Ranma ½

Ranma ½ is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi.

Ranma ½ is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi. It follows martial artist Ranma Saotome, who becomes female when splashed with cold water and returns to male form with hot water. The manga was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday from 1987 to 1996 and later adapted into an anime series and films.

Premise

The story follows Ranma Saotome, a teenage martial artist whose training trip to China leaves him cursed after falling into the springs of Jusenkyo. The curse causes him to change sex when exposed to different water temperatures.

Publication history

Ranma ½ was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Sunday from August 1987 to March 1996. Shogakukan collected the chapters into 38 tankōbon volumes.

Anime adaptation

The manga was adapted into a television anime by Studio Deen. The adaptation aired in two main runs and was accompanied by feature films.

Reception and influence

Ranma ½ became one of Takahashi's best-known works and is widely recognized for combining martial arts comedy, romantic farce, and gender-swap elements. It has remained influential in manga and anime fandom. The series has been widely distributed in English-language markets, including Canada, where it is known as a long-running classic of shōnen comedy and fantasy.