Ranma ½

Well Ranma 1/2 doesn't have a plot per say. It's more like a bunch of entertaining stories put together in the middle of a crazy scenario. However, that does not decrease the value of Ranma at all. It is a very good manga to pick up. Even considering the age and art style are quite different than most manga modern day. It is still very action packed and extremely hilarious. It happens to be one of my favorite manga of all time, just because the characters are all unique and funny. Just by reading Ranma you can discover the influence it has had on many of todays manga. The stories aren't redundant and it very good read. In fact, I plan on reading the volumes multiple times. The action comedy romance is quite spectacular and unique to Ranma, unlike other series, it obtains a sense of originality that separates it from the rest and truly makes it great. Unfortunately, I don't which to spoil the series but all the twists and turns are funny and suprising that it will always make you have a "Laugh out Loud Moment". The Protagonists and the supporting characters are all memorable and it really is a manga that is worth reading, even if it does not particularly have a plot.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WHO LIKES MARTIAL ARTS AND COMEDY!
With a side of romance to boot, who would miss out on the opportunity to read this CHAOTIC AND SPECTACULAR MANGA!

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Ranma 1/2 is something that is difficult to pin a single description on. At times there are lots of action scenes, explosions, and various attacks flying around. At other times it is side splitting humor due to an awkward time and place for Ranma to transform, or situations he gets roped into, and still other times where Akane's explosive temper or jealousy takes us by suprise.Scattered here and there are some genuinely sweet and tender moments as well.

(8) Ranma 1/2 is episodic. It has no overarching plot other than to perhaps reverse the curse placed on Ranma and several other we meet along the way. We have our core group of Ranma and friends, and a number of other characters that come and go.

(10) The art is amazingly detailed and crisp. Age is no qualm here as an excuse for sloppy art. This is top notch. Sometimes simple and clean, other times detail overload.

( 10) The characters here all have a healthy dose of insanity. With few exceptions most of the characters have some unique personality traits that either put Ranma and crew in massive trouble, or cause such an awkward scene that you can't help but burst out laughing. Also with few exceptions most of the characters are so tenacious that they just cannot give up. ever. It doesn't matter how many times they get pounded into the ground, or launched into the sky, they just keep coming back for more. But it fits with those characters personalities and makes them what they are. We do have a number of one or two shot characters that appear for a scene or two and are never seen again.

(9) Ranma 1/2 is a very long series, 38 volumes is a lot to read through. I won't lie and say I enjoyed every single one of the stories, but I'm willing to forgive them in light of the insane fun of the majority of the set.

(10) Overall I loved Ranma 1/2 and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of insane fun mixed with various action bits and a romance plot that is extremely warped due to the number of opposing parties involved. Not to mention that Ranma is both a boy and a girl, and with the plentiful insanity, various people either love him or hate him depending on which he is at the time.

The only bad things I can say about the series is that sometimes enough is enough. Ranma's immaturity, and Akanes explosive temper can get a little old
but still.
10/10 without a doubt. Bias included.

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"More than a story, an adventure." - This is the general feeling given off by Rumiko Takahashi's "Ranma 1/2". A manga which really communicates with you, making the reader part of the story.

Story (9)

Ranma 1/2 is more of a collection of different "episodes" than a single story. The arcs are distinct from each other, with little or no connection between each other. The main plot however, is easily recognized as a dominant theme in all arcs. This setup makes the story lighter, as there are no unnecessary details clogging the flow of events.

Takahashi keeps the story simple all throughout, making it more suitable to most reader's tastes. As most shounen manga some "typical themes", such as that of the "always-strongest-main-character" were recurrent, but they did not tarnish the work (though I may be biased here).

The manga fulfills its genre properly, providing the reader with lots of action, cut by good "doses" of romance and comedy. The manga ends on a generally satisfying note, leaving only a few, unimportant plot holes but neatly wrapping up the main story line.

Art (10)

In terms of artwork, the manga is simple, neat and realistic. It omits unnecessary details, providing only the essential elements for an enjoyable story. Through the art, the mangaka creates an effect of simplicity, making the reader appreciate the pleasure of a "normal" romance/comedy (normal as far as a shounen gender bender allows it anyway...).

Character (9)

Character-wise, what I most enjoyed in this story is how balanced the characters were. All characters were satisfactorily developed, having their strengths and their flaws. By displaying her character's flaws, Rumiko Takahashi allows us to relate more easily to them, something I find difficult to do when the character is presented as "perfect".

As the story progresses, the characters improve in the eyes of the reader and their relationships with each other changes, which is a gripping and realistic portrait of life.

Enjoyment (10)

A fantastic read, with deep, meaningful passages as well as light comedy contributing to one of the most enjoyable manga series I have read. I will definitely be re-reading this series in the future though I doubt that the enjoyment will be the same that I feel about the manga as I am writing. Rumiko Takahashi truly makes you experience her character's adventures making it a memorable and unforgettable experience.

Dealing with bias
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As I may have been biased in this review (Ranma 1/2 is, after all, one of my favorites!) I will add this manga's average score (from MAL) to my own average score to give a fair overall score. Please note that the Ranma 1/2 statistics are taken today (24.10.13).

Personal Score - 9.50/10
MAL Average Score - 8.03/10

Overall Score - 8.76 / 10 (rounded to 9)

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Here we go with my second overall review.

To start things off, I have a lot of love for Rumiko Talajashi and her many works, but so far I have loved Ranma 1/2 most of all, so if my review seems a little biased, please forgive me.

Story:
Let me give you a quick summary of what this story is all about. Ranma Saotome is a 16 year old martial artist who went on a training mission to China with his father. His father took him to one of Chinas roughest training areas, The Jusenkyo springs, a place covered with hundreds of small springs each with a curse. Those who train there often fall into the springs attaining the curse. Its safe to say that Ranma and his father, Genma, are one of those unlucky few. And what IS the curse?? No they don't grow an extra head, no they don't have to kill someone to get through the day, and no they aren't forced to suffer the tortures of hell every waking minute of their lives, the curse Ranma and is father attain is far worse. For Genma, after getting knocked intoi a spring by one of his sons kicks is cursed to tansform itno a panda whenever splashed wth cold water as for Ranma well... instead of a panda HE is cursed to transform into a buxom young lady whenever doused with cold water. Now these curses wouldn't seem so bad if it wasn't for the fact that only hot water can transform them back to normal, and with sudden downpours, waterparks, and the surprising lack of proper water disposal hot water is pretty damn hard to come by. To make matters worse the two were so depressed about their curses they forgot to jump into the one spring that could cure them, The spring of drowned man! Not only that but Ranma's father has arranged for him to marry, Akane, the daughter of Genmas good freind and a girl who hates boys. These two would be lovers get off to a rough start, but slowly except each other, unfortunately Ranma and Akane have a habit of collecting rivals and "fiances". Will Ranma and Akane fall in love? Will Ranma ever rid himself of his curse?

Well theres a basic summary of the series, Ranma 1/2 is fairly episodic, and lacks in major plot development, however although the story jumps from one idea to another these ideas are very genuine and unique and add a certain pizaz to the series. Another point that should be noted is the fact that Ranma 1/2 is mostly a romantic comedy, but the different story arcs seem to revolve more around comedy and action then romance.

I give the story of Ranma 1/2 a 8/10, because although it lacks major plot, the comedy aspect is just too good to give a lower score.


Art: I love this series with all my heart, but while the art does accomplish what it is meant to do, (characters,setting,etc) looking at other anime and manga it most definately could be better. Don't get me wrong the art is good, but it could be better.

I'll give the art of Ranma 1/2 a 7/10.


Character:
Now here is where this series definately shines!! If there is one thing Rumiko Takahashi is amazing at, its her characters. Read this series and you'll find the most crazy, nonsensical cast of characters imaginable. Not a single one of them is flat in any way shape or form, even the one time characters who show up for only one chapter make an impact.

I believe the source of this success is the balance each character has. Not one is too good or to evil. Each of them, even Ranma, can have there own selfish little tendancies causing them to seem like antagonists. This is an extremely interesting point becasue you can never tell if the characters will be for or against Ranma when they enter the chapter.
I genuinely wish I could go into more detail about the characters but I'm afraid it would take up too much time.

Call me crazy but I'll the character of Ranma 1/2 a 10/10


Enjoyment:
This is one of the most enjoyable series I have ever read! I have spent hourse reading through the manga multiple times and each time the jokes get even funnier! I don't know how else to explain it, although Ranma 1/2 is halarious it also balances romantic aspects and action into a wonderful and memorable story, that you will be sad to finsih.
I give it a 10/10

Overall:
If you don't like episodic stories and beleive this one is a waste of your time, I beg you to reconsider!! Your mind will ultimately change for the better after reading Ranma 1/2
Again a 10/10

Call me silly for giving a manga that lacks in story development a 10/10, but when the series finally does touch down on the main plot, it makes you remeber them. This is a series you will want to read again and again.

So for a closing statement I suggest you go out and try reading Ranma 1/2 and just try stopping!

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