First of all I'd like to clarify something. The art isn't "sub average" or " decent" or
any other degrading term everyone wants to tag it with. To begin with its above average and once you're engaged (several volumes into it) into the story it's absolutely stunning. Not only is detailed but the art is symbolic. It uses frames angles and graphic images in order to make the story that much more engaging.
Heres an example of his art. He doesn't cut corners either. The only time I've felt disappointed was with the Cygnus vs Ares fight and it turned out that was worse than usual because of unusual humidity that wouldn't allow him to concentrate on his work.
http://www.onemanga.com/Ares/72/22-23/
http://www.onemanga.com/Ares/77/29-30/
spoilers on the next one
http://www.onemanga.com/Ares/57/02/
The story itself is impressive. You'll almost never hear me say that about a manga. A manga is for the most part a japanese comic that has the artist and the writer be one in the same instead of seperate individuals like in the United States or Europe. If the artist happens to also be a gifted writer (exceedingly rare) then the manga is an artistic success (there are many mainstream mangas that aren't even though they do happen to be commercial succeses).
The story is slow to start with but becomes a true gem as it progresses. Its similar to cowboy bebop which introduces the characters and then reveals an extraordinary unbecoming past for each individual. Don't take the series at face value. You might be expecting a graphic One Piece rip off from the initial impression that the first chapter tends to have. Don't. This manga is much better and brings new meaning to the phrase you can't judge a book by its cover.
Also I've read many mangas and the philosophy in this one is the closest thing resembling the truth that I've seen so far. (Its not tolstoy but its certainly acceptable)
Side Note(skip if you don't want to read. Its rather lengthy):
Some series have the most ridiculous explanations for human behavior. Tite Kubo went as far as to suggest that the difference between a king and his horse was instinct. He failed to mention that a human is a million times smarter than a horse and can therefore capture enslave and manipulate their primal instincts into serving him (By feeding him when he's done good and punishing when he's done bad. conditioning.). Its the ability thats different, certainly not instinct. Our primal instincts are almost a carbon copy of a horses. No such philosophical pitfalls here (In ares).
I've read one piece, death note, bleach naruto, tenjho tenge, Prince of Tennis, Full Metal alchemist and many other mangas but nothing that made me want to write a review as much as this one. The fact that its probably the best manga I've read coupled with how undervalued it is made me create an account on this website. All of the volumes on one manga amount to about a 300 page book. It took me a day and a half to read and I absolutely love it. Everyone should read this manga or at least sample it. Don't be fooled by the initial appearance though. This manga becomes better as it progresses. Almost like the artist had never drawn a manga prior to this.