Ranma 1/2 (1996)

[らんま1/2]

Volume 38

Author/Artist: Rumiko Takahashi
Publisher: Shounen Sunday Comics

Synopsis:
Ranma is in a race against time to stop Saffron and save Akane.

Story/Characters:
Well, we finally bring this nine-year journey to a close. While there's still some comedy to be had, the finale is played rather seriously for the most part and the drama of Akane's life being on the line is quite sincere. Brainwashed Shampoo in full villain mode is quite sinister and it's interesting to see the intersection of her marching orders, her unchanged attraction to Ranma, and her already sadistic nature. While I still don't find Saffron to be a very compelling villain from a character perspective, he does put up a suitable final battle. The conclusion works so well that the bait and switch epilogue is quite frustrating. (Naturally, Happousai has to get one last hit in, the shriveled old summagumma.) Epilogue aside, this was a pretty good way to end things. It may not be quite the end some fans would want, but for an open-ended story like this, it's better than what we might've gotten otherwise.

Art:
There are a lot of emotional punches this volume and the art brilliantly makes them work. Normally, I'm entirely in Ukyou's corner, but I will say that Akane looks absolutely gorgeous in her wedding dress. (It's not a spoiler as you see Ranma and Akane in their wedding attire on the cover.) Also, as you'd imagine, the final showdown is suitably dynamic. You won't be left wanting on the visuals.

Conclusion:
Even though the epilogue is a little disappointing, the Mt. Phoenix Arc ends strong and definitely sets a high point to end the series. If you're a Ranma fan, you're going to want this one in your collection.

Rating:
Own It