Terraforming is a somewhat common elements of works of science-fiction: even in the mediums of anime and manga, it appears in Cowboy Bebop and Trigun. But it is rare for these terraformed vistas of Europa and other moons and planets to be themselves explored. More often than not, we find, they are merely the backdrop for some sweeping space opera epic.

But Aria is different in this respect. The world of Aqua, the terraformed Mars, is explored with depth, precision and beauty. In many ways the story’s home city of Neo-Venezia is itself a part of the cast of characters. It has a personality, small features here and there that define it as unique and distinct. Neo-Venezia is based heavily on the city of Venice, and in-universe some parts of the real Venice have been transported to Mars and built into the city. This provides an interesting fusion of concisely researched and well documented history, and the majestic inventiveness of Kozue Amano for transforming the everyday mundane occurrence into an affirmation of the beauty of life – and this is what gives Aria a lot of it’s flair and wonder.

Neo-Venezia and Aqua are the driving force behind the story. For the residents, the everyday mundane is exactly that. But that is not so for us, nor for our protagonist, Akari, a new resident to Aqua who begins to train as an apprentice undine, one of Neo-Venezia’s gondoliers. Akari is a naturally curious girl, and finds amazement in even the most normal events – and Neo-Venezia is host to many amazing, yet normal events. Aria follows Akari as she explores the world of Aqua, and we explore it with her. We are introduced to the functions of the postal service, the (literal) music of the ordered inner-workings of the planet, and the stunning festivities of Neo-Venezia, both historical and fantastical.

Alongside the exploration of Aqua, we explore the lives of our characters, how they interact, and how they work fervently towards their hopes and dreams. The life of each and every character is touched by Akari and Neo-Venezia. We see them grow, mature and develop, move closer and drift further apart. We don’t see them involved in a world-spanning adventure or a complex crime story; we see them live, every mundane day, in the world of Aqua.

And Amane constructs the terraformed planet with immeasurable wonder. There is a constant contrast between the grand advance of technology and the humanity of Aquas inhabitants. Neo-Venezia is drawn with care and precision, and each page features a detailed insight into the personality of the city – for Neo-Venezia is not alive merely in the sense of its centrality to the story, but in that we are witness to every corner and cranny of the city. By the end of Aria, we are as attached to Aqua as are its residents. It is not only the people, the characters with whom we can connect and relate, but it is the setting itself that we grow attached to because we are there with the characters, with Akari, Alicia and President Aria.

We are given a direct look into a frighteningly wonderful world. And that is what makes Aria so stunning.