Reviewer: Jesse Baker
Story Title: NA
Written by: Rumiko Takahashi
Penciled by: Rumiko Takahashi
Inked by: NA
Colored by: NA
Lettered by: NA
Editor: NA
Publisher: Viz Comics
Overview
Volume two of Ranma 1/2 continues with Ranma finding himself with a hassle of new problems. Upperclassman Kuno’s evil sister tries to cripple Akane when the two are forced to square off in a “gymnastic martial arts” fight while Ryoga inserts himself into Ranma and Akane’s home as he offers to train Akane for her big fight. But Ryoga is hiding a secret that threatens not only his relationship with Akane but also his freedom, as a psychotic pair of ice skaters/fighters decide to make Ryoga (and Akane) their next conquests. And while Ranma is fuming with his inability to spoil Ryoga and Akane’s friendship, he finds himself at odds over his growing attraction to Akane that puts him on a collision course with Akane’s enemies to teach them not to mess with Akane.
Vivisection
A good second volume with running storylines that futher the plot and provides some much needed spotlight for Ryoga and his cursed alter-ego, the adorable pot-belly pig P-Chan. Being a new Ranma reader, I have to say I find Ryoga a much more interesting character than Ranma and wish to see him with Akane more than I do Ranma.
And speaking of storylines, this book introduces Kodachi, the “Black Rose” of gymnastic martial arts. An evil villain that would make Triple H blush with her blatant ego-mania and willingness to cheat, she’s a great villain and her fight with Ranma is the highlight of the book. On the other hand, the ice-skating pair of Asuza and Mikado don’t work that well as villains since Asuza is a nutcase and Mikado, despite being a womanizer is too nice to be considered a villain given how Ranma’s hatred for him is based solely on utter jealousy.
Speaking of which, the book ends in a cliffhanger as Ranma and Akane agree to team up to fight the pair of Asuza and Mikado. As they debate about Akane being a slut do to her allowing Mikado to try and kiss her, Akane counters with an accusation that Ranma is too chicken to try and kiss her. So Ranma decides to kiss Akane but the sudden pressence of both families screws the mood for the two would-be lovers right as they decide to give kissing each other a try.
