Monday, February 20, 2012

Manga Monday: We finally meet the man who trained Genma and Soun...

Welcome to the Anything Goes Martial Arts dojo, and meet Ranma's grandmaster Happosai in Ranma 1/2 Volume 6.




Note: Ranma 1/2 Volume 6 is, of course, the sequel to Ranma 1/2 Volume 5. The review for Ranma 1/2 Volume 1 is here, and the review for Ranman1/2 Volume 5 is here. Otherwise, read on!


Although, if you're female, perhaps it would be best to run in the opposite direction just as fast as your legs will carry you. For Happosai isn't your average old man. He's not even your average manga pervert. Happosai is in a class of his own. Between being a world-class panty thief and going through heroin-like withdrawals when kept away from women, there's something a little bit special about Happosai. But even with his predilections, he's one heck of a fighter. Both Genma and Soun are terrified of making Happosai mad, to the point of packing up and running away when Ranma challenges him. Has Ranma finally bit off more than he can chew, or might fighting as a certain pig-tailed girl even the odds?



We also get a visit from a Dojo Destroyer. Initially a ruse planned by Genma and Soun to get Ranma and Akane to work together, a real Dojo Destroyer appears and steals the sign from the dojo. Shampoo reappears as well, and with her come a packet of nannichuan powder. Supposedly a powdered form of one of the cursed hot springs, it is said to make anyone turn into a boy. She's not going to just give it away, though. Ranma has to go on a date with her to get it. Distracted by Shampoo, will Ranma blow off the Dojo Destroyer and leave Akane to fight for her dojo all alone?



Our ensemble cast is growing, and Happosai is one of the series' most well-loved and most cosplayed characters. Shampoo is always fun too see, and with a quick visit from Ryoga, the Tendo house is full of craziness yet again.



Highs: Happosai in a P-chan costume, trying to cuddle up with Akane



Lows: One of the more ADHD volumes, everyone is running in even more directions than normal



Verdict: A can't miss volume with some of the cleanest naughty humor in manga



Further Reading: Urusei Yatsura, Rin-Ne



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