trystan55 - 2015-01-03 19:39:15

Note: This review applies to the Aria series as a whole, I just chose origination because it is my personal favorite.

I have to admit, when I started watching this series I was a little put off. I've never been huge on "Slice of Life" anime and this one seemed to be pretty mellow even for that genre. That didn't stop me from watching the next episode, or the one after that, etc.

What you have to understand going into this anime is that it is basically zen-like. There is little to no conflict of any sort throughout the story, that's not the type of anime Aria is. It's the type of anime that you watch while sitting out by the pool, sipping an iced tea. It's so relaxing that I keep the series on my hard drive just to re-watch an episode after a tough/stressful day. It's therapeutically peaceful: the pace is meandering, the characters aren't caricatures, and the artwork is beautiful to boot. Soundtrack follows the mellow style of the series and complements it beautifully.

Would recommend to anyone that wants an anime they can just relax and enjoy. 8/10

ifisher - 2013-06-25 01:40:03

NOTE: This review covers the entire Aria franchise (except manga), including the TV series, OVA, side stories, etc. No spoilers. My opinions only.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Wonderful"That is what I would say if I could describe Aria in one word.I first found out about this series while meandering through the Top Anime page on MAL here. "Hmm, look at that. Aria? Ranked #14. Right by Mushishi and Death Note. 15k members. Guess I'll check it out." I'm so glad I did. I'm surprised at how little discussion there is for this series. Maybe it's like Legend of the Galactic Heroes or Hajime no Ippo wherein people who have completed the series know that it's simply amazing and having nothing more to say. Well, I disagree with that ideology and think that there is much to say. I wish people would spread the word about this magnificent thing...Anyways, one of the best things about Aria is that every single episode contains two key elements: 1) PLOT PROGRESSION and 2) CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Honestly, this surprised me at first for how consistently good it was since it has been such a long time I've seen a series do that. It's one of the reasons why I put Aria on my profile as the second of my "Favorite Anime" series; right alongside Code Geass.Another great thing is that Aria keeps getting smoothly and consistently better as you keep watching. If I could use a metaphor: the first series (and the one you should start with), Aria the Animation is a cupcake with delicate frosting and a lovely lit candle in the center. It's such a treat. Aria the Natural is a birthday cake, maybe with some strawberries in the middle. It's a celebration. Aria the Origination is a full blown wedding cake. It's a momentous, life-changing event. I hope you feel the same way.Fun fact: Aria is the highest-ranked G-rated series. That's right; you don't need blood, tits, and coarse language to make an awesome show.~Feedback is appreciated, blah blah blah... enough text already.