Sentiment on ARIA

ARIA (アリア)

ARIA, by mangaka Kozue Amano (こずえ 天野), is serialized in Mag Garden’s monthly magazine Comic Blade. There are currently 9 volumes of manga, excluding 2 volumes of Aqua which are the prequel to Aria. ARIA depicts the story of a young Undine, Akari on planet Aqua. Over these 3 years, ARIA has gained tremendous fandom and generated a diversity of merchandise on its success.

Animation:

Two seasons of ARIA animation has been produced. The first season ARIA the animation comprised 13 episodes and was first aired in 2005. It was also released in 6 DVDs. After the success in the first season, the director and team continue to produce ARIA the Natural. ARIA the Natural was adapted as a 26 episodes series and gained much recognition and popularity. One success in the DVD sales is the bonus that comes with the DVD such as box art, clear files, postcards and even crafts.

Manga & Books.

There are 9 volumes of ARIA manga and 2 prequel Aqua released, as well as a novel. Kozue Amano has made a success out of ARIA due to her artistic and dedicated artworks, especially in the colour settings. There were 2 guidebooks, 2 calendars (desktop & wall version), 3 artbooks and a poster book released. There also a poster book, a guide and calendar scheduled for release at the end of year. Furthermore, 3 monthly undines have been released and came with bonus toys.

Soundtracks:

With just two seasons of Aria animation adaptation, it has produced 15 albums in just two years time. Aria the animation has generated 2 Drama CDs, 3 Characters CDs, 2 singles and 1 OST album. Aria the natural generated 2 Drama CDs, 2 singles, 1 OST album, 1 Piano collection and a vocal collection.

Merchandise

Another success of ARIA is the massive variety of merchandise available. These include items such as keychain, cups and bowls, straps, necklace, card holder, stickers, notepad, mat, tray, towel, clock, pouch, calculator, plush, tissue and underlay. ARIA has also released a number of figures.

In addition an ARIA PS2 game has been scheduled for release in November 2006. The graphics and settings are impressive. There is both limited and regular edition as well as a single CD for its theme. The limited edition would feature many bonuses such as pins, single CD and SD figures.

My Sentiments:
Many would have thought that a manga or animation such as ARIA which depicts the spice of life genre would not make a hit. However, many are wrong and its merchandises are widely sought after. The reasons for the huge success in ARIA are the artworks and the merchandises that emerged from it. There are also incentives such as gifts to purchase the DVDs as well as the books. The diversity range of merchandises would easily market its popularity to fans. In addition, the dedicated effort in the director and the animation team add to the success of ARIA.

Sentiment on Ah My Goddess

Ah! My Goddess (ああっ女神さまっ)

Kosuke Fujishima (藤島 康介) first introduced Ah! My Goddess in the Kondasha monthly Afternoon magazine in 1988. Since then, AMG has created a fandom and resulted in a diversity of commercial interests. Four animations have been adapted from the series and 33 volumes of manga have been released.

Animation:

Ah! My Goddess OVA
First episode OVA has been adapted from AMG in 1993-1994. The OVA was based on earlier development of the manga followed by an ending scripted for the OVA.

Ah! My Goddess The Adventures of Mini-Goddess
After the OVA production, a 48 episodes TV series featuring the chibi version of the goddess was broadcasted.

Ah! My Goddess The Movie
Ah! My Goddess rewarded its fandom in 2000 with the release of AMG The movie. The story was composed intrinsically and featured casts from AMG previous production.

Ah! My Goddess TV
The first season of AMG TV adaptation aired in winter 2005. The TV series typically followed the canon of the manga with some minor deviations. 24 episodes have been aired in the first season. The TV series has generated 8 DVDs with the 9th DVD comprising bonus adaptation.

Ah! My Goddess Sorezore no Tsubasa TV
The second season, started in Spring 2006, feature 22 episodes continuing the first season.

Manga & Books

There are currently 33 volumes of AMG manga. AMG has generated several artbooks and graphical collections over the years. Several artbooks on the OVA and AMG movie has also been released. In addition, Touma Yumi, the voice cast for Urd, published an AMG novel entitled First End in July 2006. Furthermore, there are 3 deluxe reissue of AMG complete with figures.

Soundtracks

There are 2 OSTs and several musical album released by the Goddess Family club for the OVA and mini-series. The movie has also released its OST while the AMG TV series generated several releases including 3 OSTs, 4 singles and 5 drama CDs.

Merchandises

Many types of merchandise have been generated from the popularity of the AMG, such as cups, shitajiki, posters, postcards, calendars, stationery, apparel and many others. In additions, dozens of figures have emerged for AMG in particular Belldandy.

Recently, it has been announced that MMV would produce a PS2 game on AMG. The only game ever released for AMG was the trivia game “Quiz: Ah! My Goddess” in 1998 for the Sega Dreamcast. The PS2 game is scheduled for winter release, possibly early 2007.

My Sentiments:
It has been more than 15 years since AMG first appeared. The fandom for the AMG is tremendous and it has even made Fujishima a household name in Japan. However, the fandom has started to deteriorate primarily due to the dragging development in the story as well as the once-a-month release of the serialization. Even with increasing new mangaka and manga emerging, Fujishima continue to drag the story, making the fans wondering if he knows how to conclude his work.

The AMG movie release has sparked and renewed the interest of fans in AMG but recent adaptation of the TV series has resulted in unfulfillment. The first season has been animated fairly well but the second season animated many arcs which are chronologically inappropriate. The pace and the development in season 2 looked fragmented and repetitive. Several arcs have been anticipated but failed to deliver or not even adapted in the season. In addition, season 2 was scripted with an alternate season finale.

In my opinion, Fujishima should really work towards an ending for AMG instead of dragging the story further. In addition, either he or his team should release more artworks on AMG to maintain the interest of AMG fans. The animation on the other hand, should put more effort in the flow of the story. The animation and setting was of high quality and there were no deformation. However, the pacing and story plot really need more touch-up and efforts.

Suzuka 122 Friends

凉风 #122 友達 ともだち

The gang arrived at the beach. Tsuyoshi invited Miho to area with less people but Miho asked him by himself. Yasonobu asked why Honoka's friends didnt arrive and Honoka replied that they were not coming since they were busy during summer. Yasonobu was disappointed and decided to go flirting on his own. Miho dragged Yamato to the sea. Kobayakawa invited Honoka to join them but Honoka sadi that she wasnt good in swimming and she would just watch them nearby. Miki interrupted and dragged Kobayakawa to the rental shop for bodyboard.

Later, Miki surfed and hit the board on Yamato's face. He collapsed into the water but tried to grab onto something. He accidentally grab on Miki's bikini and pulled it off, revealing her breasts. Miki got embarassed and hit Yamato with the bodyboard. Yasonobu teased Miki. Miki asked if Yamato's fine after being hit by the board. She also asked Yamato where's Honoka. Yamato thought she was with Kobayakawa but Kobayakawa stepped on glasses and went for first aid.

Honoka was having a drink by herself. Two men was about to approach her but Yamato asked her to join them swimming. Yamato asked her if she fine and invited her for a swim. Honoka said that the manager would be angry if she got tanned. Yamato apologized for not considering that when inviting her. Honoka said it was fine and it has been sometime since she had a break. Yamato complimented Honoka for appearing on many magazines and articles. Honoka thanked Yamato and said it was all because of his constant supports. Honoka remarked the sea was beautiful and she was glad to be there. Honoka then told Yamato that she had always want to ask him a question. She asked Yamato how he feel toward her now. Both of them looked at each other with blush.

P/S: Obviously Honoka still likes Yamato and she has the courage and confidence to ask him again. The reply or action next week will probably shape the story from now on.

ARIA Natural Episodes

ARIA The Natural
Episode 23: 「その　海と恋と想いと…」
ARIA company received an appointment from an elderly couple. During the tour, Akari observed the husband's stern behavious and were worried. Later they passed by a bridge and took a photo for them. Akari noticed the husband ears turned red when he's embarassed. The husband asked the wife to meet up with him at 5pm as she went shopping. Later Akari, Aika and Alice went for grocery shopping and heard an argument. It was the elderly husband. Akari was concerned but he asked her not to mind his business. They asked the shopkeeper and was told that the husband had requested for a specific gondola for weddings on the ocean. Later, they met the husband again, this time, with a quartet of musicians apologizing to him. Akari asked the husband and the husband told them that he had been busy the whole life and he wanted to fulfil his wife's wedding dream on that tour. Akari offered to help, telling him that she wanted other people to love Neo-Venezia as much as her.

Back a ARIA, the girls decorated the gondola. Mean while the wife noticed something in a glass shop. The husband got onto the gondola and realized it was time to meet his wife. Aika and Alice went to prepare the music for the event. The wife was happy to see the gondola. Alicia, Akira and Atena arrived and requested that their customer joined them for the special event. Alice and Aika arrived with the quartet musicians earlier. With everything ready, they all set off. Out on the sea, the husband reached his pocket for the ring but couldnt find it. The wife took out a ring and said that she had bought it earlier. Aika commented that their hearts had been thinking of each other even when they were separated. The husband and wife stood up, made a vow and tossed the ring up in the sky. Everyone clapped and congratulated the couple.

Episode 24: 「その 明日のウンディーネに… 」
It was raining and the usual practice session was cancelled but the three young undines agreed to study together. Akari received a call from Aika, reprimanding her for being slow. Akari and Alice went to Himeya dormitory to meet Aika. On the staircase, they met Akira and also saw a few undines whispering nearby. Aika told them that they were observing her with her gradual progress to become a Prima undine. They went to Aika's room and study. Aika mentioned that ARIA company held two records, Alicia for the youngest Prima and Grandma for the longest-serving Prima. After a while, Aika interrupted and started discussing their future Prima name(Pseudonym). They had fun teasing each other. Akira came in and asked them to help her with some paperworks. After finishing them, Aika brought them to Akira. On the way, she eavesdropped the conversation of previous undines. She went back her room and cried. She told Akari and Alice that they were not talking about her but speaking ill of Akira. Akira brought the dropped documents and cups of tea to Aika's room. She shared about her experience on how competitive it was to be a Prima undines and how people would criticise behind people. She later thanked Aika for her concern and smiled to encourage them. The rain had stopped. The 3 undines went to the street and raised their hands towards the sky. They all agreed to work hard to be Prima undines and laughed with joy.

Episode 25:> 「その 出逢いの結晶は… 」
The undines started wearing their winter uniforms in autumn. Akari was worried about Ai's sick grandmother and she had not received any emails from Ai. Aika asked if Ai would make it to the Rendentore festival. Alice asked Akari and Aika how they were going to spent the Rendentore. Akari spent it with Alicia last year and hope Ai would join them this time. Aika would participate in Himeya annual party. They asked Alice and she replied that she slept through it last year because of schooling.

Upon reaching ARIA company, they saw Alicia, Akira and Atena. The 3 Prima undines told Akari, Aika and Alice that they would have to host a party to celebrate the festival. Later Akari and Aika were thinking of the preparation. Alice returned from her school and showed her invitation card designs. With that, they all get into the mood and started to decide the guests. The 3 prima undines were definite. Akari wanted to invite Uncle Postman, Akatsuki and Woody while Aika and Alice wanted to invite Al and Grandma respectively. There one more spot left and Akari told them that she wanted to invite Ai, even if she might not make it. Over the next few days, the 3 of them went for grocery shopping, practised cooking and decorated the boat.

On the night of the Rendentore Festival, all the guest arrived except Ai. It was time to set off but Ai had not arrived. Akari sadly started rowing the boat. From a distance, Ai ran towards the wharf and shouted for Akari. Ai then boarded the boat and said that she wanted to give Akari a surprise (but nearly miss it!). The boat set off and the guests started to tastet the cuisine prepared by the young undines. Aika presented a speech thanking the guests while Aria sachou, Ai and Atena presented a dance. After the dinner, everyone rested. Aika gave a signal, they switched off the light and opened the curtains on the boat. At 12am, firework displays started. Grandma requested the 3 undines to watch the firework with them. As the admired the display, the guests gathered together and offered a toast to the 3 undines, thanking them for the wonderful experience.

Suzuka 121 Return

凉风 #121 帰国 きこく


Main Note: Time Jump!!!

Yamato was woke up by a nagging girl. The girl came through the hole linking Suzuka and Yamat's room. It was Miho and she had a new hairstyle. Yamato said that he had retired and he should have a good sleep since it was the summer break. Miho said that it was his retirement day from the track team. Yamato said it was a small matter but Miho said that she would drag him there since she was the team manager.

During the breakfast, Yamato asked why Miho was living next door to him. Miho said that she wanted to live by herself and the room was empty anyway. Yamato asked Ayano-san to seal the hole but she replied she didnt have any spare money. Ayano san then remarked that Yamato had got the third place in the IH. Yamato munched and said that he thought he would win but there were many strong newcomers after Arima had left. Ayano san said that it didnt matter since Yamato had got university recommendation. Miho burst out in excitement after seeing Honoka featured in a new product advertisement. She had also made it on the front cover previously. Miho then asked whether Yamato and Honoka's having a relationship. Yamato denied and said that they only encouraged each others. Miho asked if he was afraid of being rejected and didnt want to confess. Yamato denied. Miho commented that she would marry him if nobody wanted him. Someone knocked on the door and it was Tsuyoshi Kusakabe. Yamato thanked Tsuyoshi for coming at the right time. Miho complained that she wanted to walk with Yamato alone. Yamato told Tsuyoshi that Tsuyoshi had fellen for a troublesome girl.Yamato also commented that gentle girl that can cook are best. Tsuyoshi remarked Honoka and Yamato got angry. Yamato ordered Tsuyoshi to run 10 dash laps as detention. Yamato looked at both Miho and Tsuyoshi, remarking whether it was ok to leave the track team to them.

Yamato delivered his farewell speech to the track team. He commented that they had more people with better achievement this year staying in the team. Kobayakawa joked and asked him to conclude the speech. Yamato told the fourth place (Kobayakawa 4th place in IH) that he was annoying. Miyamoto and Kinugasa watched Yamato behind the fence. Yamato thanked the track team for being with him and the team cheered for him. Later, Miki complimented that Yamato had been a good captain. Kobayakawa remarked that Yamato was popular with newcomers. Miki then sadi that they had to think about their future plans. Yamato and Kobayakawa had been scouted. Yasonobu came and asked Yamato to the beach and flirt. Miki wanted to join them. Yamato asked Kobayakawa to join them but he declined. Yasonobu then asked Yamato to invite Honoka and asked her to bring her modeling friends. Miki agreed saying that it would be merrier and Kobayakawa insisted that they invite Honoka. Yamato called Honoka and she went to asked her manager. Honoka said she could take a day off. Everyone cheered, Yasonobu shouted asking Honoka to bring her friends, and Kobayakawa changed his mind deciding to go as well. Last page showed Suzuka arrived at the airport.

P/S: The time skip is a bit ridiculous since I was expecting to read about Yamato's achievement in track and Suzuka's life overseas. Nevertheless, Suzuka's back, the story will be interesting. Probably, Suzuka would appear in their beach outing. I think the manga is ending soon.

AMG Tsubasa Finale

AMG Sorezore no Tsubasa それぞれの翼
Episode 22: 「ああっ私が魔属でもいいですかっ」

Finale to AMG Sorezore no Tsubasa.

Both Belldandy and Skuld were shocked to see how close Hild and Keiichi were. Hild prepared lunch and even feed Keiichi. There was a rice on Keiichi face and Hild kissed Keiichi on the face. Belldandy was stunned and released a spike of power. Skuld and Urd observed Keiichi but found out that he was not under any spell. Hild asked Keiichi to bath with her. Skuld went to the bath first to spoil Hild's plan. Belldandy found out the source of the matter. Hild had tampered with Keiichi history and made herself Keiichi lover. Urd, Skuld and Belldandy then warped themselves to the past 5 years.

They arrived at Keiichi hometown during winter with snow. The young Keiichi was pushing his motorbike on the snow. Hild appeared and befriended with him. Belldandy later enrolled into Keiichi school while Urd became a teacher and Skuld entered the primary school. Belldandy approached Keiichi but Hild interrupted them and led him away from Belldandy. Belldandy tried to approach Keiichi many times but Hild hindered him from her.

Urd confronted Hild and Keiichi. Hild casted spell and drove Keiichi away on his bike. Keiichi couldnt control the fast bike and fell from the bike. Belldandy approached him and asked if he was ok. Belldandy tried to confess to Keiichi but Hild managed to catch up with them. Urd had lost the battle. Hild agitated Belldandy and tried to kiss Keiichi in front of belldandy. Belldandy couldnt control herself and released her power stream. Her jealously was about to consume her until Keiichi approached her and asked her if she liked snow. Keiichi said that he liked snow. The clean pure feeling made him feel calm. He commented that it was compatible with Belldandy. Diamond rays appeared above Belldandy and Keiichi, with "Sorezore no Tsubasa" track (OST Track 32) playing as bakground music.

Hild pondered what Keiichi had said earlier. Keiichi told her that Hild didnt really like him. Hild wondered why he would understand that. Urd told Hild that Keiichi, for the sake of Belldandy, had called to heaven, fought with monster and tried many things to his best for Belldandy. Meanwhile, Keiichi ran back to Belldandy. He asked if she would like to join him and visit the museum. Belldandy agreed and said 5 years later. She disappeared and Keiichi sort of regained himself and asked what he was doing there and what was the 5 years about.

Back in the present, Belldandy and Keiichi went to the museum. They were enjoying themselves. Belldandy saw a picture of snow and Keiichi asked if she liked snow. She replied yes. Keiichi invited her to visit his hometown next time. Belldandy smiled and replied yes. THE END.

P/S: A rather unfulfilling episode but a fulfilling ending with Belldandy's last smile. AMG Sorezore no Tsubasa was bit of disappointment for me especially towards the end. They had good start with Peorth arc, then Noble Scarlet arc and Hild arc. But they decided to end the series with less impacting arcs such as ninja arc, wide room arc and the original finale. I hope Keima arc will be on the DVD otherwise, I would criticise them for showing Keiichi parents in the OP and ED. AMG Sorezore no Tsubasa is not as fulfiling compared to ARIA The Natural in my opinion, which is sad.

Manga Bulk

Finally, I received the bulk of manga I bought from HKcomics before they closed down. I purchased about 30 CH manga, Katsu (1-3,8,9,13-16), Ichigo 100% (1-6,8-10,12-17) and Suzuka (1-5) for AUD$180 (~US$134) last November. I had them shipped to a friend in HK who shipped it to Msia (HKcomics shipping cost was real scary). Unfortunately, he sent them via sea-mail before I had chance to tell him to go for airmail. The parcels arrived after my parents previous visit. And since MAS reduced the luggage quota, it's hard to ask other people to bring the 5kg manga over.

My parents arrived last night for my cousin graduation. What a long wait and boy, am I happy to receive my long-anticipated manga!

My current manga collection (Nothing much to brag about):
ARIA: 1-8, Aqua 1-2
Suzuka: 1-11
Cross Game: 1-4
Pastel: 1-13
Meitantei Conan: 16-55
DBZ: 1-52 (Complete)
Ichigo 100%: 1-19 (Complete)
Katsu: 1-16 (Complete)
2 complete sets of Adachi Mitsuru manga and and several more not mentioned.

Had an expenditure review, spent AUD$500 on manga since Nov 2005. Crazy!!!