One of the all-time classics     Jul 14, 2007     reviewed by larryniven    

Ranma 1/2 (aka Ranma Nibunnoichi) is manga giant Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series - and for good reason. From the first frame of the first page of the first volume of the series, Takahashi creates what is, in my opinion, the richest comedy universe in written fiction.

The title character, Ranma Saotome, is your typical modern manga/anime action hero: confident and innately talented, but hesitant to train and unwilling to compromise. But there's also something unique about him, a different side of his personality you might say. Takahashi uses this unique feature of her character - and her universe, as readers will discover with time - to create a wholly realistic cast of characters with whom the readers will be quick to identify. Takahashi adds to her character-based humor a brilliant sense of comic timing and a fearless attitude towards the absurd, making this series consistently funnier than almost anything else out there. And, of course, the series is infused throughout with her trademark dance towards and away from romance, which matches the comedy in its effectiveness.

Much of the series is light, one- or two-chapter stories, but Takahashi also provides several longer, more serious story arcs. Some fans never got over what Takahashi did with the last chapter of the series, but personally I think it was the only satisfying option. Either way, one page won't ruin 36 volumes of master-level work. The only recommendation I can possibly give about Ranma 1/2 is, read it. Right now.

larryniven also recommended: Rumic Theater, Maison Ikkoku, Short Program,
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Ranma 1/2     Jun 16, 2007     reviewed by black_orchid    

Ranma is written by Rumiko Takahashi whose wrote Inuyasha.The manga is about ranma ,a boy whose can turn back to a girl when got splash by cold water but can turn into a boy again if he got pour by hot water.It's all started when he fell into a cursed spring in china while his dad fell to another cursed springs that make him turn into a panda.The story getting more complicate when ranma need to get back to japan to engage with one of Tendo's family daughter.Love,comedy and martial arts combine into one interesting manga.I can read this series over and over again, and see my self smile and laugh over this series...Once you read this series,you will ask for more!!

black_orchid also recommended: Inuyasha, Case Closed, One Piece,
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OMG READ IT     May 31, 2007     reviewed by Rin    

this book may look stupid but its rilly interesting i thought it was confusing at first but when i got more of the books it became more interesting to me and its a awsome book i think everyone should read this book :3

Rin also recommended: Naruto, Marmalade Boy, Death Note, negima,
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JUST THE BEST! I TELL YOU....     May 29, 2007     reviewed by Jessica    

It's a very nice story it has everything, nice artwork it's a fantasy/action story but it's the same time Romantic, comedy that's totally funny that you'll laughed a lot. I totally read it again soon, it's a book you'll never get to read again and again.

Jessica also recommended: InuYasha, Alice 19th,
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The beginning to Rumiko Takahashi's beloved Anything Goes Martial Arts transgender comedy     Jul 17, 2008     reviewed by apf2    
(Ranma 1/2 Vol. 01)

The first novel introduces the main characters in the story and begins their growing love tangles. I highly recommend you check out and buy this book. It will give you a taste of Takahashi's shounen style with her signature tint of love.

apf2 also recommended: Urusei Yatsura, Rumic World,
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Ranma 1/2 is fun!     Apr 15, 2008     reviewed by Mem    

Now, i know a lot of people are always saying that Rumiko Takahashi and her works all look the same. Well, because she has developed a certain style, before you read this manga, its really important to know your going to be finding that same kind of style here. And also, the story line may seem similar to a lot of story lines by her. Well, you have to push that out of your mind before you start Ranma 1/2.

Ranma 1/2 is the story of Ranma Saotome. Although this manga does have several other character stories going on around him, Ranma is still the focus of the series. Following his father to China to train, they unknowingly go into a cursed training ground, Jusenkyo. While the guide of the springs tries to warn them of the dangers of training there, they start to fight, and Ranma knocks Genma in, who continues the fight...unknowingly...as a panda. Ranma and Genma fall pray to the cursed springs, where animals and people have drowned. So if anyone else falls into the springs, when doused with cold water, they become that animal or person. Genma is changed into a panda, and Ranma falls into the spring of the drowned girl. Genma, even knowing this, keeps pressing Ranma foreward to Japan, where his so-called fiance awaits. When they get to Japan, Ranma and Genma and the Tendo family sit down and have everything explained to them, although Ranma is determined to break the curse, and not have to marry Akane (the youngest daughter of Soun Tendo, who, after learning his secret, does not intend to marry him either), it seems as though a lot more mischief and dangers await him before he can do either!

Art Style: If you like really nice complicated artwork, this really isn't the manga for you. I have to tell you now that this artwork is good for what it is, but very simple and easy on the eye. Story Style: Ok, i do admit that the stories, while all very different from each other, still seem to repeat a common theme. Well, because of the way the story is told, it is really fun without getting annoying, and still keeps you wondering how things will happen in the end. But be warned that the story does seem like it constantly repeats stories at times. If you can bear it, though, it turns really wonderful, beginning and end. Character development: I think the cast of characters is very interesting. They don't seem to be alike at all, and definitely have their own personalities. It does seem, at times, they don't explain the characters back stories often enough, though, so some characters jump in, you get maybe a few pages of character storyline, and then thats it. But the characters themselves are great, even without that knowledge.

Overall, the story is great and enjoyable. I hope you will enjoy Ranma 1/2 as much as i did.

Mem also recommended: fruits basket,
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no title     Aug 28, 2007     reviewed by KoolKat    

A purely episodical comedy, Takahashi's knack for quirky characters make up for the extreme lack of plot. Several memebers of the large cast are revolved throughout the various storylines, however, a few favorites seem to always be involved.

The observant reader may notice that some of the storylines are recycled, specifically the process through which Ranma gains a new attack. Still, the usually fresh gags and dialogues are able to make up for this flaw.

Some of the characters are mostly one-dimensional and, as this series is not heavily into character development, at least one will annoy you. This is not to say that this comic completely lacks character growth. Occasionally, there are a few semi-serious storylines that help some of the characters (usually the main ones) to mature.

This series is great if you are having a bad day, as it is sure to give you a good chuckle.

KoolKat also recommended: Tenchi Muyo,
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Manga is Better than Anime!     Aug 05, 2007     reviewed by Natalie    

For me, Ranma is the ambassador of manga. And even people who have watched the anime will enjoy this action packed and super funny series. So much is cut for TV, you will have a whole new respect for your favorites. Nevermind that unlike the TV show, the art does not deteriorate as the story progresses, it improves and is much more beautiful.

Natalie also recommended: Inu Yasha, Tsubasa Kun Change,
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A Great First Anime     May 22, 2007     reviewed by Demoni    

Ranma 1/2 is the story of a boy who so happened to fall into a cursed spring. The result? He becomes a girl whenever hit with cold water!

The series follows the misadventures of Ranma Saotome. He becomes engaged to Akane Tendo, as well as a few other suitors, through various causes. Although they fight often and quite violently, Ranma and Akane grow to care about each other - despite the various people who get in the way!

This series is filled with a unique cast, loads of characters and plenty of interesting story arcs. If it's your first foray into anime or manga, Ranma 1/2 is a good way to go. It has some very Japanese things contained within the series (hot springs, for example), and is also one of the quirkier manga one could search out.

Demoni also recommended: InuYasha, Cowboy Bebop, Slayers, Slayers Next, Slayers Try, Maze, Dragon Knights,
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Lychee is sooooo anoying     Jul 30, 2007     reviewed by The Furry Panda    
(Ranma 1/2: Movie 1 Big Trouble Nekonron China)

i had never watched ranma b4 this video, i found it to be very intresting thou besides the fact that the english dubs are verrrryyyy bad, not the worst ever but bad. Yet, the story is good and its very classic. 3 Stars.

The Furry Panda also recommended: One Piece, Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z,
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