Ranma 12was the third anime series based on a manga by Japans Rumiko Takahashi.
And I mean long-running.
It soared on its strengths, but there was definitely room for improvement.
Keep the Quirk
Takahashis greatest strength is in creating unique premises featuring remarkably idiosyncratic characters.
Both these shows are populated with characters that have all kinds of super-specific quirks.
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Ranma 12is no different in that regard.
We have the titular hero who is tough, brash, macho, and terrified to death of cats.
Seems basic, and it is, but it also makes for a lot of character-specific comedy.
The dude got lost for three days trying to find a vacant lot behind his house.
And thats what Im talking about.
Similarly, the premise is fresh.
Two old friends want to marry off their kids to secure the future of their dojo.
For instance, there is an entire martial arts style based on ramen take-out delivery.
And while it sounds a little silly, its all part of the shows charm.
It just wont work if you dont keep the quirk.
I mean, its one thing to have a martial arts style based on take-out delivery.
However bizarre, it is grounded in some kind of logic.
But martial arts styles that are based on Japanese tea ceremony?
Give a bitch a break, Rumiko.
Thats not even a martial art.
Im not saying there isnt any skill involved.
I certainly cant eat a three-course meal in under two minutes, so, you know…respect.
But tell me thats not reaching just a little bit.
And thats true, but it also brings us to our third point.
The show was too damn long.
Theres a lot ofRanma 12out there.
I would argue too much of it.
And this is unfortunately a hallmark of Takahashis work.
At its best,Ranma 12is colorful, strange, and funny.
At its worst, it is painfully repetitive.
Thats all, folks.
Thats the whole show.
And its mainly due to the authors almost fundamentalist aversion to character development.
Takahashi is queen of the status quo.
Her characters dont really grow and change as a product as of their experiences and interactions.
Yes, fine, actual human growth is rarely a straight line.
People make the same mistakes over and over, they backslide and lash out and fuck up.
And we all fuck up.
That is the problem with the characters inRanma 12.
After a while, seeing them walk in behavioral circles just gets too damn frustrating to watch.
I mean, the first dozen or so times, sure.
But after a while, wouldnt they know each other well enough to adapt just a little?
But this is the flaw of Takahashis work,Ranma 12in particular.
Its ultimately pretty shallow in its exploration of its own themes and conflicts.
Speaking of which…
4.
So, would Akane ever find herself attracted to Ranma in his girl form?
If not, would that be an issue between them?
Would Ranma ever want to experience sex as a woman, whether with female or male partners?
And the age old question… what would happen if Ranma-chan got pregnant?
Rumiko Takahashis stock answer to questions like these?
I dont think about these things, and neither should you.
I dont think so.
Because Idothink about those things, and Ishould.
Takahashis policy is beyond nonsensical.
A really good story does make you think, and she had lightning in a bottle withRanma 12.
I can respect those priorities.
Putting the narrative first is whats important, but there are two things that bust up her defense.
One, she clearly wasnt too concerned about the strength of the narrative.
I mean, she essentially wrote the same storyline over and over again, like, fifty times.
Would actually breaking the routine for a few episodes here and there really have been such a detriment?
Forget the creative implications, from an intellectual property angle alone, it would be a complete clusterfuck.
Its not likeThe Lord of the Ringsvs.A Song of Ice and FireorDeep Space Ninevs.Babylon 5.
You cant make any variations on this theme.
How does being a girl and subject to all the shit they endure alter Ranmas perspective?
If he can justify doing traditionally girly things like eating an ice cream parfait (seriously, Japan?
), would that extend to justifying sexual feelings for guys as long as hes in his female form?
And how long before he starts blurring the lines?
And what would happen if Ranma got pregnant and how would it further alter his perspective?
All these questions could be answered, and it need not be heavy handed or didactic.
But Takahashi doesnt think about these things, and neither should you.
Forgive me, Rumiko.
Im a huge fan, but a guy cant survive on misunderstandings and jiggling titties alone.
Which brings me to my final point.
Equal Opportunity Fan Service
This one really explains itself.
Have you every seen a naked man run?
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