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Ranma ½ #2
Ranma ½, Vol. 2
Ranma encounters challenges in his training and from suitors, experiences a very embarrassing first kiss, and continues to be cursed with turning into a girl whenever he is splashed with anything wet.
223 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
20 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Rumiko Takahashi
1,587 books2,143 followersRumiko Takahashi (高橋留美子) was born in Niigata, Japan. She is not only one of the richest women in Japan but also one of the top paid manga artists. She is also the most successful female comic artist in history. She has been writing manga non-stop for 31 years.
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
August 14, 2024
Ryoga is so funny
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
July 26, 2019
Ah the introduction to Ryoga and his backstory. The rhythmic gymnastics duel with Tadashi. The martial arts figure skating battle with Mikado and Azusa. This book is the reason I call a fish cake🍥 “Francois”. 😂
November 15, 2022
Fifth manga volume read for the "30 in 30 Manga Challenge" for the month of November 2022.
Quick review for a quick read. Talk about a trip down memory lane. I picked this up as a random read from the library. This volume was an introduction to several well known characters in the series (Ryoga, Kodanshi, etc), has Girl Ranma fighting in place of Akane after Akane sustains an injury the night before a match, Ryoga gets snatched up in his pig form by a girl who randomly collects things...and Ranma and Akane subsequently realize a talented and daunting pair of skaters with martial arts abilities.
Also, Ranma might have gotten his first kiss from a boy, who Ranma's determined to fight for revenge.
In other words, a lot happens in this volume. I liked it for all its chaotic glory. The artwork is as good as I remember it, though...definitely shows age in aspects of the story frame.
Overall score: 3/5 stars.
Quick review for a quick read. Talk about a trip down memory lane. I picked this up as a random read from the library. This volume was an introduction to several well known characters in the series (Ryoga, Kodanshi, etc), has Girl Ranma fighting in place of Akane after Akane sustains an injury the night before a match, Ryoga gets snatched up in his pig form by a girl who randomly collects things...and Ranma and Akane subsequently realize a talented and daunting pair of skaters with martial arts abilities.
Also, Ranma might have gotten his first kiss from a boy, who Ranma's determined to fight for revenge.
In other words, a lot happens in this volume. I liked it for all its chaotic glory. The artwork is as good as I remember it, though...definitely shows age in aspects of the story frame.
Overall score: 3/5 stars.
November 30, 2019
Lo que me he podido reír con el nefasto sentido de la orientación de Ryoga y ya lo de P-Chan...
September 14, 2025
⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Volume 2 keeps the chaotic energy rolling — martial arts duels, sudden fiancées, and Ranma’s hot/cold transformation gimmick getting milked for all it’s worth. It’s funny, it’s fast, and the art still delivers perfectly timed slapstick.
That said, this one didn’t land as strongly for me as Volume 1. A few of the gags already feel recycled, and the plot leans a bit too much on “oops, Ranma’s a girl now — cue confusion.” It’s entertaining, but not quite as fresh the second time around.
Still, it’s a breezy, goofy read, and if you’re here for classic Rumiko Takahashi chaos, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Just… maybe not quite 4-star level this round.
Volume 2 keeps the chaotic energy rolling — martial arts duels, sudden fiancées, and Ranma’s hot/cold transformation gimmick getting milked for all it’s worth. It’s funny, it’s fast, and the art still delivers perfectly timed slapstick.
That said, this one didn’t land as strongly for me as Volume 1. A few of the gags already feel recycled, and the plot leans a bit too much on “oops, Ranma’s a girl now — cue confusion.” It’s entertaining, but not quite as fresh the second time around.
Still, it’s a breezy, goofy read, and if you’re here for classic Rumiko Takahashi chaos, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Just… maybe not quite 4-star level this round.
October 24, 2021
This was another good one.
It continues the hijinks and its insane how good it gets towards the middle. A new enemy Ryoga Habiki is targeting our Ranma and well its insanity that is their battle and its comedic too until we find the reasons why and who Ryoga will transform into and its hilarious and the slice of life adventure continues and there is a great chapter where we see Akane and her hair problems and maybe Ranma and Akane are growing closer together? Another great volume and one of the best for sure, Rumiko-san continues her wonderful series here.
It continues the hijinks and its insane how good it gets towards the middle. A new enemy Ryoga Habiki is targeting our Ranma and well its insanity that is their battle and its comedic too until we find the reasons why and who Ryoga will transform into and its hilarious and the slice of life adventure continues and there is a great chapter where we see Akane and her hair problems and maybe Ranma and Akane are growing closer together? Another great volume and one of the best for sure, Rumiko-san continues her wonderful series here.
March 30, 2014
You know that Ranma turns into a girl whenever he gets wet? And the same turns his father into a panda?
You remember that Ranma’s nemesis, Ryoga, carries an excessively heavy umbrella everywhere?
You’ve probably figured it out from those questions alone, but I didn’t see it coming. When Ryoga lost his umbrella, was rained upon, and turned into a piglet, this book got five stars. It was twenty pages in. I don’t care.
The book kicks off with the revelation that Ryoga tracked Ranma to the same haunted pools, and fell in another one, establishing the wonderful running gag that there are so many haunted body-modding pools lying around China. That also sets the tone for another delightful romp of a volume as Akane adopts the mysterious piglet and Ryoga, experiencing kindness for the first time in his life, decides to hide out in that form, while still feuding with Ranma on the side.
Don’t call it a love triangle, because every hundred pages someone else shows up and falls in love with the wrong person. A “Rhythmic Gymnast Wrestler” (whatever the hell that is) falls for Ranma and tries to fight Akane to the death for him; another girl fancies Ryoga and challenges Akane to an ice skating duel over him. That’s where the formula starts overtaking this volume, and making me wonder if my enthusiasm can last. For right now the comedy-based battles are funny, but the second time in the book when someone liked someone and so fought someone else in a contrived fashion wore on the charm.
Ranma ½ can only parody self-serious Martial Arts dramas so much before becoming as redundant as they are, and detracting from its greatest strength: emphasis on character. Ranma and Akane’s will-they/won’t-they relationship is adorable, and seeing Ryoga grow attached to the Tendo Dojo is similarly interesting. Even when someone shows up and proposes an outlandish challenge, it’s still very funny and endearing, because in anything but combat, the characters are rounded and bound to make the hilarious kind of bad decisions. Even in combat, sometimes you get a winner like a girl deciding to throw her brother at you as a form of a weapon. That’s great, but that’s hard to sustain. I can only hope Takahashi has more diversified ends of the characters in coming volumes, because I’m sure as heck going to check the library for them.
You remember that Ranma’s nemesis, Ryoga, carries an excessively heavy umbrella everywhere?
You’ve probably figured it out from those questions alone, but I didn’t see it coming. When Ryoga lost his umbrella, was rained upon, and turned into a piglet, this book got five stars. It was twenty pages in. I don’t care.
The book kicks off with the revelation that Ryoga tracked Ranma to the same haunted pools, and fell in another one, establishing the wonderful running gag that there are so many haunted body-modding pools lying around China. That also sets the tone for another delightful romp of a volume as Akane adopts the mysterious piglet and Ryoga, experiencing kindness for the first time in his life, decides to hide out in that form, while still feuding with Ranma on the side.
Don’t call it a love triangle, because every hundred pages someone else shows up and falls in love with the wrong person. A “Rhythmic Gymnast Wrestler” (whatever the hell that is) falls for Ranma and tries to fight Akane to the death for him; another girl fancies Ryoga and challenges Akane to an ice skating duel over him. That’s where the formula starts overtaking this volume, and making me wonder if my enthusiasm can last. For right now the comedy-based battles are funny, but the second time in the book when someone liked someone and so fought someone else in a contrived fashion wore on the charm.
Ranma ½ can only parody self-serious Martial Arts dramas so much before becoming as redundant as they are, and detracting from its greatest strength: emphasis on character. Ranma and Akane’s will-they/won’t-they relationship is adorable, and seeing Ryoga grow attached to the Tendo Dojo is similarly interesting. Even when someone shows up and proposes an outlandish challenge, it’s still very funny and endearing, because in anything but combat, the characters are rounded and bound to make the hilarious kind of bad decisions. Even in combat, sometimes you get a winner like a girl deciding to throw her brother at you as a form of a weapon. That’s great, but that’s hard to sustain. I can only hope Takahashi has more diversified ends of the characters in coming volumes, because I’m sure as heck going to check the library for them.
October 18, 2024
Ryoga’s the funniest character ever
March 18, 2021
Laughed so mutch reading this one. Im so addicted to this series already.
Ramna 1/2 volume 2 by Rumiko Takahashi get a 10/10 stars.
Ramna 1/2 volume 2 by Rumiko Takahashi get a 10/10 stars.
December 10, 2017
Well, this one was at least funnier than the previous volume. I found Ryoga/P-chan more likeable than the mains and enjoyed whenever he showed up. That said, the willful obtuseness on the part of some of the characters as to each other's secret identities and affections (even when it's being told to their face) gets in the way of my enjoyment. Yeah, I know, it's supposed to be part of the joke, but here's the thing: when there's one character who's like that, it's amusing, especially if there's a backstory reason for it. When it's apparently the entire cast, it starts just being Humans Are Morons. At least to me, that's decidedly less amusing.
I wouldn't personally go out of my way to grab the third volume, but if I have easy (and free) access to it, I wouldn't mind reading it.
I wouldn't personally go out of my way to grab the third volume, but if I have easy (and free) access to it, I wouldn't mind reading it.
November 7, 2007
Just as addictive, funny, and exciting as the first, and I quite like the artwork!
April 26, 2017
P-chan finalmente ha salido... ¿Quién no amaba a este adorable cerdito negro?
En este tomo comenzamos a ver los primeros indicios de preocupación de Ranma por Akane, e incluso se logra apreciar en la obra como la chica comienza a dudar... aunque sea un poco debido a la sinceridad que Ranma no puede evitar.
También contamos con la presencia de la rosa negra... un personaje que me gusta bastante, ¡quiero el siguiente tomo!
En este tomo comenzamos a ver los primeros indicios de preocupación de Ranma por Akane, e incluso se logra apreciar en la obra como la chica comienza a dudar... aunque sea un poco debido a la sinceridad que Ranma no puede evitar.
También contamos con la presencia de la rosa negra... un personaje que me gusta bastante, ¡quiero el siguiente tomo!
December 27, 2021
3.5. El humor absurdo funciona muy bien y algunas de las machistadas incluso pueden contextualizarse por la trama. Not bad.
February 5, 2025
they better be kithing
December 14, 2021
This series still makes me laugh. There’s more nudity jokes in this one but I did like the introduction of a new rivalry for Ranma, although that meant Akane takes a real backseat in this part. I hope she gets more story soon!
June 18, 2025
The gags maintain being hilarious and the action reaches an all new height in a Gymnastic battle!!
All to be combined with character progression!
This series continues being peak!
All to be combined with character progression!
This series continues being peak!
January 6, 2017
En este manga se tratan de muchas cosas importantes!, bueno si consideramos importante al corte de cabello involuntario de Akane (que quedará así para siempre, y que dicho sea de paso toda su vida lo había usado en verdad así) y la aparición de Ryoga, el enemigo más tenaz quizás que tendrá Ranma. Gracias a Ranma Ryoga también cayó a los pozos malditos de Jusenkyo transformándose en un pequeño cerdo, al que Akane bautizará con el nombre de P-Chan.
Para empezar a complicar las cosas surgirá pues un triángulo amoroso. Pero como siempre me gustó los pasajes románticos: Akane dándose cuenta que no tiene que parecerse a nadie para sentirse atractiva y Ranma defendiendo a Akane con su usual descortesía.
Para empezar a complicar las cosas surgirá pues un triángulo amoroso. Pero como siempre me gustó los pasajes románticos: Akane dándose cuenta que no tiene que parecerse a nadie para sentirse atractiva y Ranma defendiendo a Akane con su usual descortesía.
June 15, 2021
These books are absolutely ridiculous and are bringing me so much joy right now. There's this scene where the father is sitting in the communal bathtub, soaking, when a small black pig walks in, jumps into the tub and a naked young man gets up and walks out. The dad's expression doesn't change at all the whole time, which makes me so happy. There is a martial rhythmic gymnastics competition, which is just as silly as it sounds and a martial freestyle skating competition. I wasn't planning on reading more of this series, but I think I might have to, because they are bringing me so much joy.
*edited 2021: That scene with the bathtub still cracks me up. Literally laughing out loud while reading this.
*edited 2021: That scene with the bathtub still cracks me up. Literally laughing out loud while reading this.
April 2, 2024
3 or 4 stars. But this book is funny. Personally I prefer Ranma in male version. I think that she should to stay male. Because it fits her more than being a female. So... This book is so funny and I smile while reading it
January 14, 2022
One of my favorite manga series - and one of the ones responsible for getting me to love manga in the first place. A classic!
February 29, 2016
Me divertí mucho leyendo este volumen ^_^
September 24, 2016
This manga has plenty adventures in this series. Ranma is something else when it comes to fighting. I enjoyed reading this manga. A must read
April 6, 2017
P-Chan jajajaja esto se pone cada vez mejor
July 14, 2018
If I remember correctly this was one of my favourite volumes as a kid. I'm not sure why though, I can't remember since it's been way too long. My theory is that it was partly because of the introduction of Ryoga, one of my favourite characters in the series, and then that scene where Akane's hair gets cut off, and the subsequent punch both Ranma and Ryoga is in the receiving end of. That might have been it. Some of the visual gags are brilliant, like all the faces that the characters pull. But there's still this really amazing balance, because yes you get all the goofs but then there are these really pretty frames mixed in. It's just so much fun to look at.
December 31, 2020
31 Dec 2020
Expanded Plot: Ranma meets Ryoga, who challenges him to a fight to avenge his honor. We see Ryoga's curse. Akane gets a haircut. Akane and girl-type Ranma meet Kodachi.
1. I like Manga!Akane much better than anime Akane because she has better justificationa for her behaviour and isn't just being a mistrustful girl because women be like that or whatever. Also, I'm disappointed the anime didn't include the scene where she attacks Ranma and Ryoga for the involuntary haircut because Ryoga's commentary and expression were hilarious.
2. Ryoga my darling baby. So innocent and gullible and sweet I love him.
3. Kodachi is great too but she's one character whose anime version I kinda miss. Mostly because the actress playing her was clearly having a ball of a time with her maniacal laughter.
Expanded Plot: Ranma meets Ryoga, who challenges him to a fight to avenge his honor. We see Ryoga's curse. Akane gets a haircut. Akane and girl-type Ranma meet Kodachi.
1. I like Manga!Akane much better than anime Akane because she has better justificationa for her behaviour and isn't just being a mistrustful girl because women be like that or whatever. Also, I'm disappointed the anime didn't include the scene where she attacks Ranma and Ryoga for the involuntary haircut because Ryoga's commentary and expression were hilarious.
2. Ryoga my darling baby. So innocent and gullible and sweet I love him.
3. Kodachi is great too but she's one character whose anime version I kinda miss. Mostly because the actress playing her was clearly having a ball of a time with her maniacal laughter.
April 1, 2025
This volume starts with Ranma and Ryoga continuing their battles as a new volume starts. I can say that the characters I mentioned in my first volume we even are greeted with more. We learn the curse of the hot springs of China didn’t only effect Ranma and his father. Rumiko Takahashi masterfully continues this series and even (already) adds characters such as Kodachi (The Black Rose), Azusa and Mikado Sanzenin. Page 196 is the moment of moments in this book that was both hilarious and heartbreaking for the character. This volume, like the first, flies by but is a total joy the entire journey.
October 13, 2017
Super cute - even though this was a manga and not a TV show (like what I grew up watching), the wit and the humour is still there in the comic book. The action sequences were plotted out very well as well, and you won't get lost even while reading.
This manga hooks the readers up because it is a mixture of action, drama, romance, comedy, and animals... lots and lots of animals! My favorite is the panda (Mr. Saotome)
You probably need to read them in order -- and there's a lot of books that you'll have to read!
This manga hooks the readers up because it is a mixture of action, drama, romance, comedy, and animals... lots and lots of animals! My favorite is the panda (Mr. Saotome)
You probably need to read them in order -- and there's a lot of books that you'll have to read!
December 30, 2025
Fun, fun, fun
What’s next for Ranma and Akane? The usual, of course: shenanigans, crazy martial art action, embarrassing situations.
A new character, Ryoga, makes an appearance: he has a grudge against Ranma and his revenge will be terrible. Martial arts are involved. Ryoga’s life is complicated by his spatial challenges (=lousy sense of direction), so he usually ends up 500 km from the place he wanted to get to.
Let’s not forget to mention that Ranma and Akane still really, really hate each other. (How touching!)
What’s next for Ranma and Akane? The usual, of course: shenanigans, crazy martial art action, embarrassing situations.
A new character, Ryoga, makes an appearance: he has a grudge against Ranma and his revenge will be terrible. Martial arts are involved. Ryoga’s life is complicated by his spatial challenges (=lousy sense of direction), so he usually ends up 500 km from the place he wanted to get to.
Let’s not forget to mention that Ranma and Akane still really, really hate each other. (How touching!)
January 20, 2021
Mi era già partita la ship ma questo volume mi ha fatto sclerare maledettamente
bello, lettura scorrevole, lo finito in un attimo attendo con impazienza di leggere seguito
I had already left the ship but this volume made me freak out damn
nice, smooth reading, finished it in a moment looking forward to reading below
bello, lettura scorrevole, lo finito in un attimo attendo con impazienza di leggere seguito
I had already left the ship but this volume made me freak out damn
nice, smooth reading, finished it in a moment looking forward to reading below
October 27, 2021
Ranma just can't catch a break.
Having to enter into a skating competition. And no one realizing who the piglet actually is.
Akane cutting off her hair was a shock because I don't recognize her. I knew she had a crush on the doctor. But he has a crush on her sister. Even in this volume, I don't know it is her unless someone says. I have to get use to her haircut.
Having to enter into a skating competition. And no one realizing who the piglet actually is.
Akane cutting off her hair was a shock because I don't recognize her. I knew she had a crush on the doctor. But he has a crush on her sister. Even in this volume, I don't know it is her unless someone says. I have to get use to her haircut.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews