A classic - simply not to be missed!, 27 Aug 2006
How do you describe a manga like Ranma 1/2? A comedy? A romance? A mix between the two? You can't. The beauty of [i]Ranma[/i] is that it touches on every genre; it can range from funny to awkward to touching to sad. This is what is perhaps the mangas greatest accomplishment - no matter what type of story you usually read, there's always something here that you'll enjoy. However, it's biggest draw has to be the genuinely funny scenes between the characters - this is one of the few mangas that I have actually laughed out loud at!

Ranma, the lead character of the manga, is in a rather sticky situation at the beginning of the story. As both he and his father study martial arts, they travelled to an ancient training ground in China to perfect their trade.
Though their tour guide tried to warn them, they were careless, and Ranma knocked his father into the "Spring of Drowned Panda" - unbenowest to him, a panda once drowned in that very spring, and when splashed with cold water, the person who fell into that spring will inhabit the body of a giant panda!
Ranma suffered a similar fate - although he fell into the "Spring of Drowned Girl". I'm sure you can guess what happened next!
Luckily for them, being doused in warm water gives them back there original bodies.. however, Ranma's problems do not end there. His father has arranged for him to be wed to one of the young girls of his fathers oldest friends, who owns a tendo school, and he has to go back to Japan to meet them straight away!

While the art can begin to look a little dated (it was first published in Shonen Sunday in 1987!), it's smooth and quirky and easily stands up to more recent series. It's also a perfect introduction to people just beginning to read manga - it's more western left to right format and simple art style will help avoid confusion, though manga veterans may find it too plain for their taste.

Collecting all the Ranma books is going to wage war on your purse strings - with over twenty volumes in the series, this could end up easily costing you over a hundred pounds.. but clever buying and sensible timing of your purchases can help ease up that loss considerably, eh? ;)

Ranma 1/2 is a fantastic series from a well known manga-ka (InuYasha, anyone?). I urge you all to give it a shot.

This book is..., 05 May 2005
this book is great. call me weird, but i think it's really really REALLY funny, its about this 'guy', Ranma, who is training for martial arts with his father, and they go to the 'valley of cursed springs'
they jump around and fight, until...father falls in one, but i gaint (And terribly funny) Panda comes out. Ranma falls into a spring and when he appers, 'he's' a girl. so when ever he's splashed with cold water, he turns into a girl, and hot water turns him back. this book is super funny and a great read :)

Ranma 1/2, 21 Sep 2004
Call me cliched, but this really is a fantastic book and series. It's just about this one "guy" called Ranma who turns into a girl when wet and spends the whole time running away from newly found fiances and enemies who love the fiances and just eneemies who want to avenge him for some stuff he's done in the past (and believe me he's done a lot!). It's better than it sounds, It was my first manga book, I was attracted by the chunky panda on the cover and now I'm really into manga etc. And you can't just quit, you have to buy the next one...every page is a work of art and there's bound to be some funny quip waiting there for you. Great stuff....

Liking this book could damage your credit card, but life is, 29 Jun 2004
short.

From the publisher's indicia: "Ranma1/2 is rated T+ for older teens. It may contain..." Well who cares about publishers covering their backsides? This series (and the latest is vol.26) is suitable for anyone who can appreciate the content and that extends far beyond the presumed target audience to even include adults of mature sensibilities (though it helps if they have a sense of the absurd). Ranma 1/2 ranks alongside the best of graphic stories in that it is supremely entertaining.

I'd say this was suitable for anyone who enjoys the work of Alan Moore, Los Bros Hernandez,George Herriman, Joss Whedon, Robert Crumb, and Hayao Miyazaki, to name but a few, because on its own terms it is as good as any of them. On its own terms.

We aren't talking high art here, people, we're talking fun and nothing but fun (plus oblique perceptive comments on the roles of the sexes). It is constantly and consistently inventive, laugh out loud funny, and manages to engage sympathy for its characters despite most of them being self-centred, bad-tempered, petty, spiteful, violent, and unbelievably obtuse. They are also superhumanly resistant to damage, which is just as well given the bizarre variety of martial arts on display. And rather than running out of steam, the series gets stranger, more complex, and funnier as it continues. It also contains (among much more) scenes of nudity, sexual innuendo, romantic situations, eating, sport, fantasy, and frequent bathing. What more could a boy or girl want?

A couple of months ago, already hooked by Takahashi's 'Maison Ikkoku', I downloaded a couple of episodes off the net, liked what I saw, picked up three of the books on Ebay, and now own all 26 published to date (say 'thank you', Amazon). Try this book and that could well happen to you. Go on, try it out, it's the most fun you could have apart from...

Well, actually, right now I can't think of anything else.

The perfect time to start reading a modern classic, 12 Aug 2003
The first thing you should know is that this is one of the best comic series of all time, and is an excellent read even for those that don't usually read comics.

The second (and it's a close second) is that in 2003, the publisher had a re-think, and decided to publish the newest volumes (22 onwards) and republish the old ones in a newer, smaller, and cheaper format. So, when buying, if you want to have the whole collection look nice on your bookshelf, make sure you go for the latter.

The *older* design have covers that are mainly a single colour (volume 1 is red) with a kind of line-based design and a *small* picture of some of the characters under the title.

The *newer* versions have white backgrounds, and the picture on the front fills the entire page. To find an example, just search for volume 22, which is only available in the new format.

Do not let any of this put you off! It's also worth noting that this is one of the best translated Mangas around. While some of the original nuances are inevitably lost (in particular, the characters' significant use of the male or female form of speech), a heroic and often inspired attempt has been made to keep in the puns, particularly in the chapter titles.

Finally, if you're thinking ahead as to how much this lot will eventually set you back, bear in mind that at the current rate this version of the series will run to approximately 36 volumes. It's worth every penny though, especially in the new, cheap format.

Unconditionally recommended.

A classic - simply not to be missed!, 27 Aug 2006
How do you describe a manga like Ranma 1/2? A comedy? A romance? A mix between the two? You can't. The beauty of [i]Ranma[/i] is that it touches on every genre; it can range from funny to awkward to touching to sad. This is what is perhaps the mangas greatest accomplishment - no matter what type of story you usually read, there's always something here that you'll enjoy. However, it's biggest draw has to be the genuinely funny scenes between the characters - this is one of the few mangas that I have actually laughed out loud at!

Ranma, the lead character of the manga, is in a rather sticky situation at the beginning of the story. As both he and his father study martial arts, they travelled to an ancient training ground in China to perfect their trade.
Though their tour guide tried to warn them, they were careless, and Ranma knocked his father into the "Spring of Drowned Panda" - unbenowest to him, a panda once drowned in that very spring, and when splashed with cold water, the person who fell into that spring will inhabit the body of a giant panda!
Ranma suffered a similar fate - although he fell into the "Spring of Drowned Girl". I'm sure you can guess what happened next!
Luckily for them, being doused in warm water gives them back there original bodies.. however, Ranma's problems do not end there. His father has arranged for him to be wed to one of the young girls of his fathers oldest friends, who owns a tendo school, and he has to go back to Japan to meet them straight away!

While the art can begin to look a little dated (it was first published in Shonen Sunday in 1987!), it's smooth and quirky and easily stands up to more recent series. It's also a perfect introduction to people just beginning to read manga - it's more western left to right format and simple art style will help avoid confusion, though manga veterans may find it too plain for their taste.

Collecting all the Ranma books is going to wage war on your purse strings - with over twenty volumes in the series, this could end up easily costing you over a hundred pounds.. but clever buying and sensible timing of your purchases can help ease up that loss considerably, eh? ;)

Ranma 1/2 is a fantastic series from a well known manga-ka (InuYasha, anyone?). I urge you all to give it a shot.

This book is..., 05 May 2005
this book is great. call me weird, but i think it's really really REALLY funny, its about this 'guy', Ranma, who is training for martial arts with his father, and they go to the 'valley of cursed springs'
they jump around and fight, until...father falls in one, but i gaint (And terribly funny) Panda comes out. Ranma falls into a spring and when he appers, 'he's' a girl. so when ever he's splashed with cold water, he turns into a girl, and hot water turns him back. this book is super funny and a great read :)

Ranma 1/2, 21 Sep 2004
Call me cliched, but this really is a fantastic book and series. It's just about this one "guy" called Ranma who turns into a girl when wet and spends the whole time running away from newly found fiances and enemies who love the fiances and just eneemies who want to avenge him for some stuff he's done in the past (and believe me he's done a lot!). It's better than it sounds, It was my first manga book, I was attracted by the chunky panda on the cover and now I'm really into manga etc. And you can't just quit, you have to buy the next one...every page is a work of art and there's bound to be some funny quip waiting there for you. Great stuff....

Liking this book could damage your credit card, but life is, 29 Jun 2004
short.

From the publisher's indicia: "Ranma1/2 is rated T+ for older teens. It may contain..." Well who cares about publishers covering their backsides? This series (and the latest is vol.26) is suitable for anyone who can appreciate the content and that extends far beyond the presumed target audience to even include adults of mature sensibilities (though it helps if they have a sense of the absurd). Ranma 1/2 ranks alongside the best of graphic stories in that it is supremely entertaining.

I'd say this was suitable for anyone who enjoys the work of Alan Moore, Los Bros Hernandez,George Herriman, Joss Whedon, Robert Crumb, and Hayao Miyazaki, to name but a few, because on its own terms it is as good as any of them. On its own terms.

We aren't talking high art here, people, we're talking fun and nothing but fun (plus oblique perceptive comments on the roles of the sexes). It is constantly and consistently inventive, laugh out loud funny, and manages to engage sympathy for its characters despite most of them being self-centred, bad-tempered, petty, spiteful, violent, and unbelievably obtuse. They are also superhumanly resistant to damage, which is just as well given the bizarre variety of martial arts on display. And rather than running out of steam, the series gets stranger, more complex, and funnier as it continues. It also contains (among much more) scenes of nudity, sexual innuendo, romantic situations, eating, sport, fantasy, and frequent bathing. What more could a boy or girl want?

A couple of months ago, already hooked by Takahashi's 'Maison Ikkoku', I downloaded a couple of episodes off the net, liked what I saw, picked up three of the books on Ebay, and now own all 26 published to date (say 'thank you', Amazon). Try this book and that could well happen to you. Go on, try it out, it's the most fun you could have apart from...

Well, actually, right now I can't think of anything else.

The perfect time to start reading a modern classic, 12 Aug 2003
The first thing you should know is that this is one of the best comic series of all time, and is an excellent read even for those that don't usually read comics.

The second (and it's a close second) is that in 2003, the publisher had a re-think, and decided to publish the newest volumes (22 onwards) and republish the old ones in a newer, smaller, and cheaper format. So, when buying, if you want to have the whole collection look nice on your bookshelf, make sure you go for the latter.

The *older* design have covers that are mainly a single colour (volume 1 is red) with a kind of line-based design and a *small* picture of some of the characters under the title.

The *newer* versions have white backgrounds, and the picture on the front fills the entire page. To find an example, just search for volume 22, which is only available in the new format.

Do not let any of this put you off! It's also worth noting that this is one of the best translated Mangas around. While some of the original nuances are inevitably lost (in particular, the characters' significant use of the male or female form of speech), a heroic and often inspired attempt has been made to keep in the puns, particularly in the chapter titles.

Finally, if you're thinking ahead as to how much this lot will eventually set you back, bear in mind that at the current rate this version of the series will run to approximately 36 volumes. It's worth every penny though, especially in the new, cheap format.

Unconditionally recommended.

The Musk Dynasty, 29 Sep 2005
Okay, sure, "Ranma 1/2" is technically a comedy series. Rumiko Takahashi wrote the sprawling martial-arts romance with plenty of jokes, goofy characters and misunderstandings.

But in the 22nd volume of this series, Takahashi showed us the darker side of the Ranma story. There are plenty of funny moments, but it also has a very powerful and impressive opponent, some harrowing fight scenes, and what seems to be the death of a major character.

Ranma finds his rivals Ryoga and Mousse, both savagely beaten by a pair of animalistic warriors. Ranma arrives just in time to see their cloaked leader mistreat Akane -- and during the fight, the dragon-woman Herb splashes Ranma with water. Herb is from the ancient Musk Dynasty, a tribe that took on the attributes of animals. And the water is from the Pail of Preservation -- and it locks Ranma in his female form.

Ranma can regain his male form, but only if he gets the Water Pot of Liberation, which Herb is also searching for. So Ranma, Ryoga and Mousse (who want the pot for themselves) set out to defeat Herb and her bodyguards. But Herb is a more lethal opponent than Ranma has ever faced before -- and his own attacks don't work, especially when Herb's startling secret is revealed...

Takahashi's more recent works -- such as the Inuyasha series -- rely more heavily on action and fantasy than the Ranma series did. And so the Musk Dynasty story seems almost like a warmup for Takahashi's later work, with its emphasis on gritty action, understated romance and lethal villains. Herb even looks a bit like her later villain Sesshomaru.

Okay, there's still plenty of humour, such as the Musk warriors who are obsessed with women and breasts, or the way that Ryoga and Mousse keep distracting them ("Look at HER boobs!"). But the climax of the story is completely devoid of humour. Ranma is beaten to a pulp and almost decapitated, while Mousse and Ryoga battle the superhuman Lime and Mint and are nearly sealed in their pig and duck forms.

Takahashi's artwork had also matured by this time -- it's very detailed, more lifelike and intricate, and there is a new maturity to the tempestuous Ranma/Akane attraction ("I guess... even if I can't be a man... I have to go back for her sake"). She had also mastered the art of the cliffhanger, since Ryoga seems to be dead near the end of one chapter.

Ranma and Company deal with a new and frightening enemy in the 22nd volume of this series. Darker, edgier, but still often funny.

A classic - simply not to be missed!, 27 Aug 2006
How do you describe a manga like Ranma 1/2? A comedy? A romance? A mix between the two? You can't. The beauty of [i]Ranma[/i] is that it touches on every genre; it can range from funny to awkward to touching to sad. This is what is perhaps the mangas greatest accomplishment - no matter what type of story you usually read, there's always something here that you'll enjoy. However, it's biggest draw has to be the genuinely funny scenes between the characters - this is one of the few mangas that I have actually laughed out loud at!

Ranma, the lead character of the manga, is in a rather sticky situation at the beginning of the story. As both he and his father study martial arts, they travelled to an ancient training ground in China to perfect their trade.
Though their tour guide tried to warn them, they were careless, and Ranma knocked his father into the "Spring of Drowned Panda" - unbenowest to him, a panda once drowned in that very spring, and when splashed with cold water, the person who fell into that spring will inhabit the body of a giant panda!
Ranma suffered a similar fate - although he fell into the "Spring of Drowned Girl". I'm sure you can guess what happened next!
Luckily for them, being doused in warm water gives them back there original bodies.. however, Ranma's problems do not end there. His father has arranged for him to be wed to one of the young girls of his fathers oldest friends, who owns a tendo school, and he has to go back to Japan to meet them straight away!

While the art can begin to look a little dated (it was first published in Shonen Sunday in 1987!), it's smooth and quirky and easily stands up to more recent series. It's also a perfect introduction to people just beginning to read manga - it's more western left to right format and simple art style will help avoid confusion, though manga veterans may find it too plain for their taste.

Collecting all the Ranma books is going to wage war on your purse strings - with over twenty volumes in the series, this could end up easily costing you over a hundred pounds.. but clever buying and sensible timing of your purchases can help ease up that loss considerably, eh? ;)

Ranma 1/2 is a fantastic series from a well known manga-ka (InuYasha, anyone?). I urge you all to give it a shot.

This book is..., 05 May 2005
this book is great. call me weird, but i think it's really really REALLY funny, its about this 'guy', Ranma, who is training for martial arts with his father, and they go to the 'valley of cursed springs'
they jump around and fight, until...father falls in one, but i gaint (And terribly funny) Panda comes out. Ranma falls into a spring and when he appers, 'he's' a girl. so when ever he's splashed with cold water, he turns into a girl, and hot water turns him back. this book is super funny and a great read :)

Ranma 1/2, 21 Sep 2004
Call me cliched, but this really is a fantastic book and series. It's just about this one "guy" called Ranma who turns into a girl when wet and spends the whole time running away from newly found fiances and enemies who love the fiances and just eneemies who want to avenge him for some stuff he's done in the past (and believe me he's done a lot!). It's better than it sounds, It was my first manga book, I was attracted by the chunky panda on the cover and now I'm really into manga etc. And you can't just quit, you have to buy the next one...every page is a work of art and there's bound to be some funny quip waiting there for you. Great stuff....

Liking this book could damage your credit card, but life is, 29 Jun 2004
short.

From the publisher's indicia: "Ranma1/2 is rated T+ for older teens. It may contain..." Well who cares about publishers covering their backsides? This series (and the latest is vol.26) is suitable for anyone who can appreciate the content and that extends far beyond the presumed target audience to even include adults of mature sensibilities (though it helps if they have a sense of the absurd). Ranma 1/2 ranks alongside the best of graphic stories in that it is supremely entertaining.

I'd say this was suitable for anyone who enjoys the work of Alan Moore, Los Bros Hernandez,George Herriman, Joss Whedon, Robert Crumb, and Hayao Miyazaki, to name but a few, because on its own terms it is as good as any of them. On its own terms.

We aren't talking high art here, people, we're talking fun and nothing but fun (plus oblique perceptive comments on the roles of the sexes). It is constantly and consistently inventive, laugh out loud funny, and manages to engage sympathy for its characters despite most of them being self-centred, bad-tempered, petty, spiteful, violent, and unbelievably obtuse. They are also superhumanly resistant to damage, which is just as well given the bizarre variety of martial arts on display. And rather than running out of steam, the series gets stranger, more complex, and funnier as it continues. It also contains (among much more) scenes of nudity, sexual innuendo, romantic situations, eating, sport, fantasy, and frequent bathing. What more could a boy or girl want?

A couple of months ago, already hooked by Takahashi's 'Maison Ikkoku', I downloaded a couple of episodes off the net, liked what I saw, picked up three of the books on Ebay, and now own all 26 published to date (say 'thank you', Amazon). Try this book and that could well happen to you. Go on, try it out, it's the most fun you could have apart from...

Well, actually, right now I can't think of anything else.

The perfect time to start reading a modern classic, 12 Aug 2003
The first thing you should know is that this is one of the best comic series of all time, and is an excellent read even for those that don't usually read comics.

The second (and it's a close second) is that in 2003, the publisher had a re-think, and decided to publish the newest volumes (22 onwards) and republish the old ones in a newer, smaller, and cheaper format. So, when buying, if you want to have the whole collection look nice on your bookshelf, make sure you go for the latter.

The *older* design have covers that are mainly a single colour (volume 1 is red) with a kind of line-based design and a *small* picture of some of the characters under the title.

The *newer* versions have white backgrounds, and the picture on the front fills the entire page. To find an example, just search for volume 22, which is only available in the new format.

Do not let any of this put you off! It's also worth noting that this is one of the best translated Mangas around. While some of the original nuances are inevitably lost (in particular, the characters' significant use of the male or female form of speech), a heroic and often inspired attempt has been made to keep in the puns, particularly in the chapter titles.

Finally, if you're thinking ahead as to how much this lot will eventually set you back, bear in mind that at the current rate this version of the series will run to approximately 36 volumes. It's worth every penny though, especially in the new, cheap format.

Unconditionally recommended.

The Musk Dynasty, 29 Sep 2005
Okay, sure, "Ranma 1/2" is technically a comedy series. Rumiko Takahashi wrote the sprawling martial-arts romance with plenty of jokes, goofy characters and misunderstandings.

But in the 22nd volume of this series, Takahashi showed us the darker side of the Ranma story. There are plenty of funny moments, but it also has a very powerful and impressive opponent, some harrowing fight scenes, and what seems to be the death of a major character.

Ranma finds his rivals Ryoga and Mousse, both savagely beaten by a pair of animalistic warriors. Ranma arrives just in time to see their cloaked leader mistreat Akane -- and during the fight, the dragon-woman Herb splashes Ranma with water. Herb is from the ancient Musk Dynasty, a tribe that took on the attributes of animals. And the water is from the Pail of Preservation -- and it locks Ranma in his female form.

Ranma can regain his male form, but only if he gets the Water Pot of Liberation, which Herb is also searching for. So Ranma, Ryoga and Mousse (who want the pot for themselves) set out to defeat Herb and her bodyguards. But Herb is a more lethal opponent than Ranma has ever faced before -- and his own attacks don't work, especially when Herb's startling secret is revealed...

Takahashi's more recent works -- such as the Inuyasha series -- rely more heavily on action and fantasy than the Ranma series did. And so the Musk Dynasty story seems almost like a warmup for Takahashi's later work, with its emphasis on gritty action, understated romance and lethal villains. Herb even looks a bit like her later villain Sesshomaru.

Okay, there's still plenty of humour, such as the Musk warriors who are obsessed with women and breasts, or the way that Ryoga and Mousse keep distracting them ("Look at HER boobs!"). But the climax of the story is completely devoid of humour. Ranma is beaten to a pulp and almost decapitated, while Mousse and Ryoga battle the superhuman Lime and Mint and are nearly sealed in their pig and duck forms.

Takahashi's artwork had also matured by this time -- it's very detailed, more lifelike and intricate, and there is a new maturity to the tempestuous Ranma/Akane attraction ("I guess... even if I can't be a man... I have to go back for her sake"). She had also mastered the art of the cliffhanger, since Ryoga seems to be dead near the end of one chapter.

Ranma and Company deal with a new and frightening enemy in the 22nd volume of this series. Darker, edgier, but still often funny.

Octopus returneth, 25 Feb 2007
Pantyhose Taro returns!

Rumiko Takahashi's most openly obnoxious character returns to the Ranma 1/2 series, as Ranma and his pals struggle with body armor, hot springs and fishing poles. A couple of the shorter stories are rather weak, but the other three are hilarious offbeat.

Happosai arrives at the Tendo house, beaten to a pulp and covered in ink. It turns out to be Pantyhose Taro, who plans to douse Happosai with the "Spring of Drowned Pious Man" water. Only problem is, he got the wrong cursed water -- the "Spring of Drowned Twins." Now Ranma, Soun and Genma must stop Pantyhose Taro from dousing Happosai with the water. But Pantyhose Taro has a new weapon -- giant tentacles.

In the aftermath, Nodoka Saotome returns to the Tendo house, just as Kasumi falls ill. Not only does Nodoka offer to cook their meals, but she offers to teach Akane. Problem is, Akane's cooking is toxic. So the disguised Ranma takes it on himself to cook as well, and soon he and Akane are sauteeing their way to disaster.

On the goofier front, Ranma ends up playing "Cinderella": A rich guy is trying to identify the pig-tailed girl who once stomped on his head. And school creepoid Gosunkugi discovers a way to defeat Ranma once and for all -- invincible body armor. Now if only the armor didn't explode...

Finally, Ryoga purchases a magic "fishing pole of love" to use on Akane -- except it hits Ranma instead. Much to Ryoga's discomfort, soon Ranma is washing his clothes, making his breakfast and asking if they can at least be "friends." As Ranma's infatuation grows, a confused Akane tries to figure out exactly what is going on.

Rumiko Takahashi has always been great at action stories, or stories that rely on character gags. The two shortest stories don't quite work; one is too goofy, and the other feels squashed into a too-short chapter. The rest of the twenty-first volume is pure gold.

One of the stories is almost non-stop action with a bit of goofiness thrown in, and the ever-arrogant Pantyhose Taro destroying bathhouses and causing mayhem. And then Takahashi switches to character-based comedy, with lots of romantic rivalry and kitchen disasters. Oh, the suspense -- will Akane ever learn how to cook without poisoning people?

But pity poor Ryoga -- Ranma's rival really goes through the wringer, with Ranma pursuing him, and Akane believing that he's so pitiful that he'll take affection from anyone, male or female. Even though he brought it on himself, you can't help but feel sorry for him.

Three solid stories (and two weak short ones) make up "Ranma 1/2's" twenty-first volume, full of action and comic goodness. A pleasant comic read.

A classic - simply not to be missed!, 27 Aug 2006
How do you describe a manga like Ranma 1/2? A comedy? A romance? A mix between the two? You can't. The beauty of [i]Ranma[/i] is that it touches on every genre; it can range from funny to awkward to touching to sad. This is what is perhaps the mangas greatest accomplishment - no matter what type of story you usually read, there's always something here that you'll enjoy. However, it's biggest draw has to be the genuinely funny scenes between the characters - this is one of the few mangas that I have actually laughed out loud at!

Ranma, the lead character of the manga, is in a rather sticky situation at the beginning of the story. As both he and his father study martial arts, they travelled to an ancient training ground in China to perfect their trade.
Though their tour guide tried to warn them, they were careless, and Ranma knocked his father into the "Spring of Drowned Panda" - unbenowest to him, a panda once drowned in that very spring, and when splashed with cold water, the person who fell into that spring will inhabit the body of a giant panda!
Ranma suffered a similar fate - although he fell into the "Spring of Drowned Girl". I'm sure you can guess what happened next!
Luckily for them, being doused in warm water gives them back there original bodies.. however, Ranma's problems do not end there. His father has arranged for him to be wed to one of the young girls of his fathers oldest friends, who owns a tendo school, and he has to go back to Japan to meet them straight away!

While the art can begin to look a little dated (it was first published in Shonen Sunday in 1987!), it's smooth and quirky and easily stands up to more recent series. It's also a perfect introduction to people just beginning to read manga - it's more western left to right format and simple art style will help avoid confusion, though manga veterans may find it too plain for their taste.

Collecting all the Ranma books is going to wage war on your purse strings - with over twenty volumes in the series, this could end up easily costing you over a hundred pounds.. but clever buying and sensible timing of your purchases can help ease up that loss considerably, eh? ;)

Ranma 1/2 is a fantastic series from a well known manga-ka (InuYasha, anyone?). I urge you all to give it a shot.

This book is..., 05 May 2005
this book is great. call me weird, but i think it's really really REALLY funny, its about this 'guy', Ranma, who is training for martial arts with his father, and they go to the 'valley of cursed springs'
they jump around and fight, until...father falls in one, but i gaint (And terribly funny) Panda comes out. Ranma falls into a spring and when he appers, 'he's' a girl. so when ever he's splashed with cold water, he turns into a girl, and hot water turns him back. this book is super funny and a great read :)

Ranma 1/2, 21 Sep 2004
Call me cliched, but this really is a fantastic book and series. It's just about this one "guy" called Ranma who turns into a girl when wet and spends the whole time running away from newly found fiances and enemies who love the fiances and just eneemies who want to avenge him for some stuff he's done in the past (and believe me he's done a lot!). It's better than it sounds, It was my first manga book, I was attracted by the chunky panda on the cover and now I'm really into manga etc. And you can't just quit, you have to buy the next one...every page is a work of art and there's bound to be some funny quip waiting there for you. Great stuff....

Liking this book could damage your credit card, but life is, 29 Jun 2004
short.

From the publisher's indicia: "Ranma1/2 is rated T+ for older teens. It may contain..." Well who cares about publishers covering their backsides? This series (and the latest is vol.26) is suitable for anyone who can appreciate the content and that extends far beyond the presumed target audience to even include adults of mature sensibilities (though it helps if they have a sense of the absurd). Ranma 1/2 ranks alongside the best of graphic stories in that it is supremely entertaining.

I'd say this was suitable for anyone who enjoys the work of Alan Moore, Los Bros Hernandez,George Herriman, Joss Whedon, Robert Crumb, and Hayao Miyazaki, to name but a few, because on its own terms it is as good as any of them. On its own terms.

We aren't talking high art here, people, we're talking fun and nothing but fun (plus oblique perceptive comments on the roles of the sexes). It is constantly and consistently inventive, laugh out loud funny, and manages to engage sympathy for its characters despite most of them being self-centred, bad-tempered, petty, spiteful, violent, and unbelievably obtuse. They are also superhumanly resistant to damage, which is just as well given the bizarre variety of martial arts on display. And rather than running out of steam, the series gets stranger, more complex, and funnier as it continues. It also contains (among much more) scenes of nudity, sexual innuendo, romantic situations, eating, sport, fantasy, and frequent bathing. What more could a boy or girl want?

A couple of months ago, already hooked by Takahashi's 'Maison Ikkoku', I downloaded a couple of episodes off the net, liked what I saw, picked up three of the books on Ebay, and now own all 26 published to date (say 'thank you', Amazon). Try this book and that could well happen to you. Go on, try it out, it's the most fun you could have apart from...

Well, actually, right now I can't think of anything else.

The perfect time to start reading a modern classic, 12 Aug 2003
The first thing you should know is that this is one of the best comic series of all time, and is an excellent read even for those that don't usually read comics.

The second (and it's a close second) is that in 2003, the publisher had a re-think, and decided to publish the newest volumes (22 onwards) and republish the old ones in a newer, smaller, and cheaper format. So, when buying, if you want to have the whole collection look nice on your bookshelf, make sure you go for the latter.

The *older* design have covers that are mainly a single colour (volume 1 is red) with a kind of line-based design and a *small* picture of some of the characters under the title.

The *newer* versions have white backgrounds, and the picture on the front fills the entire page. To find an example, just search for volume 22, which is only available in the new format.

Do not let any of this put you off! It's also worth noting that this is one of the best translated Mangas around. While some of the original nuances are inevitably lost (in particular, the characters' significant use of the male or female form of speech), a heroic and often inspired attempt has been made to keep in the puns, particularly in the chapter titles.

Finally, if you're thinking ahead as to how much this lot will eventually set you back, bear in mind that at the current rate this version of the series will run to approximately 36 volumes. It's worth every penny though, especially in the new, cheap format.

Unconditionally recommended.

The Musk Dynasty, 29 Sep 2005
Okay, sure, "Ranma 1/2" is technically a comedy series. Rumiko Takahashi wrote the sprawling martial-arts romance with plenty of jokes, goofy characters and misunderstandings.

But in the 22nd volume of this series, Takahashi showed us the darker side of the Ranma story. There are plenty of funny moments, but it also has a very powerful and impressive opponent, some harrowing fight scenes, and what seems to be the death of a major character.

Ranma finds his rivals Ryoga and Mousse, both savagely beaten by a pair of animalistic warriors. Ranma arrives just in time to see their cloaked leader mistreat Akane -- and during the fight, the dragon-woman Herb splashes Ranma with water. Herb is from the ancient Musk Dynasty, a tribe that took on the attributes of animals. And the water is from the Pail of Preservation -- and it locks Ranma in his female form.

Ranma can regain his male form, but only if he gets the Water Pot of Liberation, which Herb is also searching for. So Ranma, Ryoga and Mousse (who want the pot for themselves) set out to defeat Herb and her bodyguards. But Herb is a more lethal opponent than Ranma has ever faced before -- and his own attacks don't work, especially when Herb's startling secret is revealed...

Takahashi's more recent works -- such as the Inuyasha series -- rely more heavily on action and fantasy than the Ranma series did. And so the Musk Dynasty story seems almost like a warmup for Takahashi's later work, with its emphasis on gritty action, understated romance and lethal villains. Herb even looks a bit like her later villain Sesshomaru.

Okay, there's still plenty of humour, such as the Musk warriors who are obsessed with women and breasts, or the way that Ryoga and Mousse keep distracting them ("Look at HER boobs!"). But the climax of the story is completely devoid of humour. Ranma is beaten to a pulp and almost decapitated, while Mousse and Ryoga battle the superhuman Lime and Mint and are nearly sealed in their pig and duck forms.

Takahashi's artwork had also matured by this time -- it's very detailed, more lifelike and intricate, and there is a new maturity to the tempestuous Ranma/Akane attraction ("I guess... even if I can't be a man... I have to go back for her sake"). She had also mastered the art of the cliffhanger, since Ryoga seems to be dead near the end of one chapter.

Ranma and Company deal with a new and frightening enemy in the 22nd volume of this series. Darker, edgier, but still often funny.

Octopus returneth, 25 Feb 2007
Pantyhose Taro returns!

Rumiko Takahashi's most openly obnoxious character returns to the Ranma 1/2 series, as Ranma and his pals struggle with body armor, hot springs and fishing poles. A couple of the shorter stories are rather weak, but the other three are hilarious offbeat.

Happosai arrives at the Tendo house, beaten to a pulp and covered in ink. It turns out to be Pantyhose Taro, who plans to douse Happosai with the "Spring of Drowned Pious Man" water. Only problem is, he got the wrong cursed water -- the "Spring of Drowned Twins." Now Ranma, Soun and Genma must stop Pantyhose Taro from dousing Happosai with the water. But Pantyhose Taro has a new weapon -- giant tentacles.

In the aftermath, Nodoka Saotome returns to the Tendo house, just as Kasumi falls ill. Not only does Nodoka offer to cook their meals, but she offers to teach Akane. Problem is, Akane's cooking is toxic. So the disguised Ranma takes it on himself to cook as well, and soon he and Akane are sauteeing their way to disaster.

On the goofier front, Ranma ends up playing "Cinderella": A rich guy is trying to identify the pig-tailed girl who once stomped on his head. And school creepoid Gosunkugi discovers a way to defeat Ranma once and for all -- invincible body armor. Now if only the armor didn't explode...

Finally, Ryoga purchases a magic "fishing pole of love" to use on Akane -- except it hits Ranma instead. Much to Ryoga's discomfort, soon Ranma is washing his clothes, making his breakfast and asking if they can at least be "friends." As Ranma's infatuation grows, a confused Akane tries to figure out exactly what is going on.

Rumiko Takahashi has always been great at action stories, or stories that rely on character gags. The two shortest stories don't quite work; one is too goofy, and the other feels squashed into a too-short chapter. The rest of the twenty-first volume is pure gold.

One of the stories is almost non-stop action with a bit of goofiness thrown in, and the ever-arrogant Pantyhose Taro destroying bathhouses and causing mayhem. And then Takahashi switches to character-based comedy, with lots of romantic rivalry and kitchen disasters. Oh, the suspense -- will Akane ever learn how to cook without poisoning people?

But pity poor Ryoga -- Ranma's rival really goes through the wringer, with Ranma pursuing him, and Akane believing that he's so pitiful that he'll take affection from anyone, male or female. Even though he brought it on himself, you can't help but feel sorry for him.

Three solid stories (and two weak short ones) make up "Ranma 1/2's" twenty-first volume, full of action and comic goodness. A pleasant comic read.

Best Manga EVER!!, 06 Dec 2001
I was new to manga when i first read Ranma 1/2 but i was thrilled with what i read! The characters are all strange but funny and realistic and their attitudes to one another are great. The storylines are hilarious and unlike other manga it is just one storyline through the book which makes the fun last longer. I can't describe any of the stories since they would probably be too complicated to understand from me and it'll spoil the fun - so get out there and buy it for yourself and you'll know what i mean.

The best character by far is Ryoga, the way he always get lost on a simple trip home or to a parking lot 400 metres from his house, and the way he's always trying to tell Akane that he loves her but either can't get it out because he's shy or Ranma pops in to make a fool of him.

In all its SOOOOOOO funny and lots of action packed times which are even funnier and then there are really touching moments that'll pull at your heart.

It's a great series and a great book. So get out there and buy it now!!!!

A classic - simply not to be missed!, 27 Aug 2006
How do you describe a manga like Ranma 1/2? A comedy? A romance? A mix between the two? You can't. The beauty of [i]Ranma[/i] is that it touches on every genre; it can range from funny to awkward to touching to sad. This is what is perhaps the mangas greatest accomplishment - no matter what type of story you usually read, there's always something here that you'll enjoy. However, it's biggest draw has to be the genuinely funny scenes between the characters - this is one of the few mangas that I have actually laughed out loud at!

Ranma, the lead character of the manga, is in a rather sticky situation at the beginning of the story. As both he and his father study martial arts, they travelled to an ancient training ground in China to perfect their trade.
Though their tour guide tried to warn them, they were careless, and Ranma knocked his father into the "Spring of Drowned Panda" - unbenowest to him, a panda once drowned in that very spring, and when splashed with cold water, the person who fell into that spring will inhabit the body of a giant panda!
Ranma suffered a similar fate - although he fell into the "Spring of Drowned Girl". I'm sure you can guess what happened next!
Luckily for them, being doused in warm water gives them back there original bodies.. however, Ranma's problems do not end there. His father has arranged for him to be wed to one of the young girls of his fathers oldest friends, who owns a tendo school, and he has to go back to Japan to meet them straight away!

While the art can begin to look a little dated (it was first published in Shonen Sunday in 1987!), it's smooth and quirky and easily stands up to more recent series. It's also a perfect introduction to people just beginning to read manga - it's more western left to right format and simple art style will help avoid confusion, though manga veterans may find it too plain for their taste.

Collecting all the Ranma books is going to wage war on your purse strings - with over twenty volumes in the series, this could end up easily costing you over a hundred pounds.. but clever buying and sensible timing of your purchases can help ease up that loss considerably, eh? ;)

Ranma 1/2 is a fantastic series from a well known manga-ka (InuYasha, anyone?). I urge you all to give it a shot.

This book is..., 05 May 2005
this book is great. call me weird, but i think it's really really REALLY funny, its about this 'guy', Ranma, who is training for martial arts with his father, and they go to the 'valley of cursed springs'
they jump around and fight, until...father falls in one, but i gaint (And terribly funny) Panda comes out. Ranma falls into a spring and when he appers, 'he's' a girl. so when ever he's splashed with cold water, he turns into a girl, and hot water turns him back. this book is super funny and a great read :)

Ranma 1/2, 21 Sep 2004
Call me cliched, but this really is a fantastic book and series. It's just about this one "guy" called Ranma who turns into a girl when wet and spends the whole time running away from newly found fiances and enemies who love the fiances and just eneemies who want to avenge him for some stuff he's done in the past (and believe me he's done a lot!). It's better than it sounds, It was my first manga book, I was attracted by the chunky panda on the cover and now I'm really into manga etc. And you can't just quit, you have to buy the next one...every page is a work of art and there's bound to be some funny quip waiting there for you. Great stuff....

Liking this book could damage your credit card, but life is, 29 Jun 2004
short.

From the publisher's indicia: "Ranma1/2 is rated T+ for older teens. It may contain..." Well who cares about publishers covering their backsides? This series (and the latest is vol.26) is suitable for anyone who can appreciate the content and that extends far beyond the presumed target audience to even include adults of mature sensibilities (though it helps if they have a sense of the absurd). Ranma 1/2 ranks alongside the best of graphic stories in that it is supremely entertaining.

I'd say this was suitable for anyone who enjoys the work of Alan Moore, Los Bros Hernandez,George Herriman, Joss Whedon, Robert Crumb, and Hayao Miyazaki, to name but a few, because on its own terms it is as good as any of them. On its own terms.

We aren't talking high art here, people, we're talking fun and nothing but fun (plus oblique perceptive comments on the roles of the sexes). It is constantly and consistently inventive, laugh out loud funny, and manages to engage sympathy for its characters despite most of them being self-centred, bad-tempered, petty, spiteful, violent, and unbelievably obtuse. They are also superhumanly resistant to damage, which is just as well given the bizarre variety of martial arts on display. And rather than running out of steam, the series gets stranger, more complex, and funnier as it continues. It also contains (among much more) scenes of nudity, sexual innuendo, romantic situations, eating, sport, fantasy, and frequent bathing. What more could a boy or girl want?

A couple of months ago, already hooked by Takahashi's 'Maison Ikkoku', I downloaded a couple of episodes off the net, liked what I saw, picked up three of the books on Ebay, and now own all 26 published to date (say 'thank you', Amazon). Try this book and that could well happen to you. Go on, try it out, it's the most fun you could have apart from...

Well, actually, right now I can't think of anything else.

The perfect time to start reading a modern classic, 12 Aug 2003
The first thing you should know is that this is one of the best comic series of all time, and is an excellent read even for those that don't usually read comics.

The second (and it's a close second) is that in 2003, the publisher had a re-think, and decided to publish the newest volumes (22 onwards) and republish the old ones in a newer, smaller, and cheaper format. So, when buying, if you want to have the whole collection look nice on your bookshelf, make sure you go for the latter.

The *older* design have covers that are mainly a single colour (volume 1 is red) with a kind of line-based design and a *small* picture of some of the characters under the title.

The *newer* versions have white backgrounds, and the picture on the front fills the entire page. To find an example, just search for volume 22, which is only available in the new format.

Do not let any of this put you off! It's also worth noting that this is one of the best translated Mangas around. While some of the original nuances are inevitably lost (in particular, the characters' significant use of the male or female form of speech), a heroic and often inspired attempt has been made to keep in the puns, particularly in the chapter titles.

Finally, if you're thinking ahead as to how much this lot will eventually set you back, bear in mind that at the current rate this version of the series will run to approximately 36 volumes. It's worth every penny though, especially in the new, cheap format.

Unconditionally recommended.

The Musk Dynasty, 29 Sep 2005
Okay, sure, "Ranma 1/2" is technically a comedy series. Rumiko Takahashi wrote the sprawling martial-arts romance with plenty of jokes, goofy characters and misunderstandings.

But in the 22nd volume of this series, Takahashi showed us the darker side of the Ranma story. There are plenty of funny moments, but it also has a very powerful and impressive opponent, some harrowing fight scenes, and what seems to be the death of a major character.

Ranma finds his rivals Ryoga and Mousse, both savagely beaten by a pair of animalistic warriors. Ranma arrives just in time to see their cloaked leader mistreat Akane -- and during the fight, the dragon-woman Herb splashes Ranma with water. Herb is from the ancient Musk Dynasty, a tribe that took on the attributes of animals. And the water is from the Pail of Preservation -- and it locks Ranma in his female form.

Ranma can regain his male form, but only if he gets the Water Pot of Liberation, which Herb is also searching for. So Ranma, Ryoga and Mousse (who want the pot for themselves) set out to defeat Herb and her bodyguards. But Herb is a more lethal opponent than Ranma has ever faced before -- and his own attacks don't work, especially when Herb's startling secret is revealed...

Takahashi's more recent works -- such as the Inuyasha series -- rely more heavily on action and fantasy than the Ranma series did. And so the Musk Dynasty story seems almost like a warmup for Takahashi's later work, with its emphasis on gritty action, understated romance and lethal villains. Herb even looks a bit like her later villain Sesshomaru.

Okay, there's still plenty of humour, such as the Musk warriors who are obsessed with women and breasts, or the way that Ryoga and Mousse keep distracting them ("Look at HER boobs!"). But the climax of the story is completely devoid of humour. Ranma is beaten to a pulp and almost decapitated, while Mousse and Ryoga battle the superhuman Lime and Mint and are nearly sealed in their pig and duck forms.

Takahashi's artwork had also matured by this time -- it's very detailed, more lifelike and intricate, and there is a new maturity to the tempestuous Ranma/Akane attraction ("I guess... even if I can't be a man... I have to go back for her sake"). She had also mastered the art of the cliffhanger, since Ryoga seems to be dead near the end of one chapter.

Ranma and Company deal with a new and frightening enemy in the 22nd volume of this series. Darker, edgier, but still often funny.

Octopus returneth, 25 Feb 2007
Pantyhose Taro returns!

Rumiko Takahashi's most openly obnoxious character returns to the Ranma 1/2 series, as Ranma and his pals struggle with body armor, hot springs and fishing poles. A couple of the shorter stories are rather weak, but the other three are hilarious offbeat.

Happosai arrives at the Tendo house, beaten to a pulp and covered in ink. It turns out to be Pantyhose Taro, who plans to douse Happosai with the "Spring of Drowned Pious Man" water. Only problem is, he got the wrong cursed water -- the "Spring of Drowned Twins." Now Ranma, Soun and Genma must stop Pantyhose Taro from dousing Happosai with the water. But Pantyhose Taro has a new weapon -- giant tentacles.

In the aftermath, Nodoka Saotome returns to the Tendo house, just as Kasumi falls ill. Not only does Nodoka offer to cook their meals, but she offers to teach Akane. Problem is, Akane's cooking is toxic. So the disguised Ranma takes it on himself to cook as well, and soon he and Akane are sauteeing their way to disaster.

On the goofier front, Ranma ends up playing "Cinderella": A rich guy is trying to identify the pig-tailed girl who once stomped on his head. And school creepoid Gosunkugi discovers a way to defeat Ranma once and for all -- invincible body armor. Now if only the armor didn't explode...

Finally, Ryoga purchases a magic "fishing pole of love" to use on Akane -- except it hits Ranma instead. Much to Ryoga's discomfort, soon Ranma is washing his clothes, making his breakfast and asking if they can at least be "friends." As Ranma's infatuation grows, a confused Akane tries to figure out exactly what is going on.

Rumiko Takahashi has always been great at action stories, or stories that rely on character gags. The two shortest stories don't quite work; one is too goofy, and the other feels squashed into a too-short chapter. The rest of the twenty-first volume is pure gold.

One of the stories is almost non-stop action with a bit of goofiness thrown in, and the ever-arrogant Pantyhose Taro destroying bathhouses and causing mayhem. And then Takahashi switches to character-based comedy, with lots of romantic rivalry and kitchen disasters. Oh, the suspense -- will Akane ever learn how to cook without poisoning people?

But pity poor Ryoga -- Ranma's rival really goes through the wringer, with Ranma pursuing him, and Akane believing that he's so pitiful that he'll take affection from anyone, male or female. Even though he brought it on himself, you can't help but feel sorry for him.

Three solid stories (and two weak short ones) make up "Ranma 1/2's" twenty-first volume, full of action and comic goodness. A pleasant comic read.

Best Manga EVER!!, 06 Dec 2001
I was new to manga when i first read Ranma 1/2 but i was thrilled with what i read! The characters are all strange but funny and realistic and their attitudes to one another are great. The storylines are hilarious and unlike other manga it is just one storyline through the book which makes the fun last longer. I can't describe any of the stories since they would probably be too complicated to understand from me and it'll spoil the fun - so get out there and buy it for yourself and you'll know what i mean.

The best character by far is Ryoga, the way he always get lost on a simple trip home or to a parking lot 400 metres from his house, and the way he's always trying to tell Akane that he loves her but either can't get it out because he's shy or Ranma pops in to make a fool of him.

In all its SOOOOOOO funny and lots of action packed times which are even funnier and then there are really touching moments that'll pull at your heart.

It's a great series and a great book. So get out there and buy it now!!!!

Ranma: a new genre itself, 25 Apr 2003
This book is one of the few which appera to have a description of the story so far and a cast of characters. This is one of the normal sized books with 11 parts each with 20 pages each. The parts are as follows:
Part 1-The lion's roar
Part 2-prelude to defeat
Part 3-unlucky blow
Part 4-emotional impact
Part 5-lion versus tiger
Part 6-the weight of victory
Part 7-New years curse
Part 8-ring proposal
Part 9-the plum and the prune
Part 10-sibling warfare
Part 11-the scandal breaks
One last thing: beware of prints of the book which can sometimes go over the page, although its rare you might wanna watch out for it because you can loose a few words sometimes

An Excellent Manga!!!, 27 Jan 2002
This manga is mainly about a battle between Ryoga and Ranma. Ryoga is trying to perfect a move called the shishi hokodan,with hilarious consequences, but i won't tell you anymore on that as i don't want to ruin the story for you!!! This whole series is *very* *very* funny,if you are looking for a manga with a difference then buy this one!!! You are never very far away form a laugh and there's plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. The art work is very nice and the story lines are simple enough for people of all ages to understand.

A classic - simply not to be missed!, 27 Aug 2006
How do you describe a manga like Ranma 1/2? A comedy? A romance? A mix between the two? You can't. The beauty of [i]Ranma[/i] is that it touches on every genre; it can range from funny to awkward to touching to sad. This is what is perhaps the mangas greatest accomplishment - no matter what type of story you usually read, there's always something here that you'll enjoy. However, it's biggest draw has to be the genuinely funny scenes between the characters - this is one of the few mangas that I have actually laughed out loud at!

Ranma, the lead character of the manga, is in a rather sticky situation at the beginning of the story. As both he and his father study martial arts, they travelled to an ancient training ground in China to perfect their trade.
Though their tour guide tried to warn them, they were careless, and Ranma knocked his father into the "Spring of Drowned Panda" - unbenowest to him, a panda once drowned in that very spring, and when splashed with cold water, the person who fell into that spring will inhabit the body of a giant panda!
Ranma suffered a similar fate - although he fell into the "Spring of Drowned Girl". I'm sure you can guess what happened next!
Luckily for them, being doused in warm water gives them back there original bodies.. however, Ranma's problems do not end there. His father has arranged for him to be wed to one of the young girls of his fathers oldest friends, who owns a tendo school, and he has to go back to Japan to meet them straight away!

While the art can begin to look a little dated (it was first published in Shonen Sunday in 1987!), it's smooth and quirky and easily stands up to more recent series. It's also a perfect introduction to people just beginning to read manga - it's more western left to right format and simple art style will help avoid confusion, though manga veterans may find it too plain for their taste.

Collecting all the Ranma books is going to wage war on your purse strings - with over twenty volumes in the series, this could end up easily costing you over a hundred pounds.. but clever buying and sensible timing of your purchases can help ease up that loss considerably, eh? ;)

Ranma 1/2 is a fantastic series from a well known manga-ka (InuYasha, anyone?). I urge you all to give it a shot.

This book is..., 05 May 2005
this book is great. call me weird, but i think it's really really REALLY funny, its about this 'guy', Ranma, who is training for martial arts with his father, and they go to the 'valley of cursed springs'
they jump around and fight, until...father falls in one, but i gaint (And terribly funny) Panda comes out. Ranma falls into a spring and when he appers, 'he's' a girl. so when ever he's splashed with cold water, he turns into a girl, and hot water turns him back. this book is super funny and a great read :)

Ranma 1/2, 21 Sep 2004
Call me cliched, but this really is a fantastic book and series. It's just about this one "guy" called Ranma who turns into a girl when wet and spends the whole time running away from newly found fiances and enemies who love the fiances and just eneemies who want to avenge him for some stuff he's done in the past (and believe me he's done a lot!). It's better than it sounds, It was my first manga book, I was attracted by the chunky panda on the cover and now I'm really into manga etc. And you can't just quit, you have to buy the next one...every page is a work of art and there's bound to be some funny quip waiting there for you. Great stuff....

Liking this book could damage your credit card, but life is, 29 Jun 2004
short.

From the publisher's indicia: "Ranma1/2 is rated T+ for older teens. It may contain..." Well who cares about publishers covering their backsides? This series (and the latest is vol.26) is suitable for anyone who can appreciate the content and that extends far beyond the presumed target audience to even include adults of mature sensibilities (though it helps if they have a sense of the absurd). Ranma 1/2 ranks alongside the best of graphic stories in that it is supremely entertaining.

I'd say this was suitable for anyone who enjoys the work of Alan Moore, Los Bros Hernandez,George Herriman, Joss Whedon, Robert Crumb, and Hayao Miyazaki, to name but a few, because on its own terms it is as good as any of them. On its own terms.

We aren't talking high art here, people, we're talking fun and nothing but fun (plus oblique perceptive comments on the roles of the sexes). It is constantly and consistently inventive, laugh out loud funny, and manages to engage sympathy for its characters despite most of them being self-centred, bad-tempered, petty, spiteful, violent, and unbelievably obtuse. They are also superhumanly resistant to damage, which is just as well given the bizarre variety of martial arts on display. And rather than running out of steam, the series gets stranger, more complex, and funnier as it continues. It also contains (among much more) scenes of nudity, sexual innuendo, romantic situations, eating, sport, fantasy, and frequent bathing. What more could a boy or girl want?

A couple of months ago, already hooked by Takahashi's 'Maison Ikkoku', I downloaded a couple of episodes off the net, liked what I saw, picked up three of the books on Ebay, and now own all 26 published to date (say 'thank you', Amazon). Try this book and that could well happen to you. Go on, try it out, it's the most fun you could have apart from...

Well, actually, right now I can't think of anything else.

The perfect time to start reading a modern classic, 12 Aug 2003
The first thing you should know is that this is one of the best comic series of all time, and is an excellent read even for those that don't usually read comics.

The second (and it's a close second) is that in 2003, the publisher had a re-think, and decided to publish the newest volumes (22 onwards) and republish the old ones in a newer, smaller, and cheaper format. So, when buying, if you want to have the whole collection look nice on your bookshelf, make sure you go for the latter.

The *older* design have covers that are mainly a single colour (volume 1 is red) with a kind of line-based design and a *small* picture of some of the characters under the title.

The *newer* versions have white backgrounds, and the picture on the front fills the entire page. To find an example, just search for volume 22, which is only available in the new format.

Do not let any of this put you off! It's also worth noting that this is one of the best translated Mangas around. While some of the original nuances are inevitably lost (in particular, the characters' significant use of the male or female form of speech), a heroic and often inspired attempt has been made to keep in the puns, particularly in the chapter titles.

Finally, if you're thinking ahead as to how much this lot will eventually set you back, bear in mind that at the current rate this version of the series will run to approximately 36 volumes. It's worth every penny though, especially in the new, cheap format.

Unconditionally recommended.

The Musk Dynasty, 29 Sep 2005
Okay, sure, "Ranma 1/2" is technically a comedy series. Rumiko Takahashi wrote the sprawling martial-arts romance with plenty of jokes, goofy characters and misunderstandings.

But in the 22nd volume of this series, Takahashi showed us the darker side of the Ranma story. There are plenty of funny moments, but it also has a very powerful and impressive opponent, some harrowing fight scenes, and what seems to be the death of a major character.

Ranma finds his rivals Ryoga and Mousse, both savagely beaten by a pair of animalistic warriors. Ranma arrives just in time to see their cloaked leader mistreat Akane -- and during the fight, the dragon-woman Herb splashes Ranma with water. Herb is from the ancient Musk Dynasty, a tribe that took on the attributes of animals. And the water is from the Pail of Preservation -- and it locks Ranma in his female form.

Ranma can regain his male form, but only if he gets the Water Pot of Liberation, which Herb is also searching for. So Ranma, Ryoga and Mousse (who want the pot for themselves) set out to defeat Herb and her bodyguards. But Herb is a more lethal opponent than Ranma has ever faced before -- and his own attacks don't work, especially when Herb's startling secret is revealed...

Takahashi's more recent works -- such as the Inuyasha series -- rely more heavily on action and fantasy than the Ranma series did. And so the Musk Dynasty story seems almost like a warmup for Takahashi's later work, with its emphasis on gritty action, understated romance and lethal villains. Herb even looks a bit like her later villain Sesshomaru.

Okay, there's still plenty of humour, such as the Musk warriors who are obsessed with women and breasts, or the way that Ryoga and Mousse keep distracting them ("Look at HER boobs!"). But the climax of the story is completely devoid of humour. Ranma is beaten to a pulp and almost decapitated, while Mousse and Ryoga battle the superhuman Lime and Mint and are nearly sealed in their pig and duck forms.

Takahashi's artwork had also matured by this time -- it's very detailed, more lifelike and intricate, and there is a new maturity to the tempestuous Ranma/Akane attraction ("I guess... even if I can't be a man... I have to go back for her sake"). She had also mastered the art of the cliffhanger, since Ryoga seems to be dead near the end of one chapter.

Ranma and Company deal with a new and frightening enemy in the 22nd volume of this series. Darker, edgier, but still often funny.

Octopus returneth, 25 Feb 2007
Pantyhose Taro returns!

Rumiko Takahashi's most openly obnoxious character returns to the Ranma 1/2 series, as Ranma and his pals struggle with body armor, hot springs and fishing poles. A couple of the shorter stories are rather weak, but the other three are hilarious offbeat.

Happosai arrives at the Tendo house, beaten to a pulp and covered in ink. It turns out to be Pantyhose Taro, who plans to douse Happosai with the "Spring of Drowned Pious Man" water. Only problem is, he got the wrong cursed water -- the "Spring of Drowned Twins." Now Ranma, Soun and Genma must stop Pantyhose Taro from dousing Happosai with the water. But Pantyhose Taro has a new weapon -- giant tentacles.

In the aftermath, Nodoka Saotome returns to the Tendo house, just as Kasumi falls ill. Not only does Nodoka offer to cook their meals, but she offers to teach Akane. Problem is, Akane's cooking is toxic. So the disguised Ranma takes it on himself to cook as well, and soon he and Akane are sauteeing their way to disaster.

On the goofier front, Ranma ends up playing "Cinderella": A rich guy is trying to identify the pig-tailed girl who once stomped on his head. And school creepoid Gosunkugi discovers a way to defeat Ranma once and for all -- invincible body armor. Now if only the armor didn't explode...

Finally, Ryoga purchases a magic "fishing pole of love" to use on Akane -- except it hits Ranma instead. Much to Ryoga's discomfort, soon Ranma is washing his clothes, making his breakfast and asking if they can at least be "friends." As Ranma's infatuation grows, a confused Akane tries to figure out exactly what is going on.

Rumiko Takahashi has always been great at action stories, or stories that rely on character gags. The two shortest stories don't quite work; one is too goofy, and the other feels squashed into a too-short chapter. The rest of the twenty-first volume is pure gold.

One of the stories is almost non-stop action with a bit of goofiness thrown in, and the ever-arrogant Pantyhose Taro destroying bathhouses and causing mayhem. And then Takahashi switches to character-based comedy, with lots of romantic rivalry and kitchen disasters. Oh, the suspense -- will Akane ever learn how to cook without poisoning people?

But pity poor Ryoga -- Ranma's rival really goes through the wringer, with Ranma pursuing him, and Akane believing that he's so pitiful that he'll take affection from anyone, male or female. Even though he brought it on himself, you can't help but feel sorry for him.

Three solid stories (and two weak short ones) make up "Ranma 1/2's" twenty-first volume, full of action and comic goodness. A pleasant comic read.

Best Manga EVER!!, 06 Dec 2001
I was new to manga when i first read Ranma 1/2 but i was thrilled with what i read! The characters are all strange but funny and realistic and their attitudes to one another are great. The storylines are hilarious and unlike other manga it is just one storyline through the book which makes the fun last longer. I can't describe any of the stories since they would probably be too complicated to understand from me and it'll spoil the fun - so get out there and buy it for yourself and you'll know what i mean.

The best character by far is Ryoga, the way he always get lost on a simple trip home or to a parking lot 400 metres from his house, and the way he's always trying to tell Akane that he loves her but either can't get it out because he's shy or Ranma pops in to make a fool of him.

In all its SOOOOOOO funny and lots of action packed times which are even funnier and then there are really touching moments that'll pull at your heart.

It's a great series and a great book. So get out there and buy it now!!!!

Ranma: a new genre itself, 25 Apr 2003
This book is one of the few which appera to have a description of the story so far and a cast of characters. This is one of the normal sized books with 11 parts each with 20 pages each. The parts are as follows:
Part 1-The lion's roar
Part 2-prelude to defeat
Part 3-unlucky blow
Part 4-emotional impact
Part 5-lion versus tiger
Part 6-the weight of victory
Part 7-New years curse
Part 8-ring proposal
Part 9-the plum and the prune
Part 10-sibling warfare
Part 11-the scandal breaks
One last thing: beware of prints of the book which can sometimes go over the page, although its rare you might wanna watch out for it because you can loose a few words sometimes

An Excellent Manga!!!, 27 Jan 2002
This manga is mainly about a battle between Ryoga and Ranma. Ryoga is trying to perfect a move called the shishi hokodan,with hilarious consequences, but i won't tell you anymore on that as i don't want to ruin the story for you!!! This whole series is *very* *very* funny,if you are looking for a manga with a difference then buy this one!!! You are never very far away form a laugh and there's plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. The art work is very nice and the story lines are simple enough for people of all ages to understand.

Lovers' tiff, 31 Dec 2005
Ever since Akane Tendo tried to drown Ranma Saotome in the bathtub, their relationship has been a bit rocky. But it reaches a turning point in the thirty-second volume of Rumiko Takahashi's "Ranma 1/2," where bean plants, chocolate hearts and spring incense cause new mayhem.

The Tendo dojo has been entrusted with a demon-fighting bean plant, which shoots beans at anyone who looks angry. So now everyone has to look happy -- or else. After that, the principal becomes obsessed with making the students bow to his statue -- and inadvertantly sends dizzy teacher Hinako on a homicidal mission.

Later on, Akane accidently inhales the "Incense of Spring Sleep," has a series of odd dreams about Ranma -- and acts them out. Mousse fears that Shampoo is inflicting an Amazon torture on him, and enlists Ranma and Akane to help defuse her rage. And Valentine's Day rolls around -- will Akane give Ranma chocolate, or will the depressed boy/girl go without?

Finally, Nodoka Saotome takes Ranma and Akane for a shopping trip, resulting in a heated "battle of the bosoms." She also catches a glimpse of her son racing away -- dressed in "Ranko's" clothing. As Ranma tries to salvage the situation, both with Nodoka and Akane, his mother prepares to welcome him home. But meeting his beloved mother might end up killing him...

Though Ranma has lots of suitors, it's pretty obvious that Akane is the only one he wants. Too bad he's too clueless about girls to get on her good side -- after apologizing for mocking Akane's breast size, he asks, "What did I do wrong, anyway?" Wrong question to ask.

Since they are the center of the series, there are quite a few cute moments here. There's Ranma's reaction to chocolate (or lack of it), Akane's dreams about Ranma as a handsome prince, and the mama of them all: Ranma and Akane almost go all the way, after Ranma gets the wrong idea about why Akane dragged him into a dark room.

We also get to see some amusing humour about the supporting characters. Mousse, who normally gets endless abuse from his beloved Shampoo, gets freaked when she starts smiling at him. Hinako goes on a rampage, involving spray paint and wet cement. And that bean plant, which flies around shooting at people, is an inspired idea -- nothing makes you want to get angry like being told you can't.

Bra sizes, bean plants and bowing to the principal cause lots of problems in the thirty-second volume of "Ranma 1/2." But fun as the comedy is, the awkward attraction between Akane and Ranma is what really makes it enjoyable.

A classic - simply not to be missed!, 27 Aug 2006
How do you describe a manga like Ranma 1/2? A comedy? A romance? A mix between the two? You can't. The beauty of [i]Ranma[/i] is that it touches on every genre; it can range from funny to awkward to touching to sad. This is what is perhaps the mangas greatest accomplishment - no matter what type of story you usually read, there's always something here that you'll enjoy. However, it's biggest draw has to be the genuinely funny scenes between the characters - this is one of the few mangas that I have actually laughed out loud at!

Ranma, the lead character of the manga, is in a rather sticky situation at the beginning of the story. As both he and his father study martial arts, they travelled to an ancient training ground in China to perfect their trade.
Though their tour guide tried to warn them, they were careless, and Ranma knocked his father into the "Spring of Drowned Panda" - unbenowest to him, a panda once drowned in that very spring, and when splashed with cold water, the person who fell into that spring will inhabit the body of a giant panda!
Ranma suffered a similar fate - although he fell into the "Spring of Drowned Girl". I'm sure you can guess what happened next!
Luckily for them, being doused in warm water gives them back there original bodies.. however, Ranma's problems do not end there. His father has arranged for him to be wed to one of the young girls of his fathers oldest friends, who owns a tendo school, and he has to go back to Japan to meet them straight away!

While the art can begin to look a little dated (it was first published in Shonen Sunday in 1987!), it's smooth and quirky and easily stands up to more recent series. It's also a perfect introduction to people just beginning to read manga - it's more western left to right format and simple art style will help avoid confusion, though manga veterans may find it too plain for their taste.

Collecting all the Ranma books is going to wage war on your purse strings - with over twenty volumes in the series, this could end up easily costing you over a hundred pounds.. but clever buying and sensible timing of your purchases can help ease up that loss considerably, eh? ;)

Ranma 1/2 is a fantastic series from a well known manga-ka (InuYasha, anyone?). I urge you all to give it a shot.

This book is..., 05 May 2005
this book is great. call me weird, but i think it's really really REALLY funny, its about this 'guy', Ranma, who is training for martial arts with his father, and they go to the 'valley of cursed springs'
they jump around and fight, until...father falls in one, but i gaint (And terribly funny) Panda comes out. Ranma falls into a spring and when he appers, 'he's' a girl. so when ever he's splashed with cold water, he turns into a girl, and hot water turns him back. this book is super funny and a great read :)

Ranma 1/2, 21 Sep 2004
Call me cliched, but this really is a fantastic book and series. It's just about this one "guy" called Ranma who turns into a girl when wet and spends the whole time running away from newly found fiances and enemies who love the fiances and just eneemies who want to avenge him for some stuff he's done in the past (and believe me he's done a lot!). It's better than it sounds, It was my first manga book, I was attracted by the chunky panda on the cover and now I'm really into manga etc. And you can't just quit, you have to buy the next one...every page is a work of art and there's bound to be some funny quip waiting there for you. Great stuff....

Liking this book could damage your credit card, but life is, 29 Jun 2004
short.

From the publisher's indicia: "Ranma1/2 is rated T+ for older teens. It may contain..." Well who cares about publishers covering their backsides? This series (and the latest is vol.26) is suitable for anyone who can appreciate the content and that extends far beyond the presumed target audience to even include adults of mature sensibilities (though it helps if they have a sense of the absurd). Ranma 1/2 ranks alongside the best of graphic stories in that it is supremely entertaining.

I'd say this was suitable for anyone who enjoys the work of Alan Moore, Los Bros Hernandez,George Herriman, Joss Whedon, Robert Crumb, and Hayao Miyazaki, to name but a few, because on its own terms it is as good as any of them. On its own terms.

We aren't talking high art here, people, we're talking fun and nothing but fun (plus oblique perceptive comments on the roles of the sexes). It is constantly and consistently inventive, laugh out loud funny, and manages to engage sympathy for its characters despite most of them being self-centred, bad-tempered, petty, spiteful, violent, and unbelievably obtuse. They are also superhumanly resistant to damage, which is just as well given the bizarre variety of martial arts on display. And rather than running out of steam, the series gets stranger, more complex, and funnier as it continues. It also contains (among much more) scenes of nudity, sexual innuendo, romantic situations, eating, sport, fantasy, and frequent bathing. What more could a boy or girl want?

A couple of months ago, already hooked by Takahashi's 'Maison Ikkoku', I downloaded a couple of episodes off the net, liked what I saw, picked up three of the books on Ebay, and now own all 26 published to date (say 'thank you', Amazon). Try this book and that could well happen to you. Go on, try it out, it's the most fun you could have apart from...

Well, actually, right now I can't think of anything else.

The perfect time to start reading a modern classic, 12 Aug 2003
The first thing you should know is that this is one of the best comic series of all time, and is an excellent read even for those that don't usually read comics.

The second (and it's a close second) is that in 2003, the publisher had a re-think, and decided to publish the newest volumes (22 onwards) and republish the old ones in a newer, smaller, and cheaper format. So, when buying, if you want to have the whole collection look nice on your bookshelf, make sure you go for the latter.

The *older* design have covers that are mainly a single colour (volume 1 is red) with a kind of line-based design and a *small* picture of some of the characters under the title.

The *newer* versions have white backgrounds, and the picture on the front fills the entire page. To find an example, just search for volume 22, which is only available in the new format.

Do not let any of this put you off! It's also worth noting that this is one of the best translated Mangas around. While some of the original nuances are inevitably lost (in particular, the characters' significant use of the male or female form of speech), a heroic and often inspired attempt has been made to keep in the puns, particularly in the chapter titles.

Finally, if you're thinking ahead as to how much this lot will eventually set you back, bear in mind that at the current rate this version of the series will run to approximately 36 volumes. It's worth every penny though, especially in the new, cheap format.

Unconditionally recommended.

The Musk Dynasty, 29 Sep 2005
Okay, sure, "Ranma 1/2" is technically a comedy series. Rumiko Takahashi wrote the sprawling martial-arts romance with plenty of jokes, goofy characters and misunderstandings.

But in the 22nd volume of this series, Takahashi showed us the darker side of the Ranma story. There are plenty of funny moments, but it also has a very powerful and impressive opponent, some harrowing fight scenes, and what seems to be the death of a major character.

Ranma finds his rivals Ryoga and Mousse, both savagely beaten by a pair of animalistic warriors. Ranma arrives just in time to see their cloaked leader mistreat Akane -- and during the fight, the dragon-woman Herb splashes Ranma with water. Herb is from the ancient Musk Dynasty, a tribe that took on the attributes of animals. And the water is from the Pail of Preservation -- and it locks Ranma in his female form.

Ranma can regain his male form, but only if he gets the Water Pot of Liberation, which Herb is also searching for. So Ranma, Ryoga and Mousse (who want the pot for themselves) set out to defeat Herb and her bodyguards. But Herb is a more lethal opponent than Ranma has ever faced before -- and his own attacks don't work, especially when Herb's startling secret is revealed...

Takahashi's more recent works -- such as the Inuyasha series -- rely more heavily on action and fantasy than the Ranma series did. And so the Musk Dynasty story seems almost like a warmup for Takahashi's later work, with its emphasis on gritty action, understated romance and lethal villains. Herb even looks a bit like her later villain Sesshomaru.

Okay, there's still plenty of humour, such as the Musk warriors who are obsessed with women and breasts, or the way that Ryoga and Mousse keep distracting them ("Look at HER boobs!"). But the climax of the story is completely devoid of humour. Ranma is beaten to a pulp and almost decapitated, while Mousse and Ryoga battle the superhuman Lime and Mint and are nearly sealed in their pig and duck forms.

Takahashi's artwork had also matured by this time -- it's very detailed, more lifelike and intricate, and there is a new maturity to the tempestuous Ranma/Akane attraction ("I guess... even if I can't be a man... I have to go back for her sake"). She had also mastered the art of the cliffhanger, since Ryoga seems to be dead near the end of one chapter.

Ranma and Company deal with a new and frightening enemy in the 22nd volume of this series. Darker, edgier, but still often funny.

Octopus returneth, 25 Feb 2007
Pantyhose Taro returns!

Rumiko Takahashi's most openly obnoxious character returns to the Ranma 1/2 series, as Ranma and his pals struggle with body armor, hot springs and fishing poles. A couple of the shorter stories are rather weak, but the other three are hilarious offbeat.

Happosai arrives at the Tendo house, beaten to a pulp and covered in ink. It turns out to be Pantyhose Taro, who plans to douse Happosai with the "Spring of Drowned Pious Man" water. Only problem is, he got the wrong cursed water -- the "Spring of Drowned Twins." Now Ranma, Soun and Genma must stop Pantyhose Taro from dousing Happosai with the water. But Pantyhose Taro has a new weapon -- giant tentacles.

In the aftermath, Nodoka Saotome returns to the Tendo house, just as Kasumi falls ill. Not only does Nodoka offer to cook their meals, but she offers to teach Akane. Problem is, Akane's cooking is toxic. So the disguised Ranma takes it on himself to cook as well, and soon he and Akane are sauteeing their way to disaster.

On the goofier front, Ranma ends up playing "Cinderella": A rich guy is trying to identify the pig-tailed girl who once stomped on his head. And school creepoid Gosunkugi discovers a way to defeat Ranma once and for all -- invincible body armor. Now if only the armor didn't explode...

Finally, Ryoga purchases a magic "fishing pole of love" to use on Akane -- except it hits Ranma instead. Much to Ryoga's discomfort, soon Ranma is washing his clothes, making his breakfast and asking if they can at least be "friends." As Ranma's infatuation grows, a confused Akane tries to figure out exactly what is going on.

Rumiko Takahashi has always been great at action stories, or stories that rely on character gags. The two shortest stories don't quite work; one is too goofy, and the other feels squashed into a too-short chapter. The rest of the twenty-first volume is pure gold.

One of the stories is almost non-stop action with a bit of goofiness thrown in, and the ever-arrogant Pantyhose Taro destroying bathhouses and causing mayhem. And then Takahashi switches to character-based comedy, with lots of romantic rivalry and kitchen disasters. Oh, the suspense -- will Akane ever learn how to cook without poisoning people?

But pity poor Ryoga -- Ranma's rival really goes through the wringer, with Ranma pursuing him, and Akane believing that he's so pitiful that he'll take affection from anyone, male or female. Even though he brought it on himself, you can't help but feel sorry for him.

Three solid stories (and two weak short ones) make up "Ranma 1/2's" twenty-first volume, full of action and comic goodness. A pleasant comic read.

Best Manga EVER!!, 06 Dec 2001
I was new to manga when i first read Ranma 1/2 but i was thrilled with what i read! The characters are all strange but funny and realistic and their attitudes to one another are great. The storylines are hilarious and unlike other manga it is just one storyline through the book which makes the fun last longer. I can't describe any of the stories since they would probably be too complicated to understand from me and it'll spoil the fun - so get out there and buy it for yourself and you'll know what i mean.

The best character by far is Ryoga, the way he always get lost on a simple trip home or to a parking lot 400 metres from his house, and the way he's always trying to tell Akane that he loves her but either can't get it out because he's shy or Ranma pops in to make a fool of him.

In all its SOOOOOOO funny and lots of action packed times which are even funnier and then there are really touching moments that'll pull at your heart.

It's a great series and a great book. So get out there and buy it now!!!!

Ranma: a new genre itself, 25 Apr 2003
This book is one of the few which appera to have a description of the story so far and a cast of characters. This is one of the normal sized books with 11 parts each with 20 pages each. The parts are as follows:
Part 1-The lion's roar
Part 2-prelude to defeat
Part 3-unlucky blow
Part 4-emotional impact
Part 5-lion versus tiger
Part 6-the weight of victory
Part 7-New years curse
Part 8-ring proposal
Part 9-the plum and the prune
Part 10-sibling warfare
Part 11-the scandal breaks
One last thing: beware of prints of the book which can sometimes go over the page, although its rare you might wanna watch out for it because you can loose a few words sometimes

An Excellent Manga!!!, 27 Jan 2002
This manga is mainly about a battle between Ryoga and Ranma. Ryoga is trying to perfect a move called the shishi hokodan,with hilarious consequences, but i won't tell you anymore on that as i don't want to ruin the story for you!!! This whole series is *very* *very* funny,if you are looking for a manga with a difference then buy this one!!! You are never very far away form a laugh and there's plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat. The art work is very nice and the story lines are simple enough for people of all ages to understand.

Lovers' tiff, 31 Dec 2005
Ever since Akane Tendo tried to drown Ranma Saotome in the bathtub, their relationship has been a bit rocky. But it reaches a turning point in the thirty-second volume of Rumiko Takahashi's "Ranma 1/2," where bean plants, chocolate hearts and spring incense cause new mayhem.

The Tendo dojo has been entrusted with a demon-fighting bean plant, which shoots beans at anyone who looks angry. So now everyone has to look happy -- or else. After that, the principal becomes obsessed with making the students bow to his statue -- and inadvertantly sends dizzy teacher Hinako on a homicidal mission.

Later on, Akane accidently inhales the "Incense of Spring Sleep," has a series of odd dreams about Ranma -- and acts them out. Mousse fears that Shampoo is inflicting an Amazon torture on him, and enlists Ranma and Akane to help defuse her rage. And Valentine's Day rolls around -- will Akane give Ranma chocolate, or will the depressed boy/girl go without?

Finally, Nodoka Saotome takes Ranma and Akane for a shopping trip, resulting in a heated "battle of the bosoms." She also catches a glimpse of her son racing away -- dressed in "Ranko's" clothing. As Ranma tries to salvage the situation, both with Nodoka and Akane, his mother prepares to welcome him home. But meeting his beloved mother might end up killing him...

Though Ranma has lots of suitors, it's pretty obvious that Akane is the only one he wants. Too bad he's too clueless about girls to get on her good side -- after apologizing for mocking Akane's breast size, he asks, "What did I do wrong, anyway?" Wrong question to ask.

Since they are the center of the series, there are quite a few cute moments here. There's Ranma's reaction to chocolate (or lack of it), Akane's dreams about Ranma as a handsome prince, and the mama of them all: Ranma and Akane almost go all the way, after Ranma gets the wrong idea about why Akane dragged him into a dark room.

We also get to see some amusing humour about the supporting characters. Mousse, who normally gets endless abuse from his beloved Shampoo, gets freaked when she starts smiling at him. Hinako goes on a rampage, involving spray paint and wet cement. And that bean plant, which flies around shooting at people, is an inspired idea -- nothing makes you want to get angry like being told you can't.

Bra sizes, bean plants and bowing to the principal cause lots of problems in the thirty-second volume of "Ranma 1/2." But fun as the comedy is, the awkward attraction between Akane and Ranma is what really makes it enjoyable.

Two trouble, 25 Feb 2007
One Ranma Saotome is trouble enough. But what about two?

The funny thirty-third volume of action-comedy "Ranma 1/2" shows us how Tokyo isn't big enough for two Ranmas, and the fury of Nabiki scorned. In addition, author Rumiko Takahashi introduces a rather bizarre new character who would be Ukyo's ideal mate... if he ever got a clue.

After getting lost, Ranma and Genma arrive at a mysterious old mansion. But then Ranma accidently looks into a cursed mirror, which creates a slutty all-girl duplicate of him. Now girl-Ranma is running amuck, enraging Akane and smooching Ryoga... and in love with the real Ranma. The only hope of stopping her is to use a magical compact that traps anyone who looks inside... except Akane and Ranma get sucked in too.

Then Ranma is left at home with Nabiki, but he's uneasy because he accidently destroyed her concert ticket. Sure enough, Nabiki finds some ingenious ways to get even with Ranma. And on the night of the Star Festival, young lovers put their names on bamboo stalks, which is supposed to inspire true love. Except the wrong people keep trying to get Ranma and Akane's name cards.

And finally, Happosai tricks Ranma into coming to the Red Hot Tea House, a kunoichi (female ninja) brothel. After they see the butt-ugly inhabitants, they leave it in ruins. Now the beautiful ninja Konatsu is after Ranma for revenge, but she soon runs into Ukyo, the only person to ever show her kindness. What neither Ukyo nor Ranma knows is that Konatsu is hiding a secret crush...

Okay, "double trouble" is a bit cliched -- lots of series have duplicates-running-am