Ranma 1/2, Volume 5

I love the Ranma 1/2 series - actually, I love most things that Rumiko Takahashi has created. If you haven't read any of this series before, you should know that Ranma changes into a girl when splashed with cold water. His father, on the other hand, changes into a panda. A lot of this is explained just before the story begins, in a "the story thus far" section and a "cast of characters section." Although, as usual, I believe that it's always a good idea to know something about a series before jumping into it at a later point (especially this far into the series), I don't think that this volume will be too hard to understand if you've never read any Ranma 1/2 before. The two explanation sections to a fairly good, if brief, job, and, once yet get past the beginning of book, there's another story that's pretty self-contained. Since I haven't read the previous volume, the beginning of the book, which is continuation of a fight between Ranma, Ryoga, Mousse, and a trio of martial artists, made me feel a little lost. After that, however, come two stories that are unrelated to this beginning part. In the first, Ranma has to deal with a new teacher, who is known for her ability to deal with problem students. This teacher can use an unbeatable technique, which there is only one very awkward way to defeat. In the second story, Akane wants to investigate something that happened in her past. Only the first story is actually finished in this volume. For the rest of the second story, I think you have to get the next volume. If you're looking for humorous manga, I really recommend Rumiko Takahashi. She does wonderful work and has a very odd and wacky sense of humor. Then you, too, can get looked at oddly whenever you try to explain this series to someone. :o)

This was by far one of the best Ranma storylines in the entire manga. No, sorry, one of the most ROMANTIC. Akane meets Shinnosuke, a forgetful boy who once saved her life, and he immediately falls for her. In the meantime, Ranma goes looking for Akane, only to find her with another guy!!! Is this really the end of their relationship??NOT. But anyways, I'm reeeeeaaally bad at summaries. If you've never seen Ranma jealous, here's an eye-opener. "If you're happy Akane, then Ok, but tell me one thing. Tell me right now why you're choosing him instead of me!" (I roughly translated this from the Italian version).BUY IT!

#23 starts out with finishing the fight between Ranma & Prince Herb. Then Miss Hinako appears, with a new technique for Ranma to have to beat.Ending with Akane running off to fight some monsters, in a place from a nearly forgotten vacation.The last two stories are seen in the OAVs.

The Ranma 1/2 series is so funny, charming, and romantic. The abashed love of Ranma for his fiancee, Akane, creates romantic but hilarious situations. His "other half" as a girl also lends itself to much laughter as both boys and girls find themselves in love with him. I highly recommend this series for all anime lovers.

Vol. 5, like all the rest, is full of laughs, twists, and great characters. I can't say more cuz I don't want to give anything away!