Ranma 1/2 Review

Full Review

Pro: Funniest anime you'll ever watch, memorable characters, wacky fun story, great first season animation for its time, classic music.

Con: Animation gets worse near the end, anime only episodes lack a little in laughs.

Final Thoughts: My favorite anime/manga of all time. I found it to be the perfect combo of Inu-Yasha action and Urusei Yatsura comedy. Best of both worlds in more ways than one. What makes Ranma 1/2 is the characters and their kooky flaws. It is basically the anime equivalent of looney tunes from the slapstick to the well thought out jokes (even if repetitive). It’s timeless and can be started at any point no matter the situation. You'll find yourself laughing one way or another because it is a character driven comedy with some of the best jokes and laughs you'll have watching anime. It's a martial arts animal gender bender romantic comedy. Highly recommend it especially if you’re a Rumiko fan because it my absolute favorite of all her works!

Story: It's about a 16 year old martial artist who goes to China and falls in one of the cursed Jusenkyo springs and now turns into a girl when splashed with cold water and back to a boy when splashed with warm water. During his teenage dilemma his father sets him up to marry one of his good friends Soun Tendo's three daughters. The one chosen happens to be the only one who says she despises men. Now they will have to deal with suitors from both sexes and more Jusenkyo spring victims in order for their engagement to last.

Characters: There is very little character development expect for the main three most enjoyable characters Ranma, Akane and Ryouga. Ranma and Akane's romance seems to bloom as Ranma becomes more determined to fight to protect rather than hurt. He becomes less jerky/whiney and manlier as the series goes on despite the fact that he can still turn into a girl.XD Its impressive how he does become a tad more emotional as a girl and more prone to tears, but otherwise stays in character. Akane much like Ranma becomes less jerky and more caring and motherly as the series goes on. At least we see more of it. It is hinted early on the deep down she is incredibly good natured and kind by Dr. Tofu. But as Ranma states "not yet I don't see it." He sees it little by little as the series goes on and the two become closer. Ryouga becomes much tamer and dare I say mature as the series goes on. He is portrayed as one of the most idiotic and gullible (funny and likable) of the whole cast but his friendship/rivalry with Ranma helps him come to accept these things about himself. This is better shown towards the end of the manga but can still be seen here too. Unlike most of the cast it’s clear that Rumiko really liked creating and writing him and it shows whenever he is on screen.

Art: If you are still unsure at least watch the first two or so seasons and witness the great animation. The character designs are perfect and help portray every moment on screen and nails even the heavier moments as well. Much like Ouran High School Host Club it shows the best romantic comedy animation for its time/year. It’s a shame that the better animators left after the first two seasons because otherwise the animation would be a 10/10.

Sound: The music is classic and memorable for a typical action comedy. The first opening is the best while the rest are ok. The song "Equal Romance" by Coco is a perfect song I would sing to describe this anime. Timeless, cute and memorable. Many romantic comedies of today like Nisekoi have nothing on this. Why are you still here reading? You should be watching it right now!!!

Final Score: 5 stars

Recommendations:

Urusei Yatsura/Full Metal Panic Fumoffu/Ouran High School Host Club

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