Manga Unmasked: Ranma 1/2

Image
WebH.MangaUnmasked.052025.png

Welcome to Manga Unmasked! In this series, we'll be taking a deep dive into the various manga series available in our collection. So, whether you're already a fan of manga or just a curious reader, we hope you might learn a little about your next potential reading obsession. In this edition, Ranma has a lot going on between his martial arts training, an arranged marriage he never agreed to, and—oh yeah—the curse that turns him into a girl with a splash of cold water. Change this relationship status to: It's Complicated.  

Check out the previous manga explored with the Manga Unmasked series—My Hero Academia, Spy x Family, Sailor Moon, Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki, One-Punch Man, One Piece, Delicious in Dungeon, Apothecary Diaries, Witch Hat Atelier, Kaiju No. 8,  Mob Psycho 100, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, and MHA: Vigilantes

Download the Libby App to access eBooks and digital audiobooks on your Apple or Android smart device. If you prefer to read on a larger device, go to www.aclib.us/LibbyApp for the browser option.

Don't see your favorite manga, anime, or author in this list or our collection? Suggest materials to add to our catalog.
 

A Little Background

Image
Tendo Dojo

Ranma 1/2 is a shōnen* manga that blends slice-of-life, rom-com, supernatural fantasy, and martial arts. It was written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi. The series was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday from August 1987 to March 1996, and its chapters were collected into 38 volumes. 

*Shōnen means "young man/boy." For manga/anime, shōnen is the term used for stories generally marketed to a younger male audience but is a genre anyone can enjoy.  

In addition to Ranma 1/2, Rumiko Takahashi is known for writing and illustrating Urusei Yatsura (1978-1987), Maison Ikkoku (1980-1987), Mermaid Saga (1984-1994), One-Pound Gospel (1987-2006), Rumic Theater (1987-present), Inuyasha (1996-2008), Rin-ne (2009-2017), and Mao (2019-present).  

Ranma 1/2 has been adapted into anime a few times in the past decades. Its first two adaptations, Ranma 1/2 and Ranma 1/2 Nettōhen, aired from 1989 to 1992 on Fuji TV, releasing an additional 12 OVAs and three films. A live action special was aired on Nippon Television in 2011. Jumping to October 2024, an updated animated series produced by MAPPA began airing on Nippon Television and streaming on Netflix. 

With over 55 million copies in circulation, Ranma 1/2 remains one of the best-selling manga series to date. The 2024 animated adaptation has been nominated for six categories at the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2025, including Best Comedy, Best Romance, and Best Ending Sequence
 

A Genre/Gender-Bending Adventure

Image
Cast

Ranma Saotome has a problem. First, his father has promised that Ranma would marry one of three Tendo daughters to carry on the legacy of the Tendo Dojo, which is owned and operated by Soun Tendo. Second, one splash of cold water turns him into a girl. You see, Ranma and his father, Genma, were cursed while training in the Bayankala Mountain Range in the Qinghai Province of China. Both Ranma and his father fell into the cursed springs in Jusenkyo, and now cold water—be it rain or a dip in a pool or a glass of water to the face—transforms Genma into a panda bear and Ranma into a girl. Fortunately, hot water reverses the effects. If only his romantic and school life had so simple a solution. Despite his gender-swapping, Ranma's still stuck in an arranged engagement with the definitely-uncute, martial arts tomboy Tendo daughter. 

Akane Tendo has a problem. First, she strongly dislikes boys—or at least the boys at her school who are way too eager to defeat her and win a date. Second, her father made a deal with his old friend that either Akane or one of her two sisters would marry his son... only... the Ranma that shows up at their doorstep is a girl with a panda. She's pretty and good at martial arts and could become a good friend... only... Ranma isn't a girl all the time, and the arranged marriage is still on, and her sisters have dumped the engagement on Akane. What?! 

No way are they going to go along with this arranged marriage. They can't stand each other! 
 

The Promised Couple 

Image
Ranma 1
Image
Ranma 2

Ranma Saotome 

Ranma is the main protagonist of Ranma 1/2. Ranma has been trained in martial arts—in the Musabetsu Kakutō Ryu, or "Anything Goes" style—since he was a toddler by his father. They have traveled across China in pursuit of Ranma, the heir to the Saotome branch of the Anything Goes Martial Arts, mastering his martial arts and becoming a "man among men." 

During their travels, Genma and Ranma come across the cursed springs at Jusenkyo, where each pool carries the curse of transforming anyone who falls into the water takes the shape of whatever drowned in that particular pool. Ignoring the warnings, Genma and Ranma proceed to train on the bamboo poles above the pools... and both fall in. 

Being able to switch between boy and girl with a splash of cold or hot water doesn't get in the way of Ranma's training, but it does make Ranma's romantic life way more complicated when both girls and boys crush on either of Ranma's forms. Not to mention, he's arranged to be married to a toyboy girl who dislikes boys. 
 

Image
Akane 1
Image
Akane 2

Akane Tendo 

Akane is the deuteragonist of Ranma 1/2 and is the youngest of Soun Tendo's three daughters. Akane is a bit of a tomboy, though she does strive to be cute at first, and she is comically strong for her size. She practices martial arts in her father's dojo and fights off—literally—the many advances of the boys at her school. 

Akane can't stand boys... So why did her older sisters decide she was best for the arranged marriage with Ranma? Well, he's not a boy all the time. 

Ranma 1/2 Volumes

**This list includes a brief summary of the events in each book. Here there be spoilers, so read the later summaries at your own risk. 

 

Image
Ranma V1.jpg
Ranma 1/2: Volume 1 by Rumiko Takahashi 

A one-to punch of action and comedy by one of Japan's most beloved creators!

Teenaged martial artist Ranma Saotome went on a training mission with his father one day... well, actually they'd been training for years, but this day was different. At a legendary training ground in China, the two had a little accident.

A fall into some cursed springs triggered a transformation. Now, every time Ranma is splashed with cold water, he changes into a girl. His father, Genma, when splashed, changes into a panda! Does this complicate their lives? You bet!

Battle of the Sexes

Years ago, Genma promised his old friend Soun Tendo that Ranma would marry one of Soun's three daughters, and carry on the family's martial arts school. Except that the girl picked to be Ranma's bride doesn't seem to like him, Ranma keeps getting into fights... and did we mention that whole changing into a girl thing?
 

Image
Ranma V2.jpg

One day, teenaged martial artist Ranma Saotome went on a training mission with his father, and ended up taking a dive into some cursed springs at a legendary training ground in China. Now, every time he's splashed with cold water, he changes into a girl. His father, Genma, changes into a panda! To make matters worse, Ranma's supposed to be engaged to a girl who doesn't like him—or at least says she doesn't.

Challenging Situations

Being a martial artist, Ranma just can't resist the call to combat, and takes on one opponent after another: Ryoga, a lone-wolf fighter with no sense of direction; Kodachi, the "Black Rose" of rhythmic gymnastics; and finally, Asuza Shiratori and Mikado Sanzenin, the freestyle figure skating champions. Is there such a thing as TOO much fighting spirit?
 

Image
Ranma V3.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 3 by Rumiko Takahashi

The figure skating contest to decide the ownership of Akane's pet pig, P-chan, continues, with the addition of yet another team of combatants. (Let's just say Ryoga has a personal interest in the outcome.) Then, Ranma has to face his most dangerous threat yet—a Chinese Amazon warrior named Shampoo who has pledged to kill him...and will stop at noghing until she does!
 

Image
Ranma V4.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 4 by Rumiko Takahashi 

Chinese Amazon warrior Shampoo hasn't given up on Ranma yet—only instead of killing him, she now wants to marry him! There's just a few obstacles in the way of their future happiness, starting with a childhood phobia of Ranma's that's very relevant when it comes to Shampoo. Then there's Shampoo's suitor Mousse, martial arts master of hidden weapons, and her formidable grandmother, Cologne!

This is introduction to Ranma’s phobia, due to Genma’s negligence. This leads to Tatawinki Kuno and Gosunkugi to trap him. This is also introduction to Mousse who is Shampoo’s childhood friend.
 

Image
Ranma V5.jpg
Ranma 1/2: Volume 5 by Rumiko Takahashi 

Shampoo's great-grandmother Cologne has every intention of seeing her great-granddaughter marry Ranma, and to that end, she promises to teach Ryoga an ultimate martial arts move—the Bakusai Tenketsuor "Breaking Point" technique. Can Ranma defeat his greatest rival for Akane's affection? Or a better question might be, does he even want to?

1) This is the continuation of Ranma getting the Phoenix Pill from cologne to cure him from cologene curse from hot water.

2) Ryoga is learning a new technique breaking point from Cologne to fight ranma.

3) Ranma captured and force to marry another suitor and force to fight in Martial arts tea ceremony.

4) Akanie Ranma and Shampoo compete in a Martial arts Take-out contest
 

Image
Ranma V6.jpg

Back when Ranmas's father Genma and Akane's father Soun were young martial artists, they learned the secrets of the Anything-Goes School of Martial Arts from one of the greatest masters of all time. Unfortunately, he's also someone they would do just about ANYTHING to get away from, and the entire Tendo household is about to find out why...

The introduction of Happosai, Ranma must find a way to stop his juvenile rampage. Akane fights the Dojo Destroyer, while Ranma dates Shampoo in order to gain the magic to stay a guy.
 

Image
Ranma V7.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 7 by Rumiko Takahashi

Akane's always wanted to play the role of Juliet on stage, and she's finally going to get her chance...that is, if she could just decide on one Romeo. Hidden springs, cookie contests, and persistent paparazzi—will Ranma's life ever settle down?

Akane gets the lead in the school play and Ranma learns that kissing is such sweet sorrow. Ryoga and Ranma try to find the legendary "Spring of Drowned Man," and twisted sister Kodachi Kuno concocts poisoned treats to snare Mister Saotome.
 

Image
Ranma V8.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 8 by Rumiko Takahashi

Ranma's latest rival is Ukyo Kuonji, a chef in the art of cookingokonomiyaki, a Japanese griddle specialty. But this latest fight is more than just a rivalry with a fellow martial artist—Ukyo's issues with Ranma go all the way back to childhood, and a certain promise he once made...

Ryoga teams up with Ukyo, goes on a date with Akane, and meets his long-lost fiancée. Meanwhile, Ranma and Akane both swallow "love pills" supposed to make them fall for the first person they see.
 

Image
Ranma V9.jpg

Shampoo's spurned suitor Mousse wants revenge, and to that end, he's kidnapped Akane, and made her the star attraction of a circus act that promises to have her transform—thanks to water from a certain Chinese spring—into a duck! Then, mailbox-impersonating weirdo Tsubasa arrives in town in pursuit of Ukyo's love!

Shampoo's spurned suitor Mousse wants revenge on Ranma for "stealing" the object of his affection. He's kidnapped Akane, and made her the star attraction of a circus act where she turns into a duck.
 

Image
Ranma V10.jpg

Akane powers up! First, Shampoo feeds her some magical Chinese steamed treats, then some special sobanoodles give her super strength...with unfortunately disastrous after-effects! Then, Furinkan High gets a new principal who hails from Hawaii...and who has some very radical ideas about student discipline!

Akane gets all sorts of magical power-ups, first when Shampoo feeds her some magical Chinese steamed treats, then from some soba noodles that give her super strength. What she didn't count on were the disastrous after-effects.
 

Image
Ranma V11.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 11 by Rumiko Takahashi

Poor lovesick Ryoga—doomed to forever pine over the girl who thinks of him only as her pet pig P-chan...not that she knows how he feels, or that he is her pet pig, for that matter. A magical bar of soap could change this sad state of affairs, but both Shampoo and Ranma also want that particular bath product for themselves! Then, Ranma finds out what it feels like to be a loser for once, when Happosai applies a strength-sapping formula that leaves Ranma weak as a baby!
 

Image
Ranma V12.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 12 by Rumiko Takahashi

Ranma's recent weakness has convinced him he needs a new technique, and he's gone to the wilds of Japan to train. Cologne shares her knowledge of the Hiryû Shôten Ha, the "Heaven Blast of the Dragon," a technique that harnesses a combatant's battle aura and unleashes it into a powerful blast...but the learning curve is more challenging than he ever expected. Then, the sound of a bell brings Shampoo a new suitor, Akane takes swimming lessons, and Genma gains a new friend!
 

Image
Ranma V13.jpg

That's what Ranma said! With the "Mark of the Gods" now upon him (which is actually nothing more than a doodle representing a school of martial arts calligraphy), the only way Ryoga can rid himself of the mark is to lose in a fight--hopefully, to Ranma. Fox-Fu...Feline-Fu...Flat-Frog Fu...not a one of Ranma's "ultimate desperation strikes" seems to be working. For Akane, it's just too crazy to believe that P-chan may secretly be Ryoga. Better use some extra-hot water to wash that doodle off P-chan, though, just in case...

 

Image
Ranma V14.jpg
Ranma 1/2: Volume 14 by Rumiko Takahashi 

The legendary Dragon's Whisker...! Described by a reluctant Ranma as the "seal" that keeps something "terrible" from happening, four steamed pork buns have come all the way from Qinghai Province, China, in search of it. But what can it be?! Ranma wants it...the martial artist pork buns want it...Genma wants it. It looks like a simple pigtail-holder, but it's got to be more than that. According to Cologne, once hair kept bound by the Dragon's Whisker is gone, it's gone for good. Ranma's really cutting it close, this time...

 

Image
Ranma V15.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 15 by Rumiko Takahashi 

Ooh, le horreur! A stranger has shown up at school and he's eating everyone's lunch. Meet Picolet Chardin II, master of the trés terrifying "La Belle France School of Martial-Arts Dining." It turns out that Soun and Genma—as they've been known to do, once or twice—have promised one of their children in exchange for a debt, and now that debt's come due. A style of martial arts based on eating doesn't seem as though it would be all that difficult to master...but, then again, the size of the mouths in Picolet's family barely seem even human! If Ranma can't defeat Picolet at his own game, it'd be more than "La Belle France"—it'd be wedding bells!

 

Image
Ranma V16.jpg
Ranma 1/2: Volume 16 by Rumiko Takahashi 

The theft of the "Visitor's Registry" from the Jusenkyo Guide in Qinghai Province is only the start of the tragedy for Ranma and the others...but, for the unfortunately named "Pantyhose Taro," it's going to be the end! Over 10 years ago, a pregnant woman gave birth at the cursed springs of Jusenkyo. A quick dunking into a nearby spring by Happosai—where a yeti-riding-an-ox-while-carrying-an-eel-and-a-crane drowned 2,500 years ago—seals the fate of the bouncing baby...um, demon...and now it's out for revenge! For not only did Happosai turn the baby into the monster it's become, he also—

 

Image
Ranma V17.jpg
Ranma 1/2: Volume 17 by Rumiko Takahashi 

Sure, the only one who recognizes the engagement between Ukyo and Ranma may be Ukyo herself, but that still counts for something, doesn't it? Ten years ago, Ukyo made a special okonomiyaki sauce—which Ranma secretly ruined. Unaware of what Ranma had done, Ukyo to this day can't quite understand why Ranma's being extra nice to her despite the phenomenal failure of her special sauce. Akane's onto Ranma, though, and one way or another, he's going to pay. Which will it be, Ranma? The okonomiyaki frying pan, or the fire that comes from slurping down that nasty sauce itself...?
 

Image
Ranma V18.jpg
Ranma 1/2: Volume 18 by Rumiko Takahashi 

It's the same old song. Ryoga-confronts-Ranma-and-Ranma-defeats-Ryoga (pause) Ryoga-confronts-Ranma-again-and-Ranma-defeats-Ryoga-again (fade out). Powerful martial artist though he may be, Ryoga has yet to defeat Ranma, and how depressing is that? Not every technique is suited to every martial artist (at least that's what Ranma's dad Genma says). What Ryoga needs is a technique suited to his own unique strengths—to his depression, that is! Sure, asking Akane to say "I hate you!" may be the quickest way for Ryoga to power up, but even if Ryoga's body survives his new technique's blast, will his heart be able to withstand the blow?
 

Image
Ranma V19.jpg
Ranma 1/2: Volume 19 by Rumiko Takahashi 

"Father knows best." Then you grow up, and suddenly you're challenging everything he says. Pity poor Genma Saotome, who once took treats from baby son Ranma with impunity, but now gets pummeled instead. Will the dreaded "Cradle From Hell" technique teach the boy to respect his old man? Next, Akane makes some magic mochi. Do the marks that appear on the faces of those who eat it portend true fortune-telling ability, or just (as Ranma says) a "dagger of agony through (the) skull?" Finally, it's the dawn of the "Mariko Konjo, Cheerleader of L-O-V-E" storyline. One, two, three, four! Buy this book and read some more!
 

Image
Ranma V20.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 20 by Rumiko Takahashi 

When Genma took baby Ranma away from his mother to go on a decade-long training mission, he made her a solemn promise—he would see to it that the boy grew up manly, or he would see them both dead of ritual seppuku! Well, Nodoka "Missus" Saotome has finally shown up at the Tendo Dojo doorstep, and she can't wait to catch a glimpse of her dearly beloveds. But will the sight of her "son" in girls' clothes and her "husband" as a panda possess Nodoka to perform the seppuku on them herself...? This volume also includes the ending of the "Mariko Konjo" story—a bonus Happosai story—as well as the original story that inspired the Desperately Seeking Shampoo: Ranma 1/2 OAV!

 

Image
Ranma V21.jpg

What kind of man would purposefully take a dive into the cursed "Spring of Drowned Giant Octopus"...? A man who accidentally fell into the cursed "Spring of Yeti-Riding-an-Ox-While-Carrying-an-Eel-and-a-Crane," perhaps? Pantyhose Taro's back, and so is his thirst for vengeance—a thirst he plans to quench by dunking Happosai (the one responsible for his ridiculous name) in some water from the "Spring of Drowned Pious Man," so Pantyhose Taro can get his name changed back to something he won't be embarrassed to tell pretty girls. Unfortunately, that water isn't the water hethinks it is, it's worse...twice as worse! One Happosai is bad enough—is the world ready for two?!

 

Image
Ranma V22.jpg

Ranma's latest nemesis is Herb of the legendary Musk Dynasty, a Chinese warrior tribe with the powers of animals. Herb, and his companions Lime and Mint, have come to Japan in search of a particular treasure—but they have to go through Ranma, Ryoga, and Mousse first!
 

Image
Ranma V23.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 23 by Rumiko Takahashi 

Ranma's latest challenge is Furinkan High's newest teacher—Hinako Ninomiya, whose special martial arts ability drains an opponent's energy, transforming her from childlike stature into a tall sultry, siren. Will Ranma be able to defeat Hinako, or will he find himself in permanent detention?
 

Akane's sojourn in the remote region of Ryugenzawa leads to her reunion with Shinnosuke, the mysterious boy she remembers from childhood. Only Shinnosuke himself can't remember much of anything, and he's dying of a deadly wound he received in Akane's defense. The only thing keeping him alive is Ryugenzawa's magical water...and now, those natural resources are drying up. With the poor, doomed Shinnosuke on her conscience, will Akane decide to stay with him until the bitter end...?

Image
Ranma V25.jpg
Ranma 1/2: Volume 25 by Rumiko Takahashi 

What happens when the social order changes? Chaos, and lots of it, as the gang soon discovers in one confusing incident after another. Akane and Ranma's teacher Miss Hinako falls in love with Akane's daddy Soun and moves into the Tendo Dojo! Shampoo's suitor Mousse discovers a magical mask that can turn its victim into a weepy, humiliated wreck—and targets Ranma! A magical swimsuit turns Ranma into a girl desperate for approval! Then, the gang visits a haunted cave where couples are said to be broken up by the resident vengeful ghosts!

Image
Ranma V26.jpg

Ranma's mother Nadoka Saotome hasn't seen her son since her husband Genma took him away for a training mission over a decade ago. So, is it any wonder that when a mysterious young stranger drops a scroll with the word "Ranma" scrawled on it, she assumes it's her long-lost boy? Soon, this stranger takes up residence in the Tendo Dojo and starts passing himself off as his mother's son! It doesn't take long for these two "Ranmas" to begin fighting over their legacies, a special scroll, and a secret martial arts technique...

Image
Ranma V27.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 27 by Rumiko Takahashi

The Egg of the Phoenix—legendary treasure and pounding headache for Ranma. Unless Ranma can force-feed the bird into maturity (and thus free himself from its attacks), he'll be on the bottom of the pecking order for the next 100 years. Will the bird have the final word? Elsewhere, a pair of poisonous twins are making life difficult for Shampoo. Can Ranma rescue her? Then, a body-jumping demon causes chaos, while a penny-pinching Nabiki takes on her greatest challenge yet. Will she reign supreme as the Queen of Schemes...?

Image
Ranma V28.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 28 by Rumiko Takahashi

For Ryoga—whose alter ego is of course, P-chan, Akane's cute widdle pet pig—what could possibly be a better love connection than someone who breeds pigs for a living? The youngest generation in a long line of sumo-wrestling pig breeders, the passionate-about-porkers Akari is impressed when Ryoga easily bests a 14th generation Yokozunachampion. Does an ever-hopeful Ryoga dare take her professions of undying love at face value, or will his transformation into P-chan be the cause of some terrible misunderstanding...?
 

Image
Ranma V29.jpg

A new disciple—sent by an old friend of Happosai—arrives at the Tendo Dojo. Ryoga tries to have a private moment with Akane—and Akari—at the same time, and a magical umbrella that makes those who wander beneath it fall in love makes the already complicated situation even worse. Next, there's a contest between Akane and Miss Hinako to see who can learn to swim first; Ranma goes to the brink of death after some really, really bad noodles; a cursed doll takes over Akane's body...and the gang gets shipwrecked on a deserted island. All in all, it's business as usual in Furinkan Town!
 

Image
Ranma V30.jpg
Ranma 1/2: Volume 30 by Rumiko Takahashi 

When the monk-in-residence of a faraway temple is only too eager to "give" Ranma, Genma and Soun a legendary martial arts outfit said to endow its wearer with ultimate power, you'd think they would know something was up. But then again, the monk throws in such other lovely gifts...Back at the Tendo Dojo, the true nature of the outfit is revealed: the dôgi chooses its own wearer! The outfit picks Akane—much to Ranma's chagrin—and what once was a minor annoyance turns into an issue of pride when Ranma is unable to defeat Akane in battle. Will he have to confess his true feelings to get through to her...?

Ah, to be little boys again! Ryoga and Ranma will stay forever young unless they eat a special mushroom at the perfect time. Eat the right mushroom size, and your age adds up accordingly! Five centimeters? You're five years old! Ten centimeters? Ten years old! Can the two "boys" survive their squabbling over not wanting to share, being naughty, getting spanked by Akane, and the terror that is "Uncle" Soun's whiskers until the mushrooms are 16 centimeters tall? Grow, mushrooms, grow! Grow before everyone's childhood memories turn into rancid shiitakes!

Image
Ranma V32.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 32 by Rumiko Takahashi

Akane's got a secret—a brand-new bra, waiting to be tried on. But Happosai's gotten to it first, and has already tried to squeeze Ranma into it. When a well-meaning (yet eternally clueless) Ranma suggests that Akane's chest size may in fact be shrinking, a disappointed Akane turns into an enraged Akane, and is hard-pressed to decide how best to use barbells: to pump up her chest, or bust up Ranma's face! The arrival on the scene of Ranma's mother Nodoka only adds fuel to the developing battle of the busts. Compared to having a cross-dresser for a son, is having "only" a Peeping Tom really that much better...?!

Image
Ranma V33.jpg

Ranma Saotome never thought a martial arts training mission to China would turn out like this! An accidental dunk in a cursed spring changes boy Ranma into a young girl, every time he is splashed with cold water. Hot water reverses the effect - but only until next time!

Akane Tendo is shocked when she wins a contest by being the 10,000th girl at the beach who isn't able to swim! The locals reward her with an enchanted jellyfish bathing suit that has the uncanny power to enable its wearer to swim. In return for this prize she must enter a long-distance swimming competition against a group of girls all wearing the same magical bathing suit. Akane takes the lead, but a dangerous surprise awaits her at the finish line! Will Ranma dive in and save her in time?

Image
Ranma V35.jpg

Ranma rescues a hapless child being attacked by a flock of evil birdmen. The little kid turns out to be none other than the daughter of the infamous cursed springs' guide! She tells Ranma that the secret map of the springs must be protected from the bird-brained bandits or the very springs themselves will dry up! Ranma and friends are thrust into battle when Shampoo is taken over by the leader of the bird people. Can Ranma beat the birds and save the springs, or will the feathered fiends get the best of him/her?

Image
Ranma V36.jpg

Ranma 1/2: Volume 36 by Rumiko Takahashi

After sixteen years, this manga series in America has finally come to an incredible ending! That's right—this is the conclusion to one of the most outrageous, entertaining, and endearing stories the world has ever known. This volume will answer all your questions (no peeking at the end)! Does Ranma break his gender-flipping curse? For that matter, does anybody find a way to reverse the effects of the legendary cursed spring? Does Mousse get Shampoo? Does Kuno finally get his little red-headed pig-tailed girl? Does the panty-stealing Happosai pilfer enough undergarments to complete his collection? And yes, the ultimate question will be answered: do Ranma and Akane get married? Find out inside!

TV and Streaming

The first Ranma 1/2 anime created by Studio Deen and aired on Fuji TV hit the small screen on April 15, 1989. It ran for 18 episodes before being canceled due to low ratings. It was reworked, renamed Ranma 1/2 Nettohen, and aired in a different time slot for a second try. It ran for 143 episodes from October 1989 to September 1992. The anime version of the series differed in places from the original manga storyline and characters, including introducing anime-only arcs and characters. 

In 1993, Ranma 1/2 was one of the first titles licensed by Viz Media. It was dubbed in Vancouver and released on VHS and DVD in collections of reordered episodes. 

Ranma 1/2 has three original movies created by Studio Deen: The Battle of Nekonron, China! A Battle to Defy the Rules! (1991), Battle at Togenkyo! Get Back the Brides (1992), and Super Indiscriminate Decisive Battle! Team Ranma vs. the Legendary Pheonix (1994). Eleven original video animations (OVAs) were released directly to VHS. 

The newest Ranma 1/2 anime adaptation produced by MAPPA with Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions is streaming on Netflix. It's the same story with an updated—but still nostalgic—style, and most of the original Japanese voice cast for the main cast have returned to reprise their roles. Season one started in December 2024, and season two has been confirmed.    

Ranma 1/2 Anime on DVD
Image
Ranma DVD.jpg

Ranma 1/2 (Subbed) - Season One

Ranma 1/2 (Subbed) - Season Two

Ranma 1/2 (Subbed) - Season Three

Ranma 1/2 (Subbed) - Season Four 

Ranma 1/2 (Subbed) - Season Five

Ranma 1/2 (Subbed) - Season Six

Ranma 1/2 (Subbed) - Season Seven

 

Ranma 1/2 (Dubbed) - Season One

Ranma 1/2 (Dubbed) - Season Two

Ranma 1/2 (Dubbed) - Season Three

Ranma 1/2 (Dubbed) - Season Four

Ranma 1/2 (Dubbed) - Season Five 

Ranma 1/2 (Dubbed) - Season Six

Ranma 1/2 (Dubbed) - Season Seven

Descriptions adapted from the publisher.
By Charissa on May 19, 2025