Ranma ½

I pretty much got into manga and anime because of the first season of Ranma 1/2 (my first manga was the first appearance of Ukyo, and then a friend of mine loaned me his copies of the first season back in 1996). It's funny, clever, emotional, and well-animated. The dubbing was terrific--and after all these years, it's still the best dub I've ever seen, except for the Tenchi series (which, for some reason, I liked better than the Japanese voices)--but I just bought the DVD box set and watched the entire series in Japanese, and it's even better! I've been a big fan of Megumi Hayashibara (Girl-type Ranma, Tenchi's mother, Lina Inverse, Rei Ayanami, Momiji from Blue Seed, etc.) and I was not disappointed with her voice acting (I can't wait to hear her do the "Ranma's Declaration of Womanhood" episode). A bigger surprise for me was that the voice-actress of Nabiki also was Kiki from Majo no Takkyubin. Wonderful voices all around, but the Japanese Ryoga's voice is so strong and deep that I found it hard to believe he was as stupid as he is (interesting to note that he also plays the Jusenkyo Guide--I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen the credits!). Also, the subtitles gave some information that was important that was left out of the dub, and sometimes (such as repeatedly in the "Pelvic Fortune Telling" episode and that scene in Akane's lost love when they fight after eating hamburgers), I didn't understand what was really going on until I watched the subtitle. Still, I did find myself missing some of the Americanized jokes, especially in the episode where Akane loses her memories of Ranma and lists off a bunch of things that he must be ("That 1986 remake of King Lear directed by Akira Kurosawa" "That's Ran!" "That song by the Beach Boys!" "That's 'Help Me Ronda'"). Anyway, this is a wonderful series that doesn't have too much nudity and isn't too "kawaii" like Pokemon or Mon Colle Knights.

Hilarious combination of slapstick and romantic comedy features two young martial artists, betrothed against their will by their fathers. Ranma, the boy, is cursed to change into a girl when splashed with cold water (he changes back with hot water.) Akane, the girl, is a tomboy with a violent temper. Their messed-up lives are further complicated with rival fiancees and would-be fiancees, etc. Lots of martial arts action, jealous rages, mistaken identities, and knockabout comedy with the occasional tender moment. The strong characterizations make this series a standout and a cult favorite. For more info, there are about a million sites on this series on the Web.

If there is one good way to describe Ranma 1/2 (Nibun No Ichi), it would be absolutely HILARIOUS. The interaction between characters, and many of the characters' backgrounds are unbelievable-- There are so many odd characters in the series which you grow a liking for. It also mixes martial arts elements into, akin to Dragonball Z, except much more smoothly-animated. The combination of interesting fights with equally interesting characters makes this show one of the best, in my opinion.

Taken place in Japan of the 80s-90s era. Soun Tendo and Genma Saotome are both Martial Artists of the "Anything Goes School of Martial Arts". Soun is a father of 3 daughters while Genma has only 1 son. They both agree that Genma's son: Ranma Saotome would marry one of Soun's daughters when the time comes. So that way the whole "Anything Goes School" will continue on.

By the time Ranma is 16, it was time for him to be acquainted with the Tendo family. Soun Tendo had no idea what Genma's son is like. But it very excited for one of his 3 daughters: Akane, Nabiki, & Kasumi will be the fiancé of Ranma. Only the Tendo family will learn that both Ranma & his dad have been cursed by the sacred hot springs of Jusenkyo in China. Genma was cursed with the form of a Panda and Ranma is cursed with the forms of a red haired busty girl. When douse with cold water, they turn into their cursed forms, but warm water will change them back to their original forms.

Soun Tendo at first was disappointed with all this, but after learning about their trip to China and how their curse forms work with water temperature. He finds it to be no big deal. Soun introduces Ranma to his 3 daughters and said he can pick either one of them to be his future bride. However Nabiki & Kasumi agreed that their youngest daughter Akane will make a fitting wife with Ranma. Akane didn't like the decision at all, and find this prearranged marriage to be a joke. And she finds Ranma's ability to turn into a girl to be perverted. Ranma didn't care too much about this prearranged marriage either. Because he wants to go back to China to find a curse spring that'll make him a whole male again.

Only problem is his dad refuses him to go back to China, when Genma's hoped for so long for his son to be the fiancé of one of Soun's daughters. To make a long argument short, Ranma & Genma now stay at the Tendo's house as honoree guests. Both Akane & Ranma don't want to get more involved together. But pretty soon they do start to care about each other. Even though they don't show that care to one another.

Made back 1989, based off of one of Japan's best selling Manga written & drawn by Rumiko Takahata. Who worked on the series from 1986-1996. Also a success in America, way before Anime became popular as it is today. The thing I like most about it is the theme of the series, the flow of the story, and the comedy which occurs frequently in each episode. Next to the comedy is action and romance. Since this is a martial arts related anime, you do see a lot of it in each episode.

Through out the whole series, you'll see Ranma & Akane's relationship grow. As well as encounters with other rivals and other fiancés that create a huge and complicated love triangle. Those who like Inuyusha, Urusei Yatsura, & Rumiko's other works will admire this one a lot. In my opinion this is one of Rumiko's best works.

Remember this is only Season 1 of the 7 season series. If you like the first 18 episodes, be sure to see the other 6 seasons of the "Ranma 1/2: Anything Goes School of Martial Arts" series.

Also this is a perfect Anime for dates or for someone's girlfriend.

I love this anime! I was laughing my head off with all of the jokes and the violence (mostly from Akane Ranma's reluctant but short tempered "fiancee")is so slapstick however Ranma does deserve it but he does try his best to make amends...clumsily. The main character Ranma goes to China to train only to fall into the cursed Jusenkkyo Spring and turns into a girl when splashed by cold water. From then on it's pure chaos one after another. Among the stand outs are the deranged brother and sister duo of Kuno and Kodachi, the sexy Shampoo, the pervert Happosai all causing trouble for our hero/heroine. However it is Ranma's selfish father Genma who winds up being the culprit for the mess most of the time. If anyone want an anime that's funny, this is the one. It's cuter and better with the Japanese dub.