Ranma ½

The way that the Ranma series is organized makes it a little difficult to explain the plot. The first part of the book is the resolution of a story from Vol. 22, in the middle is a complete story and the end introduces a new story that is left open to be finished in Vol. 24. I will therefore simply discuss the complete story. The Ranma series is based around transformations, Ranma turns into a girl when sprayed with cold water. In this story he meets a new teacher who looks like a little girl but she can absorb the energy of “bad” students and transforms into a tall sex symbol. Ranma decides that he will battle the teacher and stop her from being able to absorb energy. To do this Ranma must press specific pressure points which just happen to be located on her breast (of course). This means that there is basically a comedy of Ranma trying to grab his teacher in both his male and female form and basically getting beat up.

Although this book is in the middle of a series I was slightly familiar with Ranma as my sister used to watch the television series. I did not enjoy this Manga but I think that this is basically my taste. Ranma is basically about awkward situations and sort-of sexual things going on. Transformations into busty women are commonplace. I think that these series would probably appeal to younger guys and I know that it is a popular series overall.

Age range: 14+
Ranking: Quality 2/5 Popularity 4/5

1-555-GODDESS

Keiichi Morisato makes a call to a wrong number and reaches a Goddess hotline. The goddess Belldandy arrives at Keiichi’s dorm and offers him a wish. Believing that this is some sort of trick he wishes that he could have her with him always. When this wish is granted Keiichi is kicked out of his all male dorm for having a girl around. Them Keiichi and Belldandy set up a home together. Trouble arrives in the form of Belldandy’s sister Urd who likes to destroy things and wants Keiichi to herself. Keiichi struggles to find time alone with Belldandy so that he can tell her how he feels.

I think that Manga is an acquired taste. Although there wasn’t anything wrong with this book I just didn’t enjoy it. I found the storyline to be lacking as nothing seemed to happen. I know that this is a beginning of the series but I think that each book should contain its own story. Anyway I find it really had to form a recommendation as I’m not sure if this is bad Manga or if I just don’t get it.

Age range: 14 +
Ranking: Quality – 3/5 Popularity ??