Rating: 
Summary: Ranma 1/2, Volume 1
Review: If the only thing that comes to your mind when you are thinking about manga is Sailor Moon, you are missing a lot!
My friend and I were discussing graphic novels one day, when she asked if I had read Ranma 1/2. I hadn't so she gave me a brief synopsis. I immediately went to the library and checked it out. I swear, I must have read it like 5 times and can probably recite bits of it by memory. It's amazing-the jokes were funny everytime I read it!
The story is basically about a a boy named Ranma Saotome and his father, Genma, both martial artists on a mission of training. They come upon an ancient, cursed training ground. There are hundreds of springs, each with a legend and a curse. Ranma knocks his father into "Spring of Drowned Panda" and now every time he is splashed with cold water, he turns into a panda. (Hot water changes him back.) Genma the panda knocks Ranma into a spring-"Spring of Drowned Girl!" To top off his misery, his father has engaged him to his best friend's youngest daughter, Akane Tendo. It really doesn't help that Akane hates men.
It's not easy for Ranma to be a half boy/half girl. For instance, it's really hard for him to keep his secret. Not to mention some people love him as a boy and hate him as a girl, and some people hate him as a boy and love him as a girl. (You'd be surprised how many whacky ways he gets wet.)
Along the way, we are introduced to a whole handful of zany characters, such as Tatewaki Kuno, Nabiki, Soun, and Kasumi Tendo, and the eternally lost boy, Ryoga Hibiki. He is holding a major grudge on Ranma, but we don't find out why until the 2nd book.
The only bad part is that the pictures are really dark. So be forewarned, it's sometimes hard to tell where one picture ends and another begins.
I love this book mostly because of the humor, and the fights are pretty cool too.
Also, beware if you don't want a serious addiction. Once you've read one, you HAVE to read the rest. Believe me, this will cause many sleepless nights. You will cry out in your sleep, "Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! Must...have...next...Ranma...book...!!! Aieee!" If you do read these and become hooked, you will probably go broke, they're pretty expensive! (At my local bookstore, they are about $15.95!)
But if you are really looking for a good read, try Ranma 1/2 by Rumiko Takahashi.
Also reccommended: Inu-Yasha, Cardcaptor Sakura, Planet Ladder, Slayers, Samurai Girl Real Bout High School, and Revolutionary Girl Utena.
Rating:
Summary: Good for a story, great for a manga, and best for a laugh!
Review: Of the many mangas (that's anime in book form for those of you who are new) I have read, I'd have to say this one tops them all. Rumiko Takahasi, the "Queen of Romantic Comedy," is none other than a Japanese artistic marvel. She also came up with Inuyasha, which I have to say is good, but none beat Ranma 1/2.This first volume introduces Ranma, a boy whos father is perhaps too eager for martial arts training. Unable to read Chinese, he took his son to the legendary training grouds, the Accursed Springs in China. Ranma knocked his father into one spring and he came up...a panda? More than a little weirded out Ranma fell into another spring, and when he was once a [HOT!] guy, came up a well-figured girl! This curse is lifted with warm water, but when doused with cold water they turn back into their other strange forms! An old friend of the Saotomes (Ranma and his pop) has three daughters, and they were going to have Ranma marry one of the girls to join the families and keep up the martial arts schools. Well, that was before they came, and when the girls find out, the youngest, Akane Tendo, becomes engaged to him (by their fathers' choice, of course). Their personalities clash, but they'll just have to get used to it. What follows is a series of odd but very funny mishaps that'll have you eagerly awaiting the next page...and the next volume. That's how it is, it's a real page turner and always leaves you wanting to read the next book. I would reccommend this to anyone who loves anime, mangas, anyone who's into martial arts, and/or appreciates a good comedy. But don't think that's all, there's a really good storyline that's pretty easy to follow, and wonderful characters with many personalities. This is a must for any anime lover, boy, girl, or half and half!
Rating:
Summary: The lazy explaination of Ranma 1/2
Review: FYI I'm 14 not 12 or under. This is probably my favorite manga though Inu-yasha is a close 2nd. But i do know Rumiko Takahashi is my favorite manga-ka. Now moving on to the manga, Ranma 1/2 is about a guy who turns into a girl and all of his adventures. Now don't get the wrong idea he is not a girl permenatly only when he is hit with cold water, hot water changes him back to a guy. That's all i'm explaining (cuz im lazy) go and read it your self and you better like it!
Rating:
Summary: Everyone can enjoy Ranma.
Review: Who dosen't know Rumiko Takihashi? Well, many people don't, but those with even little exposure to the world of anime and manga will definitly know her name. Before I even could prenouce anime right, I already knew about her most popular series, "Ranma 1/2". I dislike the anime version due to the dubbing, which I dislike for personal reasons. However, the manga is not dubbed (duhh) so apparently I would like it much more. The story stars Ranma and his father Genma. One normal day they go to the cursed springs for training. During the training, Ranma knocks Genma into the lake of "drowned Panda", and when Genma emerges, He is a huge, fat Panda! Genma whacks Ranma into a spring, and he suffers a similar fate. Ranma falls into the "spring of drowed girl". While Ranma and Genma are not always a panda or girl, things are far from okay. Whenever they touch cold water, they turn into the cursed form. Touching them with hot water transforms them back into their normal form. Thing get worse when Ranma gets engaged to the moody Akane. The artwork is quite good. Character designs are adorable, almost whymsical is appearance.The backgrounds are pretty detailed. The artwork is overall pretty nice. It's no CLAMP or Yukito Kishiro, but its good. The plot starts off pretty well and go's at a brisk pace. From drama to humor, the plot is a real page turner. The story is very unique. Their are tons of characters's, each different and charming in their own way. Character development is exceptional, and at times the characters become the driving point for the entire series. And despite the art style, the character's behave is very "real" ways, and are believeable. Teenagers will undoubtfully love this series. Things like the uncomfortable first kiss, to the embaressing excitment of a certain crush; its all very charming and handled in a easy to read way that teenagers are bound to love, boy or girl. Yes, this manga has several sesitive moments. Besides the genuinely touching moments, "Ranma 1/2" has ton's and ton's of funny moments, guarenteed to put one in belly laughs. What's so great is that is that the humor has variety. Slapstick, one-liners, etc. The humor also ties in with the battles. Battles are not only unique and fun, but over the top as well. In one battle Ranma and Akane must fight a lethal couple on a ice ring. The opponent is a womanizer who's in love with Ranma's female side (yikes), and a young girl who, when she sees something she things is "cute", she'll name it (steal and rename it if it already has an owner), and won't let anyone else have it. Anyway, Ranma has every bone in his body so far in the fight, but someone acidently drops some water on him......cold water. Anyway, the battles becomes reduced to Ranma and his rival throwing ice chunks at each-other. Over the top, isn't it? It's "Ranma 1/2" All in all, I can't think of anyone who would not enjoy "Ranma 1/2". Action,Comedy,Romance Drama with fatasy elements are seamlessly blended in a very entertaining package. It's one of the most popular manga and anime series available, and for a good reason. Sure, there are better, more deeper manga's than "Ranma 1/2". But "Ranma 1/2" is, while not particulary enriching, will wipe away one's depression and put a smile on their face. "Ranma 1/2" has magic, and I highly recommended it.
Rating:
Summary: Ranma 1/2 rocks!
Review: This was the first Ranma book I read (Duh, its the FIRST one!), and I loved it! I laughed out loud tons of times (something I don't do with many books) and the plot is fantastic. Ranma fell into an ancient Chinese pool which turns anyone who falls into it a girl. (His father turns into a panda bear.) Ranma and his fiancee (not their choice) Akane fight a lot, but you can see that they are actually friends. (Maybe more?? ^_^;) Then, Upperclassman Kono (what's with the title??) is in love with Akane, but also falls in love with Ranma's...um...girl half. And there's also this guy named Ryoga...sworn on revenge for Ranma, but no idea why. He's got the WORST sense of direction! (China's this way? --> or this way <-- or maybe this way ^ or maybe i should just wander in circles for a while...?) But anyway, this manga is one of the best i've read! You should definitely buy it! And the panda (Ranma's father) is FUNNY! He has the cutest little signs!
Rating:
Summary: The first of a great [but silly] series.
Review: I remember when a friend first tolld me about the book. When I heard it was about a boy who turns into a girl when he gets splashed with cold water and back with warm water I thought he was crazy for reading it. Then I got curious and picked it up. I insatantly started laughing nonstop. The book is just that funny.
The basic idea is that a boy named Ranma has the condition listed above. His father has a similar condition except he turns into a panda. Things then grow worse when Ranma is set to marry three girls.
The book is funny and filled with action. Howver the book can be a little too racey for smaller children. For example, while in girl form Ranma tends to run around without a shirt. Yes, you do see something.
For the older magna fans out there will love it. I suggest all small children avoid the book. One more thing, once you read this book you'll be hooked imediatley. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Here's Ranma!!
Review: Ta da!! It's the first Ranma 1/2 Graphic Novel... and the beginning of one of the best anime comics I've ever read. First let me say how I first discovered Ranma 1/2. I was simply looking around a bookstore one day, trying to find the other anime (my other favorites are Dragonball/Z, Sailor Moon, Rayearth, etc) when I say the first Ranma book sitting on the floor. Since I had heard of this series before, I sat down and started reading. After only the first chapter I was hooked. Something about the crazy concept of a boy turning into a girl and his father into a panda was simply hilarious. The strange situations that Rumiko Takahashi puts them in adds to the terrific storyline. Well, I bought it and thus my obsessed Ranma life officially began. It wasn't long until I had hooked my best friend, too. Anyways, Ranma 1/2 is the story of a boy named Ranma and his father who fell into the cursed springs of Jusenkyo. Now whenever either are doused with cold water, Ranma turns into a girl and his father into a panda! Not only that but he meets Akane, his "fiance" as their fathers decided. Akane and Ranma don't exactly get along very well (whoa that's an understatement) and it doesn't help that Akane hates boys. Akane is victim to many a crush though, mainly from upperclassman Kuno. After seeing Ranma as a girl, Kuno falls in love with her as well, unable to decide whom he loves more. We also meet a strange man named Dr. Tofu. Akane has a major crush on him but he loves her sister, Kasumi! Also in this book, Ranma meets Ryoga, an "eternal lost boy" with a strong grudge and no sense of direction. What's a half-boy/half-girl to do?
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Ranma 1/2 is a classic. It's funny that it's still so popular even though it's so old but I can definitely see why... it's very addicting and I myself got hooked onto the series in its original Japanese format, so it was nice to finally know what was being said.
I love everything about it, especially the artwork (my favorite from any manga), the characters, the whackiness, the charm, etc. etc.
It's hilarious too, and the characters/surroundings/environment feel oddly real to me.
The only thing I don't like was that it just had to be flopped, which I really had not wanted to happen, and the size is MUCH bigger than the original - it almost contains the content of 2 volumes in 1.
However, don't let that stop you! This is something that deserves to be in anyone's manga collection, and I truly recommend it.
2 very enthusiastic thumbs up
Rating:
Summary: I'm still laughing
Review: Ranma .5 vol. 1 is the second manga I have read, and definatly the best(though I've only read two...). It is so funny I'll burst out laughing at random for hours afterwords(not good if you wake up early to read it before school) The characters are realistic, the humour is so hilariously funny, the action scenes are well drawn, and the myriad way's Ranma and Genma(Ranma's dad) get splashed with water are hilariously random(like everything in Ranma .5) and Ryoga, the eternally lost boy(he couldn't navigate his way out of torn up paper bag) is the best! one warning though:these books can addictive, habit forming, and pricey. but they're worth it!!
Rating:
Summary: Ranma 1 divided by 2!
Review: I was skeptical when I first opened this first volume of Ranma 1/2. When I skimmed through it, the art didn't seem as crisp as my favorite manga, Naruto. The action also seemed very confusing. But once I slowed down, I began to really appreciate Ranma 1/2. This story is about Ranma Saotome, an unusual boy who happens to turn into a pretty cute girl whenever he comes in contact with cold water. Ranma is engaged to Akane Tendo, a feisty/angry boy-hater who only likes Ranma when he is a girl. My favorite thing about this comic is the suberb level of tension between Ranma and Akane; he sometimes compliments her, and she often helps him turn back into a boy at appropriate times. But they hate each other! ...most of the time. I can't wait until I get the second volume of the manga. If you like anything, you'll like Ranma 1/2!
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