The Plot

Ranma is a member of the "Anything-Goes" school of martial arts (Sometimes translated as school of indescriminant grappling or school of unrestricted fighting styles) and is very skilled is his fighting. He is particularly skilled in aerial combat. This is the practice of fighting by leaping high into the air and pummelling (or trying to pummel) your opponent as you pass in the air. The episodes may best be described as a romantic comedy. While watching the cartoon, certain quotes have been taken to heart...

The Quotes

"I would date with you."

Said by Kuno to Ranma in girl form. Kuno dislikes Ranma in boy form and is a comedic rival, since he is no match for Ranma although has enough posturing to imply he is. This form of speech is characteristic of the way he speaks.

"Pig-tailed girl I love you!"

Said by Kuno to Ranma in girl form. Remember that Kuno dislikes Ranma in boy form.

"And besides, I'm better built..."

Said by Ranma in girl form to Akane during a squabble which ensued after Akane saw Ranma in boy form. They both happened to be naked at the time. Akane repays Ranma for these words by lifting a large table and placing it (with some velocity, I might add) atop his head. Ranma for his part responds by being flattened into the ground by said table.

"I wore a pink leotard to a fight once!"

Said by Ranma in boy form to his father, Genma. This was said during a particularly physical argument about fighting and discipline.

"You are so uncute."

Said by Ranma at various times to Akane.

The Creator

Long live Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Ranma 1/2!

Rumiko Takahashi has also created a number of other characters and series, including Lum. For more information about Lum, try accessing the Urusei Yatsura home page.

She also created another series about people living in an aprtment complex. This series is called Maison Ikkoku, after the name of the apartment complex, and is a romantic comedy about its residents.

Ranma originally aired in Japan in 1989. For those who have been watching the cartoons, there is a song whose lyrics may have worked it's way into your heart.

The Ranma characters were originally in comic book form. A cartoon series was created, however, the comics were of much greater appeal. The cartoon series ended some time ago, but OAVs and movies are still being produced. Until recently (This is being written on 3/5/96), the comics were also still being produced. They no longer are. However, the comics, the cartoon series, the OAVs, and the movies are still being translated into English.