Story 8/10
I don't think I have ever seen anything (movie, book, TV) where people turn into something else when touching cold water. I think the story is very original and keeps you entertained for most part. There were times that I laughed out loud, by myself, while reading this. The problem is that the story turns repetitive, where issues seem to be recycled and so many unnecessary and almost uninteresting arcs, that only a faithful fan can go through with the whole manga without skipping parts. However, I also feel there were so many good and funny arcs that were not included in the anime, that by the end of the manga, you are glad you read through all that. Another problem with the story is the ending. I have seen many people complaining that it is ambiguous, unsatisfying, solves no issues and really nothing major happened related to the story moving forward. All of that is true. I wouldn't say a 100% because there is some sense of everyone understanding their place in Ranma' and Akane's live and how Akane and Ranma will eventually be happily married. Even Akane and Ranma know their feelings for each other (even as they still refuse to openly accept them).
Art 6/10
Boy, you can tell that is an old anime. Sometimes the drawings were hard to follow, with too many images put in one page.
Characters 8/10
So, with Ranma 1/2 I either love or hate the characters.
*Hate: Shampoo, Nabiki, Happosai and the school's principal.
The rest of the cast is good for me. However, I hold a special place in my heart for Ryoga, because I thought his character is hilarious and I also loved how pure his love for Akane was. I know, he does get interested into Akari at some point, but still he was loyal to Akane (specially given how she always friendzoned him). I know Ryoga might come across as a pervert, with watching Akane naked and sleeping with her as P-chan, but sometimes I think I wouldn't have been mad if Akane ended up with Ryoga and not Ranma.
Ranma is a very smart, strong, quick learner, decided, persistent and direct character. I found it absolutely hilarious how Ranma would use his "feminine charms" to get what he wanted when he was a girl. Ranma is also very forgiving, specially towards his father (who usually tries to take advantage of him). Akane is a strong and independent lady (although we do see Ranma always saving her from something). I do think she tends to be too aggressive towards Ranma and acted childish towards her feelings for him. I think even though it was hard for Ranma and Akane to put it to words, they did love each other and it was evident through their mutual concern over each other (and in how people attacked Akane whenever they wanted to hurt Ranma).
I loved Panty-hose Taro's arc as well and was glad we got to see much more from him in the manga.
Enjoyment 9/10
As I said, there were many times while I laughed out loud with this manga. And I read through the whole thing. That must mean I really liked it.
Overall 8/10
It's a shame I can't rate this high because of the obvious flaws it has, but this will always be one of my favorite manga/anime.
