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Ranma ½ 2-in-1 #19
Ranma 1/2 (2-in-1 Edition), Vol. 19: Includes Volumes 37 & 38
The all-time classic hit series of gender-swapping, species-bending, madcap martial arts mayhem!
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! What’s a half-guy, half-girl to do? Find out what fueled the worldwide manga boom in beloved creator Rumiko Takahashi’s (InuYasha, Urusei Yatsura, RIN-NE) smash hit of martial arts mayhem, presented remastered and unflipped for the first time.
One of the most outrageous, entertaining and beloved stories comes to a conclusion! Will Ranma break his gender-flipping curse? Will anybody find a way to reverse the effects of the legendary cursed spring? Will Mousse get Shampoo? Will Kuno finally get his little redheaded pigtailed girl? Will the panty-stealing Happosai pilfer enough undergarments to complete his collection? And the ultimate question—will Ranma and Akane get married?! All is answered in this final volume!
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! What’s a half-guy, half-girl to do? Find out what fueled the worldwide manga boom in beloved creator Rumiko Takahashi’s (InuYasha, Urusei Yatsura, RIN-NE) smash hit of martial arts mayhem, presented remastered and unflipped for the first time.
One of the most outrageous, entertaining and beloved stories comes to a conclusion! Will Ranma break his gender-flipping curse? Will anybody find a way to reverse the effects of the legendary cursed spring? Will Mousse get Shampoo? Will Kuno finally get his little redheaded pigtailed girl? Will the panty-stealing Happosai pilfer enough undergarments to complete his collection? And the ultimate question—will Ranma and Akane get married?! All is answered in this final volume!
Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2021
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About the author
Rumiko Takahashi
1,580 books2,126 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 15, 2017
Alas, the series comes to a close.
Ranma 1/2 will forever be one of my most beloved mangas.
This final volume take us on a whirlwind adventure to save Jusenkyo from the mysterious race living in the Ho'o mountain. I always find this story sort of deviates into the fantastical for the sake of being the final story. It is a bit farfetched from the usual fair we see in the series. Nonetheless, it is an amusing read.
The shining moments are obviously Akane and Ranma's interactions, it's clear the two do love each other. I also enjoyed seeing Ryoga and Ranma work together so well and in sync. They've been rivals so long that they've become friends, and it was nice to see that clearly displayed here. One thing that really stands out in this volume as a favourite is Mousse, often a character played for laughs because of his utterly pathetic devotion to Shampoo, here he's given the chance to show his merit and worth in an incredibly meaningful way. It's a shame the scene following was played for laughs, because Shampoo comes off as totally undeserving of his love and devotion. Still, it was a great moment for Mousse's character, and I'm glad it was Mousse's moment and not one given to Ranma instead.
My only real complaint with this volume was Ryoga suddenly referring to Akane as 'Miss Akane' through the entire final volume when he has never done this through the rest of series leading up. There was no explanation for it. It was odd, and jarring to read. Combined with the already rather unbelievable jump into fantasy, it disassociates this volume from the rest of the series.
As far as the series end goes, the final chapter is satisfying if not just a wee bit frustrating for those who appreciate closure and loose threads tied up. Any fans of Rumiko Takahashi already know how she likes to open end her stories, and Ranma is no exception. All in all, Ranma 1/2 is worth the read if you appreciate the classics for what they are.
Ranma 1/2 will forever be one of my most beloved mangas.
This final volume take us on a whirlwind adventure to save Jusenkyo from the mysterious race living in the Ho'o mountain. I always find this story sort of deviates into the fantastical for the sake of being the final story. It is a bit farfetched from the usual fair we see in the series. Nonetheless, it is an amusing read.
The shining moments are obviously Akane and Ranma's interactions, it's clear the two do love each other. I also enjoyed seeing Ryoga and Ranma work together so well and in sync. They've been rivals so long that they've become friends, and it was nice to see that clearly displayed here. One thing that really stands out in this volume as a favourite is Mousse, often a character played for laughs because of his utterly pathetic devotion to Shampoo, here he's given the chance to show his merit and worth in an incredibly meaningful way. It's a shame the scene following was played for laughs, because Shampoo comes off as totally undeserving of his love and devotion. Still, it was a great moment for Mousse's character, and I'm glad it was Mousse's moment and not one given to Ranma instead.
My only real complaint with this volume was Ryoga suddenly referring to Akane as 'Miss Akane' through the entire final volume when he has never done this through the rest of series leading up. There was no explanation for it. It was odd, and jarring to read. Combined with the already rather unbelievable jump into fantasy, it disassociates this volume from the rest of the series.
As far as the series end goes, the final chapter is satisfying if not just a wee bit frustrating for those who appreciate closure and loose threads tied up. Any fans of Rumiko Takahashi already know how she likes to open end her stories, and Ranma is no exception. All in all, Ranma 1/2 is worth the read if you appreciate the classics for what they are.
August 13, 2020
It's not that I dislike Ranma 1/2 going into a more action/serious direction - the Hiryû Shoten Ha arc and the Musk Dynasty arc are among my absolute favorite bits of the series. The problem is that these final volumes, collected into an omnibus, are full of pointless running back and forth, weak focus, and the Phoenix villains are... Ehh.
Compare Korma and Masala, the inept henchmen, to Mint and Lime. Those two had an ineptness that sprung from their isolation, mirrored Mousse and Ryoga in interesting ways, were a source of jokes... Here, not even second-in-command Kima who battles Shampoo, gets much of a personality or a focused defeat, much less the underlings. Saffron himself is interesting as a concept, but could maybe have done with a bit more personality - although I honestly think he is the best part of this action arc. Most of the fun antagonists have had people on their side to play off in their first appearance, and I think that's what makes the Phoenix prince feel so bland. Nobody develops here except maybe Ranma's feelings for Akane, but with her being in the doll form for so much of the volume, I honestly feel it was weak.
Plus the many back and forths in the caves which feel very bland, go on way too long AND no cool big splash of a final technique makes this feel as Herb II: The Disappointing Sequel.
Nabiki messing up the final bit from greed and everything ending in a clusterfuck, however, was completely on-point for this series.
Regarding the translation, it also mysteriously turns to crap here. It is inconsistent to all earlier volumes both on how suffixes were translated (Yes, Ryoga calls Akane Akane-san in Japanese. But 1) translating this as Miss Akane is dumb and 2) why would you start with it now?) and some attacks, there are proofreading errors in multiple places, and it's just really sloppy. A shame!
Compare Korma and Masala, the inept henchmen, to Mint and Lime. Those two had an ineptness that sprung from their isolation, mirrored Mousse and Ryoga in interesting ways, were a source of jokes... Here, not even second-in-command Kima who battles Shampoo, gets much of a personality or a focused defeat, much less the underlings. Saffron himself is interesting as a concept, but could maybe have done with a bit more personality - although I honestly think he is the best part of this action arc. Most of the fun antagonists have had people on their side to play off in their first appearance, and I think that's what makes the Phoenix prince feel so bland. Nobody develops here except maybe Ranma's feelings for Akane, but with her being in the doll form for so much of the volume, I honestly feel it was weak.
Plus the many back and forths in the caves which feel very bland, go on way too long AND no cool big splash of a final technique makes this feel as Herb II: The Disappointing Sequel.
Nabiki messing up the final bit from greed and everything ending in a clusterfuck, however, was completely on-point for this series.
Regarding the translation, it also mysteriously turns to crap here. It is inconsistent to all earlier volumes both on how suffixes were translated (Yes, Ryoga calls Akane Akane-san in Japanese. But 1) translating this as Miss Akane is dumb and 2) why would you start with it now?) and some attacks, there are proofreading errors in multiple places, and it's just really sloppy. A shame!
December 27, 2021
It became so serious, and then ended like THAT!?! 😭
I guess this is a wrap.
I guess this is a wrap.
July 7, 2017
My twenty-five years' journey toward finishing Ranma 1/2 has finally come to a close.
My weariness with this series coincided near-exactly with its closure, which makes me think that Takahashi was ready to be done with it, too. After this, she went on to write an action-horror story, Inu-Yasha. Ranma 1/2 vol. 38 was the last of over 70 volumes of comedy manga she'd done for Shonen Sunday magazine from the early '80s to the mid '90s. She was well deserving of a break after two very long, and wildly popular, fantasy-comedy series that made her a worldwide manga superstar.
As for this volume itself? I nearly flagged out and started skimming a few chapters in, but after a short break I was able to keep on, and ended up really enjoying it. This last, two-volume long story is a near-perfect blend of action, mild sentimentality, and silliness, and it ends just as a comedy should: with a return to the status quo, and with plenty of room to let your imagination continue the story, should you so choose.
I'll certainly read this series again, though I'll probably skip bits and pieces of it. It forms a large part of my beginnings as an anime and manga fan. Although I've outgrown Ranma 1/2, for one reason or another--its having been written for teens being an obvious one--it was nice taking a nostalgic trip through the series, including several volumes' worth of material that was new to me.
My weariness with this series coincided near-exactly with its closure, which makes me think that Takahashi was ready to be done with it, too. After this, she went on to write an action-horror story, Inu-Yasha. Ranma 1/2 vol. 38 was the last of over 70 volumes of comedy manga she'd done for Shonen Sunday magazine from the early '80s to the mid '90s. She was well deserving of a break after two very long, and wildly popular, fantasy-comedy series that made her a worldwide manga superstar.
As for this volume itself? I nearly flagged out and started skimming a few chapters in, but after a short break I was able to keep on, and ended up really enjoying it. This last, two-volume long story is a near-perfect blend of action, mild sentimentality, and silliness, and it ends just as a comedy should: with a return to the status quo, and with plenty of room to let your imagination continue the story, should you so choose.
I'll certainly read this series again, though I'll probably skip bits and pieces of it. It forms a large part of my beginnings as an anime and manga fan. Although I've outgrown Ranma 1/2, for one reason or another--its having been written for teens being an obvious one--it was nice taking a nostalgic trip through the series, including several volumes' worth of material that was new to me.
May 18, 2023
this is my effective review for the whole series, of which i am only going to expound on the nature of my feelings regarding the ending of the manga.
a part of me appreciates the openness of the ending, of things returning to normal. all my life, i thought it was a sweet ending, but nowadays i am doubting that sentiment of mine. nowadays, i begin to think that as a matter of narrative, was it a fair move to the reader to have things be as they were? sure, there is the unspoken feelings between Ranma and Akane now established with those handful of dramatic panels, but for a 38 volume manga that ran for nine years, the tone with which it ends remains unresolved.
but of course i also understand the matters of censorship and the values of the times. it is, first and foremost, a martial arts shōnen manga, after all.
even with all of that, this is still the most formative manga of my life.
a part of me appreciates the openness of the ending, of things returning to normal. all my life, i thought it was a sweet ending, but nowadays i am doubting that sentiment of mine. nowadays, i begin to think that as a matter of narrative, was it a fair move to the reader to have things be as they were? sure, there is the unspoken feelings between Ranma and Akane now established with those handful of dramatic panels, but for a 38 volume manga that ran for nine years, the tone with which it ends remains unresolved.
but of course i also understand the matters of censorship and the values of the times. it is, first and foremost, a martial arts shōnen manga, after all.
even with all of that, this is still the most formative manga of my life.
May 14, 2017
I had finally completed the manga series. Its been more than 2 decades since I last read this series. There were chances and obstacles along the way. I was sadden by how it was that I will never complete it and now, with this edition, its finally done.
While I felt the ending was as any typical manga series, which never ends with a proper closure, Ranma 1/2 as an overall was a fun read. I enjoyed it so much for its hi-jinks and humor but most of all - its how good the series is. While towards the end there are too many fillers, I just wish Rumiko Takahashi would end it the way like how she ended Maison Ikkoku, another great manga series. Still, I am glad I completed the whole series as a whole now and this chapter is finally closed.
February 20, 2022
The last ever Ranma! It was very strange to end a series I started about 30 years ago, in my 20s. The last volume is great fun, as ever, with a titanic multi week Final Battle to end all final battles. Ranma finally confesses his love for Akane, the family plan a big wedding, it all goes hilariously wrong, of course, there is a massive fight, of course, and no they don't get married (spoiler) and they keep walking to school squabbling (of course). It's very cute if a little unsatisfying.
January 20, 2024
Well, that was a way to end a series. Reading these last two volumes, I'm pretty sure I've never actually read them, they've just been sitting on various shelves depending on where I've lived since I got them.
Anyway, I think it's nice that the last story line was mostly serious with only a small amount of gags. But then, of course, the last chapter being absolute chaos because that's just how the series is. This series truly is a classic.
Anyway, I think it's nice that the last story line was mostly serious with only a small amount of gags. But then, of course, the last chapter being absolute chaos because that's just how the series is. This series truly is a classic.
February 13, 2020
I wanted to give thos 5 stars but the ending doesn't "end." Thoroughly enjoyed the series. All 38 volumes!!!! What a wonderful journey. Hope everyone gets to enjoy it.
December 9, 2020
Nunca se pierde el humor, incluso en su tan esperado final.
January 5, 2023
Good ending of a good manga. It is so warm...
December 31, 2024
and so akane gets to have her babygirl and boytoy for all eternity, all’s well that ends well!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2025
Only reason I'm giving it four stars is because they didn't kiss at the end
Longer and more detailed review to come, so watch this space for updates!
Longer and more detailed review to come, so watch this space for updates!
July 20, 2025
The story was great, but the ending was a disappointment. This completes the series.
September 8, 2024
30 años después, por fin terminé de leer el manga de mi infancia! Divertidísimo hasta el final. El arco del fenix se me ha hecho un poco pesado a ratos, pero el último capítulo es perfecto para la serie.
May 23, 2025
I wish the ending would be better …
December 8, 2018
Final flojo
January 11, 2021
Adoro esta obra, es superdivertida, yo me rio muchisimo con ella.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews