? Obviously I'm not to good at emulating Akari.
3 IcyStorm
I seriously hope Amanchu is licensed so I can actually buy it ^_^ I am in freaking love with Hikari.
Re Michael is LoHP
@ IcyStorm
Anime licensing isn't really something that is on my radar, because it doesn't matter whether an episode is on a disc or on my hard drive; it looks the same once it starts playing. But with manga, I much prefer to read it via a physical book. I simply don't like reading manga online, and only will do so in the rarest of circumstances, such as a new work by Amano Kozue that I know will take forever to start coming out over here!
And Pikari is so full of win. PHEEEEEEEEP!
4 TJ
Amanchu has been pretty decent so far, although it seems to be even slower than Aria in terms of the pace. And Hikari's signature expression is frankly a little scary.
Re Michael is LoHP
@ TJ
Having seen the Aria anime instead of reading the Aria manga, I can't really compare the pace of it against Amanchu. Even so, I do think Amanchu is moving along at a perfectly fine pace.
And Pikari's chibi face is adorable!
5 Mistes
I'm so glad to find someone who appreciates the manga and writes about it... I myself absolutely love this new series (made a facebook group for it but only two fans so far =___=; the beauty and wonderful magic within is just heartwarming and lovely~) (also I plan to make a pikari cosplay for an anime con >///< I will let the world know the wonders of this series!
A few years back i recall noticing aria but was turned away as my friend mentioned it was 'boring'. I came back to it later, entranced by the beautifully tranquil art... and I absolutely loved the little journeys that made akari's life memorable and beautiful!
I found Amanchu! just a couple months ago whilst searching for more from kozue amano (my favourite artist as well as storyteller!). It was a pleasant surprise to see that amano is continuing [his/her?] work. I just adore the style and enormous detail, I can't wait for more!
Re Michael is LoHP
@ Mistes
I really like how Amachu continues the mood and feel of Aria while departing from its predecessor just enough to not feel like a carbon copy. It provides unique beauty and creates another beautiful world, one a little more close to home for us in the real world.
If you're looking for more manga in this mold (but of course with its own unique styling), check out the work of Ashinano Hitoshi, particularly Yokohama Kaidashi Kiko (translated, Yokohama Shopping Log) and the much shorter but still sublime PositioN, neither of which have made it over to the States for some ungodly reason, but aren't too hard to find online.