Aria the Origination is the forth entry into the world of Aqua (formerly Mars) and the story of how Akari is training to become a full-time gondolier, or undine, as they are called in Neo-Venezia.

Animation

The animation is good, but not quite enough to warrant a 5 on it. There was some pleasant attention to detail, but the characters didn’t seem to JUMP out at me. Unlike Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, there was just something about the way the characters in there moved and blinked, they seemed to leap off the screen. However, that isn’t the case here. While it is nice and there are subtleties to the animation, some of the backgrounds can be a little bland. So for me, the animation is pretty average.

Sound

Now, sound I can easily give an 4. It is very calming and relaxing and it fits really well with the theme and momentum of the anime. This anime is nice and slow paced and something that you can watch after a stressful day at school or work and just enjoy. There isn’t much story wise, so there isn’t really anything to try and keep track of and potentially get confused about. Yet, in all of that the sound compliments everything nicely. Which is actually quite a pleasant experience. I haven’t experienced such a joy from listenting to an OST since Asatte no Houkou.

Story

Really, since it is so episodic and there is no exciting climax, or evil villian that the heroines must overcome, there really isn’t a story. So in a strict sense, this should be a 0. However, I can’t do that. That lack of a story and the telling of their daily lives is a story enough. While it isn’t anything dark, twisted and yet some how comical like NHK ni Youkoso!, or mind bogglingly deep, serious and asking some difficult questions like Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu, it is still such a nice story told in such a relaxing, care free way that makes it so great.

Characters

OK, the characters is where the meat of this anime lies, and where to begin? Each character has their own ups and downs, their own faults that you dislike, but you like them so much that you overlook them. But there really isn’t any character development in Origination because it is expected that you have seen the previous seasons or tellings. Whatever you want to call it… Anyway, the great thing about Origination is that it builds upon the previous stories and takes those wonderfull characters and gives an ending to them. Yes, this is the end. Sad isn’t it? Yes it is, but it ends in such a way that you are happy, and you can rewatch and rewatch and rewatch… But take note, Origination relies heavily on you, yes you liking the characters. So if you can’t connect with the characters or like them for any reason, “there’s simply no reason to watch it. End of story.”

Personal Judgement

Even the the characters and sound are so great, the lack of an overall story and the pretty average animation bring the overall value down just a little. However, Personal Enjoyment gets the full 5, because the story and the animation can be overlooked on the latter part and just enjoy everything together. There really isn’t a reason not to like this series, unless you are cold hearted and uncaring and fail to connect with the characters, in that case, my recommendation is to stay away from Slice of Life series, because that is pretty much all they build on is the characters.

So anyway, a little biased, but not that much. I think I did a fairly accurate representation of my opinion of Origination, so if you think differently, good for you. I am happy that you don’t follow the masses like a lemming and can think for youself. In that case, post a review…