JPF Publishing continues to publish the series by the well-known and popular manga artist Rumiko Takahashi (in a larger than standard format and with additional color inserts).
Multiple events at once
The fourth volume ends the thread of Ranma’s training started in the third partand Ryogi. After an uneven fight (because the scales of victory in this duo always seem to be on Saotome’s side) we meet an unusual couple – a human and a monkey fiancée, extremely talented in martial arts. The two were brought together in an arranged marriage, but Ranma wouldn’t be himself if he hadn’t been involved in this story in some way. The heroes barely manage to finish one thread, and there is another task waiting for them to complete – this time it is a run with food delivery. Interestingly, it depends on him whether Ranma and Shampoo go on a date. Then, unexpectedly, old master Happosai appears in the lives of the Saotome and Tendo seniors, whose martial arts skills are surpassed only by his love for women and their underwear. The volume ends with two chapters about
Mysterious panty thief and a lot of Ryogi
The fifth part continues the principle of closing the story from the previous volume, so we are able to find out if Ranma and Akane kiss. The next events are largely a lot of action resulting from errors in communication between various heroes. We also meet Ranma’s childhood friend, and Ryoga finally plucks up the courage to ask Akane out (which young Saotome doesn’t like enough to attempt sabotage). With a truly diabolical plan, Mousee returns, eager to step on Ranmie’s toes as always.
A barrel of laughs and lots of pounding in the face
I will repeat myself by saying that the series about characters cursed by magical sources ages well and, despite the passage of time, still has great fun. Rumiko Takahashi, despite the constant introduction of episodic new opponents, does not forget about those characters most related to Ranma. From time to time, Shampoo with his grandmother, Ryoga or Kuno with his sister return. Sam Ranma relives many hilarious adventures in Volumes 4 and 5, while gently advancing his relationship with Akane. All lovers of romance can skip this series, however, because the situational and language gags are the most important here. The fight with the monkey fiancée, naive and sentimental lovers who refuse to accept refusals or extremely inventive martial arts are only a fraction of what you can expect in these parts of the series. That’s possible,
Eternal insufficiency
Although I have known this series for many years, the new edition on our market invariably impresses me. Each volume is a guarantee of great fun and excellent reading that can improve even the worst mood. This is a classic worth catching up with!
